Volkswagen Jetta 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    That is too funny! I read that page a long time ago. Made me think of some of the stuff I put my rental/loaner cars through when I have them, although nothing that drastic. :0
  • sntxsntx Member Posts: 33
    As someone who works for Thrifty (at the worldwide headquarters) I really don't think that destroying rental cars is very funny. I guess I would feel that way even if I didn't work for Thrifty because I respect others property (even neons). This is the kind of thing that makes it harder for people to rent cars and drives the rates up.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I don't destroy cars, per se, because they do have your credit card number if they find damage. But I will not be as careful, like not hitting bumps or not going up far enough to scrape the front end when parking. I also smoke in my rental cars, but not in my own car. But I have seen people do alot worse things to cars (like drop it from N to Drive at 3000rpm). And what surprises me is that these people are over 25 years old, and I am not, yet I don't do the stuff they do and STILL get charged $10-25 EXTRA a day for my age. I would never do anything to any car that I thought would damage it permanently, for fun.
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    has anyone seen the new Jackass movie yet? You should see what they do to a rental. Makes the Neon bashing look tame.
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    You should see what happens when an Aries or Reliant is thrown into Park at 20-25 with the wheels turned!
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I would not even pay money to see that movie. The previews were awful enough. :)

    Having nothing to do with anything, I did see "Ghost Ship" on Sunday. It scared the hell out of me, but it was a good movie though. :)
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    That's the first thing I thought of when they said "rental" in this forum. Ouch.
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    Was that scary? I need to see a scary movie sometime. Honestly, the last movie I saw that scared me was "The Shining" and that was when I was a little kid. Wait, Corky Romano scared me too. I don't know why I even wasted my time watching that movie....

    On topic: Are there any rental companies that offer Jettas? I'd like to see how the 1.8T responds to nitrous and dirt mound jumps.
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    The Ring was good and a little creppy (but not as bad as my wuss brother said...). I've also heard good things about Ghost Ship.

    I've never seen a rental Jetta, but they've gotta be out there somewhere.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    wanna know what is scary? the fact that all of the lost souls that bought Daewoos are officially screwed now. that sucks :(
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    Scary for them. Good for me. I'm still thinking about picking up a used Daewoo for about 5 or 10 bucks to use as a beater car that I can crash into things with.
  • beanboybeanboy Member Posts: 442
    Neon at it's highest level. Doubt even the next generation top-of-the-line Jetta will be able to touch it in terms of performance. Mine el cheapo Neon is still going strong at 85K, light auto-x season this year. Oh, my turn signal switch stopped returning to center. Get to it one of these days.

    As far as the Jetta goes, interesting the TDI wagon gets 1 mpg better on the highway than the other TDI VWs... Looking forward to a revised TDI with low sulphur fuels make an appearance in 2006.

    -B
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    Just looked up TMV on a 2001 Daewoo Lanos. $2700. I wonder if that is taking into account the latest news about insurance companies. Could there possibly be a cheaper used 2001 car?
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    That Neon SRT-4 has company in 2004. Look for a Ford Focus SVT with a 225 hp turbocharged Mazda 4 cyl. The Mazdaspeed Protege should get the same motor.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    They're still american cars: focus and neon. I'd rather drive a civic than ever put money into anything made by Mopar/GM/Ford.
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    The Focus is as much of an American car as your Jetta is Mexican. As you probably already know, much of the development for the Focus was done in Europe. The Euro models have been outstanding and have won the TUV quality award. The American models have been crap due to: A) Problems at Wayne assembly plant B) Local suppliers C) Rush to market.

    Although the next Focus and Protege will share platforms (not a bad thing because the current models have the best chassis setups out of all cars <$20K) the next gen Protege will still be built in Japan using mostly Japanese suppliers.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    If you could go to Europe and get one of those Focuses (Foci?) shipped over like BMW and MB let you do, that would be cool. :)
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I don't know why the TDI wagon gets better mileage. I have heard several people ask the same question though. Maybe because the aerodynamics are a little different in the back?
  • moosecatmoosecat Member Posts: 9
    What Vocus mentioned (re letters to VW owners and warranty extensions on window regulators) appears to be true. Found this over on the 'tex:

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    November 5, 2002

    CONTACT: Tony Fouladpour
    (248) 754-5064

    VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. OFFERS SPECIAL WARRANTY EXTENSION ON WINDOW
    PARTS ON SOME U.S. MODELS

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich.-Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced that it is
    mailing letters to about 850,000 U.S. customers, giving them a special
    warranty extension to cover window parts that could malfunction on some
    models sold here in the United States.
    Volkswagen stressed that this action is not a recall but a targeted warranty
    extension that addresses customer concerns regarding the durability of
    window clamps on some Volkswagen cars. If this clamp malfunctions, it
    prevents the window from being raised or lowered. In order to replace
    clamps that malfunction, Volkswagen has designed and produced a more durable
    replacement part.
    Here in the U.S., the German automaker will offer an extended limited
    warranty on this specific clamp. This extended warranty affects 1998-2002
    New Beetles and 1999-2002 Golfs, GTIs and Jettas. The new clamp and the work
    to install it will be covered free of charge under this special warranty.
    Volkswagen's entire line of 2003 models are built with the new part and are
    not affected by this issue.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    "not a recall, but a targeted warranty extension". In other words, we don't wanna show that our suppliers have been giving us crap for the past 4 model years and we have been cheap enough not to tell anyone until we got so many complaints that we have no choice but to.

    Shame, shame on you, Volkswagen.
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    They're extending the entire warranty? Or just a specific warranty that covers the window clamps? And why just US customers? Does that leave Canadians out in the cold? <----Hahaha, I'm so punny!
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    The window reg warranty only.

    And, I have to admit, that was pretty cute about being out in the cold. :)
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    So does that mean you have to wait until your windows fall into your door before you can get them fixed? Or is it like a recall where you act proactively before an actual problem occurs?

    If they're sending this out to 850 000 people (JUST in the USA), why not just issue a bloody recall, because that's what you're doing in essence. So strange.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    They are trying not to have recalls, as it looks bad on the maker. Don't tell Ford that though. :) Just kidding.

    They also are refunding the people who already paid for the window regulator repairs.

    I don't know why they aren't fixing cars proactively. I guess not all parts are affected. Not everyone I know with a VW has had the window problem.

    I know for a fact that the new parts are limited from the supplier. I know people on Vortex who have gone around with their windows TAPED SHUT waiting for new parts. So they can't just authorize 850,000 repairs without the parts to do it. The regulators were on backorder for 6 weeks before this was announced, from what I have heard.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    Just add a splash of approved coolant and the "problem" should be gone.

    The coolant light for VW has a double-meaning. It comes on if the engine thermal sensor determines that the engine is above the acceptable operating temperature.
    There is also a level-sensor in the overflow tank that will make the light blink. Sitting overnight in the cold can make the coolant contract enough to flag this sensor. (sitting on an incline can also contribute)

    Revving the engine will spin the waterpump fast enough to rise the level in the overflow tank slightly and make the light stop blinking.

    The key here is the blinking light.
    If I recall correctly, this indicates the LEVEL SENSOR is causing the alert.
  • gregthompgregthomp Member Posts: 9
    What is the Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) exactly and is it worth the $300 it would cost on a new Jetta?

    Greg T.
  • chmeeeechmeeee Member Posts: 327
    The ESP uses the computer and the ABS system to keep the car under control if you go into a slide. It applies one brake to correct the slide and prevent you from spinning off the road in snow/rain/ice. I would say definitely worth it, I would have gone for it had it been available on the 2002s.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    thank you thank you thank you! that makes me feel better.

    and about the window regs. my dealer just yesterday told me that my window reg warranty is good for the life of the car. AND, that they are CERTAIN that i will be taking advantage of the warranty if i keep the car long enough. and NO, they will not fix it until it breaks.

    lovely. :)
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I told my dealer I heard my back windows "crackling" when going up and down (a common sign of failure), but they said they checked them and didn't hear it. They haven't done it in awhile though, since it was hot this past summer. And I want them to try to tell me it will take 4-6 weeks for the part and try to tape my windows shut, like they did some people on Vortex. I don't know why they haven't corrected this problem already. They were getting cheaper parts from the original supplier and saving money per car, that's why. It finally broke on enough people that they have to do something about it now.

    Also, the new part is metal, the old is plastic. That's the difference right there. The plastic ones melt when it gets really hot outside.
  • mliongmliong Member Posts: 231
    My wife's Jetta eats them for lunch. On average, three would go out each year. At the peak of the problem, five died.

    It is heat related, because it shows up in the Southwest more often than in the north. However, the regulators aren't the only problems with the powered window system - the motors aren't that much better either.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I have never heard of problems with the power window motors, only the regulators. And the heat melts the cheap plastic parts, that's what causes the windows to fall down.

    I remember I had a black loaner 2001 Golf back in the summer. The passenger window was open about 2 inches, and wouldn't go back up. I fiddled with the button, and the window ended up powering itself all the way down and didn't wanna come back up. Since it was 99 degrees that day and the car was black, heat definitely had something to do with it. I wrapped a trash bag around the window to drive it 45 miles to the dealership from work. The service writer was like, "oh yeah, that's normal" when I told him what happend. Wonderful.
  • AnakinAnakin Member Posts: 410
    That must be why my window regulators have never failed... I live in Seattle. :D

    I think we might have had 8 or 10 days this year that were over 90, but most of the time it's pretty moderate.
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    if VW has a hot weather testing facility...?
  • geoffdgtigeoffdgti Member Posts: 83
    newcar31 asks:
    I wonder if VW has a hot weather testing facility...?

    Yeah. It's called "Phoenix". ;-)
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    Mexico anybody?
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    There you go.. :)
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    a hot weather testing facility. Now the question is: How did they not notice the window clip problem? If it's such a widespread problem, you'd think at least ONE test mule had failed window clips. Maybe they did notice it and figured it would be extra revenue for service departments. Well, that idea blew up in their face.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    The Focus is as much of an American car as your Jetta is Mexican. As you probably already know, much of the development for the Focus was done in Europe.

    Buzzzz, try again. The Jetta was designed by VW. The focus was designed by Ford (regardless of which studio on which continent). Ford = American = wretched "cars."

    A) Problems at Wayne assembly plant B) Local suppliers C) Rush to market.

    D) It's American.

    Although the next Focus and Protege will share platforms (not a bad thing because the current models have the best chassis setups out of all cars <$20K) the next gen Protege will still be built in Japan using mostly Japanese suppliers. </I>

    The more ford meddles with Mazda, the more likely the cars' quality will decline. Look at how DC's cheap parts have destroyed the C-class. Mopar influence? you be the judge.
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    #8739 by newcar31
    "a hot weather testing facility. Now the question is: How did they not notice the window clip problem?"

    They probably kept the windows up and the AC on the whole time.

    :-(
  • vcjumpervcjumper Member Posts: 1,110
    Are the Focus and Mondeo not praised more in Europe than their VW counterparts?
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    "Buzzzz, try again. The Jetta was designed by VW. The focus was designed by Ford. Ford = American = wretched "cars.""

    OK. It's an "American" car designed in Europe by an American company and built here for the NA market. If the Focus is "wretched" it is only wretched because of reliability issues because the car itself isn't that bad and has a definate European flare. The European models won the prestigious TUV award for quality. I guess this makes the Jetta "wretched" also, albeit a little less wretched but wretched nonetheless.

    "A) Problems at Wayne assembly plant B) Local suppliers C) Rush to market.

    D) It's American."

    Buzzzz. Try again. By your definition, even the European model Focus is American. Like I said before, this is one of the highest quality small cars sold in Europe.....and it's "American". I guess this makes the Mini, Bentley, and RR "German". I wonder if VW's quality is going to find it's way into Bentleys? Lol. I can't wait till the windows start falling into doors on those Rolls Royce cars...

    "Look at how DC's cheap parts have destroyed the C-class. Mopar influence? you be the judge."

    Has the C-class been destroyed? Do you have any evidence of Dodge/Chrysler parts bin raiding by Mercedes for the C-class? Can you order parts for the C-class from the Mopar parts catalog? Is the C-class built at a Dodge/Chrysler plant? Did anybody from the Dodge/Chrysler arm of DC have any input in the C-class? This is just a guess, but I suspect the answers are: no, no, no, no, and no.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    VW really isn't so bad. i mean, OF COURSE they knew all along about the window issues. it is not that they are stupid and did not know, it is that they are crooks. but, all companies are. i will gladly take the crook i know, than the crook that doesn't stick out (toyonda, BMW, etc) for all to see right away. they get you too - but it is worse cuz you aren't expecting it!

    and sure, the Focus stinks. but not all American cars are horrible. the Corvette is quite reliable, and half the price of a 911 :)

    i am much less scared of American cars than I am of American politics :)
  • billygoat74billygoat74 Member Posts: 2
    I need to buy a car in the 25,000 range soon. I have been looking at the gli jetta. can anyone tell me if this is a good quality car or not? does anyone have any suggestions on any other cars in this price range worth looking at?
  • chmeeeechmeeee Member Posts: 327
    American cars are really not all that bad. For the most part, I do prefer German cars, but you cannot just slap a label on like that. From what I have seen, the Focus is not crap, I actually really liked it. I will agree with Justin as well on the Vette.

    As for the C-Class, that is just total BS. I have driven both the C320 and the C230 Coupe, and they definitely felt high quality to me. Sure, they can't match, say, and SL600, but there is a serious price difference there. I would say the C230 defintely felt higher quality then my Jetta, and I didn't see a single Mopar related part in there. It actually seems the parts are flowing the other way. Witness the Crossfire (SLK engine, stereo, etc).

    On another unrelated note, did you guys see the review of the M-Roadster? I would love to buy a used 2002 when my car is paid off (probably about 2007).
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    The GLI is a pretty nice car, but it's going to have more problems than your typical CamCord is gonna have though, by nature. The driving experience is alot different, with the Jetta not feeling like a toaster like most Japanese cars on the road.
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    A used Infinity?
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I drove my best friend's rental Focus, and actually liked the way the car drove. The power stunk, but of course I am used to the 1.8T. Also, this was the 110hp model too.

    I personally wouldn't trust a Focus, because of the number and severity of recalls on the car.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Sorry, the c-class to me felt really chincy.

    As for the whole american/german thing, I'm sorry but i'm irrationally adverse to any car designed or produced by an American car company or any of their subsidiaries.

    Vette, viper, Focus, X-type, Holden...keep em, they're American IMO and not worthy of anything beyond a trash heap. To each his own. I'll stick to companies I know and respect (German and Japanese).
  • target3target3 Member Posts: 155
    the other day. They were testing a Porsche 911. From the quick view they gave of the interior, it looks like the Jetta is the closest thing to it.

    Granted, the Jetta is nowhere near the Porsche class. However, the interior dashboard lines and control configurations are very similar between the two vehicles.
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