Volkswagen Jetta 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I guess it's not really a bad engine. I know it has the torque to spin the wheels from a standstill on dry ground with automatic from a stop, something alot of cars that come to my mind were not able to do, even when turning...
  • psu11psu11 Member Posts: 1
    Mazda 6 blows this car away
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Mazda 6 blows this car away

    I may switch to a 6s if my logical side overtakes the passionate side demanding a G35c. But I'll tell you this, without modifications, the 6s doesn't feel nearly as nimble or as sure footed as my Jetta with it's swaybar. Also, the V6 feels pretty weak compared to my 1.8t. I think that has more to do with mazda's lousy gearing and bad tranny though.
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    Where did the Mazda6 statement come from?

    Blueguy: When is your lease up? My lease is up in May of 2005. So I have another 2 yrs and 5 mos. I will also look into the Mazda6, but by then.....you never know what other cars will be on the market...VW included.

    Also, if you lease from VW.....can't you get out of your lease up to 90 days prior to your lease termination date. I remember calling VW Credit once and there was an option on the phone system for those leasees that were within 90 days of lease end. Maybe you can only get out of the lease if you lease or buy another VW. Just curious.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    the 6 might be on C & D's 10 Best list, but they have never claimed that they care about appearance. have you SEEN the Mazda 6? looks like a flattened Caddy Catera. not a good thing in my book. not that the new Accord sedan is much better. and the Camry? never. Altima? not in my neck of the woods. even though i question the reliability, i would STILL have to go Passat or Legacy GT in that size class...
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    I personally think the new Accord is about 5 steps behind the previous model. I think the styling is very unatttractive. The new 6 is pretty good looking, though not as pretty as the Passat.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Blueguy: When is your lease up? My lease is up in May of 2005. So I have another 2 yrs and 5 mos. I will also look into the Mazda6, but by then.....you never know what other cars will be on the market...VW included.

    My lease is up in June of 2004. Doesn't matter though because I've gotta get rid of the car soon. I'm throwing money away on it at this point. It's outa the manufacture's warranty (though still covered by an extended one). If I liked the car, felt it was reliable and felt I'd stick with VW, then I'd consider keeping it. But I can't stomach the car any longer. I want something reliable and fun...not many choices for that. :(

    Also, if you lease from VW.....can't you get out of your lease up to 90 days prior to your lease termination date.

    You can get outa your lease any time. Sell the car (or trade it in), pay it off, walk away.

    Maybe you can only get out of the lease if you lease or buy another VW. Just curious.

    There's a lease buyout option too. If you buy it out yourself, you're gonna pay sales tax. Let somebody else buy the car from you and it's his job to pay the sales tax.
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    Blueguy, have you driven the Lexus IS300? I think they look pretty sweet but it's too bad that it's tail lights have been copied for just about any application possible. I'll bet the upcoming IS430 is gonna be a hoot.....
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Blueguy, have you driven the Lexus IS300? I think they look pretty sweet but it's too bad that it's tail lights have been copied for just about any application possible. I'll bet the upcoming IS430 is gonna be a hoot.....

    I loathed the IS300. Unresponsive engine, numb handling, horrid auto (haven't driven the new 5 speed), lousy interior components and all around a bad, bad car. At this time Toyota/Lexus doesn't make a single car I like.
  • jmessjmess Member Posts: 677
    Hum, sounds like you have never driven an IS300 at speed. They handle well and the engine is very smooth and responsive in the midrange. It takes some people a while to get use to not having to deal with an open differential, torque steer, and the terminal understeer of frontwheel driver.

    It took me about a year to transition to a rear wheel drive racecar after roadracing VWs for 8 years. The techniques that work good for a FWD car like trail braking and lift throttle induced oversteer slow you down in a RWD car. You tend to turn in a little sooner with a RWD car and get on the gas earlier. A limited slip diff really helps get the power down.

    Going for a ride in my IS300 at the local race track might change your mind about the engine and handling.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Hum, sounds like you have never driven an IS300 at speed.

    What exactly is "at speed"? I broke 80 with it, hit the ramps and corners at speeds far exceeding the limits.

    They handle well and the engine is very smooth and responsive in the midrange.

    Sorry, but my experience is the exact opposite. The engine feels rather unresponsive throughout the rev range and the car's steering wheel felt numb - not CTS numb - but still a far cry from spooky man-machine union of a BMW 3 Series or Miata.

    It takes some people a while to get use to not having to deal with an open differential, torque steer, and the terminal understeer of frontwheel driver.

    It took me about a year to transition to a rear wheel drive racecar after roadracing VWs for 8 years. The techniques that work good for a FWD car like trail braking and lift throttle induced oversteer slow you down in a RWD car. You tend to turn in a little sooner with a RWD car and get on the gas earlier. A limited slip diff really helps get the power down.


    Driven RWD cars my whole life. It's as simple as switching from a fork to chopsticks.

    Going for a ride in my IS300 at the local race track might change your mind about the engine and handling.

    Unless you've modded the car, I sincerely doubt it.

    For now I'll stick with my Jetta while keeping my eyes open for fun and luxurious cars under 40k...a very short list indeed.
  • chmeeeechmeeee Member Posts: 327
    I have driven an IS300 on an autocross-like course back to back with an A4, 325, and C230 coupe, and I must say, it was the least entertaining, as well as the least comfortable. I would say the C230 was my favorite on the course, followed very closely with the A4. I think with the sport package, the 325 would have been better, but I didn't really enjoy it as much as I expected.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    My co-worker has a 2000 323i, and I don't see the big harrah about BMWs. My car has more features inside than hers. It also doesn't seem to have as much power as the 1.8T does (her is the 2.5 automatic). The handling is nice, and it has a great highway ride though. Also more room inside than I thought too.
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    If I'm not mistaken.....the Jetta 1.8t is probably faster that the IS300 Automatic. I do like the IS300 though...
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I have always liked the IS300, but from the sound of it I am not missing out on anything. :) I have never driven one, but sat in it at the car show last year. I liked it alot actually.
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    I do think the styling is either love it or hate it. They really need to get rid of those tail lights though. Now that every other Civic has them they are too commen place and everytime I see them I associate them with backwards hat wearing teenagers.....
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    The IS300 is more car than a 3 series could ever be, outside of the M3. I loved driving the IS. Personal opinion here too, but it had the best feeling interior I have ever been in. BUT, to this day, I do not know that I can deal with that SoCal rear tail light treatment they gave it. :( I thought the steering was an exact replica of the Miata actually. Quite interesting...

    Believe me, when you compare a $31k IS300 and a $31k BMW 325, you will see that the Lex runs rings around the BMW in every way. LOVE THE IS300 SportCross! Of course, my Jetta whoops butt AND looks good, for CHEAP! :)
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    I didn't expect such a reaction to the mention of the IS300. I've never driven one, but I cannot imagine that it is a bad as blueguy describes it. From what blueguy wrote, you'd think it's a horrible car.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    it is just that everyone has different opinions. and i know it sounds silly, but i SWEAR that the same make and model of car can drive/feel different than another just like it.
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    but it just seems that some opinions are out there in left field.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    it is your opinion that some opinions are out there in the left field of your own opinions. Yes?

    Someone else's opinion of his or her own opinion is probably that said opinion is right up the middle of his her own opinions, doncha think?

    That's my opinion.

    :-)

    Happy New Year!!
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    I'm feeling weak!

    Meade
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    There is such a thing as a left field opinion and that's not my opinion, it's a fact. A left field opinion means that most people don't share the same view. For example: Someone may think that the Jetta has a cheap and crappy looking interior. That's a left field opinion because most people would say that the Jetta has a classy interior.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Justin,

    You can pick up a 330i with 1200 dealer profit from euro delivery for under 31k. That'll blow away an IS300 in heart beat.
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    Yeah, but you said "reliable" and fun to drive.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Oh come on Todd, opinions are not facts. 98% - or even 100% - of people may hold the same opinion, but that does not make the opinion a fact.

    Fact: It is raining outside.
    Opinion: I hate going outside in the rain.

    An opinion is "a belief or judgment ... a personal view, attitude, or appraisal ... " (from infoplease.com).

    A fact is "something that actually exists; reality; truth ... something known to exist or to have happened ... " (same source)

    Lighten up! :-)
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    I think you misread my post. I never said an opinion is a fact. I said that it is a fact that there are "left field" opinions that aren't right or wrong, they just don't mesh with the norm.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    okay... sorry I brought up, believe me! I was just playing.

    :-D
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Yeah, but you said "reliable" and fun to drive.

    True, true. I guess that takes us away from the VW (unreliable), IS300 ("un-fun"), and BMW 3 series (unreliable). At least there's the Infiniti G35! ;)
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    i gotta see this. you can't get near a 330i with sport package and luxury package for anywhere near $31k. trust me, around here, a 325 with auto, sport package,luxury package, leather, and zenon is AT LEAST $37k. a Lex with the same equipment is at least 5 grand less. the Lex is a better buy, performance (and hopefully) reliability wise. my latest experience with BMW is bad. 2002 with above mentioned options. replaced WINDOW REGULATORS and actual door handle cables. doors wouldn't open. the wood on the inside cracked and came loose. and the seatbelt retractor would no longer retract. so much for quality :(

    that said, if you hate the IS it, you hate it. :) at least you have your Jetta! i say wait for the S4 before you do anything :)
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    "At least there's the Infiniti G35!"

    Yeah, but in my "opinion" the G35's interior looks kinda cheap in an Altima kind of way. It would be acceptable in a price class below, but now where it is now. The Jetta shouldn't have a better looking interior than a "near-luxury, sport-sedan/coupe". Is it that the Jetta's interior is classier than one would expect, or the G35's interior is cheaper than one would expect? I think it's both.
  • 8u6hfd8u6hfd Member Posts: 1,391
    the center metallic painted console makes the interior look cheap.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Justin,


    Visit http://www.eurobuyers.com/pricing/330i03.pdf and see for yourself. A euro-delivery 330i with $1200 dealer profit and the $695 delivery charge rings in a touch over 31k.


    That's not a loaded up 330i, it's the straight up model without options. Sure you can get a fully loaded IS300 for 31k or pay 24k for a fully decked Jetta 1.8T but realistically, I'd much prefer a 330i with nothing. That's just me.


    BTW, I wouldn't touch the 03/04 S4 with a leper's hand, let alone my own. A) It's a VW. B) It's bloated (3700+ lbs). C) It's slow for the cost (0-60 in sub 6 seconds for over 40k?). D) It's severely underpowered...344 hp from a 4.2 liter V8?! E) It's AWD.

  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    344 hp is underpowered? Like you said, it's the weight that's handicapping the S4, not the HP. 344 hp sounds fine for a 4.2L V8. The BMW 4.4L V8 makes 282 hp right?
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    ...what are you looking at a Nissan for? the only thing lightweight in the G35 is the plastic interior. :)

    yes, i agree all VW's tend to be a little hefty, but i suppose i like that "nothing is stopping my car but my brakes" feeling.

    and i knew there had to be a catch with the 330i. but, believe me, a base 330i can't outhandle anything in it's class. i guess that is what makes the Lexus feel "darty" is that it feels go-cart light (like the Miata). fun, but even i would prefer the 330i in a rainstorm.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    The M3's 3.2L inline six makes 333. Porsche's 3.6L 6 makes 315. Ferrari's 3.6L 8 makes 400 HP. An Audi S4's 4.2L V8 making 344 hardly impresses me. I think they should have gone with a twin turbo 6 again.

    Justin, an S4 runs 3700+ lbs. An M3 is 3400+, G35S is 3300+ and G35C is 3400+ lbs. Our Jettas come in at a portly 3100+ lbs (given the size and power it's a heavy car).

    In my experience the IS300 feels lethargic and unreponsive. To each his own...

    For now we're all stuck with out cutesy, unreliable Jettas.
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    ALL of the high hp per liter engines you mentioned are torque deficient. I'd wager that the Audi 4.2L has more torque than every engine you mentioned which would make sense for a 3700 lbs car. When a NA engine has a high hp/liter ratio you can bet that low end torque is on the weak side relatively. You can have one or the other (screaming high end hp or low end torque) but not both with a NA engine.
  • AnakinAnakin Member Posts: 410
    Tell you what.

    You take the G35 (or M3 if you want)

    I'll take the S4.

    I'll race you on mud, ice, or snow. Your choice.

    ;^)
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    is everyone noticing how there are more and more Golfs on the road now? even last year, it was 10 Jettas for every 1 Golf. now that wagaons are "in", i am noticing Golfs at every light! i want the VW Polo as a beat around car - it is "cutesy" for sure :)
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    I live in socal, so I don't see mud, ice or snow. Will I have to travel to the Sierras for this race? ;)
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    That Polo would make a pefect little commuter car for me, it's pretty cool looking. I hope they bring it here.

    As far as the heavy feeling, I like that alot. It makes me feel safe in the car when driving amongst all these big SUVs and stuff. I know at least a handful of people who have had pretty severe accidents in their Jetta/Boras and walked away from them. Very commendable.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I have to agree with the others that the G35's interior does look very cheap, a shame for such a nicely styled vehicle. Those cheap interiors seem to be Nissan's forte lately. I even heard a comment about the new 350Z having alot of plastic inside for its price, on Autoweek TV the other night.

    Also, the G35 looks like a 2-door Altima, and I hate the design of the Altima inside and out. I would just over 10 Altimas on fire to get to one VW.
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    I think the part about the G35 interior that really bugs me is that the guages look like they came out of my 86' 626. The silver trim is bad too. It's a shame because I think the coupe is gorgeous.

    I hate the silver trim on the center stack in my Protege but luckily I bought one before Mazda went really crazy with the silver/platinum spray paint. I think they have it on the door handles and around the shift boot in the newer models now too. Put the spray can down Mazda and let the customizers with bad taste do it themselves! I don't know how such a cheesy fad caught on and made into a fine cars like the G35 and Mazda6. Who started this crap?
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I saw these pics on Vortex, and thought I would share them. The driver was rearended by a drunk driver going 80+mph and pushed into a wall at 65+. Here's what was left of his 1999.5 Golf...


    http://www.printroom.com/ViewAlbumPhoto.asp?userid=JettaDude&album_id=103437&image_id=23


    He walked away from the accident with a 2nd degree sprain of his ankle and a fractured finger. Now THAT is one safe car.

  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    Vocus, is that your Jetta? Looks sharp. What's a "JDM" antenna? I though "J.D.M." stood for Japanese Domestic Market?
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    it IS your Jetta. That letter from VW is a bummer. If I saw that I would definately not chip my car until the warranty was up, and that could be a long time if you have the 100,000 powertrain warranty. The gig is up. VW made it official by putting it in writing that THEY know that chipping is popular and I'm sure the dealers have been been put on chip alert. When did you find that letter?
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Also, the G35 looks like a 2-door Altima, and I hate the design of the Altima inside and out.

    You've never seen a G35 coupe in person then. And I don't mean seeing one zip by on the freeway but actually stood directly over one, beside it, in front of, etc. The car has curves galore, unlike anything Nissan makes, save for the Murano and 350Z.

    BTW, if you want to see a good Nissan interior, check out a loaded Murano. Wow. Real aluminum everywhere! Everything is either aluminum, leather-like or soft-touch plastics. Just like our jettas all the bits and pieces open with the same soft motion. Exceptional interior for an SUV. Wonder why Nissan doesn't use the real aluminum in the G35s yet if its going in the Murano. I'd guess it'll be another mid-year upgrade or at the latest the 2004s.
  • pinklespinkles Member Posts: 5
    I am looking to purchase a 2003 Jetta GLS 1.8T, and after reading various people's bad experiences I am very torn about the decision. It seems like people either love their Jetta and have had no major problems with it or, they hate their Jetta and have had nothing but problems. I guess finding a good trust-worthy dealer (a bit of an oxymoron!) is key. If you have a warranty and a good dealership it seems as if problems w/ the car would be a lot less frustrating. Does anyone know of a good reliable dealer in Massachusetts (esp. metro boston)? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated
  • markjennmarkjenn Member Posts: 1,142
    Jetta's are neat cars and great values, but there is little doubt that, on the average, they are more problematic than the best Japanese cars, especially with respect to electrical and accessory glitches.

    I think it boils down to whether you're the sort of patient person who is willing to take a small risk, work through problems if they arise, and "roll with the punch." And if you're the sort of driver which puts a premium on the driving experience and will look past other shortcomings. OTOH, some folks go ballistic and start a class action suit if a cup-holder is poorly designed, so for them, a Civic or Accord is a better choice.

    - Mark
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