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Volkswagen Jetta 2005 and earlier

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    vtwatersvtwaters Member Posts: 24
    I think that $24,900 is a fair price. I too have the GLX w/ options (17" wheels, multi-function steering wheel, sports suspension) and got it for $24,800. The 17" wheels give the car a completely different look. It is very sporty and reminds me a little of the Lexus IS300. Besides the usual features you would expect in a car at this price (leather, sunroof, climate control, power seats), you get features like manual rear shade, rain sensing wipers, heated washer nozzles, heated mirrors, 6 airbags. The GLX is almost as nice as an Audi or BMW, but costs significantly less. I looked at the A4 and Saab 9-3 before I purchased the Jetta. I have no regrets thus far.
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    blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    I bought the VW Platinum Warranty for the same reasons. I wanted to get VW service at any dealership should something go wrong (pray it doesn't).


    By the way, my CD changer, when I unlock the doors before getting in the car, makes a noise. I can hear an electric buzz when I use the keyfob to unlock and disarm the alarm. Anyone else hear this?


    Karl Flaig

    Editor, http://www.blue-guy.com

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    maroon95maroon95 Member Posts: 26
    $24,800...that's a very good deal...

    that's what Edmunds TMV states...

    i knew that it was feasible for the salesman to go a bit lower, but those scums...

    the thing is that i did not plan to get all of those options, just the standard GLX at $24,300

    but they dont have any silver auto GLX except for the ones with 17" wheels...anyway, i dont regret getting those 17" wheels...it makes the car look beautiful...actually, i was shopping for my g/f...she adores the car so much!!!

    i got 3.9% APR for 48 months...

    vtwaters, how did you do w/ the financing, unless u paid cash...
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    hcornerhcorner Member Posts: 24
    Heard a newbite on this yesterday and wondering if anyone else heard it.

    A year or two ago, I did hear that Ford wanted to improve it's brand quality, mostly for the low end of the market, but with the legal problems they face with the Ford Explorer, it brings to mind that GM lawsuit where they made a choice not to fix an older car that had exploding gas tanks because the cost of the lawsuits would be cheaper then the cost of the recall.

    Scary.
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    flacaflaca Member Posts: 168
    God forbid this.
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    blackjetta18t1blackjetta18t1 Member Posts: 278
    VW is the second biggest car company on the planet, they arent gonna get bought by a smaller company, even if it is Ford, I mean hell VW owns Audi and BENTLEY! A bentley is worth as much as Ford..., well i'm j\k,. i know thats a big exageration, but hopefully you all get my point
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    vtwatersvtwaters Member Posts: 24
    I didn't do as well as you w/ financing maroon95. I got 7.65% for 60 months w/ VW credit. But it was way better than Bank One (10%) which I financed my two previous cars with. Granted I only had them for a total of 2.5 years, but still; Shell credit union (13.49%) and eLoan (14.75%). I read an article on some website that said never finance through a dealer as the dealer can make substantial profits by not offering you the lowest rate. Anyway, when the salesman told me "we'll get you the best deal", I immediately thought "here we go." About five days later when my car arrived, he told me the good news. Consumers should look at "all" options.
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    vtwatersvtwaters Member Posts: 24
    I thought VW was the third largest car company behind GM and Ford. From articles I've read, VW is trying to purchase its own stock to circumvent any attempts by would be pursuers. I guess we've all read that they might spinoff Audi to generate enough cash to buy back some shares. Don't they have to give up RR and Bentley in a few years to BMW. It would be a shame to lose Audi though.
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    k_h_bk_h_b Member Posts: 54
    Volkswagen is THE car manufacturer in europe, their sales are huge. No one is buying/will buy/can buy volkswagen out any time soon.
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    blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    According to analysts Ford does have the cash reserves to purchase VW. Basically only Ford and Toyota currently have that kinda cash on hand. Of course VW has a weird 20% rule that may block any one company from taking control of VW in a hostile take-over. But as far the economics are concerned, Ford could easily buy into VW. To say otherwise flies in the face of every professional analysts' take on this topic.

    Karl Flaig
    www.blue-guy.com
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    flacaflaca Member Posts: 168
    Ford should care of pending problems within their own company before attempting to distroy another company.
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    k_h_bk_h_b Member Posts: 54
    Well, buying INTO and BUYING is kinda different ;\
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    vtwatersvtwaters Member Posts: 24
    Would do you mean by that? Are you saying that buying some shares is different from buying all the shares? Truth be told, you only need to buy about 30% of a company to have a controlling interest. Whomever has the majority of shares pretty much runs the company. Ford only owns 3x% of Mazda, but basically owns the company. The same with Renault and Nissan.
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    vr6manvr6man Member Posts: 4
    Maroon, I think you did well. I bought a VR6 silver 5 speed, with multifunction steering wheel, in-dash Cd, and sports suspension (but no 17" wheels, as there was not one around) and I paid $23,800. So, it sounds like you did quite well.

    The sports suspension in either 16" or 17" wheel size changes the character of the car. It is DEFINITELY the equal or superior to the Audi A-4 (this was the other car I was strongly considering in 1.8T configuration). After driving BOTH, and having to put up with Audi dealer arrogance, I decided to go for the VR6 Jetta (as the 6 is DEFINITELY pepper than the WV configuration 1.8 --the Audi version is 20 horsepower more, and it shows!!).

    I would have gotten the 17" wheels, but they did not have one around configured like that. It is okay--the 16" with sport suspension is awesome. This is the best car I have owned, and I have had some rather nice ones---a BMW 325, a Honda Prelude, and two Accords.
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    blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    http://www.autonews.com/html/main/stories0618/vw619.htm


    "The whole thing about VW is they've got their 20 percent blocking share," Merrill Lynch analyst Michael Dean said, adding that Ford would be a likely candidate to buy VW if the law were different."


    "They'd certainly be interested. They're certainly be big enough as well,' he said. '(Ford) is one of the few auto companies that would be able to do it. That's why they're always going to be touted as a potential buyer.'"


    Or check


    http://biz.yahoo.com/fo/010529/0529gmdaewoo_2.html


    You don't need to BUY the company. You buy a controlling share of the stock. German law currently protects VW from an outright hostile takeover. Annoying and in my opinion downright socialist, but regardless the law exists. There are ways around it though...use your other arms, Mazda, Rover, Aston Martin and maybe partners to get control. Not that I favor VW going to Ford, because I don't, but I detest nationalistic protectionist laws.

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    maroon95maroon95 Member Posts: 26
    how many of you guys passed on the Audi A4 and opted for the Jetta?

    if so, do you guys have any regrets on opting for the Jetta over the A4?
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    blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    And found the A4 to be too small interior-wise. I felt cramped and closed in while piloting the A4. Sure the excellent warranty and gorgeous body were nice, but if I feel claustrophobic inside, then it's not very useful.

    The Jetta offered, for my tastes, the best blend of fun, style and low-level luxury at a reasonable price. I drove just about every car out there that I felt was competition:

    BMW 325
    Maxima SE
    Sentra SE
    Altima SE
    Prelude
    Civic EX
    Accord EX (coupe and sedan)
    Camry Solara SE V6 (5 speed)
    Celica
    Contour SVT
    Mustang
    Integra GS-R
    Eclipse
    Impreza WRX
    Lexus IS300
    VW GTI
    626
    Miata

    The Jetta WE won. Good price (20k), nice amenities, fun to drive, comfortable, easy to live with and nice looking.

    Karl Flaig
    www.blue-guy.com
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    hcornerhcorner Member Posts: 24
    Remember in the movie Aliens how "The Company" owns everything?? Well, I like the idea of companies staying small and independent, so when you buy a japanese car or american car, it actually is japanese or american.

    But these are changing times and who knows how far it's going to go, I only hope that the consumer doesn't lose out.

    On another point, which car brand, after something does goes wrong, is cheaper to fix: VW, Honda or Toyota??

    My mechcanic says VW is the most expensive to repair.
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    drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    image
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    newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    Which is more expensive to fix, Honda, VW, or Toyota? I don't know. In my experience, cars in general are expensive to fix. Parts for my integra were really expensive. $180 for a wheel bearing. My buddie with an Audi payed $700 for a factory exhaust system. It was a quality exhaust system, mandrel bends, stainless steel, so $700 sounds almost reasonable. On the other hand, my Mustang's parts were cheap compared to the integra. I guess to a certain extent, if the parts were quality in the first place, they are going to be spendy to replace. The mustang had cheap parts because for the most part, the whole car was cheap (vinyl covered particle board for door panels should give you and overall idea). The mustang was also a "parts bin car" that shared many parts with other fords which helps keep costs down. The cost of a brand new SVO crate 5.0L motor was only $2200. My mechanic also said that VWs are spendy to fix (he works at an import repair shop), but I don't know, I have never had to fix one.
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    vr6manvr6man Member Posts: 4
    I owned a 2000 Honda Prelude, and sold it to buy the VR6 Jetta. The Prelude was claustrophobic, and had an extremely tinny feel to it. Among the cars considered were the A-4 (too small, and nasty dealers) BMW 325--owned one before, not as great as touted, Saab 9-3 (too quirky) and Lexus IS 300 (too expensive for what it is).

    IMHO, the Jetta has the most value for the buck. As regards repairs, VW is no more expensive, nor unreliable than any other marque. Unless one owns a Chevrolet or Ford, repairs on any foreign will be more expensive--but the quality is worth the trade-off.

    I love my Vr6 Jetta....I think some of the negatives found on this board can be found for ANY car on any forum.
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    inkyinky Member Posts: 370
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    inkyinky Member Posts: 370
    My dealer has a 1.8T Wolfsburg for $18,375 list is $20,125 as he has added window tint. This is near invoice. No CD player or sunroof. Is there any kind of special VW financing going on now?
    INKY
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    jetta_hopefuljetta_hopeful Member Posts: 1
    Looking at 2000 Silver Jetta GLS, 5sp. Has heated seats, sunroof, alloy wheels, 11,000 miles. Private party seller is refusing to go below $17K, says it is because of the low mileage and additional theft/damage warranty. Edmunds private party TMV is $15,094. Jettas seem to sell quickly around here, is $17K reasonable? Thanks for any advice you have to offer.
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    fuzzofuzzo Member Posts: 88
    A friend of mine was looking into getting a new Jetta... can some of you share any known problems with this car.

    Can you also let me know if you got any good deals in the washington DC metro area..

    thanks
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    kfricemankfriceman Member Posts: 17
    Does anybody have this part number?
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    bluejettabluejetta Member Posts: 272
    1J0857465-Y20 for grey
    1J0857465-8YS for beige
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    hcornerhcorner Member Posts: 24
    My mech says all three brands are great, the only problem is when they start to break-down, VW will cost the most to repair the common problems that come with age. He likes the Honda for mixture of style and quality, but I hate the new look of the Civic.

    He also said that VW was going to re-design everything in one more year, that they plan to have a four year rotation on there brand. Did anyone else hear this??

    also, my mech doesn't like the turbos because one needs to buy an expensive computer to fix problems, so most will be forced to go to their dealers to get their engine maintained.

    (just so you know, he currently drive a 85 diesel jetta, and no no, business is doing well, he is just that type of person, likes the VW diesel)
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    vwdriver241vwdriver241 Member Posts: 2
    Hey, I'm looking at a 1999 Certified Jetta. It's a Burgundy GL with 63000 km or 39000 miles. It looks good, but how is the quality of the 2.0L engine? I plan on using Mobil 1 as soon as I get it to prolong the life of the engine. Were there any problems with the 1999 models? The asking price is $13990 USD. What would be a fair price for this car? It's a basic GL with ABS, Air, no power windows, no moonroof. Thanks for any help.
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    vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    Is it an Automatic or a 5 speed???
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    blackjetta18t1blackjetta18t1 Member Posts: 278
    vwdriver-i thik that is to much money, i mean i dunno but from what ive seen vw's don't deprecioate well, so i think u can/should get it for a lot less
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    bluejettabluejetta Member Posts: 272
    That's too much money! Here are the MAX prices: Trade-in: $10,241, Private Party sale: $11,019 and Dealer Retail: $12,315


    Here's the URL: http://www.edmunds.com/used/1999/volkswagen/jetta/4drglsedan/prices.html


    -Jim

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    fischdafischda Member Posts: 272
    My buddy has a 2000 A4 and I have a 2000 Jetta 1.8T. The cars are nearly equal in room and amenities IMO, and both are a blast to drive. I actually favor Jetta styling and think its trunk is roomier. I opted to forgo the quatro AWD and extra luxury touches for the 9 grand savings!

    On the subject of buyouts and mergers, etc. There is no such thing anymore as a purely Japanese/American/German car. Outsourcing is the name of the game - it makes economic sense. So no car is built from 100% parts of any one nation.
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    goblue96goblue96 Member Posts: 33
    I agree with bluejetta, that's a lot to pay. I got my 99 GL new for $15,400, and that was one of the first new Jetta's in Chicago (Feb 99). As far as problems with the 99's, my Jetta has maybe the worst electrical system in the history of the automobile (see post #1797). The engine and the body have held up great though.
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    vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    How you doin'? Can't tell this guy anything without knowing the tranny!!!!
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    aeonaeon Member Posts: 2
    I'm looking to purchase a GLX VR6 Jetta here in a couple months and I've been going through this message board checking things out. I have a question about getting the PSA option (17" wheels and sport suspension). Is it that you have to replace the wheels more often, or when you do they just cost more? I'd only really get the wheels for looks, not for racing or anything ;-)
    Maybe I should just stick with the 16s and get the sports suspension instead?
    Thanks.
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    vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    The wheels are a constant...you don't have to replace them ever. Tires
    need replacing, and the softer & stickier the rubber the more often They
    need to be replaced...This Package comes with Michlein Pilots a Great
    ALL Weather tire
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    obmotobmot Member Posts: 61
    I was just reading the thread about Ford buying VW, etc. Ford has a huge cash warchest, though I don't know their interest in VW or any other companies.

    In terms of who is "bigger" that is a very complicated question. If I am not mistaken, it is GM just atop Ford in terms of unit sales...with Ford about to pass GM. I am not sure of VWs unit sales. That is complicated by...do you count Volvo sales towards Ford or Bentley towards VW? Also, you can consider either unit sales, corporate market capitalization, total revenue of the company (but then do you include revenue from Fords highly successful finance arm or revenue from Hughes electronics towards GM's or revenue from and of Mitsubishi's plethora of divisions towards Mitsu?).

    Unless we can figure out numbers for unit sales, total revenue, market capitalization, etc. it is very murky figuring out who is "bigger." Despite the Explorer debacle, I can say that Ford is highly successful (it is the only US big-3 that hasn't lost much market share since 1970) and has gobs of cash on hand to buy whomever or whatever they want...provided the law would allow it (and this might be an inhibitory factor vis a vis a VW purchase - I don't know).

    All I can say with certainty is I am still very happy with my WE :)
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    obmotobmot Member Posts: 61
    http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/business/business-autos-honda-.html
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    vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    It doesn't matter...VWAG will always be a German Company with a worldwide
    presence...These rumors are coming on the heels of the threat of a serious
    recession on Germany...that said, VWAG will continue you to stand alone...
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    aeonaeon Member Posts: 2
    Thanks vwguild. Of course I meant tires and not wheels ;-) How often would you think you would have to replace those tires? I have put about ~20K a year on my current vehicle.
    Thanks again.
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    vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    Those Michleins should last 2.5 years...Check out www.tirerack.com
    There you can get ratings on a huge cross section of availabe Tires & Wheels...
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    vwdriver241vwdriver241 Member Posts: 2
    sorry to take so long to respond, but hey, work sucks. The transmission is a 5 speed.
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    vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    the car that you are looking at...A New Jetta, as opposed to the older body style,
    with Standard Side AirBags, 4 wheel Discs, and 4 wheel ABS and that carries
    a tag stating that it is a Certified Pre-Owned Jetta...has a 24 month/24,000 Bumper to
    Bumper Warranty & 24 months of RoadSide Assistance.

    The typical *used car* down here has a 90 DAY/3000 Mile PowerTrain Warranty and
    that is on the higher end of the norm...

    What you are looking at is obviously not your average used car...Having said that,
    Kelley Blue Book(www.kbb.com) puts a value of $15,660USD on this car...I think you
    are getting a more than Fair Price...

    And, I agree, work does suck...that is why I do what I do...I love it!
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    balticjetta18tbalticjetta18t Member Posts: 146
    2.5years, like 15k miles per... soooo. 45,000 out of them? The tire wear rating on it is very high along with the traction and heat ratings. I put a set of MXV's on an 85 GTI to replace the GY Eagle GT's. The GT's lasted 30-35K. The Michelins gave me a solid 65k. Rotated and balanced every 7500 mi. I'm happy that the Pilots are All season for M&S too so I don't have to pull em off in the winter to mount a seperate set of winter tires on steel wheels $$$$$$.
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    inkyinky Member Posts: 370
    Well, traded my temporary 99 Civic for the Jetta.
    the 3.9 for 36 months got me. Plus for whatever reasan I got a 1.8T with 5 speed, Moonsoon and Lux Package for $18,995 (advertised special). List was $21300, Edmunds TMV is $20200. I was told this was below invoice even with holdback.
    It has been on the lot for 6 months. I love the car and have ordered the sunglass holder. This car has amazing features for the price. The Civic seemed cheap after driving the VW. I drove the 1.8T wolfsburg for $18300 but not roof. The roof-moonsoon models were $20600 (best deal). Since the other was so cheap I gave up the nice wheels and stiffer suspension but the savings was compelling. I guess VW is trying to move some cars. I suspect incentive money.
    INKY
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    vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    No Incentive $$$ out there...Weak Sales Staff= Cheap Deals
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    leuvenmomleuvenmom Member Posts: 1
    Hi, I'm looking for a little advice. My last car was a '90 Jetta, it cost me nearly nothing to buy (but plenty in repairs) but I loved it. I moved overseas a couple of years back and gave it to charity. Now, I'm coming home I've got the $$ to step up to something nicer.

    I know I want a GLS sedan, but these engine options have me confused. I'd like to save some cash and just get the V4 engine. The car is mostly going to be for short hops around town, no commuting, and I am in no way a speed freak. However, I occasionally do a couple of hours on the highway to visit family in another state, and my '90 Jetta was seriously underpowered. Can I expect noise and disappointment at 75MPH in the V4? And then, if I want more oomph, do I want the 1.8L Turbo or the V6? How do they differ in performance *and* as far as needing repairs (and please, baby talk here, I'm not a car expert)?

    Also, what's the depriciation like for the first couple of years? I'm wondering whether to buy new or one-year-old.

    any help appreciated!
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    vr6manvr6man Member Posts: 4
    If you found the 2.0 4 cylinder engine underpowered in the '90 Jetta, you will still think it underpowered. My son has a Golf GLS with the 4, and a 5speed. It is adequate for that purpose, but the Golf is 400 pounds lighter than the Jetta. A better choice would be either the Turbo 4 or the 6 for highway driving. Unless you will be driving a 5speed, you probably will not be satisfied with the base 4 cylinder.

    From my experience, I like the 6. Other individuals like the Turbo here, and it boils down to personal taste. I would avoid the Jetta in 4 cylinder configuration, as it is just pushing too much weight, especially with an automatic.
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    inkyinky Member Posts: 370
    Hi, I suspect you are in the know. I guess it was what the business calls a value leader to get traffic in and hope for add ons, trade, extended warranty etc. I kept thinking something is wrong with the car. It is perfect to me. It is Green/Beige which my wife really likes. Anyhow, I was wondering if 5w30 was acceptable oil for the 1.8T? I was planning on doing my own intermediate change at 2500/7500 miles etc. 5,000 seems a little long for a turbo.
    But then again VW has a stout powertrain warranty based on 5000 intervals.
    My boss said "you got a Jetta!" I had an 89 Jetta or whatever and it was a ...... I told him these are decades different cars. I hope I do not eat my words as this is my first VW. My neighbor allowed me to drive his 84 Wolfsburg convertable. 5 Speed with over 300,000 miles. Drives great.
    INKY
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