Volkswagen Jetta 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • steven39steven39 Member Posts: 636
    checked out a 2003 jetta wolfsburg with turbo and auto trans with monsoon sound
    msrp is 22,000.00 dealer says 19500.00 is this a good deal before ttl. also can i get away with useing mid grade fuel instead of the premium fuel that is recomended for the turbo. will 89 octane harm the turbo?? cuz premium fuel is almost 190.00 a gallon here in miami.
  • jtrujillo86jtrujillo86 Member Posts: 300
    I would just stick with the premium recommended. I wouldn't risk jacking up a new car with the wrong kind of gas. Plus if something happens (like a prob. that should be fixed under warranty) VW may see you use Mid-grade and deny that warranty fix. Just a thought...
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    also can i get away with useing mid grade fuel instead of the premium fuel that is recomended for the turbo. will 89 octane harm the turbo?? cuz premium fuel is almost 190.00 a gallon here in miami.

    Why are you buying a car you can't afford the fuel for? honestly. Say you do 15000 miles a year and you average 25 mpg with a Jetta 1.8T - 600 gallons a year or $1140 on gas. If you saved a measely $0.10 a gallon you'd only save yourself $60 over a year. you'd shortchange the performance of your car over a $1 a week?! Why? That makes no sense. Even if you went for 87 octane that's $0.20 cheaper than premium, you're only saving $2 a week. Pack your lunch one day for work and save the $2.

    Don't buy the car if you're not willing to put the right gas in it...

    And cry me a river over this $1.90 premium...I'm paying $2.35-2.45 depending on my luck. A 16 gallon fillup on my car is running over $35 now.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    steven - you are the person that trashes VW non-stop and says lame comments like "if you buy a VW get ready for a Flintstone car". why are you looking at a VW? most people that bash certains cars are usually quite enamored with them, and personally frustrated that they can't have one. if you really like it - go get it. make yourself happy! the car is worth $30k - $10k off sounds like a deal! ;)

    as far as the gas to use, i read a study somewhere in the Wash Post a few weeks back. basically, there is not a GASOLINE powered car on the planet that technically requires anything over 86 octane. dead serious. Porsche designers/technicians even said it. Nissan, BMW, Honda all admit it too. it doesn't even alter performance or MPGs. all a myth. not even a 12 cylinder BMW or a high revving S2000. you can use it - supporting terrorists by paying more though :) just remember NOT to use it if the car says to use regular unleaded - that can cause problems. ONE IMPORTANT NOTE - for some reason all of the mfgrs said that if the car is SUPERCHARGED, you should use what they require. for some reason a turbo doesn't matter, but a supercharger does....
  • blkjettablkjetta Member Posts: 5
    OK, it happened......my passenger window dropped in the door. I really like my 99' jetta, 2.0 fun to drive, very comfortable and only had to replace a temperature gauge sensor. It has 61,000 miles. Is this window regulator clip thing a warranty / recall repair. Or do we have to pay $$$ from our VW dealer to get our window closed. Dropping it off today and would like feedback. With your experinces on cost for repair. Can I get them to replace all of them so I don't have to deal with this again, on a cold winter Montana day?
    Thanks!
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    YES!!! I am not sure if it was a recall or TSB, but VW should cover the cost. You can confirm this with VW Customer Care.
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    Some engines do need premium. You can run regular in engines that require premium because newer cars have knock sensors that back off the timing....which reduces performance.
  • 1sttimevolvo11sttimevolvo1 Member Posts: 189
    ........you can use it - supporting terrorists by paying more though :).........

    Actually, the added cost is in the refining here in the U.S., so more doesn't actually go to the terrorists, THEY get the same amount regardless (dry humor added for yer eddification)
    Just FYI!
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    ..published reports in the Post. some think the Post is too anti-Bush and won't read it anyway....but i thought it was nice to see quotes from people that build engines for the car mfgrs. i won't be wasting my money!

    and YES, the window regs are a pseudo-recall. you won't pay.
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    if the manufacturer recommends premium and you use regular, your engine is operating with reduced performance. If you don't mind reduced performance, go ahead and save money.

    "but i thought it was nice to see quotes from people that build engines for the car"

    Show me a quote from an engineer that says running regular in an engine that needs premium makes no difference.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    you should use whatever gas you prefer. someone asked a question about what gas to use in the WE Jetta. i answered. it is a known fact that all gasoline engines (except supercharged for some reason i am not sure i would fall for) run the same on 87 octane or 93 octane. knock sensors and compression ratios have nothing to do with anything. now, bad gas can make the car run rough, but octane has nothing to do with it. quality 87 octane is just as good as quality 93 octane, except for Supercharged cars. i ran 87 in my Turbo Jetta and my VR6 Jetta. after wasting money on 93 octane. people are right, it is only less than a $1 more per fill up. i just like knowing that i am not paying someone elses salary and not getting anything for my money. we get screwed so often as consumers, i take comfort in knowing that i am doing one thing good for my wallet instead of others. other people like to buy more expensive gas. to each his own.

    the article i read was in in the automotive section of the Post. after two weeks you have to pay to get archives online, which i won't be doing for you. :)

    also, who is feeding you this?

    "if the manufacturer recommends premium and you use regular, your engine is operating with reduced performance. If you don't mind reduced performance, go ahead and save money."

    you can bet that whoever it is is in bed with gas companies :)

    but on to the Jetta. both of my Jettas ran the same and got the same MPG's on whatever gas i threw in it. 93, 89, or 87.
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    "knock sensors and compression ratios have nothing to do with anything"

    Actually, with regards to octane ratings, they have everything to do with everything. You need a little internal combustion 101.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    move on to next Jetta item :)
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    Use whatever you want to use in your car. If an engineer tells you to run Diet Sprite in your 1.8T and it runs good, more power to ya!
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    Using too-low octane fuel in a (turbo or super)charged engine can cause serious engine damage.

    (LOWER OCTAINE=FASTER BURNING)this can lead to pre-ignition.

    If you go into your friendly dealership complaining about holes in the pistons.... they will suspect you have been running low-octane fuel. It is not worth saving a few dollars a year to run the wrong fuel.

    I am not guessing at this, I am not relying on some article I read. I am trained in engineering. I have held pistons in my hands and have witnessed the damage done by pre-ignition.

    The only dead horse will be your engine!
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    Most new cars shouldn't have serious engine damage from using fuel with an octane rating lower than recommended. That's what knock sensors are for. They detect detonation (what happens when you use a lower octane than recommended) and adjust the timing to compensate, which in turn decreases the power your engine is able to produce.

    A 1.8T engine running on premium makes more power than one running on regular....GUARANTEED.

    If your owners manual says to use regular and you use premium, you're wasting your money. If your owners manual recommends premium and you use regular, you are penny wise and pound foolish....
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    I am a tad confused here about the octane requirements. I looked at the CD Bentley's 2003 VW Jetta for the gasser engines and the recommendation is 95 ron for two engines and 98 ron for the third. Since in CA anyway the three amigos are 87-89-91 octane, the numbers indicate that 91 octane comes closest. I am in agreement that 87 Octane can be run when 91 octane is specified. But if the OEM recommendation is 95 ron, then it seems to me the closer to that number the better.

    I run a TDI, which again in the CE Bentley's indicates a requirement for 49 cetane. Again in CA the cetane rating for #2 diesel is 45 and the other 49 states have a legal delivery requirement of 40 cetane.
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    premium is premium. Here in MN, it's 92 octane. Out east, I've seen 93 and 94 octane. I believe the ron calculation is different than the calculation used at gas stations.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    Actually, I would love to get a hold of 93 and 94 octane for my Z06 Corvette!! The retardation does allow the machine to make ever so slightly more HP. I have heard in dyno runs app 10 hp more.

    To complete the listing.
    The 2.0 engine lists 91 ron.
    The 2.8 V6 engine lists 98 ron.

    So unless there is a formula to the contrary, then octane=ron.
  • adg44adg44 Member Posts: 385
    The 2.0L runs on regular (atleast the one in our 2000 NB does).

    The 1.8T and the VR6 run on premium.

    I think we should talk about Justin and his accord again. Atleast that was more interesting.
  • jtrujillo86jtrujillo86 Member Posts: 300
    Hey! I'm looking to get a 2003 Jetta GL (once I sell my Malibu) and was wondering if anyone knew of any good dealers to service that bad boy? I have heard horror stories about certain VW dealers and their service, and am hoping to have a care-free ownership experience. So once again, does anyone know of any good dealerships that offer good VW service in the Denver area?

    BTW - I'm looking to buy from Lithia VW in Northglenn, CO. Any advice on where to buy?

    Jeremy
  • steven39steven39 Member Posts: 636
    if i were you i would stick with the malibu
    if you like free coffee at the vw service dept then get a jetta and you will be drinking lots of it to wash down the aspirin cuz of all the headaches your jetta will cause you.
  • rc7762rc7762 Member Posts: 35
    Steve,
       I agree with the person who posted you a message a while back stating that you trash VW and why now are you inquiring about one. Are you really looking to buy a Jetta? or do you really hate VW as much as you claim in your posts? Everyone has a right to there opinion but be consistent. I posted my Jetta problems and my opinion of VW for those who are interested when doing there new/used car research and I also enjoy reading other peoples comments about how they feel about there car. Do you really hate VW or are you thinking of buying a VW? If you are thinking of buying a VW, what changed your mind? I think it would help someone who is truly interested in buying this car. Please let me know.

    Thanks
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    Please DO NOT POST if you have nothing constructive to add. Jeremy is inquiring about where to buy and possibly service his new Jetta.

    We welcome all opinions, but if you do not even own a Jetta why would you be commenting and coming across as you have personal experience with VW's.

    Jeremy: Since I live in the Southeast I have no recommendations on where to service a VW in CO. I would shop around and see who offers you the best deal on a Jetta. Then you can bring your car back for an oil change and see how the service experience goes. Sorry I could not be of more help. Whatever car you end up getting....enjoy!!
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    FINALLY, someone other than me notices that certain "contributors" are a little "off"...
  • colorado_kidcolorado_kid Member Posts: 32
    Jeremy:

    I live in Denver and have a 2000 VR6 Jetta. Over the period that I have owned this vehicle it has been to just about every Denver Metro VW service facility for one thing or another. By far the best in my book is Osborn VW in Lakewood. I have been going there for the past 2 years and they have excellent, prompt service and have been very good to work with. Having said that, I actually bought my new VW from Mountain States because they had the largest selection and were most willing to deal back in late 1999. Check out their web site, I believe it lists their inventory. Good luck! Mike
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    Yes, I think that given the head's up on how the VW requires maintenance and is considered fairly unreliable, calls for a different approach (for me I have ALWAYS done it this way). I first would shop the dealer's and independents who would be the GO TO vendors WHEN, not if, things go wrong on the VW !!!! I would even go so far as to say if you have neither a GREAT TO GOOD dealer or independent within reasonable distance, that would be grounds enough to pass on buying a VW !!!

    The first or second line of defense should be YOU. Specifically, I mean DIY! If you do not DIY, or have a group of trusted "shade tree types", then you are looking at paying shop prices for labor. In these here neck of the woods, that can range from a low of 75 dollars to 90 dollars per hr. A small example would be: for a TDI it costs app 26 dollars in parts and 10 min to 1 hour of DIY time to do a synthetic oil and oil filter change vs 60-72 dollars for the same service at a dealer.
  • steven39steven39 Member Posts: 636
    actually there are 3 reasons why i just might consider a new jetta or a golf. the first being the 8 speaker monsoon sound system which is by far and away the best sounding system i have heard in all the cars iam considering.second reason is the the cost to insure either the golf or jetta is way cheaper to insure than most other cars.
    and 3rd is the long basic bumper to bumper warranty. iam not so much concerned with the powertrain warranty cuz most powertrains usually last a long time with proper maintenence. its the other things that usually go wrong within a few years like electrical problems, ac, and other things not associated with the powertrain. honda, toyota, nissan, only 3-36 basic.acura, mazda,vw, ect 4-50 basic. you are more likely to experience electrical, and ac problems within that first couple years than you would powertrain problems, and even more so with the vw. but at least you have thelong basic bumper to bumper warranty with the vw.so thats about it.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    Of all these reasons perhaps the one I focus on is the 12 year rust through warranty. What this does is let you keep the car far in excess of the average fleet average of 8 years. NO Japanese car comes close especially in the price range. If you combine that with the TDI option that is an outstanding long term platform. So if you are able to keep the car 2 eight year periods, you wind up not having to pay a second round of taxation if you buy a new or even used car at the 2nd 8 year average cycle, not to mention the massive depreciation, first year,on a new car.

    I am really not a fan of "options" on a car. If I had my druthers, I would get a "no sound system option" and get one installed. In states that have a declining CAR TAX what you wind up paying is (in CA anyway) a declining tax ( declines 2% a year) for the LIFE of the CAR !! If you get a sound system, aftermarket, you only pay the tax once !!!
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    Now I am really confused!!!!!!

    Yes, the VW Warranty does take some of the guess work out of the purchase decision. It provides a good piece of mind.
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    Interesting post by Steven39 in the Jetta problems section:

    But his profile says he owns an Acura......

    "hello all, well i finally just traded in my 2002 jetta 2.0 which was so problematic from the start that i took a loss on my loan just to get rid of it. anyway i got a new 2003 honda accord lx, and all i can say is the difference between the jetta that i had and the accord quality wise is night and day. the accord reeks of quality while the jetta reeks of well_ _ _ _ <.......you fill in the blank. anyway my take on volkswagen cars is this, volkswagen cars are alot like playing the stock market in that you toss and turn at night wondering if its going to perform at all, while on the other hand with the honda, you get piece of mind as well as a good nights sleep. no tossin n turning with my accord.thanx steve"
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    The thing to do is stop responding to him.

    :)
  • lcostantinolcostantino Member Posts: 21
    5700 miles, absolutely no problems, hope it stays this way. A blast to drive, the 1.8T with the stick really flies, brakes, handling also great, 17" tires and sport suspension help, about 26mpg overall. Friends and co-workers amazed that you can get a mini-autobahn cruiser with leather, sunroof, monsoon, etc., for $21K, and there is no car in this class/price range with front/side/head+curtain airbags. I'd highly recommend the car - may it stay trouble-free!
  • rc7762rc7762 Member Posts: 35
    A warranty is only as good as the company that is willing to back it (Ask Kia owners about their wonderful 10/100,000 mile warranty) When an abundance of cars keep coming back for warranty work car companys will start pointing their finger back at the owner and you start hearing things like "owner neglect" "owner at fault" you are then forced to provide paper work (receipts, etc.) to prove your case, and it becomes a nightmare and guess who winds up giving up? Research the warranty as best you can before making this your deciding factor in buying a new car. If the warranty really is as good as it claims to be you have nothing to lose.
  • audibonaudibon Member Posts: 100
    My friend just bought an '03 Jetta GLI with 6spd and 2.8 6 cylinder engine... Anyone know what the 0-60 is on the car? Thanks.
    Brian
  • jtrujillo86jtrujillo86 Member Posts: 300
    Steve: If you had my Malibu and all of it's problems, you'd get rid of it too. It's my choice, and I choose the Jetta.

    Everyone: Thanks for the help, especially colorado_kid. It'll help a lot once I go to get one. BTW, do you know where Osborne VW is? I know it's in Lakewood, but I live in Arvada and go to school in Thornton, so it's kinda outta my neighborhood. Do you have the cross-streets for me? Thanks.

    One last thing: How is VW Credit to deal with?? I hope to get the 1.9% financing through them and I'm just curious if they give you the runaround or what. Thanks again!

    Jeremy
  • colorado_kidcolorado_kid Member Posts: 32
    They are off of Colfax, just east of Kipling. Here is their web site for your reference. http://www.osbornautomotive.com/en_US/

    Best of luck with your new purchase!

    MK
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    I've seen everything from 6.5 to 7.5. Average of the two seems most like reality. That GLI's engine is quite nice though. I about made a salesman need a change of drawers on our test drive as I squeezed every ounce out of the engine and suspension on our trip. Heh, heh, heh.
  • venus537venus537 Member Posts: 1,443
    if you do get a jetta i predict that you'll enjoy it much more than your malibu. different story for those who would have to sit in the back seat of the jetta though. the difference in quality (engineering not reliability) will be evident.

    one word of caution. the current jetta will be redesigned soon and promises to much improved. 6 speed transmissions, updated suspensions, 2.0t replaces 1.8t, more potent diesel engines and so on.
  • jtrujillo86jtrujillo86 Member Posts: 300
    Thanks for the info. I am aware that there will be changes in the near future for the Jetta...that's why am purchasing an 03. I saw pictures of a 2004 and I like the back of the 03 much better. The gauge cluster was nice, however. Also, I'm pretty confident about purchasing an 03 since the design of the engines and basically the entire car have been around for 4 years. They have (hopefully) worked all of the kinks out of her. I will never buy a first year production vehicle again. My Malibu was and it sucks. If I ever buy new after this Jetta, I'm gonna wait until the 3rd production year. Anyway, I was looking at the invoice price of a 2003 GL, Galactic blue with gray interior and the cold weather package. Invoice is $16,297. Do you think the stealership will let it go for $16.5? There is no way on God's green earth I'm gonna pay MSRP for it which is almost $18K.

    Jeremy
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    Just FYI: It is not until the 2005 model year that the new Jetta comes out. Therefore, the 2004 will be the same as '99.5-'04 model years.
  • venus537venus537 Member Posts: 1,443
    i would think you'll be able to get a jetta at or near invoice. i urge you to get the 1.8t gl however. the grins on your face will last longer. my first jetta was galatic blue with gray interior.
  • jtrujillo86jtrujillo86 Member Posts: 300
    on the 1.8t. I'm a high school student with two jobs, and I just want a new car - not something that can blow other cars outta the water. If I got anything more than a GL 2.slow, my payments would be too high. Plus with a turbo engine my insurance would skyrocket, being that I'm 17 yr old male. Even since it's a four door vehicle, the turbo (in the mind of my insurance man) makes it a "sports car".

    Fish: There are slight changes in 2004. The trunk line is a bit different as are the tail lights. There is also a chrome strip across the front bumper on GLS, GLX, and GLI trims.

    Jeremy
  • jtrujillo86jtrujillo86 Member Posts: 300
    the invoice price for a 1.8t GL is about $1,500 more than a 2.slow GL.

    Jeremy
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    on the 1.8t. I'm a high school student with two jobs, and I just want a new car

    why? You're working hard so you want to throw you money out the window? Why not just send it to me and we can make a bon fire.

    If you've got enough for a 16k new car, buy an 8-10k used car, and put the money toward something useful like a 579 account for college.

    If I got anything more than a GL 2.slow, my payments would be too high. Plus with a turbo engine my insurance would skyrocket, being that I'm 17 yr old male.

    Buy something used and save yourself a lot of headaches. Right now the depreciation on ALL new cars is mindlbowing. My 01 Jetta 1.8T sold brand new for 21k. I bought it for 19k. how much did I get for it when I sold it after 2 years and only 30k miles? 12k. The car lost almost 50% in two years! When the Mrk V's come out the depreciation on the Jettas will be more severe.

    So do you want to spend 16k (not including tax) on a new, unreliable VW (service costs alone will be insane) that will drop to below 8k in value by 2006? Why not grab a good car that's used and has suffered most of its depreciation and put your cash into something useful?
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I have to agree with Blueguy on the value aspect of your decision. With all the rebates, 0% financing, and the like, trade-in values of cars are really falling into the can. I have seen 01 1.8Ts selling for $13-15K in MD with pretty low mileage. Check out www.getauto.com for some listings in your area.

    As far as what Blueguy said about problems and so on, the decision is yours. I knew of the existing MKIV problems when I bought mine, and still got it anyway because I had always wanted one. It didn't make the headaches any better, but I knew what I was getting so it wasn't a total surprise.

    Good luck on whatever you decide. ;)
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    As my Father used to tell me when I was in High School and wanted a new car.........you will have many new cars in your life. Be patient.....
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    that while my car was at the dealer a couple of weeks ago to replace my passenger seat bottom brackets, somehow they broke the plastic seat belt cover on the DRIVERS side. I am thinking they possibly replaced the wrong seat bottom brackets. When I was on the phone with my service advisor getting an update, he did say that they were working on the drivers seat. When I corrected him, he said oh yeah......and said it actually was my passenger seat. Like always, everytime I bring my car in to get something fixed, they almost ALWAYS end up breaking something else. I am bringing my car in this morning and won't be happy.

    On a positive note: I got almost 32 MPG last week. That is my best yet.
  • venus537venus537 Member Posts: 1,443
    your bon fire comment was hilarious. it's so true for all of us who buy new cars.

    because the jetta may be unreliable would not mean the service costs would be insane. wouldn't any unscheduled service appointments be covered under the warranty? you'll still have the headaches though. i have a hunch that jeremy will be well on his next car by the time the warranty expires.

    your point for someone in high school to get a new car isn't Unreasonable.
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