Volkswagen Jetta 2005 and earlier

nschulman3

I am in the process of buying a leftover 2001 wolfsburg jetta or beetle gls 1.8 sport (my wife likes the beetle because it is cute). I presently own a subaru wrx (great car) and a 2000 audi tt coupe. We have had a lot of problems with the audi, although it is a great looking car. The ride/handling tradeoff is too severe. I am leaning towards the wolfsburg jetta with monsoon and cold weather. Any thoughts?

blueguydotcom

Expect more with the Jetta. If you want to avoid problems, get something made by a decent company.

BTW, that WRX is one fun little car. Man that engine was intoxicating. Before making my purchase, I had narrowed my choices down to the IS300, WRX and Jetta WE. I now regret not waiting for the IS300 5 speed. Live and learn.

vocus

The Audi and VW actually share a platform and the engine as well. You might do well by getting something else, because Jettas are not known for their reliability either. Of course, no car out there is going to be bulletproof. All cars have troubles, just like gambling when you buy a car. Hope you get a good one that day. If not, then you are in trouble. Blueguy, you don't think that Audi/VW is a decent company? Then why do you drive one of their cars? Makes no sense to me.

blueguydotcom

sue me. I'm beating myself up over it everytime I go near that car. For some reason I thought, "Hopefully it won't happen to me." Essentially my love affair with the engine, ergonomics, interior design and styling clouded my senses and I put aside all the negative talk for some pie-in-the-sky notion MY Jetta probably wouldn't be like all those others. I was wrong. If I'd listened to my brain I'd probably have a 2002 IS300 5 speed right now, rather than at least another year with my Jetta.

bluewolf

Get the Monsoon, it really does sound better. Better speakers and 200W makes a difference. You'll be glad you did. Have fun!

BTW, my '01 Jetta Turbo has 4k miles with zero problems. Love this car. There are trouble-free Jettas out there...

vocus

Why don't you go and trade in the Jetta and let it go to a home of someone who will really like it? And also, it would make you happier too. These cars hold very good trade-in value, so you might wanna check on it. Also, I have 6 people in my office who have 2000/01 Jettas (all are VR6s but one, which is a GLS 2.0). None of them have had trouble with their cars. So I guess that whole thing about all Jettas having problems isn't true. I am just the opposite. I am kicking myself because I did NOT buy a Jetta when it came time to purchase. I listen to CR and didn't get one, and now kick myself every time I see one on the road. But Blueguy, I guess you and I both will research more carefully next time we buy a car, eh?

jayz4

The whining noise you are experiencing between 35-40 is due to the rear axle being made of hollow aluminum. The dealers are aware and you should call tme and get it replaced under your powertrain warranty. The updated one is made of solid steel and doesn not cause any whine. Any problems and call the customer care center at 800-822-8987

kyleknicks

blueguy should sell his jetta wolfsburg to vocus and we'll all be happy!!

blueguydotcom

I figure to get out of my lease on the WE it's gonna cost me somewhere in the neighborhood of 18-19k considering I've only had the car 4 months and it was 19.5 out the door. I find it tough to believe my Jetta is worth anything more than 16-17k to the average Joe. So am I to take a 2k hit?

Vocus, have you asked those people if they've had any "minor" problems yet? See, I asked around and people in my office all said, "No it's been great." I pressed more and discovered that all of them had taken their cars in for some warranty work...bad speakers, dead batteries, vibrating panels, broken mirror controls or rattles. To them, these weren't "problems." I guess only gross mechanical defects qualify as problems?

vocus

I will take your WE if you take my 2001 Protege ES with 16K on it. My loan payoff is $17K (just got it 7 months ago and no down pmt., financed @ 12.7 APR with crappy credit). The car is now worth like $11.5K. Stop complaining, you are in a LOT better situation than I am right now.

And I know for a fact that my boss' 2001 Jetta GLS VR6 stick has been trouble free. Not one problem in a year and 10,000 miles.

asimpson

Just acquired a 2002 Jetta Turbo. Very fast, very smooth, very nice. As with all VWs it seems: MYSTERIOUS RATTLES from front passenger door (just like my 1996 Jetta). Trouble is, the rest of the car is so quiet it is very obvious. Does anybody have any specific recommendations?

ALSO, specifically which Panasonic CD player fits the existing wiring in the trunk? There was also an adapter mentioned.

Any suggestions/recommendations would be appreciated!

nwvw

Just note the rattle and have it taken care of on your first checkup. As for the changer specs, check here: http://www.geocities.com/bluelagoonjetta/cdchangermod.html

-Jim

http://www.jettaownersclub.org

blueguydotcom

Nww: He's supposed to wait 3-4 months until the car has 5k miles to get the rattle taken care of?

Asimpson: Take the car in now. They'll pretend to fix it then. Use your warranty. The changer is a Panasonic DP610. You can buy it and the connector for about 220 total if you shop all the local car stereo places. I couldn't find anyone on the web selling the DP610 for under $200. I found plenty of local places selling it for under $180.

Vocus: Why do you want out of your Mazda? Just the payments?

vocus

I have liked the Jetta since they came out in 1999 with the redesigned model, and even more so with the turbo engine for 2000. I wanted a 1.8T GLS automatic, but the reliabilty woes that I heard about stopped me. I am sorry it did now, because most people I know have not had problems with the Jetta. I have, however, had some issues with my 2001 Protege, which I bought because of its trouble-free reliability. I guess you just live and learn, and just realize you get a bad car sometimes, no matter what brand name.

blackjetta18t1

i tried that remedy for the creaks about two weeks ago by rapping the latches in a layer of tape. Hasn't worked, seems worse....

nwvw

However, another owner reported 100% success using this method a pile of messages back...

studboy

Hello,
I am not seriously in the market for a car, but if the price is right I may buy. I have a '92 Plymouth Laser (Mitsu) with 163,000 miles on it. Plain Jane, but gets me to work. I live in Pasadena, MD (south of Balt.) and drive 37 miles to work one way (east of DC). I am married with one child and his day care is close to my wifes work (teacher) and her school is two miles from where we live. She drives a Toyota Sienna XLE (98). My boy is three. Anyway, the Jetta (01) looks like a good buy. According to Edmunds I can get one under invoice. I am impressed that I could get a GLS with leather, Monsoon, auto, leather, cold pckg., moonroof, alloys, heated mirrors, power mirrors, remote locks for a good price. With 5% sales tax and dest. it looks like about 20G's and not more. At 7% int that makes it under $400.00 per mo. Plus, ABS and four disc brakes. Is this a nice car or not? Like I said, don't need it, would like it. Tired of shifting! Only wonder about the HP (115). I know the warranty is different in '02 (transferable to others than family) but not worried about it. 10/100,00 power and 2/24,000 b-b is fine, I think. Also, does 'heatable' mean they are heated or do you pay extra for 'heated'? According to options on Edmunds 'heatable' means 'heated'.

nwvw

The Cold Weather Package includes the following:

1. Heated seats
2. Heated mirrors
3. Heated window washer sprayers

-Jim

lise526

I am replying to studboy--good luck getting the car for what edmunds says it is worth. i bought a 2002 last week, silver w/ black leather fully loaded. i tried hard to get it for the tmv, but the only dealers who would have sold it to me for that price did not have my car and could not have promised that they would have gotten it for me. the other thing that i realized is that the tmv is for 2001's--good luck finding one. i guess if you don't care about colors than maybe you will be successful. I'm not trying to discourage you this is just what i found in nj. good luck, it is an awesome car and in my opinion fully worth a little extra dough.

shawn325i

a 2002 Jetta 1.8T, Tiptronic, luxury and cold package this morning for my wife.

This is a fast car!!! I was quite surprised to feel how fast it is, though not as refined or balanced as my 2001 325i, it seems (don't have it yet)to be a fun car.

nwvw

Just think if you would have added the sports package -- then it'd come close, if not surpassing the 325i. Several folks who have both, prefer the Jetta. But, the sports package makes a huge difference in the handling. Huge. It can be upgraded aftermarket though...;-)

-Jim
http://www.jettaownersclub.org

shawn325i

your kidding right?

My 325i does not have sport package either.

I can accept "close" but be realistic please. I now own both so at least when I make My judgements, they will be based upon the ownership and the day in and day out driving of both.

Having only spent a short time behind the wheel of the Jetta this morning, though on my own, so I was able to let it loose, I can state that the Jetta could hold it's own in a straight line test, the 325i has been regularly tested at 7.0 sec 0-60, the Jetta ?, the 50/50 balance and RWD of my 325i is noticable when pushing the car hard.

The 325i and BMW's in general are renowned and tested as #1 throughout the industry when reaching high rates of speed both in a straight line and in the corners. No need for aftermarket add ons to achieve this.

My point in posting in the first place was just to say "hey here's a new VW owner" and to state that the new Jetta is a hell of a car, but it is not on the same level as a 325i and nor should it be based upon the price difference.

nwvw

I knew I'd spark a response... ;-)

Now, if you want to talk about say, a 330Ci, then THAT'S an awesome car. Sorry, but the low end bimmer has never impressed me for the $$$ one has to spend on it. Awesome car, yes, no question, but not THAT awesome.

Anyway, to track this all back on subject, it's nice to hear that you do enjoy the Jetta. Some coin it as a poor-man's bimmer. FWIW. ;-)

Peace.

-Jim
http://www.jettaownersclub.org

shawn325i

here are the facts, the facts in my recent car buying (leasing) situation:
2001 BMW 325i $38,470, 2002 VW Jetta 1.8T $28,230

So, for $10,240 the following is included with the 325i: Larger engine, slight HP and torque advantage (inline 6) better all around performance
50/50 weight balance
RWD
16" alloys
auto climate control
Xenons
Fog lights
headlight washer system
CD player (Jetta may or may not have-delayed introduction)
vehicle & key memory
3 year No charge scheduled maintenance
BMW safety features too many to list
BMW prestige factor

Many tend to attack BMW for being over priced, but in reality that really isn't the case, since you are getting full value for that excess $$$.

Looking forward to driving the Jetta and pushing it, hopefully it will stand up to aggressive driving for extended periods of time as BMW is known for.

shawn325i

done by the various publications on the 2002 Jetta 1.8T???

nwvw

Well, I was not attacking your precious bimmer. You're being defensive. Understandably so. That's a lot of money to pay. Not to mention you paid waaay too much for your Jetta.

Additionally, this is a Jetta forum and I'll not get into a BMW/Jetta pissing contest with you. The two cars both have their respective markets.

Now, back on topic: I have not seen any (actual) 2002 performance stats or dyno readouts yet as the car is still too new. If you'd like some more techie type information from VW freaks, you might take a cruise over to VWvortex. There's a ton of tuners, tweakers and dyno testers there, though they still have no dyno testing on the new 1.8T.

-Jim

P.S. If you'd like to discuss the BMW issue further, please email me as I have no desire to trash this forum with BMW factoids that do not apply here, and are not proper due to forum rules. Thanks. (nwvw@home.com)

blackjetta18t1

i read an article in car and driver where they tested a jetta wagon, with 4 speed auto, and sport luxury package, and it had the 174hps vr6. They tested it at 7.2 seconds, for whatever reason it is .2 faster than the sedan, but the 1.8T with 180 hps, and tiptronic should beat that, so I'm guestimating 7.0

venus537

"some coin it as a poor-man's bimmer"

No No. It's a wise-man's bimmer.

I also read the car and driver article. How were they able to get the heavier wagon with automatic to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds? That makes it a half-second quicker than the sedan with manual (according to car and driver). This doesn't make any sense to me.

I seen the new standard radio with the cd player in a 2002 Jetta. Looks pretty nice but you lose the cubby hole and the cup holders are really in the way now. Not that I use the cup holders because this car is for fun driving not sipping. Strange thing though, the window sticker doesn't acknowledge the cd player.

shawn325i

since I own both, but more like understanding and appreciating where different vehicles stand.

How so on the wayyyy too much for the Jetta, I got $1,300 off MSRP, remember this is in Canada.

nwvw

Good point, John. ;-)

Ahh yeah, shawn325i. Canadian dollars...That's an okay price then. I have also driven the 325i, and like I said, the 330Ci, so I do also know more than just what I've read about BMW's...

John: I've seen the in-dash player setup for the Jetta/GTI and I personally, didn't care for it. If I was doing it again (I already have the trunk changer), I'd opt for the in-dash changer and totally bypass the single changer altogether. I don't get that many 'music-urges' that I require instant-access to my cd-player anyway. There are times, however, that I'd like to have a single-player.

I wonder if I can have both? Hmmmmm.....

-Jim

moparbad

Looked at 2002 VW's at Team VW in Merrillville, IN and they had a sticker in addition to the factory sticker that listed additional equipment. The additional equipment included splash guards for $295.00 and paint/fabric protection for $499.00.
Does anyone besides me feel that $295.00 for splash guards is nearly stealing?

nwvw

$295 for splashguards near stealing? No way. It IS stealing! That's ridiculous! Also, do not take the paint/fabric crap either. Just a top of the line wax job will be better than what some lotboy will do, and you can 3M your interior for a lot less than that.

The first weekend we had our new 2002, we spent a Saturday waxing it and treating the leather. It was a lot of fun and helps you get intimate with your new car.

-Jim

blueguydotcom

No way in hades a Jetta with a sport package can hang with a BMW 325i. The 3 series, even without a sport package has road manners that one cannot find in any other compact sedan on the market. I drove the 325 and passed on it based on price and reliability issues (how ironic that choice is now) but as far as handling, it's leagues beyond the sloppy, body-rolling of the Jetta Wolfsburg I own.

blackjetta18t1

the 17's make a big difference

blueguydotcom

Back in April; I didn't notice much of a difference compared to the WE's 16s. The car is still sprung too much like a Buick, IMHO. With a real suspension setup it could exploit 17s. As it comes from the factory, the current sport suspension is sort of a cruel joke when pushing my car the way I prefer to drive.

nwvw

dfinotti

I'm looking at a used 2000 Jetta with a diesel engine. What, if any, problems are people experiencing with this engine ? I've never owned a diesel before. Are there any real pitfalls that are not readily apparent with one ?

nwvw

VW diesels have a great reputation, and the current engine is no exception. For more info, go to: http://www.tdiclub.com/

-Jim

newcar31

Yeah, you need to use synthetic in the TDI and most likely need to get the oil changed at the VW dealer (around $70 a change) because most other places won't have the oil filter. Also, timing belt replacement is quite often....I think every 45,000 miles or so.

moparbad

The TDI is louder at idle than the gasoline engines but you can not tell that it is diesel on the hiway. The synthetic oil costs me $20 per oil change and oil changes are every 10K after you reach 10K on the car. In many parts of the US diesel is cheaper than gasoline. (And the 1.8T requires premium, the VR6 recommends it)
It takes a little longer to get heat in TDI than it does with the gas motors. The timing belt has to be changed at 40K for automatic and 60K for manual transmission. Some people who have 2002 TDI have stated that the interval is 80K for the 2002's. Do go to www.tdiclub.com for everything you want to know about TDI.

moparbad

Straight from VW-

1.8T -Premium unleaded (91 AKI)

VR6 - Premium recommended for maximum performance

-below is an portion of an earlier post-
Yes you do need premium gas for the 1.8T.
If you do not use premium the engine will experience preignition and detonation. Also known as knocking and pinging.

For those who don't understand preignition and detonation, I'll explain. In preignition, the fuel ignites prematurely during the compressiong stroke and the piston must fight the pressure created while it continues the compression stroke. Preignition means there's also inadequate pressure left to perform a true power stroke and force the piston back down. This causes power loss, and more importantly, raises cylinder temperatures. If this happens too often bad things can happen to your engine.

So if you are too cheap to buy premium then 1.8T or VR6 is the wrong engine for you. Better stick to a 2.0 or TDI.

mckague

I'd imagine both engines are equiped with knock sensors which are designed to detect impending knock so the engine control module can adjust accordingly. Typically, adjusting means pulling back timing. The "adjustment" decreases engine performance, of course, but (hopefully) avoids damage. Thus the comment about 91 octane for "maximum performance."

digiturbo

Has anyone purchased the new 02 Jetta yet?
How much the price can we expect from the dealer?(I am in Raleigh, NC)

Thank you for any input

bishop2k

I am considering gettting a 1.8 turbo 5-speed Jetta with sport suspension and leather along with mongoose stereo..Best price I got here in NJ is 21,923. Invoice is about 21,300. Can I do better? And if so where? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Kristine
PS--anyone have any reliability issues with Jettas?

gls2002

i am considering buy a 2002 gls. has anybody had the experience of buying from an internet dealer? how to check the guy's credibility? what about service?

i live in la. has anybody heard of rudolph lopez from autonation?

nuride

i just had the 5,000 mile service completed on my jetta and also complained to the service manager that my cd player continues to display "error"
when i returned to pick up my car the magr states that they installed a New radio. i was surprised because there was nothing wrong with it. the player was fine for four days, then the error message pops up. what gives. I made another appt and they said they would check out theproblem; what gives?

coolwhite_we

I bought my 2001 WE from an Internet Sales person. Many dealers have an "Internet Sales" group as well as the traditional sales team. The only difference is in the negotiation process. Rather than negotiate a price, you just pay a fixed amount above invoice. The cars are the same ones on the lot available for both walkin and internet sales. In my area most Internet sales dealerships charged $100 over invoice no questions asked and it only took 1 hour to complete the financing and DMV paperwork. They also will discount other options such as the CD player. The only exception to this was for a silver car. Silver was $500 over invoice. I actually bought my 2001 WE Jetta for 300 under invoice back in August.

By the way, you can take you car to any VW dealer for service without any issues.

xud

You can do better. I bought my 2002 1.8T from
Sovereign VW in Hicksville, NY for $250 over
invoice. The sales person
is Anthony Applewhaite. If you are interested to buy a car or get some info
from him, call him at 516-942-7300.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

lise526

I bought a 2002 gls in nj from burlington, vw, and i had a great experience there. the main reason i bought the car there was because they actually had what i wanted in. but even after purchasing the car my salesman was awesome. other dealerships that i went to in nj basically weren't that great, i have one salesperson who has called me 10 times. basically what i'm saying is that if you live anywhere near burlington its worth taking a look. they are competitive and are willing to beat other prices. good luck!!

debbers

I am wanting to buy a 2002 GLS 1.8 T Tiptronic (automatic) Silver/Blk.leather. Also, Monsoon, Sport lux. pkg. and obviously leather pkg. The best quote I have gotten is $1,200 over invoice...is that good for this car or not?

Also, I have had a terrible time with vw dealers in the L.A. area. Does anyone know of a good one? PLEEEEEAAAASE help?