Volkswagen Jetta 2005 and earlier

jettagls18t

bluejetta,

do you have any ideas about the time display question posted in #1593.

Also, do you hear the 'click' sound??

roninjouten

were standard equipment. Each one had those options. I passed on the car because it didn't have leather and I was really worried about quality control. Now I'm thinking maybe I do want it...oh well. The thing that sold me on VW recently was an accident in a friend's 2001 Golf. We were broadsided and the car held together like a champ. I felt totally, oddly, safe while this truck bashed into the side of us. Almost as if I knew the car would hold together perfectly. The only intrusion into the passenger compartment=glass. Wow!

bluejetta

The CD track details are only available on the European models, from what I have been told. My wife or I have not noticed any click sounds in the HU at all.

-Jim

french_guy

I say heaven because WV sells 50 % of their stock in the Province of Québec (20 % of the nation's population). I finally got rid of my 2000 Celica GT and getting a WE on Friday !

I have some tips for you guys from Canada.

- If you can't find the dealer's cost in Can$ you can :

     1. Subscribe to the A.P.A. (Automobilist Protection Association) they have some great deals for new cars also.

     2. Take Edmund's dealer invoice figures, figure out what's the dealers % on the car and the options you need, then apply the % to the M.S.R.P. in Can$. I was 250$ over the actual cost.

I got my WE at 600 Can$ over invoice, that's like 20$ US$ (kidding).

Check out http://www.carbuyingtips.com/

Great advice.

B.T.W. : I am French, therefore much better at writing in French...

bluejetta

Vous écrivez anglais très bien.

-Jim

jettacraver

I finally took the plunge. Here are the specs:

2000 GLS TDI w/ 6,950 miles. Manual transmission. VW corporate car.
Black, moonroof, monsoon, gray cloth, cold weather package.

I was given the shaft on the price, due to the limited availability of TDI's. I called all the dealers in the state and was only able to find three used TDIs for sale. Further, it seems that 2001 TDIs are out of the question . . . next bet would be a 2002 TDI. All the dealers repeated this. Here's the real kicker. I had been nosing around this TDI for awhile, and after the deal was all done and the check handed over, the sales guy confided in me that there was a person actually in the showroom ready to purchase the car if I didn't while I was wrapping up the deal. That just illustrates the limited availability of the TDIs. With the jump in gas prices, diesel seems to be more attractive every day.

By the way, I love it. Don't feel that I've sacrificed any performance by going diesel . . . it's torqued to low that I get kicked back in my seat every time I run through second gear!

Finally, re: the Panasonic CD changer MIX option - I ordered mine through Crutchfield, and was told that there were two adapters available . . . one worked with the MIX function, and the other did not, with a $15 premium paid for the one that worked with the MIX function. If it's not working, you may have the wrong adapter.

sebring95

So what'd ya pay? More than a new one? I found one new one within a couple hours drive and they won't budge off of sticker (it's a stripper GL). The GLS models seem to be selling above sticker when you find them. I'm not so sure it's that great of a deal if you can't get one in a normal buy range ($500 over invoice max). You can buy a 35-40mpg car for many thousands less. Driving 50K miles per year, it would take 4 years before you recoupe the initial cost difference between a cheaper 40mpg car and a Jetta TDI. By that time you're pushing 200K, which is when I'm usually ready for a new car anyway. Someone that only drives 30K per year would need 6 years to recoupe the cost. Starting to think it's not that great of a deal. If you could buy one for $17K with low miles it would make alot of sense.

jbalser

I was able to get the saleman to tell me "you win" instead of congratulations when we closed the deal. I went in knowing that base invoice was 17716 and offered 20500 out the door tax and license included. That was a WE with snf, moonsoon, in-dash cd (I basically got then to throw it in), cold weather pkg, pretty much everything. I was able to call them on their ripoff attempts and used it to my advantage. I went to McKenna in Norwalk, CA. You have to be persistent with them though.

bluejetta

Jettacraver said:

Finally, re: the Panasonic CD changer MIX option - I ordered mine through Crutchfield, and was told that there were two adapters available . . . one worked with the MIX function, and the other did not, with a $15 premium paid for the one that worked with the MIX function. If it's not working, you may have the wrong adapter.

That is absolutely correct and I should have mentioned that! It's on my website too...at: http://www.bluelagoonjetta.com and another fun place is: http://www.jettaownersclub.org

-Jim

proboscis

Hi everyone...

I have been considering a Jetta for a while now and am now leaning towards buying one. I test drove one with a 2.0L motor recently and the ride was fine. However, I have seen quite a few posts on this board suggesting that this engine is a bit underpowered.

Unfortunately for me, the engine choices are pretty confusing... I'm very likely to get either the 2.0 or the 1.8T... the only problem is that I am a real dunce when it comes to this stuff and do not even know what it means for an engine to
qualify as "turbo".

I'll obviously have to do more research when I get a chance, but can someone give me a quick rundown of the basics of a turbo engine and the basic pros and cons of purchasing one? I noticed that somebody posted that you may or may not have to idle the engine a bit to let it cool down before shutting the car off. Another person suggested that the power advantages of the turbo engine would be lost on an automatic transmission... is this the case? My purchase would involve a Jetta with auto, and I just want to be more aware of the benefits and drawbacks of each option for an auto driver. I'm not looking to do any drag racing or anything, but I do want to make sure what I get has adequate power. If anyone gets a chance to take some time out to respond to this message, thank you!

moparbad

Don't second guess your deal...just enjoy your TDI.
Regarding the comments about recouping the cost. In my area unleaded regular is $1.88 and up and diesel is $1.43. The TDI will get 50MPG on highway and 45 in town. I will save nearly $500 every 10,000 miles.
How is a comparison of the Jetta with a cheaper 40MPG car valid? A Toyota Echo, Honda Civic HX, or Suzuki Swift can all obtain 40MPG. Are any of them in the Jetta's class for comfort, driving enjoyment, or longevity? Comparing it to Jetta 2.0, 1.8T or VR6 makes more sense.

french_guy

I have a great link that explains exactly what Turbocharged engines are all about. The guy is actually talking about a Ford Escort... but read through it, there is alot to learn !

"To get more horsepower out of a car, it needs to get more fuel (and air so that the fuel can burn). This is done by force feeding the engine by means of a turbocharger"

http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Strip/5446/tech/turbocharge/turbocharged.html

Hope this will help to clear it up !

En passant, merci beaucoup Blue Jetta !

imswissmiss

We are interested in buying a 2001 Jetta GLX V6. However we have seen reviews that are not in favor of this saying the Jetta is below average on reliability. I have a friend that has a 2000 Jetta and she's had it in the shop more times than she's driven it! We want to be sure we're getting a good, reliable car. Do any of you have any comments or thoughts for us? If I am going to buy a brand new car then I want the quality to go with it. Thanks for any insights.

jettacraver

Sebring95, I paid $20,300 out the door. And Moparbad, you are absolutely correct . . .there's nothing for it now but to enjoy the ride. I love the car, and will never second-guess the price. It seems like it just comes with the TDI territory right now, with the gas-price-driven demand surge for diesels. More important than the price is the solid feel of the car and the amazing gas mileage. In a weak moment I may even admit that I like the sideways glances at my little diesel happily idling away at a stop sign.

sprouty1

I've had my 2001 Jetta GLX (wanted GLS VR6 W/leather but hard to find in the color combo I wanted) for three months and 4,000 miles. I love it. No problems at all so far, though I'll admit that some of these other posts make me nervous as well. I had two Saab 900s ('89 turbo and '96 hatch) before this, and they were more expensive to buy, maintain, and repair plus they weren't as fun to drive or as solidly built. It's a great car and a truly wonderful value for the $$, and keep in mind that MOST of the folks in here are saying great things about their Jettas.

afryar

I have a 2001 GLX with only 1,400 miles on it so far and haven't had an ounce of trouble, while it's still early, my girlfriends 2.0 liter has been in the shop 4 times already (with only 400 miles on it...). My Roommate has a 2000 GLX with close to 30,000 miles on it, he just recently had a problem with his "climatronic" but nothing truly mechanical. I'm not going to say that there's not a reliability issue with VW because I've seen it first hand with my girlfriends car but I think it's just a matter of getting over the hump with these initial problems. That's what warranties are for, right? right. So enjoy a GLX, you won't regret it.

vtwaters

I recently purchased a GLX and haven't had any problems. Of course, the car has less than 1,000 miles on it; I guess it shouldn't have any problems this early in the game. However, I purchased the bumper-to-bumper extended warranty for about $900; it's good for 10 years/100,000 miles. The GLX is an excellent car; probably the next best thing to a 3-series for the price. Just buy the extended warranty and wash your fears away. It's probably wise to get it anyway because the car, as you may know, is "POWER" everything. Something's bound to go out after the original warranty expires.

roninjouten

Anecdotal evidence from people in here...pretty worthless. If you want hard facts about the Jetta, take a look at JD Power's rankings and Consumer Reports. Honestly, the slim warranty (2/24k B2B) and the still low rankings - average in the last report - make the 2001's an iffy proposition. Also, talk to your mechanic...it's an eye opener if you trust him. Mine essentially said the VR6 is a tempermental engine and he stressed the 1.8T is the only worthwhile engine VW makes currently. Talk to yours...

The people in here, while helpful, generally are not representative of the general ownership. Furthermore, if you're gonna trust anecdotes regarding ownership, why not talk to friends and family first, rather than strangers. I'd think a friend with a Jetta always in the shop would be troubling.

obmot

You got a good deal, the invoice prices are obviously a LOT lower there ... here is how mine added up:

The WE invoice here (and on the net) is: $17,713
Destination: $550
Texas Port Tax: $40
Moonroof: $808
Cold: (cant get it here, but...): $133
Monsoon: $287
Side Airbags: $133

So, Total Invoice here before ANY TT/L is: $19664

After some more of the "Tax 'em til they die Texas taxes" added, my *invoice* (*without* cold package) was over $19,700.

Add 8.25% tax to that ($1625) and I got $21,325. TT/L adds about $250 to that (more state and local George W. Bush Taxes added) and the total was $21,525.

I am paying total $21,400 which is essentially invoice + TT/L/ Id love to know how you got such a great deal, they laughed at me (literally) when I offered $20,500 FINAL cost, which put the car itself + options well below invoice for WE + options.

I fell good about my deal, considering it's in Texas where there is a Tax on everything (unless you're rich of course - I still can't figure out why I'm paying MUCH higher property tax than GB senior who lives in a multimillion dollar house in Tanglewood, go figure).

afryar

I'm glad to know that my and others input into these discussions is "pretty worthless".

roninjouten

"The people in here, while helpful, generally are not representative of the general ownership."

But yes, anecdotal evidence from strangers is pretty worthless. People you know will even try to tell you they have a reliable car until you point out the four times that year you've given them a ride while their new car is in the shop. I think the forum is great for getting info on prices, places to shop, aftermarket items, but for reliability, I don't trust this forum to provide a reasonable facisimile of fact when CR and JD Power essentially contradict what people in here contend.

fischda

roninjouten - Sorry to contradict you, but I think CR and JDP are crap! I have many personal accounts (mine and friends) where highly-rated products by CR and JDP have turned out to suck. I'm not talking about just cars, but a variety of goods. I really don't think there exists a foolproof source on product evaluation.

I read reviews, but I sure as hell don't base my decision to buy solely on them. I recently bought top-of-the-line Kenmore washer and dryer - top-rated by CR, but not before doing my own survey of Kenmore owners and repair places. I find the insights here very beneficial. If someone loves their Jetta, they say so. If they have problems, they say so with the same freedom. You get a pretty good picture of the product here.

roninjouten

Funny how you use anecdotal evidence to somehow disprove that CR and JD can be used for making an educated buying choice. They base their stats on empirical evidence. Yes you may buy an Accord and it could very well be a horrendous vehicle with problems from day one, BUT if one looks at the stats, your Accord is the anomaly, not the stats. Your Accord falls into that category that keeps any product from being 100% fault free. You can just as easily point to a Camaro with 200k miles on it and claim based on your experience (and flying in the face of contrary research) the Camaro is a reliable car. Heck, 50 Camaro owners can back up your claim on this board, but if the research says otherwise, I trust the research of thousands of respondents v. the anecdotes of a few owners.

BTW, in the Jetta forum here, which I've been reading steadily for about a year, I've yet to see many derogatory comments about the car, yet I know people dislike it as the maintanence section shows a very different face (to be expected). In the Passat forum I've seen people mention problems (squeaks, rattles, hoses, lights, etc) and get lambasted for nit picking niggling problems.

braver

I'm choosing between 2000 Jetta 1.8T or VR6,
auto. I drove a 1999 VR6 GLS before and it
smoked all the slow Princeton folks. Will
it feel quite close in a Turbo? What are
the pros and cons of Turbo v. VR6?

plugbug

I'm a recent buyer of a 2001 VR6 (the odometer reads 232 miles), and I was a little bummed when I saw imswissmiss's note and roninjouten's response. Not that I have a problem with the inquiry or the response, it's just that I had hoped this reliability issue wouldn't, well, be an issue.

So far so good on my car, but it's absurdly new. That said, I've definitely had my doubts about VW's reliability. CR and JDP might not be the be-all/end-all, but when you take those judgments into account and add the facts that there are edmunds forums devoted to VW horror stories and web sites with URLs like www.myvwlemon.com and my mom's 1985 Jetta was a TOTAL lemon, well, those nagging doubts are kind of hard to keep submerged.

I really love my car -- I love the way it drives, handles, looks, and its myriad cool features. So I've made a conscious decision to believe that the company has improved and that every carmaker has its lemons, and I hope I'm right. And for every one person I've met who's had a bad VW, I've met five who had great experiences. That said, if this car has a lot of problems, next time I'm definitely going Toyota or Honda.

roninjouten

Plugbug....I will probably take the plunge in 2002 model year. I'm well aware of the reliability issues plaguing the VW make, but yet there's something about the feel of that turbo that's so perfect. Everything about the interior is attractive to me too. I passed on the WE this year (april) only because it lacked leather...but I must say after surviving an accident without a scratch in a 2001 VW Golf this month if I'm very interested in VW. If it weren't for the swirling rumors about a 3/36k warranty boost, 170 hp in the 2002's 1.8T and a standard CD player, I'd probably go buy a WE right now. I sure hope VW at least gives me the added the HP and CD player (finally) for 2002.

Braver...the 1.8T lacks a bit on torque and power compared to the VR6, but the VR6's extra weight makes the car quite nose-heavy and sloppy in corners. It's a trade off. I lean toward the 1.8T also because the engine is considered one of the best engines ever made, unlike the much maligned VR6. Why is the 1.8T in 7 audi/VW models? How many have the VR6? The chipping capabilities on the 1.8T are also quite enticing.

knewjetta

roninjouten,

if you find this stuff useless, why read it for almost a year?

sprouty1

I found it interesting that roninjouten's mechanic stated that the turbo 4 cyl. engine was the way to go because my mech. said the exact opposite. Goes to show that even the "experts" can't have consensus. I've heard horror stories from Passat and A4 owners as well as some Jetta 1.8 owners of turbo failure and intercooler failure. Because a turbo car runs hotter than a normally aspirated car, years of aggressive driving takes a toll on the turbine and the parts which have to keep it cool. Maybe the VR6 IS finnicky (but geez I hope not, as I have one!) but it's been around a lot longer and is more tested across more VW corpotrate products. Most mechanics as well as Saab, Audi, or Volvo owners will say that turbos are more troublesome over the long run.

roninjouten

knewjetta, look at post 1624. There are great aspects to this forum.

sprouty...that is interesting. Yes Turbos are harder on engines in the long run. But I'm curious why you would say the VR6 is in so many products...the 1.8T claims 7 current Auid/VW products. If I'm not mistaken the VR6 is in 2 vehicles. Obviously Audi must have a little bit of faith in the good ole 1.8T. Considering the high marks garnered by the A4 and Passat and TT, maybe there's something to it?

sprouty1

Not to go [non-permissible content removed]-for-tat, but for the sake of argument...The 4 cyl. turbo is a great engine, don't get me wrong. It's in, what, the New Beetle, Golf, Jetta, Passat, A4, TT, and I must be forgetting one. The VR6, in some form, was in the old (and wonderful) Corrado, the Passat of both one and two generations ago, the new and older Jetta, the new and older GTI, the A4, the A6, and the Eurovan. So it's been around, too. The sad thing is that we are all worried which of our engine choices will have trouble first. We all like our VWs and so we should root for longevity! Long live 1.8Ts and VR6s equally!

imswissmiss

sorry my inquiry brought up such a stink. All I want to know is what other people have to say about their Jetta's. Obviously I want to check out the whole picture before I just go off of one person's comments. For your information I looked in Consumer reports and found their reviews horrible but they were that way for a Jeep Lorado too and it has been fabulous. I wanted to know if all these problems are just with a 2000 model or if 2001 has experienced problems as well!

plugbug

imswissmiss, don't sweat it about your question. You just brought up something we'd all been thinking about. Good luck on your decision, whichever way you go. I'm enjoying this friendly give-and-take about the 1.8T vs. the VR6, although as the recent buyer of a VR6 I'm a tad biased.

Anyway, two quick questions:

1) I was driving with a couple people and had a CD in the changer (the Panasonic CXDP610). The problem was, the lowest volume -- i.e., one tick above the minimum -- was too loud, but there was no lower to go without turning off the music entirely. Is there anyway to adjust that, or will we just either have to talk louder or use the radio?

2) Does the VR6 need high-octane, or can I get by with regular?

Thanks...

vocus

I wanted a VW Jetta really badly as my next car purchase. I know that everyone gets a lemon occasionally too, and it can happen with any car make. But because of the short warranty, higher price (compared to other cars its size), and reliability scare persuaded me not to purchase. I am kinda sorry now when I see a Jetta on the road, and hope I made the right decision in the long run. Next time around, though, I will definitely consider a VW a little harder if the warranty is better.

mruck3

Please let me know if this is a fair lease for a 2001 VW jetta Wolfsburg with power sunroof, monsoon stereo system, NE emission and head side airbags:
MSRP - 21490
invoice - 19590
(both include 550 dest. charge)

Dealer 1 quoted 322.67 a month for 36 months, 12k per year with 1424 due at signing.
(residual value is 59%, rate of 0.00315)

Dealer 2 quoted 344 a month with 1145 down.
(he used a rate of 0.00299)

There are 3 other dealers in the area i need to check out.

I think the rate factors used are too high. I think the selling price of the car should be 20,100 ( a 5% profit for the dealer).

What signing fees should i be paying?

Also, www.carbuyingtips.com has a couple of great excel spreadsheets for calculating offers and leases.

proboscis

Just like you, I have been sitting around wonder whether I want a Jetta or a Pro... I had almost made my mind up to go for the Protege but I started getting pangs of cognitive dissonance whenever I saw a Jetta because the car just looks so nice to me. The Protege also looks nice and all, but I really like the look of the Jetta better. The 2.0 L engine on the Protege ES seems powerful enough, the car is quite comfortable (like you, I'm tall as well --- almost 6' 4" and any other Japanese compact is basically a non-option because of that) and the back seat room is great, but I don't like the feel of the steering wheel when driving and am not sure if I could get used to it or not. Anyway, I have a list of pros and cons for each car, but I am leaning more towards a Jetta now mainly because of the looks, the slightly more upscale feel of the Jetta, and the fact that it seems to be a much more solid car. By solid, I'm referring to the feel of the windows and doors.... just like most Japanese compacts, the Protege has a real tin box feel to it and I'm not used to that type of car.... even though I know it is structurally sound, it feels very weak to me... anyway, don't have any regrets about the Pro..... what's done is done and you did get a decent car....... from here, you can help me make my decision if you have any input that might be of interest. Thanks!

eck71

First to obmot: you should be happy to pay the 8.25% tax in Texas. I was a resident of Houston for 25 years and miss it as you know. Up here in New Jersey tax ranges around the state but avg. is around 6.00%. Yeah it's lower than Texas but you also get a 1.5% tax deducted from EVERYTHING you gross and a 1.0%+ state tax from the same. Be proud to take home your money and pay $450 more for tax on a $20,000 car. I can assure you that you'll benefit more that way. As for the auto transmission robbing the turbo, that is not true. The turbo works off the engines exhaust therefore the engine has "turbo-lag" when not at a high rpm. You lose the extra power every time you shift with a std. and have to build it back up. An automatic does not lose as many rpm between shifts, but it is not as fun to drive an auto either. My suggestion is to go with the 2.0 or VR6 and throw a $3K supercharger on it for between 225-320 HP respectively. Dealer installed(if you can find one to do it reasonably) will not void warr. A supercharger forces air into the engine from the get-go via a drive belt and will always be producing power and will not create extra heatas the turbo does. All around, it's a better option if one is interested in power increases. As far as the 2002 Jetta goes, LOOK OUT! The VR6 is going to 200+HP and will be matted with a 6 speed close ratio gearbox for even more performance. Add a SC to that and we're talking nearly 350HP. Ouch. Let the BMW's and their high dollar stickers sit at the dealer 'cause they won't touch this one and I'll still have $20K+ to boot. Just a word to help those in search of the Panasonic CD changer(and to make the one's who have already purchased one upset) go to refurbdepot.com and get one for $125. They also have many other products for much less than wholesale prices. If you are concerned about items being refurbished, don't be, read the websites claim to this.

eck71

Just thought I would elaborate a bit more on some of the postings here. First, the clicking noise experienced is most likely from an insufficient ground on the CD changer. This is a common problem when adding electrical or stereo equipment in a vehicle. Check the ground and make sure it contacts an uninsulated metal part(no paint, sealant, carpet in the way.) As for the well priced loaded up GLX, the salesman is trying to rob you for $28K!!! I just got quoted on an order for a 2001 GLX, galactic blue, 5 spd., sport suspension pkg, 17" wheels and Michellin Pilot tires(only option except trans.) for $23,600 + tax, which also includes 10yr/100k extended warranty. Check it out a little more. Maybe regional but I can't imagine that much of a difference. As the facts were stated in my last posting, I will be waiting till December for the mid-model change to the more powerful 2002 VR6 6spd! Until then I'll be sharing the joy of driving my wife's 2001 GLS and let the '98 Eagle Talon sit in the driveway; anyone interested?

moparbad

quote by mpgman-
I can't speak for CA, but no new TDIs are being sold in NY this year. VW prohibits it. TDIs cannot pass NY emissions tests as presently configured. The 50 state emissions or NE emissions certifications apparently won't work in NY for diesels, only for gas models. Only used TDIs, initially registered in another state, can be brought into NY and registered. Then you get a waiver for the emissions test. Now unless VW has done something to address the emissions issue lately.......I have not heard anything about this.
Call NY DMV to verify the above.
end quote-

TDI's are 50 state emissions legal. They even have a sticker on the car that states this.

They are sold in NY.

here is quote from recent purchaser of TDI in NY-
I bought a VW TDI Golf 2001 in early March and I live in NY. It wasn't easy to find a dealer who would sell one to me, even dealers in Penn. said they wouldn't risk getting in trouble with VW. In the end, a local dealer got my car within a month. This dealer said they can't advertise the TDIs, but they can sell them. I wasn't going to argue. Now I am one happy TDI driver.
end quote-

If you want a TDI and live in NY it is possible to buy one in NY or elsewhere and drive it in NY.

mpgman said to call NY DMV-
The "Official Scoop" -
I contacted a gentleman in NY State's Technical Standards division of the Department of Motor Vehicles (I THINK that was the department name; the number was 518-474-5282). Danix was absolutely correct - VW, NOT New York state, has stopped selling TDI's in NY temporarily so that the company won't violate their alloted limit in aggregate NO2 emissions. If you buy a TDI out of state, or have one and drive it instate, then you have absolutely nothing to fear - police are not on the lookout for TDI drivers to bust. This is apparently a very common question; I started off the conversation by saying that I had a question about operating a diesel vehicle in state boundaries, and the rep immediately said "Volkswagen, right?"
-the above call was in response to some ignorant rumor being spread about owners of TDI's getting tickets from NY police for polluting.

Trying to put an end to the erroneous info. that states that TDI's are illegal in CA and NY.

wolfiedriver

What a drive! I tried the base 2.0L engine, but after some time with the 1.8T, I was sold. She's equipped with Moonroof, Cold Weather Pkg, and Monsoon. No more Jetta envy for me!

bluejetta

Congrats!!! Now that you're cured of Jetta-Envy, you now have to deal with Perma-Smile. You know what I mean...How many times have you looked out at the Jetta in the driveway/garage? How long did it take ya first thing in the morning to take the 'first look'? How many excuses to go somewhere? Anywhere? For no reason? Cheeks hurt from smiling too much?

Yeah. You got the disease...Perma-Smile. Welcome to the club. ;-)

-Jim

http://www.jettaownersclub.org
http://www.bluelagoonjetta.com

french_guy

To help you make up your mind, this is the thought process I went through when I decided to change my Celica 2000 GT (not financially smart) for a Jetta WE.
I was the proud owner of a '91 Prelude, wanted some change, and decided to go for looks rather than what I really wanted, another Prelude. I read everything there was about the Celica, knew about Toyota's reliability record, etc... I took the plunge. A year later, I was getting really tired of the cheezy look of the interior, wanted a moonroof, there wasn't much torque below 4000 rpm, seats were lacking lower back support, rattles on rough roads.
At that point, anything Japanese was too much flash no substance, or didn't offer any driving fun, hatchbacks rattle, American cars were not considered. I considerd the Volvo S40 (too much $$$), the Acura 1,7 EL (no torque, no fun), Accord (too big), and the Prelude discontinued (The new Acura RSX too flashy).
The Jetta represents everything I was looking for in a car ; lots of fun to drive, lots of little things that makes it feel like a more expensive car, and such a solid feel to it! I'm in love (I got a great deal too)! The only thing missing in the WE is leather (there's always the aftermarket...)
Hope it helps !

Question : What's the best wax for a gorgeous black WE

New perma-smile victim !

blackjetta18t1

i've heard Mcguires is excellent

wolfiedriver

Which in-dash single CD player do dealers install, or is there several? What is the typical cost?

I've got the regular Monsoon/cassette, but may negotiate a CD player if the price is right before I take delivery of my new WE Tuesday.
Thanks!

obmot

Hi again -

I should pick up my WE on Saturday. Anyone here get a Masterguard Extended warranty? I cant find info on the web about the plans/prices. Any input/information would be appreciated!

wolfiedriver

I too pick up my new Wolfsburg tomorrow, can't wait!

I passed on the extended warranty, it's a gamble, so we'll see how it pans out.

obmot

I dont know any of the lengths/prices on the ext. warranty, but I am fairly certain you have until 6000 odometer miles to get the extended coverage.

liquidtide1

Hopefully no one out there has ever had this happen to them but I am curious if this is normal? I was in an accident in my '95 Jetta and to put it in a nutshell, I hit a patch of black ice on a rural road at about 25-30 mph. This caused me to go over a 10 foot embankment.I had enough speed that I did not go nose first off the embankment. However the car was totaled with major damage to the undercarriage and right side of the vehicle. Fortunately I was not seriously injured however neither the drivers or passenger airbag ever opened. What kind of force or what part of the car needs to be hit for the airbags to open? Any insight would be appreciated as I am considering another Jetta but am now concerned about safety issues. Thanks!

roninjouten

I was recently involved in a rather harsh broadside accident in a 2001 Golf and that Golf held together perfectly. Yes there was extensive damage to the outside and the mechanicals (we were broadsided by a truck doing at least 40 MPH) but the passenger compartment was a perfect cocoon. In fact as we were hit I didn't feel the least bit in danger.

Sure it's anecdotal, but I'm very impressed by German safety engineering.

BTW, your airbags shouldn't go off unless you hit something head on. There's no need for an airbag if the car is doing 360s.

fischda

2000 GLS - My wife hit a concrete barrier at about a 75 degree angle (15 deg. away from head on). She was doing 40-50 mph. The air bags deployed, and there was zero deformation to the passenger compartment! The frame rails along the sides of the engine buckled inward and rebounded. No glass broke, nor did tires pop. Damage to front end, front fenders and a little to front door sheet metal.

I thought the car would be maybe $6-7K and fixable, but the appraisal soared over $13K for a total loss! The frame did it's job. I thought the car was the most solid of all I tested, and when NHTSA gave it highest marks ever in its class, I was reassured. Now I'm convinced - this car is as safe as a small sedan can be!

Of course, my testimony is merely anecdotal, right, roninjouten? If JD Power says the Jetta is a tin can death trap, then it is!! Just a little jab for you, buddy... I think the users and the testers have consensus on Jetta safety!

roninjouten

Glad to hear your wife was okay. Those VWs currently have a feeling of just solidness and safety. Only in German cars do I feel like I'm protected. Of course the crash ratings generally prove that to be true too.