Volkswagen Jetta 2005 and earlier

vocus

Well why would I go out and get a Jetta if I was going to keep the Protege too? That makes no sense. I know it's cool to keep the mileage low and all, but I beat the hell out of the Protege and it takes it in stride. I drove my roommate's Neon for two months and found out it couldn't take the hard commuting miles my Protege has taken in stride for a year. And I am afraid the Jetta won't be able to handle it.

When the Mazda is paid off and I want to get another car, I might keep it for commuting. Since I still have almost 4 more years left on the loan, that will be awhile yet. But I will probably keep the Protege until it dies. If the first year is any hint on the long run, then I have no problems to think about!

justin

you are in here talking about buying a VW, then saying you are not, then asking about reliability, then talking about buying one, then saying you don't think it could handle the commute and your loan is not close to being paid off....on and on.

So - just curious - are you REALLY in the market for a car?

As far as keeping the Protege and having another car - it makes sense to a lot of people. Many people have commuter cars and then nice cars. If you have a Protege DX, the payment can't be that outrageous....I thought I was the only one that wanted/needed a cheap car for awhile.....;)

vocus

The payment is a little more than $300 a month due to negative equity from the 1996 Crapalier I had before it. When the Protege is paid off, then I will look into something else. I cannot handle two car payments at once though.

justin

"crapalier" mistake? I know when I was 17 I had a hatchback version of it. I thought it was the coolest car...big lo profile tires and sunroof. It was a car that literally had parts falling off of it as you drove down the road.....but somehow it never really died...the power steering pump leaked so much that at school i just let it die and drove around with no power steering......finally the car was towed and not even my parents wanted it back.....

vocus

I know a lot of people who bought Cavaliers as their first cars too. It's popular with young people (apparently for a long time) because it's so cheap to buy and maintain. But it's also built cheaply, which makes it not last too long at all. You think Chevy would get tired of paying for warranty work and improve the design or something.

fischda

Funny how you two guys are all over this forum but don't own Jettas!! Not that you should go, I like you both. Just quit messing around and get back into a VW. Vocus, surely by now you can off the Protoge and not be upside down, although I don't know how those things keep their value. If you're strapped, look at a Golf 1.8T - a nice little pocket rocket with the same interior as Jetta, and it'll haul more stuff than the Mazda.

Justin, at least you have a plan - but I hope you go Jetta and not Cabrio. I, myself, would like to buy a Passat Wagon GLX in a few years (or for 3 grand more, a Volvo V70 2.4T)! Seriously, when the kids are out of car seats, the minivan is history!

justin

are you forgetting? I was the first person in here with an A4 Jetta with VR6 engine. I don't think I will go back to Jetta. I will definitely be going back to VW/Audi, but I have done the Jetta thing already. Passat GLX or CABRIO, if they do something about the power issues. Besides, you can't really think too badly of a Cabrio, since you drive a minivan and are aspiring to a station-wagon. Those two cars have stigma's too, ya know.....

vocus

The car is worth about $9000 or so because it has 27,500 miles on it. The loan payoff is something like $15,000 right now because I've only had it since 7/3/1999. Have to wait one more year to break more even, but that's okay.

gladichecked

the way "those things" keep their value is something called reliability. From everything I have read recently, the Mexican built Jetta has more than "resale" issues to deal with. Not to mention your "friendly" VW customer service.

OK...sorry...butting back outta here to Lurkville.

justin

vocus has a Protege! Not a Jetta. The Jetta resale value is quite good. I should know. My Jetta was $22k and I got $18500 for it with 20k miles and 19 months old. Most cars drop a lot....the Jetta is not any worse than any other car in terms of resale value.....

gladichecked

I know vocus has a Pro...I was standing up for it since someone said they didn't know how us Pro owners got any resale value out of our cars. I would like to see the resale value on the 2000 Jetta a couple of years from now. Might be great, or the considerable problems experienced might make informed used car buyers wary. Oh well, I love the Jetta for the performance, luxury feeling, and goodies you get, but was scared off with the 1st year Mexico bugs it seems to have. Maybe in a couple of years I will be ready to take the leap.

wonderwall

the jetta has MUCH better resale than the protege. i know because my previous car was a protege. reliability is not always the biggest factor in a cars resale. although my jetta has been reliable, i know that overall the protege is much more reliable car. the jetta has better resale because it is considered more "desirable." it is a shame that the protege's resale value isn't higher. i think next to the jetta it is the best car for under $20,000. if more people knew the protege, it would outsale the mediocre civics and boring corollas.

gladichecked

The best thing about the Pro is not a lot of people know how good it is, so there is not one on every block. The worst thing about the Pro is not a lot of people know how good it it, so it suffers in resale. OK, enough about Pros, back to the Jetta. I'm a regular lurker, came extremely close to buying a Jetta before I bought the Pro. Chickened out at the last second. The Jetta was also at the limit of my budget.

Regards,

GIC

fischda

Before I bought a Jetta, I checked out Elantra, Civic, Accord, Focus, Golf, but not Protoge. Edmunds gives it high praise, and it looks roomy by the numbers. However, feature for feature I'm glad I went with Jetta - it just leads the pack in refinement and fun! I think it's only a few bells and whistles short of a BMW 323 but for 9 grand less. Mazda has always been a good, and often overlooked, automaker. Mechanically, my '85 RX-7 was probably the best car I've owned.

vocus

I saw a used 1999 Jetta GL with 24,900 or so miles and a 2.0/5-speed in it. The price is only $13,990, but the warranty is expired. I checked Carfax on it (http:/www.carfax.com) and someone had the car and sold it at 1200 miles. The second person sold it at 24,800 miles (when the warranty went on it) and now I would be the 3rd owner. I don't think it's going to happen though. Any thoughts?

justin

since when? yes, in 95 they were prone to having problems, but that is it. No other model years are any less reliable than any other car.

I had a 96 Protege - not a bad car - just not what I wanted. Needless to say - it was not worth the amount of insurance I paid for it each month. I should have sold it outright to a loyal Mazda fan....instead of a dealer.

vocus

I just have heard of a lot more problems with the new Jettas and Golfs than with the Proteges. Don't get me wrong, I know every car has problems. Thing is, I own my car now and know what kind of problems it has had (trouble shifting into passing gear and trouble with the CD player holding my CDs hostage). That's nothing compared to having the ECU or something go up, or the ignition key break off in the lock while the car is running (happend to a friend's New Jetta). Also, Cons. Reports rates the Jetta lower than the Protege ES, and the Protege is a lot cheaper than the Jetta is. In spite of that, I will want a Jetta anyway. But I have a car now that's trouble-free for the most part and that I have only spent about $400 or so in maintenance on in 28,000 miles. Can I expect the same from the Jetta? That's my huge concern. Plus, my Protege hasn't been in the shop but twice (for the problems I described above), and I don't want to replace it with something that's going to change that. And, everyone tells me to have my head checked when I talk about replacing my Protege with a Jetta. They said the Mazda is more reliable, but the VW is more fun. To me, the Mazda is fun too, but not as fun as a 1.8T would be. I am not saying the Jetta is a bad car, but I am sure you all understand my dilemma.

justin

but my Jetta was not in the shop even once unless you count the tire issue. Goodyear replaced them for free. Oh, a tail light burnt out - but the dealer did not even "receive' the car - a guy just came out and replaced it for me after work one day.

My Protege was crap. It was a 96, perhaps they are better now. Mine overheated due mfgr defect...and it was made in JAPAN!!

vocus

I thought about you today, because I saw a black 1999 A4 Jetta GLS VR6 with automatic for sale in Annapolis. But it had only 15,777 on it and I thought you said yours had 19K on it. Anyway, I guess all cars are different. I could get a Jetta and it could be perfect, or break down every other day. I wish all carmakers were like Saturn in letting you bring the car back if you are unhappy with it before 30 days or 1500 miles. Is there a rental car place that rents Jettas? If I drove one for the weekend, I would definitely know if I wanted one or not. The 15-minute test drive they give you is so short, it's hard to tell if the car will be comfortable for the long run and all.

I guess I am scared about a Jetta because I have heard a lot of horror stories about them in the last few months, but hardly any about Proteges. I am not saying it makes the Protege any better (no car is perfect), but I don't wanna get stuck with a lemon.

fischda

Several dealers have offered to allow me to take the car home for an extended test drive (I think one was Springfield VW). So if you want to drive a Jetta all weekend, you probably could.

schwitzer1

My "car I can't live without du jour" is the jetta 1.8t. You guys that drive 'em...is it enough? I've found some places online that sell computer chips that would increase the pressure in the turbo, and bring the horsepower up quite a bit.
How about the suspension? Tight enough? Before I had my second kid, I had a Mistubishi Eclipse GSX (which I wouldn't wish on anyone, other than that it was really fun until stuff started to go wrong with it...l) so I've had a chance to drive some decent handling cars, including my dad's BMW Z3 M roadster (which he's tweaked).
I'm driving a Camry right now. It SCREAMS reliable transportation. The lease is up next August (2001).
Thoughts?

schwitzer1

I haven't driven one yet...Once I get into a car, I usually end up taking home the one I test drive, even if I don't like the color. The impulse of "gimme gimme gimme get get get" runs over me. The nearest VW dealership is about 100 yards out of range of my waterballoon launcher. Whenever I go to the Arby's across the street from it, I just look and look and look...

roller96

Just purchased a 2001 Jetta GLS VR6 with Luxury package and the monsoon system yesterday. Is it necessary to to have the VW dealer install a VW 6 CD changer or can I go to any caraudio place? The dealer told me that the stereo system has a special code and only the dealer can install the 6CD changer. Anyone has any comments or suggetions?

pemarsh

2000 Jetta VR6, automatic. Has anyone noticed a whining sound coming at 30-45mph??

If so, please e mail me at:

pemarsh1@yahoo.com

Thanks, Perry

shannon_adams

After putting 207k on my 1988 Honda Civic, I've decided to buy a new car. I will be ready to purchase a new VW Jetta in December. I am looking at a standard GL 2.0, 5 speed. Three questions:

1. In December, would I get a much better deal for buying a 2000 model versus a 2001?

2. Is a CD player standard on the GL 2.0?

3. If invoice plus destination is around $15,700 (according to Kelley BB), what price would you consider a reasonable deal?

vocus

The price for the car should be about $300-400 over invoice. The CD player is a dealer-installed option. And yes, you would save more money by getting the car at the end of the year. Be careful though, because they have the 01s out already.

shannon_adams

So in mid-December, do you think I'd get a much better deal on a 2000 model? Or should I just stick with negotiating for a 2001?

gladichecked

I have been a regular at Emerald Isle for 20 years. My parents have a house there. Small world huh? As far as 2000 vs 2001, I would see what price you can get on each one, then make your decision. Good luck!

fischda

schwitzer - I love my 1.8T, and for me it is plenty tight! However, if you have especially sporty driving habits, you'll be happy to know that VW offers a sport suspension and 17" wheels with 225/45 tires on 2001's.

roller - I hear the same thing from the dealer. Crutchfield may have the adapter needed to plug in another aftermarket CD changer. You can link to them from this site.

schwitzer1

Are you pleased with the acceleration? Do you think that aftermarket "booster" toys are needed, or do you feel that the car is about right "as is?" I'm glad to know that there is a tighter suspension and larger wheels for the model year that I'd be getting (my lease isn't up until next August).
How did you go about getting yours? Lease? Buy? Lots or little down? Decent trade or "glad to get rid of it?"

fischda

I think the acceleration is very good. I dusted a Grand Am GT (3800 V-6) in a drag race. I would probably buy the chip and extra ECM if I had $500+ to thow around, but I have my eye on other toys right now.

I had an earlier 2000 GLS with a 2.0, and my wife totalled it. Insurance paid me $2500 more than I paid, so I got the 1.8T. Bought it. I sold my '93 Ford Ranger earlier for $8300, but used it to pay off wife's school loans. Put $1500 down on the Jetta and financed the rest. I'll never lease again!! I hate leases!!! What part of the country do you live in?

cgl2

I own a '97 jetta trek. This car was delivered with a "Votex" roof rack. The keys have been lost, and the rack is still on the car! I cannot take it off without breaking the locks. Before I do that I thought someone would have an idea of where I can find pass keys or replacement keys.
Thanks

vocus

Only thing I could think of is to go to a sports store or a place that sells the roof racks and see if they can help you. Also, a locksmith might be able to assist as well.

schwitzer1

I'm an Indianapolis resident. I tend to fixate on a car for a while, learn lots about it, and then fixate on another car. The Jetta is the only car that I've come back to again and again. I've liked 'em since the late '80's but never owned one. I drove a '78 puke orange Rabbit with boiling hot brown vinyl interior and no AC when I first got my license. I loved that car!

cramam

Anyone have any new info on production or delivery dates. All I have been able to find is a picture and release that they plan to build it. The dealer simply looks at me like I am crazy and won't admit to having heard of it or seem at all interested in starting a list for sales.

bluejetta

Roller96: I have a 2K1 Jetta and bought THE Panasonic changer and THE adapter that my sound guys said to buy and the dealer could not get the Monsoon head and the changer to "talk." Called a few other service managers and they said that about 20% of the time the Panasonic will work, 80% of the time it won't.

The changer would go through its power-up sequence, but the Monsoon would not recognize it when the dealer was trying to program the (Monsoon) head.

I now have a VW changer in mine. A few more bucks, but worth it to have the slick install where-it-belongs and not some hack-job by some tweaked-out audio nut.

Apologies to all the tweaked-out audio nuts. ;-))

vwguild

Shannon if you are interested in getting a GREAT
APR OR a substantial discount on a 2000 Jetta; you had better run down to your nearest VW Dealer
and see what they have left or what they can trade. Volkswagen Credit 3.5%(24mos), 4.90%(36mos),etc. expires close of business 10/4.
There is a $750 Dealer incentive as well, but you cannot get both. Well I should qualify that...you
most probably will not get both because the dealer
gives up the $750 if you use the special APRs.
But there is not much left but Black or White...
forget Silver, etc. except maybe a GL 5 speed.
CDs in any configuration are not *standard* on any
VW product.
If your timeline is December there will be no 2000
M/Y Jettas anywhere, regardless of color.

But GOOD NEWS, if you wait until then your NEW Jetta will come Standard with *Full Curtain Side
AirBags* added $ to the base price of $150.00.

Enjoy!!!

eclipsegs

...and when will VW.com update their website already?

vwguild

Side Curtains go into production on Jetta 10/9
Golf 10/23. No plans for Beetle at this point
in time. I will be in the Puebla facility on
Monday Oct. 23rd, will let you know more when I
get back...vw.com will post these running changes
probably early next month...but that is just a guess; I am not the webmaster fot that site...

vocus

I heard the design of the cup holders was changing for the 2001 Jetta. Is that true? I tried to search the VW website to find out, but the info on the 2001 models aren't up yet. Would appreciate it alot...

fischda

Americans have a fixation about cupholders that Europeans don't. Maybe it's because the Euros don't drink in their cars (they drink at every other opportunity, but never in the car)! Yes, VW cupholders are crappy, so I spent 15 bones on the cupholder tray that goes in the center armrest. It works very well, but of course then you can't rest your elbow on it.

vwguild

It,s true...it,s true. The new cupholders are a
bit more substantial, but fischda is 100% correct;
this is not an issue of major concern to Europeans, as a matter of fact it is a *ticket*
to get caught drinking or eating, or with a cell
phone stuck to the side of one's head. I say if
someone wants great cupholders and a lot of room
for extra CDs the you should look to a Dodge Ram.

wonderwall

i can't believe how many people on this website decide not to buy a car based on it's cupholders...

yeej67

The new cupholders were introduced in the later production 2000 models. I personally like the looks of the old ones better.

fischda

with wonderwall. I can't believe how many pinheads think cupholder design is more important than, say, engine design. That's how people end up with a Neon.

vocus

That was funny! I do admit that I hate the cup holders in the Jetta though. Because I commute 45 miles one way each day and always have a drink with me, a cup holder's design is important to me. It's not important enough for me to skimp in another department to get a nice cup holder. But it is a little important. About the last thing on my list though. What happens if you use the armrest cupholder thing? You can't use the amrest anymore or what??? Curious...

How is everyone's 1.8Ts holding up? And do you all have automatic or manual? Which would you all recommend? I want one, but waiting out reliability first. Just scared to take the plunge I guess.

fischda

Yeah, when you use the center armrest cupholder thing, you leave the lid up and you can't put your arm on it. No big deal to me, and I don't use it too often. There's still room under it for stuff too.

My 1.8T has been flawless so far - love it, and love the stick for fun (although it's plenty powerful for the auto tranny). I drove it in DC traffic and don't mind clutching at all.

vocus

I drive 295 and 495 5 days a week, so I was thinking about getting an automatic. I run these highways during rush hour, and I don't want to break a leg (so to speak) driving back and forth to work. I don't even know how to drive a stick correctly, and I keep finding myself wanting to move my automatic's shift lever at stop lights. I want a clutch really bad is what it is, but don't think I can handle it in DC rush hour traffic, without going crazy that is.

moira_vw

vwguild said that side curtains go into production on Jetta 10/9. I thought they were standard in the 2001 model. Is that not so?

vwguild

These are 4 additional bags that deploy in addition to the ones in the seat back...total
of 8 bags. I can fax you a fact sheet with an
illustration if you would like...PS