Volkswagen Jetta 2005 and earlier

balticjetta18t

I put the owners manual on a diet so it'll fit in the slot in the glovebox. Garage door opener in the driver door pocket. Billfold, pen, cell phone charge cable in the center armrest. Sunglasses in the slot above my stereo head unit along with a couple of cassettes. 2001's have that extra cubby space.
Some of ya can get the sunglasses holder to replace the driver's OH_SH_T handle. It looks cool. Besides, most new vehicles have a deal like that on the center of the front headliner.
I keep all maint. records in a file in my office so they don't cluster in the car.
Flashlight in black foam storage space behind spare tire.
Face it, the more space inside the cabin to store stuff, the more useless stuff you will store...

8u6hfd

Don't forget you can get the NB sunglass holder to replace the driver's side grab handle

fish8

I also tried to put my owners manual in my glovebox and the thing wouldn't fit. So, I removed the maintenance section and just put that in my glovebox. The manuals for VW's are nice, but they are big.

Anakin

The NB holder won't fit in the Jetta because it's a little bit larger. The Jetta sunglass holder is a different part number.

I got one for my car and I like it a lot

donnabgood

2002 Jetta 1.8t

Glovebox: owners manual (does fit on shelf, albeit tightly)
altoids, peppermint and cinamon, registration and insurance, 2 pairs of sunglasses in case, cell phone charger, manicure kit

Armrest: cupholders, chocolate tootsie pop (good luck charm, have a chocolate cocker spaniel, named Tootsie) and a 20 dollar bill for unexpected expenses on the road

Driver's Door Pocket: soft sided cd carrier 48 (just fits)

Passenger's door: photos, car wash coupons, tinted extended visor for passengers suffering rush hour glare.

Driver's Seatback Pocket: Zagat Resturant Guide -- handy for phone numbers and late night bar choices

Passenger's Seatback Pocket: Starbucks Napkins, life hammer from the VW Catalog..worse case scenario survival item..lol.

Hey I just had the coils replaced on my Jetta, 4800 miles. What are those things for anyway? I had filled up the tank, and as soon as I drove a block a rotten egg smell came into the car, the car shimmied, power was reduced and the engine light came on. I drove the 2 miles to Santa Monica VW, and they fixed it under warranty, so I just shrugged it off, also the window clip (didn't have problems with that yet) but since so many here write about the coils -- maybe you can shine some light on it for me.

TIA,
Donna

vocus

Read the article I liked above for more info.

chmeeee

I hate it when that happens, and as soon as I stop, I am always looking in the mirror to see if the guy behind me was as quick as me to stop.

vocus

The 03 models supposedly have the "J" coils, so you theoretically have nothing to worry about. It's when they use the old "H" coils in combination with the "J" coils (like in my car, when they only replaced one of the failed ones) that problems arise. You should be ok.

Also, the Jetta's owner's manual is the only one I ever had that comes with a table of contents, a "quick scan" guide, and an index too. And this is my 6th car (all 1993 or newer) in 6 years...

cards28

If anyone has a Life Hammer in their Jetta, where do you put it? I just got one and can't find a good place to keep it handy.

vocus

How about the glovebox? What size are they anyway? I have heard of them, but never seen one in person.

donnabgood

I just store my life hammer in the back pocket behind the passanger's seat..gotta keep it inside the cabin just in case..

btw the Life Hammer is just something to cut the seatbelt with if it becomes jammed in an accident, and a hammer to break the glass safely if you should end up under water and the power windows don't work..as I say I was watching too much worse case scenario televison and I thought it is a good thing to have, praying I never need it..

and Vocus thanks for posting the link on coils, very informative.

blueguydotcom

Dang that thing sounds like grounds for the San Diego "Trigger Happy" PD to pop a cap in me.

tuss

This used to be one of my favorite threads to read, but it seems to be kind of slow lately. What's up--has everyone stopped buying jettas?

cards28

DonnaB. Not a bad idea to keep it in the back pocket of passenger seat. For me, I might want it a bit closer to where I can get to it fast. Your right shoulder might be injured and couldn't reach back and try to get it. They come with a fluorescent marker on it so you can grab it in the dark. I might try to place it just next to my right knee on the console with velcro. Some come in bright orange. I got 2 for the price of one on the internet about $25 plus $4.95 for shipping. I'm a safety freak. I worked as a part-time paramedic for a couple years and I saw more than I wanted to see.
Anyway, for those of you who are not familiar with the Life-Hammer, I quote: "EMERGENCY EXIT TOOL, Life-Hammer has two precisely-machined, steel hammer heads, specially designed to break a side window with a single blow. The razor-sharp safety blade easily cuts thru jammed seat belts." The size is about 6" long x 3" wide. Don't drive away without one. Just log on to www.lifehammer.com

pat

Uh, not this one!! You can count on that.

cards28

I'm recording more miles on my Jetta and am enjoying driving it. I like messing round in the Tiptronic mode. Since driving with a manual trans for so many years it's hard to adjust to a automatic trans. As I gear-up my foot comes off the gas peddle. The turbo lag doesn't seem to be as long, also. I've tried using the automatic but found it to be shifting up and down at slower speeds. I'm trying to determine to see what kind of mileage using one or the other. Let me know what your experiences have been.
Thanks :-)

wellokay

One more question about the seats.

Is the velour in the 2003s attracting as much lint as that from the 2001s? I see the lint on used older styles, but not on the used newer seats.

Anakin

My 2002 has very very linty seats.

*grumble*

I wish I could go back in time and tell myself to just get the leather.

bpeebles

For those of you that feel that your seats are too 'linty'. There are all kinds of seatcovers avaialble. (even leather!)

I have put seatcovers in ALL of my vehicles for many many years. When it coomes time to sell/trade... pull them off and the seats look like new.

cards28

Bruce,
Where do you get them?

pokerdoc

What are the best, yet least expensive, brands of tires for a '98 Jetta TDI,(if it even matters that it's diesel)?

vocus

Tire size is the only thing that matters. Check out:

tires.com (america's tire warehouse or something like that)
tirerack.com

They should have the best prices.

shawnmalone

I searched for months for customized seat covers for the Jetta. They need to be designed specifically not to interfere with the side curtain air bags! But I haven't been able to find a source. If y'all come across one, please post it. I'd run out and buy them that day.

8u6hfd

seat covers: Wet Okole, they are side-airbag approved. http://www.wetokole.com

pockerdoc: I prefer Michelins...they are expensive. Try BF Goodrich Touring T/A, they are Michelins anyway, but for less money

vocus

I agree about Michelin tires, very good. My 17s have alot of tread left on them, and I am at 30,500 miles as of today.

I also have heard that Yokohama, Dunlop, and Kuhmo tires are pretty good too.

Anakin

I have been very pleased with my Kumho Ecsta 712s. If you want more sport, the 711s are even grippier, but for my amateur needs, the 712s are more than adequate. I also appreciate that the tire has a small lip where it meets the wheel that protects against curb scratches.

vocus

The scratches along the lip don't seem to be a problem for me, but more on the face of wheel. I scraped the face of one of my 17" wheels about two WEEKS after I got the car. I have to park close to the curb at home, and on the street, so that doesn't help either.

adg44

"What are the best, yet least expensive, brands of tires for a '98 Jetta TDI,(if it even matters that it's diesel)?"

You are contradicting yourself right from the start. There is no "best" and least expensive tire. You get what you pay for, and that is entirely true with tires.

What kind of a tire are you looking for? Long life? Good grip? There are many variables that come into play when you are looking for tires.

I'm assuming since you have a TDI you don't care too much about performance, and you are just looking for a good long lasting tire with decent grip. If so, go to www.tirerack.com and put in your search criteria, and fire away. They will help you find the best tire for your driving style.

- Anthony

teri12

I bought a 2003 Jetta VR6. I live in San Francisco Bay. This morning it was 39 degrees. I decided to test drive my car. Going Zero to 60 on level ground I clocked 5.78 seconds @ 5800 RPMs. Going up an incline I clocked 6.34 seconds at 5800 RPMs. Of course if you use your manual Tiptronic you will get these results. Automatic has a late response when flooring it. Everything is stock on this car but Xenon lights. I paced a Camaro and the Nissan 350Z. They could not believe that this car has that much ZIP! Tiptronic manual RULZ! So easy to shift. Much smoother and alot faster. People have no idea how much power is in this car in manual Tiptronic. I love this VR6 which is freaken fully loaded. It catches the eyes of alot of people on the road. With the Bra on and mud-flaps it looks very stylish. My first VW and no problems so far @ 11,000 miles. Crossing fingers. I also have a full loaded 1998 Chevy Cavalier which still has the same clutch at 120,000 miles and tires went at 85,000 miles. This car does Zero to 60 at 7.2 seconds. Not bad. But it is very comfortable and reliable. I love this car also. But fully loaded VW Jetta VR6 OWNS!

target3

manual Tiptronic? That's an automatic IMO.

target3

My 2002 1.8T came with Michelins. I believe they are rather expensive to replace $200-250 per tire. However, according to the Michelin website, these are some of the better Michelin tires for tread life, winter handling, sound, and all-around handling.

Anakin

If you leave the car bra on all the time it can damage your paint.

When it rains or when the car gets wet, dirt can wash under the bra. Once it dries, dirt remains, and the car bra acts like a piece of sandpaper on your finish.

Just a word of warning.

I recommend the 3M StonGard or similar clear plastic adhesive "invisible" car bra.

vocus

A Cavalier to 60mph in 7.2 seconds? Down a mountain side with a rock attached to it? There is NO way that car is going 60 in that time unless you got some MAJOR engine mods on it. And the Jetta time is a little optimistic as well.

I wanna time my car to 60mph as well, but I don't have a stopwatch..

justin

i know my 02 Jetta Turbo automatic (all cylinders on full steam of course) beats an 02 325Ci automatic. only car i have tried to beat.

blueguydotcom

You said it. 0-60 in anything under 8 with a Cavalier involves a new interpretation of either physics or time. Sub 6 second sprints in a VR6 also seem just a wee bit optimistic...especially with an automatic. You've got added weight and slower gear changes so that would put a 6 speed VR6 in the mid-5s...no freaking way.

A 200 HP Jetta is quick but it doesn't launch like a Nissan VQ. a 350z weighs in at 3188 and sports 80 more hp and 74 more ft-lbs of torque. The Jetta wieghs 3274. No way.

vocus

The auto VR6 does 60 in about 8-8.5 seconds I am guessing, with the Tiptronic 1.8T doing about the same. I know the stick 1.8T has been tested at 6.8 seconds by Road & Track magazine though...

sntx

I know it is a matter of personal preference, but for some reason it saddens me to see so many people driving Jettas with automatic trannys. The thought of it sends shivers down my spine. I know that some people physically cannot drive manuals so it wouldn't be fair to outlaw automatic VWs, but IMO you guys with autos are really missing out.

justin

i think most people will agree -

until VW can manufacture a gearbox that even closely resembles some 1980's Honda/Mazda technology, in the way of light clutch action and smooth shifting, VW will not be on my list of manuals to buy.

how can i buy a 5 speed Jetta when I know there are other cars with far far far superior gearbox/clutch setups?

i JUST saw the pics of the 04 TSX. i know i am late, but it looks like Honda has finally made an attractive car! i can't believe it! inside and out it is quite pretty.

8u6hfd

whatever floats your boat.

Many people have trouble doing a smooth 1-2 shift on the G35c and 350Z, mostly due to the clutch pedal.

I find the WRX shifter to be very sloppy, despite being a direct (solid) linkage.

My 5-speed Golf is easier to shift, and it takes a flick of the wrist to shift. You'll have trouble if you try to muscle around on it.

sntx

My GLX manual transmission couldn't be smoother. I do have a short shifter installed to reduce the throws (cost me all of 40 bucks) and the clutch action couldn't be better. That being said I would take even the notchiest manual over any automatic.

I agree about the TSX (JDM accord). It is very nice looking. I would like to see one in person. As far as finally making an attractive car I think the 1st and 2nd generation Legends are beautiful.

fish8

0-60 5.78 seconds.........never. How was that calculated anyway?

justin

what i am saying is, it is NOT hard to get a FWD low powered car to shift well with a manual. look at RSX/Integra/Civic/Vibe, etc. yet a lot of people, myself included, (among countless so called "car mags") complain that they can't launch a VW as well as a Civic for example. i would think that VW, being "a drivers car", would come up with something better. the throws in a Jetta are in Jeep Wrangler territory. fun in the Jeep - not in a car though

i guess it is possible that some would prefer sloppier shifts. not sure why...

and yes, the 2nd gen Legend Coupe was very pretty...

blueguydotcom

what i am saying is, it is NOT hard to get a FWD low powered car to shift well with a manual. look at RSX/Integra/Civic/Vibe, etc. yet a lot of people, myself included, (among countless so called "car mags") complain that they can't launch a VW as well as a Civic for example.

Well maybe the problem comes from hondas not having any torque. The VW has torque on tap from the get-go and that will definitely make a tranny feel different.

And if people can't shift smoothly in a Jetta, there's something wrong.

As for bad shifters: the vibe/matrix/celica has by far the most disconnected, horrific shifter around. I also detest the detached feel of the RSX...but then again I think that was colored by how much I detested every second I was in the RSX. Egad what an awful car.

fish8

Did you all see the recall of 530,000 VW's for the coil problems?

adg44

They are just offering to replace the packs before they go bad.

However replacing a coil pack with another poorly designed coil pack isn't going to get you anywhere.

justin

...i have been spoiled. though i don't think torque has anything to do with it, personally. my Jeep felt different, sure, and the throws were long, but not SLOPPY. meaning, i could feel each detent where the shifter goes, and the clutch was great. the Jetta (and VW in general from my experience) feels.....best word is "jelly-like"..in the actual box. kind of like what i think churning butter must feel like. just close your eyes and hope for the correct gear. no thanks. the point of a manual is FUN. not work. until VW makes it FUN, they will never be considered a car for manual transmission drivers.

again, it is way better than my old 240DL, but every other car on the road far surpasses it.

and yes, the RSX pales in comparison (feel and tossability wise) to the Integra. but it sure is nicer on the inside...and the shifter is still what i would consider top notch.

justin

AMEN and HALLELUJAH! VW just doesn't get it....

fish8

IT IS A RECALL.....The recall was just announced today. Give me your email address and I will send you the article.

fish8

Straight from the source:

http://dealer.vw.com/vwpress/fullStoryA.html?release_id=5824

justin

i really hope they aren't setting themselves (and me) up for more dissappointment. if they are currently making parts, that means they have not been tested. J coils are crappy too. makes no sense to replace bad parts with bad parts. i want mr. gerd klauss' job - must be easy!