Volkswagen Jetta 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    that is what they said. Paul - never knew you were a mechanic :) perhaps you should consider working for VW as a mechanic. lords knows, they need help, and there will never be any risks of layoffs for lack of work....haha.

    my car was built in 9/01. in Mexico, though the engine and tiptronic unit were manufactured in Germany apparently. my car only has 13250 miles on it, so since you have 20k, i am sure you are fine :) just remember, if you car reeks of rotton eggs and the engine light blinks, DO NOT DRIVE IT, or you can void the warranty by doing more damage to the catalytic converter.

    but, maybe you will have good luck :)
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I thought about actually going to school to be a mechanic, but I don't think I would like it. I prefer working in an office setting, and all my jobs have been that since I started working.

    And actually, the only reason I knew it was because some cars on another board were recently recalled for that part, and had it replaced. Some of the warning signs that were listed were hard starting, bad smell, etc. So I put 2 and 2 together. :)

    Since my car has almost 21K on it and it seems fine, then there should be no problem. Doesn't hurt to have it checked though. I wonder if they will make this a recall or not?
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    there will be no recalls. they already did there ABS recall. i think they only like to do one a year....haha.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I noticed my car was idling a little tiny bit rough yesterday, but it could have been because it had just stopped from 30 miles of highway driving for the first time. I don't know. I have an appt. on Sept. 11 (I know, creepy) because I broke my armrest in the middle and need it fixed. I will mention the coil thing when I go, just to be safe.

    How is your ride running?
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I got to ride in a buddy's new 200hp VR6 this weekend, in his GTI. It sounds really cool when driving, like it has a little turbo whistle in it. Better than the boring sound of the old 174hp VR6 engine.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    are you on crack? the OLD VR6 had the best sounds EVER. :) that is what i miss the most about it. that prop plane start up in the morning was great! whole car vibrated for like 10 seconds. it actually sounded like the exhaust was tuned.

    my car is fine. actually, not sure if it is just me, but it seems like it ran better when i first started it this morning. i used to start it, throw it in reverse and back out of the garage all within 2 seconds, and it would sometimes hesitate. didn't happen today.

    who knows.....it seems fine though.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I don't know about your car, but when I first start mine it runs at 1200rpm or so. I always wait until the engine settles down to about 800rpm (normal speed at which it usually idles) before starting off in the morning. Of course, my car is parked outside and not in a garage. Don't know if that would make a difference in the engine temperature.

    The car will hesitate if you don't let it warm a little though, it has happend to me before.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Anyone know if the dealers are still getting $1250 back on the 2002 Jettas?

    I'm guessing 3.9 is still going on...dunno though.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I am sure they are still doing the $1250 thing. Check vw.com about finance rates, it should be listed there.
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    "traction in real world conditions. like yesterdays "monsoon" we had here in DC. FWD, in my experience, has always gotten me through with more confidence than RWD."

    If you have trouble in rain, you are really hurting. I see F1 cars run just fine in the rain and they haven't switched to FWD yet.

    ???

    I hope you don't live in the snow belt.
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    "...I have the 15 inch wheels too on my car. ...So far the car seems tall enough for me....To be going 70 in this car and still standing tall is a little hard for me to get accustomed to."

    You should try a Jeep Wrangler with 31" tires at 70-75!

    :-)
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    "...they had to replace two coil thingamajigs. something to do with ignition on two of the cylinders..."

    Hope they did all 4. The luck you've been having, the other 2 will go in another day. Good luck!
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    i have been doing research. apparently this is a really common problem with VW/Audi. and yes, for sure, the rest of my coils will go bad. one person had them go out every 500 miles like clockwork.

    interesting. i will keep it until/if it happens again. i love the car, but not worth the hassle. IF i get a new car, it will be a Miata, or an IS300 SportCross. that is IF....

    i really love my car, so hopefully they installed the new and improved "drivers" that work with the coil packs....

    i noticed they did a 21 mile test drive after the work was done. and the diagnostic said only cylinder 2 was bad, but they replaced more than one coil pack, so maybe they could tell that another was ready to go.

    wish me luck!
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    You'd think that they'd do all 4 at once and save you and them the hassle.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Are you referring to the E-Code headlights available for Jettas? I would love to get those, but they are $300. :(
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    They should have replaced all 4 packs anyway. No ifs, ands, or buts. No reason for them not to.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I ordered a couple things from EBay yesterday, because I got some cash to play with and wanted this stuff, and the great prices didn't hurt either.

    I got a short aluminum antenna, love the way they look. I also got a front strut bar (only $30!), and wanna see how the car will feel with it on. And third, smoked front bumper marker lights. I liked the way they looked too. They usually go for $40-50, but got them for $25. Couldn't resist. :)

    Next, I wanna do the polished aluminum trim inside the car, maybe some tinted taillamps, and definitely the E-Code lights or the GLX lights and new headlight switch.

    I popped out my light switch, and it's pretty easy. All you do is push in on it and turn it to the "on" position. Pops right out of there. I was shocked. Ordering the new one next week so I can run the parking lights separate from the headlights. Also disabling the DRLs (that's easy to do as well).

    Need to post some pics of my ride, but will after all the stuff is done that I wanna do to it.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    cool! Vin Diesel is passing on the Fast and the Furious II. Maybe you should audition! haha.

    in VA it is illegal to drive with ONLY your parking lights on, anytime. rule of thumb, if it is dark enough for parking lights, it is dark enough for headlights. kind of ridiculous, but the Southern State Troopers get major kicks out of socking it to ya down here...
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    It is illegal to drive in Taxachusetts with only parking lights, but it is not enforced very strongly here.
  • chmeeeechmeeee Member Posts: 327
    Thats really an unnecessary law, I mean there are definitely times when its nice to be seen, but not nearly dark enough that your headlights will light up the road in front of you. The reason they have that law I think is for the idiots that drive around in the dead of night with only the parking lights on.

    I too am thinking about getting the E-code headlights, because the parking light (known as the City Light in those) is located right beneath the main beam bulb, its not a weaker filiment in the blinker bulb. I think thats pretty nice, not to mention the better lighting pattern and the built in fogs. Vocus, don't bother with the GLX lights. From what I have heard, they are just as much if not more than the E-codes, and you only get the addition of the fogs.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I would turn on my parking lights if it's dusk outside more to light up my dash panel than anything. That parking light rule is dumb. I mean, do they think you can't judge when it's dark enough to turn on your own lights? How dumb do they think people are?

    Also, I know what you mean about GLX vs. ECodes. VWVortex.com has a group buy on Ecodes right now without bulbs for $279 (check the Classifieds). That's a pretty good deal, but I have trouble paying that much for headlights. Since the GLX lights usually go for $210 or so, it's worth the extra $70 for the Es.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    All i can say is wow. As many of you know i've been debating getting rid of my Jetta (though I'm enjoying the heck out of it right now).

    I looked on Autotrader and saw a 2001 1.8T GLS with fewer features than mine and more miles. I called, curious to know if it had sold and for how much. The girl said she had it up for a month and just sold it for the asking price of $17,500.

    To say I'm blown away is an understatement. I paid the mid 19s for my car (19.4 I think), so reselling it 15 months later for a $1500-2000 loss seems like a coup. My god these cars hold their value!

    Anyone else sell a used jetta?
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    I got the 7" E-codes for my Wrangler. Much better beam pattern. I opted not to get the city lights (kinda goofy, and it's a jeep for pete's sake, not a "city car").

    I think I will buy the wiring harness and upgrade to 100W bulbs next. I want to keep the stock look without all the addon lights and doodads.
  • target3target3 Member Posts: 155
    You might call this off-topic, because it was so old, but I recently sold my 88 Jetta.

    I paid $4,800 for this car in 1993 when it had 60,000 miles on it.

    Sold it in 2002. 212,000 miles. Original clutch, engine, water pump. $1,000.

    And I hear the new owner just loves it!!!!
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Was offered $18,500 trade on my 2002 Jetta 1.8T with 20K miles on it from the dealer. Of course, I didn't take it though. I could sell it for $20.5K outright privately, and paid $23.5K for the car on 11/3/01. That's not too bad a deal, since the car now has 21K on it.

    Also, is the change with the back bar dramatic? I am about to get mine for $210, just wanna make sure before I get it. Thanks. :)
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    "...Also, is the change with the back bar dramatic? I am about to get mine for $210, just wanna make sure before I get it."

    If you are about to get it anyhow, what difference does it make. Why don't you report back to us, instead of asking?
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    "What a difference a simple mod can make. 1 hour's worth of work and the Jetta's been transformed into a near neutral handler. The new 28mm sway bar matched with the engine makes the Jetta a blast to drive again! Corners approach and with a blip of the brakes one can bring the rear of the car around for a beautiful sweep through every twist. The undulations and rolling of the body have nearly disappeared.

    Two adults, some substantial jacks and an ability to read horrible instructions is all one needs to make the Jetta handle the way a car should. After getting the Jetta propped up on two jacks, myself and some friends went to work on installing the Neuspeed sway bar. First thing to mention, Neuspeed's instructions are quite simply useless. With some logic and a good bit of guessing we were able to attach the bar, but not with any decent assistance from the included one-sheet "manual." Still, less than an hour after beginning the installation the 1.8T was rolling again. Not mentioned by most people or Neuspeed is the need to remove and replace a bolt that connects the Jetta's wheels to its archaic rear suspension. A tedious job unless one uses a jack to keep the wheel propped up while swapping bolts.

    The pay off for this simple modification can only be called awe-inspiring. It's a different car. Simple corners are fun. The nose-dive's still present but muted. With the propper technique it's quite easy to haul the back-end of the Jetta around. Even on the car's now-slick OEM tires I can negotiate freeway on-ramps at well over 10 MPH faster than previously reached with the standard suspension. Twists in the road are cause for more fun as the car's weight doesn't get tossed from side to side but remains neutral, thus allowing more spirited driving through those curvy areas. Quite simply, the Jetta is fun again! "
  • AnakinAnakin Member Posts: 410
    Amen.
  • chmeeeechmeeee Member Posts: 327
    I gotta get me one of those. Do you still have the stock suspension? I am thinking about getting the Eibach ProSystem (Shocks and Springs.)
  • AnakinAnakin Member Posts: 410
    I have been told that the Bilstein Sport shocks and struts and the H&R Sport Springs are the best combination of ride comfort and handling.

    I plan to get that stuff when I can afford it.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    The Neuspeed bar should make my car REAL fun then, since I already have the factory sport suspension and 17s on it. I can't wait to get the bar now! :)
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    while you guys are sporting around, i guess i will be the only one left with the Buick Jetta, haha!
  • chmeeeechmeeee Member Posts: 327
    Well then, time to whip out those CC's and get to work on your suspension. :-) I really want a tuning box too, then my TDI will be nearly as fun as your 1.8T!
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Tell me more about this tuning box. I am curious. Thanks. :)
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Well then get to work. Get on Vortex and sell your 15" wheels, then buy some 17s like I have, or else aftermarket. Then the springs, then the rear bar. Even the rear bar will make a huge difference by itself though, and it's only $210. Definitely worth it from what I have heard.
  • chmeeeechmeeee Member Posts: 327
    Well the tuning box I want to get is made by Van Aaken, I dont know if they make anything for the 1.8T, but it brings me from 90 to 110-115 hp and from 155 to 190-200 lb-ft torque. I drove somebody elses car so equipped and the difference is night and day.

    I am pretty sure that Upsolute makes a chip for the 1.8T, should bring it into the 200-215 range or so in hp, maybe more. :-D
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    i am into spending more money on a car that i have. with all of that money, you could just go get something else!

    i will wait, and if my coils don't keep going bad, and when these tires wear out, i might be getting on ebay to buy the 16" bbs wolfsburg wheels. they are still my fave. not sure about suspension components.

    i wish i could afford two cars. my stock Jetta, and a Miata for fun sunny days. wish i could put my turbo engine in a Miata, with the added trunk space. :)
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    ohhh...turbo miata...0% financing. Soooo tempted.
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    numereous turbo and supercharger kits for Miatas?
  • chmeeeechmeeee Member Posts: 327
    Once my Jetta is paid off, I would love to see if I could afford a BMW M-Roadster (EDIT: a used M-Roadster, unless I win the lottery or something), or something similar for nice days and probably autocrossing.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I am kinda limited with the chips because I have the Tiptronic automatic. I can go to Stage II though, I already checked through Hoppen Motor Sports (http://www.hoppenmotorsports.com). I am thinking about that, but wanna do the cheaper stuff first. For Christmas, I told my dad I want the performance chip for my car. We shall see what happens with that. :)

    Next, I think I want a BMW 3 Series or an Audi A4. I am also anxious to see the MKV Jettas.
  • chmeeeechmeeee Member Posts: 327
    You should just ask for the 3-series for Christmas. Hehe.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    V-8s and aftermarket turbos...I'm not real keen on massively modding a a new car's engine.

    Just wish Mazda would offer a simple 200 HP miata with a turbo.
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    My friend rented a M roadster for his wedding. He let me drive it and all I can say is BURNOUT. That car is super fun and burns out all over the place. Do they have the new motor in those yet?

    I think Mazda is going to introduce a hot Miata soon. It will probably be called the Mazdaspeed Miata. I wonder if they'll ever offer the Renesis rotary in the Miata? A Miata that hums......
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I wish I could ask for a 3 Series for Christmas and get it. :) Yeah, right. Not gonna happen man. :)

    I prefer to get it the way I got the Jetta and the other 4 cars before it though, work for it myself. That way, I appreciate it more. :)
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I am really thinking about the APR or UPSolute chip for my 1.8T, for sheer burnout power. I am trying to keep my total mods to $500 though.
  • 8u6hfd8u6hfd Member Posts: 1,391
    The UPsolute chip may not allow use of the cruise control. If you use cruise control often, look into it.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Thanks for the tip. I actually was more interested in the APR than the UPSolute though.

    I ordered some Neuspeed sport springs for my car this weekend (1-1.5" drop), $105 shipped. They are slightly used though, but they are still a heck of alot cheaper than $180+ a set.
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