Volkswagen Jetta 2005 and earlier

gregj777

My fave is the interior too. It's just really well made and convenient. Looks good too. And since I only eat and drink outside the car the cupholder is a non-issue!

vocus

My favorite thing about the Jetta (even though I don't own one-- not yet anyway) is the instrument panel lighting at night. I think the indigo looks SO neat! Also like the flip-out ignition key too. The thing I don't like is the cup holders, because they should be more solid and lower in the dashboard to avoid spills into the radio and climate controls. Also wouldn't mind more rear seat room, and perhaps a lower price. Though it's already a low-priced car for what you get. Oh, I know.. better reputation for reliability, customer service, and quality from VWoA.

fischda

gwd17, AKA "The Ladies Man," glad your stable of women enjoy your Jet's interior! My wife likes it too, especially the heated seats - wink,wink, nod, nod, say no more!

vocus - damn it, get a Jetta already, you know everything about them! I dig the key fob, too. I like to flick the key out in front of someone's nose and say, "I'll cut you, man!"

vocus

I know alot of things about alot of cars on the market. Everyone says I should be a car salesman, because I would make a killing at it. I want the Jetta, but am keeping hold of my Protege because I am not trying to get hit with negative equity. I will just wait until next year or so and then see what happens.

Also, the key thing is funny. Sounds like DC, only they aren't using the key for their VW when they do that here.

wonderwall

just keep the damn protege. having owned both, the jetta is better than the protege but not enough to turn your financial health into mush...

fischda

You want to drive a new Jetta without getting strapped? Here's how. Sell the Protoge on your own. In DC you'll be able to find a sucker to pay close to full retail for it. I did it twice. You shouldn't have negative equity then. Buy a piece of sh-t for cash (as it's October, make sure the heater works). Drive the POS through the winter, and by spring, voila, you have saved a nice down payment for your 2001 Jetta. Rates are descent now, and you'll have a manageable payment.

bluejetta

Interior lights and multi-function FOB are pretty cool. Telescoping steering wheel is a definite plus, and this list could go on and on. ;-)

We have an automatic and wish it had a bigger, more left-positioned brake pedal for left-foot braking.

And we are *way* too busy enjoying driving this little jewel to worry about cup holders. What's with the obsession here in the U.S. with cupholders anyway?

venus537

What I enjoy most about the Jetta is the anticipation of getting one. Since I don't have one yet, that's about all I can do. My end of lease inspection for my current car is October 19 and I'm looking for late November/early December to finally get my very own Jetta. I enjoy reading people's comments about what they like about their Jetta. Keep them coming.

moira_vw

Has anyone had luck using the internet salespeople at dealerships? I fear that various dealerships might be talking to each other -- a number of them have just told me they can't get the Jetta I want and recommended I go with the first price I got (about $1000 over invoice). Could this be their way of countering the information advantages customers have now? I never thought I'd see the day when a salesperson told me he wasn't even going to try to find a car.

vocus

I could have sold my car take-over-payments to a co-worker this past weekend, but decided not to. It was too risky, since the loan isn't in my name. It's in my cousin's name (my credit was shady then). I thought it to be too big of a risk with 3 people involved on the car (my cousin, my co-worker, and myself) and didn't go for it. I was going to get a POS car and save money for a 2001 Jetta. But I am not going to do that, as I don't know if I want the Jetta.

Their customer service and quality (from what I hear) needs to rise a few notches before I can purchase a Jetta. Besides, I like the Golf better because I like hatchbacks. But we shall see.

fischda

moira - I used an internet pricing service (I wish I could remember which one) that delivered actual quotes from dealers on the exact car I wanted. It also gave a list of internet sales people at area dealers. If I didn't receive a quote from one dealer, I called them, asked for the internet sales manager, and worked off the quote of another dealer. It all worked out nicely, except these dealers were quoting base and options, not colors. I ended up with a dealer's internet sales guy who LOCATED the exact color I wanted 200 miles away, picked it up and the deal was $460 over invoice.

vocus - SO get a Golf - when you're ready! I've had nothing but excelent service from VW. For those who haven't I have to ask, "how do you treat the service professionals? Probably not with respect, patience and a friendly demeanor." Trust me, it works wonders, and it's not sucking up...

vocus

I am going to wait until 2002 and see how the reliability is going to be. Then, I will decide. See, I really like my Protege and it's been really good to me too. I don't wanna get rid of a "gift horse" so to speak and get something not as good but more expensive. I will probably end up with another Protege. It doesn't have the personality or panache of the VW, but it's cheaper, quicker for less money, reliable, and very roomy inside.

justin

I must say - you are the MOST cautious person I have ever encountered. You will have bad luck with your VW, because you anticipate it so much. Hate to say it, but you would probably do better in a Camry or something. The first time a little something happened to the VW, you would be kicking yourself....not worth all of the mental anguish.

VW's are for DRIVERS. VW owners first and foremost pick the car for driving manners. It is just a plus that they are reliable.... Let's face it - people that buy a car for it's reliability alone don't buy VW's. They buy Lex or Acura or something like that.. Not saying that VW is NOT reliable, but I have a feeling you will never be convinced, because being in these forums, you WILL see people that are not happy with their VW's. But, then again, you will see not happy people with ANY car...

Venus - you will have to tell us which Jet you pick out! A lady here at work just bought the one I originally wanted when I bought mine almost 2 years ago. Dark Blue - Beige Leather - VR6. She rubs it in everyday....:(

vocus

It's just that it could cost me about $3000 or so more than something else of the same size and all. It is worth it for panache and performance, but don't want an unreliable car. I think I will have good luck with it though. But it's still going to be a year or two down the road for me.

draco2

I am new to this list, and have a question for all you "serious" drivers out there in Jetta-land. I have never owned a car with a manual tranny. However, I don't know of anyone who would call themselves a "car person" who would not consider owning a car with a stick. How hard of an adaptation should I expect to go through should I buy a manually-equipped Jetta? Is there really THAT much of a difference? Some info about me: I will either get a 1.8T or VR6 model and live in South FL. Thanks for any info.

Z

gwd17

Draco2, I have the 1.8T manual and love that I didn't buy an automatic, but that is because I do not have to drive in rush hour traffic. Being from South Florida, there is a very possibility that you may have to, so keep that in consideration. If your commute isn't that terrible, I would highly recommend the manual, especially with the 1.8T, don't have any personal experience with the VR6.
I am down in Miami about once a month, and don't really care driving my car around down there because I'm in first and second gear the entire time (or at least thats what it feels like).
Have fun, good luck with the dealers down there. I bought mine at Stuart VW, about an hour and a half north of Miami, it was worth it.

justin

I must admit- my VR6 Jetta GLS was an automatic. It was all they had in the color scheme I wanted. I never regretted buying the auto....still had PLENTY of usable power. The VW automatics are quite sharp, but beware of the 2 second delay when shifting from P to R or R to D or D to R. Can catch you off guard....

Performance and shifting wise, the auto was great. In fact, when I test drove the manual, I could not get a smooth start in the VR6 - too touchy...I hear the 1.8t is better with the manual..

jwink1

Draco2, if you really want to experience the car in the most intimate way, get a manual. If you don't drive manual now, find a very good teacher and start practicing on a beater, not a brand new car.Once you get some confidence, you will know if manual is for you. The Jetta's clutch is very light and smooth, esp. compared to my former Saab.
I have a VR6 Jetta, but drove a 1.8t GTI Golf and found it to be a blast. Justin, thanks for the congrats.

vwgrk1

I just purchased an auto 1.8T Jetta. I thought I really wanted a stick, but decided that the $875 auto was worth it for many reasons:

-The automatic is geared very nicely and efficiently.

-I drive on I-90 (The Kennedy Expressway) in Chicago daily. The Kennedy has traffic almost all day. If there is construction, then you are better off walking. Shifting gets very annoying.

-Talking on the phone or drinking coffee while shifting is difficult & dangerous in most conditions.

-Automatics are safer in panic stop situations because you do not think about downshifting in an emergency stop when driving stick, whereas autos downshift automatically. Downshifting helps slow the car down.

Manuals are fun, but you must consider the negatives as well.

VWGRK1

wonderwall

really you shouldn't be talking on the cell phone while driving... drinking coffee is debatable, but probably is a should not do as well...

sorry, just had to get up on the soapbox for a minute...

princesa

I am looking to buy a Jetta, but I haven't done too much research yet. Can someone please tell me what the difference is between all of the different models...1.8, TDI, etc?

Also, what is the powertrain? I'm sure this is a basic thing, especially since it's what the warranty covers, but I don't even know what it is...I'm not that into cars, I just know I really like the Jetta.

Thanks for your help! And I've enjoyed reading all these posts.

marlab1

Princesa/GLS help: The power tyrain in a car is the engine, axles and transmission.As VW model designation for their Jetta: there are two designation categories:1. Level of trim and standard equipment (from low-to-high: GL, GLS, GLX) and 2. engine type: a)2.0 liter 115 horsepower "standard" gas engine, b) 1.8 liter turbocharged 150 horsepower engine, c) V6 172 horsepower engine and d)TurboDirect Injection ("TDI") 90 horsepower diesel engine

princesa

Thanks for the explanation....pretty basic stuff.

I'm considering getting a used Jetta since I may not be able to afford a new one. Are there any specific years I should stay away from or others I should look for?

justin

and have all others thoroughly inspected, as you would any used car. The newer VW's have proven very reliable. 99 and newer Jets and 98 and newer Passats...

gladichecked

IMO, a driver who is experienced with a manual tranny can stop faster in a manual car than a car with auto tranny...that is if he/she isn't busy sipping coffee while talking on the phone. ;^)

fischda

I drive a manual, and enjoy not only talking on the phone, but shaving, eating tacos, and doing some ironing while I drive. Give me some props!!

carpetrider

Although I do not use a cell phone in my 5-Speed automobile, I have mastered the "Coffee and Danish Upshift." I find the use of my left knee a key to it's success. Occasionally I can also reach over and briefly hit a preset on the radio just before grabbing a hand full of gears.

Please note that this only occurs while in heavy traffic early in the morning.

Regards,
Mark.

gladichecked

you had me worried there for a minute...lol. I thought you might be trying this on a deserted stretch of road. ;^)

bluejetta

Just imagine the things you can accomplish on your way to work in heavy traffic with an automatic! The list is quite overwhelming.

svonkulp

I currently have a 1985 5-speed diesel Jetta that
I've had since last March. It's had a couple major
problems but has always rebounded. First the
brakes went out, and they went out again less than a year later, so the shop fixed them again for free. It was the rear cylinder both times, is thisa common problem?

Then I had the front left wheel bearing go out, and got that fixed. That was by the same mechanic who sold me the car. Nice guy, and his teenage daughter used to drive it, so I wasn't too concerned about it having hidden problems. He said it was just an old-age thing, the car has almost 200K miles on it.

Most recently (last Friday), we were on our way to Chicago and my hubby, who'd only learned to drive a stick the weekend before, hit a flap of semi tire that was stretched across the lane, there was no way to avoid it. Turned out that the water separator got severely damaged and the place they towed it to put a bandaid on it (parts, $2, labor, $60!) and told me the replacement part would cost ~$200.

We also just replaced the transmission in our Transport, and are waffling between replacing the Jetta and fixing it again. It doesn't have any lingering problems, and it'll probably run fine again if we replace the separator, I just don't know if it's worth sinking in the money (we bought for $1800 cash). I'm really looking at the 2000 GL TDI, but one of my friends last night told me that recent VW's are having major problems. Does anyone here have the model I mentioned, and can give feedback on it? TIA...

arjay1

I have not heard of any "major problems" lately by VW! It is amazing what bogus information people pass along as the pretend to be an expert is some field.
You will find a large number of happy VW owners here. No word of any "major problems".
I am on my third VW. Started with an '86 Golf, went to a '98 Jetta TDI and now have a '00 Passat. All three have been great cars to me and that is what keeps me coming back. That and the good company you meet here on the VW boards!

vocus

I know two people that had a couple major problems with their Jettas. On one, the ignition key broke off in the lock with the car running. On another, the car broke down 10 miles after it was taken off the lot. I hear these things and it reduces my enthusiam for the Jeta. I still like them alot, but my 1999 Mazda Protege has been great and don't want to get rid of a good car for a not-so-good one.

bluejetta

What the &^*% would someone breaking off the key in the ignition have to do with the quality of a vehicle?

That one just baffles me. Refer back to post #238 about "bogus information."

vocus

From what I heard, they went to turn off the engine with the key and it broke off before they could turn it off.

Two of my co-workers have Jettas (one a 2000 GLX and one a 2001 GLS VR6), so I will hear and see how they hold up. I am going to wait about a year before purchasing though. I hope it turns out for the better, because I really do like the Jetta lot.

tmc1688

Just want to put my 2 cents in. I have a GLS VR 6 and its a wonderful car. I have mine since March 2000. I don't know how or why people have been writing the wierdest complaints. But nothing is wrong with mine. Just wanted to relieve some tension of new car buyers. It is reliable, superb in quality, and fun to drive. Take it from a guy who loves to race [non-permissible content removed] civics and integras.

justin

thank you! it is so fun to watch the Integra try to keep up with the VR6, isn't it?

VW are quality vehicles. I think a lot of people think that because they are DIFFERENT than the Hondas/Toyotas etc, that they are BAD. If you take care of the VW, maintain it, the car will be fine. Of course, their are LEMONS with every maker, but I think a lot of people do things to their cars themselves, and then blame it on the car...

slikster

Hello i have an auto trany, 2000 silver jetta gls vr6 and i want to share my experiences so far...
i have put a lot of miles on the car but what can i say I LOVE DRIVING IT!!!
around 18k my driver side window just dropped in the door and it wouldn't come back up this happend during labor day weekend but i took it to the dealer and they fixed it right away!
THE 2 SEC HESITATION, from shifting from p to d in the morning when the car is not warm there is this hesitation in the cars take off it will just sit there when i accelerate and than it will just TAKE OFF WITH A ROAR!!! and many times screeching my tires which burns RUBBER not a good thing... i live in texas and i dont know if it was the heat or what but my winshield got a crack on it a FAIRLY LARGE CRACK on the drivers side i showed it to the dealer asking them to fix it cuz i believe it is a defective windshield and the dealer said A ROCK HIT IT and there is no sign of impact ont he windshield i had class and had to go so i couldnt argue with the dealer but i wrote to customer service requestiong a windshield change under the warranty because of a defective windshield, ANY SUGGESTIONS ON THIS?
besides these small things EVERYTHING IS LOVELY WITH SLIKSTER thats what i call her! it is running great and i love driving it <<<didn't i already say that he he he!
i am out for now
SunnY

slikster

even though i dont have anything fancy done to my silver 2k vw jetta vr6 i plan to put some 18' WHEELS ON IT WHAT DO U THINK OF THAT GUYS? and as far as racing goes
i have raced a few cars on the road and i have beated such cars as the integras, the civic SI's! i have even HUNG WITH A 6 CAMARO
i have beaten the 1.8t with the vr6 i have raced a bmw 325 and a 328 both 2000 models and the 325 i beat by far and the 328 by couple secs i have raced a 2 door accord v6 even though the accord is a 3.0 200hp more than mines i was still able to take it!!!
and finally i raced a 2000 eclipse GT which is also a v6 and oh man let me tell you this THE ECLIPSE SUX, I BEAT IT BY ATLEAST 3-4 SECS that is just very good, very very good
I DEF. RECOMMEND THIS CAR TO ALL WHO LIKE TO DRIVE AND HAVE FUN DRIVING I COULDNT FIND A MANUAL ON A SILVER ONE SINCE THAT IS THE HIGHEST DEMANDING ONE I GOT AN AUTO TRANNY AND it is VERY GOOD
you know what i would like to see on future jettas...I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A TIPTRONIC SPORTSHIFTS ON THE VR6 just like the PASSAT!!
that would be extremly nice
ok well gotta go now ya'll tell me about your racing experiences...

SunnY

svonkulp

My current Jetta has absolutely NO pickup, and I noticed that the HP on the GL TDI isn't too high. Can anyone tell me how the pickup is on the new ones? I drive a country highway to work everyday and getting rear-ended by a semi coming around the bend because I couldn't get up a hill fast enough isn't one of my goals in life. Thoughts?

jwink1

No offense to people who like diesels, but if you want speed, gas is the way to go. I think the new diesels are 90 hp, that's less than my 400 lb motorcycle! Is diesel fuel still so cheap that it's worth the low performance? I don't mean any disrespect, just curious.

justin

Obviously, if one wants SPEED, gas is the way to go. But - only speaking in VW terms, you would be fooling to get the base 2.0 engine over the TDI. The TDI feels more powerful around town...and it saves you lots of money on fuel. The 115hp engine in the base golf and jetta and all cabrios is so outdated. Even the Corollas and Civics have more HP, and gets MUCH better gas mileage. Time for VW to retire that motor. Make the 1.8t standard in all cars....with the TDI option. My opinion.

vocus

I drove an automatic GL TDI about a month or so ago. Nice car, but it was a bit gutless when merging and passing. Considering the engine redlines at something like 4000 rpm, no wonder! The power wasn't turtle-slow, but it was NOTHING like the turbo 1.8 is! And the TDI does feel more power, and is I believe, than the basic 2.0 engine. Your money would best be spent with the turbo though. It's about the same price as the VR6 if you look at the fact that the VR6 runs on regular gas but the turbo requires premium fuel.

gwd17

I also thought the 2.0 motor was pretty lame, especially compared to the 1.8T. I drove the 2.0 first (Golf model), and wasn't expecting all too much with the 1.8T, but boy was I pleasantly surprised. So don't think the Jetta is still slow, they are very adequate.
As for the person with the cracked windshield, if VW won't replace it, won't your insurance company replace it (I know in Florida they have to, and for free). And you can get a box of steaks out of it as well :-))
Have you guys noticed the trash receptacle for the back seat passengers??? Just found it the other day while cleaning, pretty cool.
And for the person with the momentary Turbo lag, if it only happened that one time, I would leave it alone, but definitely take it in if it happens again.

ligart

Is VW ever going to make a Jetta coupe? Not all of us are fond of sedans...

shannon_adams

I am in the process of pricing a 2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS. The only option I am interested is the in-dash single CD player. I can't find the invoice cost of this option. Can anyone help?

Also, any comments on the Monsoon sound system? Is it worth the money to upgrade the standard system?

lisah4

I own a 1999 jetta. The car has performed rather well considering the mileage I put on the car in two years (60,000). My car has always seemed to idle rather high. Does anyone know what the 'usual' rpms are when the car is say stopped at a stop light? I had it brought in when I first got it and the dealership said that it was nothing to be concerned about, but recently the car is acting quirky and I've been very good about making sure it is well maintained per the VW maintenance guide. Also has anyone encountered problems with an exhaust leak that the diagnostic computer cannot detect (per the VW dealer's service dept.)? Thanks for any help provided!

jeff_jester

Got a question for everyone. I am picking up my new 2001 Jetta GLS VR6 with a manual Trany. I have not had a new car since my Lemon '97 Sebring which I quickly sold and bought a used '96 Blazer, which I love but it is not economical what so ever. What I would like to know is if the old saying of breaking a car in the first 1,000 miles still goes. I read reports that this no longer applies to cars these days but I want to know if anyone babied there cars or know anything before i get this. I am an offensive driver, you have to be these days. So I ask my cars to do a lot for me. This car performs better than I have dreamed of, but should I take it easy????

jeff_jester

I will let you know by friday, pick mine up with CD and Monsoon system.

rjnich

1999 Jetta a4 2.0 (21,000 miles)

Posted this in Maintenance with no responses:

It has 21k miles, relatively trouble free. I am currently waiting for a new odometer cluster as my current one shorts out, and I have noticed poor reception quality on the radio, which is being looked into at the dealer next week. I consider these items typical "luck of the draw" type problems, which my dealer will fix under warranty.

The car is fun to drive, and I have no real complaints.

My questions are:

What do people recommend for winter weather
tires for the new Jetta? I live in the NE, so snow is an issue. I believe I should be able to do better than the stock tires. Should I buy snows, or a good "all season" tire?

I have heard that the car would run better on a
synthetic oil, which I plan on continuing to change every 5k miles instead of the dealer 10k plan. Is "Castrol" a good choice? And am I being overly "anal" about the oil issue, ie should I just keep with the dealer maintenance program??

Any help is appreciated. If anyone has any questions for a two year owner, ask away...

jettajen

I own a '99 Wolfsburg Edition Jetta and I love it, BUT, I have continuing problems with the rear window motors breaking. After the 6th repair, the dealership told me that VW was aware of a problem but that they'd just keep replacing them, at no charge to me because each new motor has a 12 month warranty and no motor has lasted the full 12 months. Anyone else have this annoying problem?