Volkswagen Jetta 2005 and earlier

blueguydotcom

I heard the same things about the Miata. Mostly from people who have never driven them. Whatever. To each his own.

BTW, I do think the Passat is a nice looking ride.

Oh and I took my Jetta for the third time in 4 months. The rattles persist. Rattles 3, VW dealer 0.

shawn325i

and you drive, what a FORD!!!!!!

I'd rather drive a German engineered Mexican made Jetta than a yikes...FORD!

phishockey

Ok ok...I've heard people call the Jetta a girlie car, a cutsie car. And I can see how people might view it.

However, I must defend my car to be in about 5 months. First, the Passat is a family midsize car...the Jetta is a sportier, younger car. Second, my image doesn't need improving one bit, and you could say that people buy many different cars to improve their image. Third, I'll agree with you a little bit here: the backseat is a little small, but thats about the only downside to the car. And fourth, you said the Jetta isn't a true German car, and in fact it's a Mexican car. Well...let me ask you this, since Honda/Acura makes some of their cars here in the States, would you also tell those people that they are not truly driving Japanese cars, and that they're in fact driving American cars?

arjay1

I can't disagree more with the Passat being a soccer mom car, at least here in St. Louis. I bet I see 4 to 1 the ratio of men to women in the Passat.
My natural progression has been Golf, Jetta, Passat.
All of the Jetta owners would like to think the natural progression from the Jetta is to an Audi A4/S4. That may be true in your case but it is no way the norm.
I would love to go to the A4. However, as you get older and the family gets larger that car is not as appealing. The Passat gives a family a much roomier car and a lower cost. Sure we all want to look young and fun in our S4, but a family of 5 dictates the larger Passat. Is that bad, no way! Beats the hell out of a Camry or Accord.

Anakin

You know, a while back I thought the Jetta was kind of girlie, but then I drove the '02 1.8T

The Turbonium just took over. I love it. I just passed 1400 miles, and I've been revving it up now that the break in is over. Fun fun fun.

I don't worry about the back seat room. I got no kids, and my friends don't complain... they just tell me how nice my new Jetta is. :^D

mlayton694

OK I was a bit hasty with the "cute" comment, just a proud Passat owner taking offense to "Soccer mom" comments, this car is 100% style and function, love it !

lise526

Listen to this!! I bought my jetta over a month ago. it has black leather interior. this weekend i just noticed that i have one cloth headrest in the back. ok now i know i should have noticed this sooner but it blends in, i picked up my car at night, and i am never in the backseat. of course i didnt buy my jetta anywhere remotely close to where i live, so i tried to get a local vw dealer to correct this problem. no go of course. they all say that this is the fault of the dealership for not finding it and will not help me. the one service jerk i talked to actually asked me if i bought a hamburger at bk and it didn't have lettuce on it, would i bring it back to a different bk. Irrelevant. He also kept harrassing me about why i didn't buy my car from them if its close to where i live. also irrelevant. so where is this vw family? in the warranty it says that any manufacturers defect is fixable at any service place. according to me this is a major manufacturers defect. so i call my dealer. they will order the part for me provided i can give them the production date and the trim code. the trim code is nowhere to be found. i looked under the spare where it is suppossed to be and its not there. not to mention the fact that i heard the guy say the f-word to the service manager about me when i was on the phone. i am angry to say the least. let me know what you guys think. Also does anyone know where the trim code would be on an 02?

guttata1

...

I posted your problem over at vwvortex - that place is a cornucopia of VW information.... I'll let you know if I hear anything.

justin

for the rattles. They are so small, and only when i go over bumps, that i am afraid to take the car in. what if the service people fiddle around and just make things worse?

BTW - everyone that rides in my car thinks I am crazy. They say all cars make some sort of noise when you drive on DC streets. I think I need to remember that just because this car drives like an Audi, it is after all, only a VW.

Also, the Jetta is not a girlie car. The Jetta is an attractive person's car. Personally, I think all VW's are. I love the Passat too. At this point, it is just too much car for me. Don't need all of the room. If the Cabrio would have been offered in 1.8t form, I would have bought that. Talk about a girlie car....I just don't care

blueguydotcom

The bozos at the VW dealership where I bought my car still can't "locate" the buzzing and rattling that the car makes incessantly. Not sure if they're deaf or just lazy. This last time they called and asked if I could drop in and drive the car with them to point out the buzzes and rattles. When? Their useless service hours are 7-7 Mon-Fri. Some of us work. Apparently they don't.

Good grief, how could every person who gets in my car remark, "Isn't this a new car? Why is it rattling?" yet the supposed techs at VW can't find the rattles after 3 attempts? Looks like next time I'm taking my car to a different dealership. Too bad there isn't one I trust nearby. Argh!

dill6

Well it sounds like the rumored crappy VW service reputation is justified, at least at some dealerships. I may well wind up buying another Honda just to avoid these kind of hassles, even though I really dig both the Jetta and Passat.

Lise 526: You ought to be able to get the headrest drop-shipped directly to you, and install it yourself. Be thankful its such a simple thing to remedy - I'd be just as livid as you though. Hope that's the only problem you have.

Anybody have any suggestions how to check out a dealer's service dept. BEFORE buying from them?? I might be willing to give VW a whirl IF I could feel confident the local dealer has a competent, well managed service dept.

And thanks for the feedback, Jim. The 1.8T is the engine I'm considering, should I go VW.

shawn325i

engine and has loads of power.

Maybe too much power for the suspension and brakes. VW should address this or some inexperienced drivers are going to wrap themselves around anything in their way.

blueguydotcom

Fun, fun engine.

dill6

naaaah...

I got a chance to drive a friend's AMG Mercedes (450 HP) from San Diego to Palm Desert the back way, through the twisties, this summer - even that didn't have "too much" power - enough though! Suspension tweaks, traction control, mandatory, of course. Most amazing drive of my life. I honestly don't think I'd want to drive that car every day though, and I really hope it doesn't prove my old friend's undoing - he has a habit of passing people on the freeway going 50 MPH faster than they are...

lise526

Thanks for the help, I did check around the spare and the stickers not there but I will definitely look in my manual.

I agree that the dealer should be able to send it to me directly but they don't seem to agree.

fischda

Your dealer's service dept. is open 12 hours a day and you can't find the time to make it in? Do you work 12-hour shifts in a toll booth or something?

I think some of your car's incessant noise-making is coming from your gripes - that's why the techs can't hear it when you're not in the car. And then dill6 reads your rant and concludes VW's bad service reputation is all true?!!

Come on! If Mexican-built Jettas are so poorly made, rattle like a childs toy, and the service departments so inept, why have I experienced the opposite? Maybe I should write about all my positive service experience so others can share my joy. Hey, would anybody like to take a ride in my rattle-free Jetta (which, BTW, was driven on the horid streets of DC)?

Okay, sorry for the flaming, but for some reason your complaints get to me - probably b/c I want others to know not all Jettas are like yours, that most are pretty tight and work as well as a Honda. Heck, my Jetta is WAY more trouble free that my '94 Accord was (I sold it at 39K)!

Anakin

Maybe your Jetta is perfect, but that's no reason to jump all over someone who comes to the forum with questions and issues.

Maybe you lucked out enough to get a good service department. Good for you. But that doesn't mean blueguy deserves to get chewed on because his service department is poor.

Jeez.

blueguydotcom

<<Your dealer's service dept. is open 12 hours a day and you can't find the time to make it in? Do you work 12-hour shifts in a toll booth or something?>>

Actually, I work for a tech company and I'm attending graduate school at night. I leave the house before 7 am and most often get home around 10 pm. The local Nissan franchise, Mossy, keeps service open until midnight and they offer overnight service. That's good customer service and smart in the age where foolish company's like cable providers and Pac Bell ask people if they can be home during normal working hours.

<< I think some of your car's incessant noise-making is coming from your gripes - that's why the techs can't hear it when you're not in the car.>>

I needn't say a word as passengers pretty quickly comment on the racket.

<< And then dill6 reads your rant and concludes VW's bad service reputation is all true?!!>>

If someone takes one person's experiences as gospel, that person has bigger problems than what car to buy. It's one owner's experience, not a representative group.

<<Come on! If Mexican-built Jettas are so poorly made, rattle like a childs toy, and the service departments so inept, why have I experienced the opposite?>>

Why do some people have moderate problems like mine while others have MAF failures or the obligatory window regulator defect? It's a crapshoot.

<< Maybe I should write about all my positive service experience so others can share my joy. >>

Do so. Nobody stands in your way.

<<Hey, would anybody like to take a ride in my rattle-free Jetta (which, BTW, was driven on the horid streets of DC)?>>

I don't need poor streets for my car to rattle. It does so on streets smooth as a baby's tush.

dill6

I never said I concluded VWs service was *all bad* - I said it looks like *some* dealerships must in fact have pretty poor service depts., based on blueguy's, and many others, comments. I also said I was still considering VW, so keep your shirt on.

blackjetta18t1

all i'll say is i've had bad service expereince, rattles galour, etc etc. I like the car, how it drives, looks, feels, and if I had the 1.8T I'd love it even more. I feel if the car was made in Germany there would be less probalems because the Passat and Audis have less problems. I don't want to dis Mexico and I know they have a great factory but look at it this way, Europeans are even more obsessed about cars than most Americans and I'm sure they wouldn't stand for these types of problems, they demand alot more from their cars. hell, have you guys seen the Ford Mondeo? That's an excellent car, veery VWish, why isn't it here? Anyway, another aspect of it being German built is somehow the Jetta GLX Wagon with 4 speed auto has been clocked .5 seconds fast 0-60 than the Jetta VR6 sedan with stick, and it is German built, coincidence? maybe, maybe not, anyway, I know there are tons of people who have amazing experiences with their Jettas, but those I knw don't. I mean my cousins had rattles in it with 8 miles on the odometer. If you want a VW, get it and see how yours turns out, you've got a 50/50 chance that it'll be trouble free or problematic. This is my first car and I'm lucky to have it, its great fun and looks fantastic, but quality needs to be improved if VW really expects to compete agasint BMW, Mercedes and the likes. To soon to tell if I'll get another Jetta in 3 years. Sorry for the long post...

Anakin

Anyway, another aspect of it being German built is somehow the Jetta GLX Wagon with 4 speed auto has been clocked .5 seconds fast 0-60 than the Jetta VR6 sedan with stick

Uhh, what? Where did you see this? A car being German built wouldn't magically make it faster.

justin

and then come back to see "how bad" the Mexican built VW's are. You will see that Hondas get the most complaints. Is it because they sell more? Who knows. I have said this once, and I will say it again. There is no make or model that is really any better, quality-wise, than another. Even Kia and Hyundai have die-hard, swear-by-their-cars fans. Then some people trade their BMW's after a week, and sue Lexus for safety issues. It is all a gamble if you ask me.

The reason, I think, that VW service can be sketchy is because I don't think they can hire enough techs to keep up with the brisk sales of the new VW's...

shawn325i

Big difference between a MB AMG and a VW Jetta!

In fact that is the basis of my point, the 1.8T is too fast for the Jetta's suspension (sport is better, but still included) and brakes.

Driving a vehicle with lots of horsepower is fun and CAN be safe as long as the suspension can handle it and the brakes can stop it when needed.

That's not to say that the new Jetta's suspension or brakes can not do an adequate job, however when bombing around in areas where it is safe to do so, the suspension and brakes should be more than just adequate.

dill6

I've never had an opportunity to drive a Jetta 1.8T hard so I'll take your word for it - but I think most all mid priced sedans are going to need some upgrading in the handling dept. before you're going to want to *really* push them. Upgrading brakes is a little spendy though, isn't it, and shouldn't be necessary?

The AMG MB is, if anything, even more impressive in braking and handling than sheer power, if that's possible. And the power on tap is unreal - my friend switched the traction control off once just to see what would happen and almost wrecked the thing.

It may be the safest car on the planet (traction control ON) - since you can stop, go, and avoid like nothing else I've ever seen - except that it BEGS you to test your limits as a driver, as its limitations are nowhere in sight. Personally, I don't want one, but I have to say I think it probably IS worth the $100K for someone who does and can afford it.

shawn325i

vocus

Congrats on your new Jetta. Glad you finally got back into one.

pat

The Jetta has won top honors in the "Small Sedan -- Under $20,000" category and the Jetta 1.8T takes the gold in the "Econosports -- Under $20,000" grouping. Follow the link on the left sidebar of this page to read the story.

Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board

nscs1a

I need some help. How reliable is Edmund's TMV for the Jettas? I live in Athens, GA and am buying a silver 2002 VW Jetta 1.8t, sport luxury, and monsoon sound. The purchase price we negotiated is $22,200. That price includes a dealer installed CD player and I am getting the 3.9% financing for 48 months. The TMV for it is $22,640. I am not getting quite what I wanted for my trade, but can live with it. I guess I just keep hearing that people are getting their Jetta's for $100-$200 over invoice, which would mean I am paying about $500 too much. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

BTW - the only reason I don't have the vehicle right now is that I am in the military and there are issues about titling it in another state, VW credit isn't very understanding. So, Monday we have to work it out.

nscs1a

in addition to my above post, the dealer told me that certain colors like baltic green will not be available in the US until early 2002. Anybody out there have a picture of a baltic green 2002 1.8t jetta that I can shove, er, show this guy?

vwguild

Let it suffice to say that there is No Way to
check the honesty of any post regarding prices paid...

Stop looking over your shoulder...Enjoy your car!

vwguild

If you are looking for Baltic Green...and they won't help you; go somewhere else...

hcamper9

i bought a 1.8t baltic green,w del pkg,monsoon and tiptronic three weeks ago. i love it! i paid $500 over invoice with no trade. ill send you pictures if i can get your email address. billspaner@mediaone.net

justin

is all over the place here in DC/VA/MD.

corvette

Gorgeous color, wish they had it when I bought my 1999. I've seen several on dealer lots (and literally tons of navy colored ones) in the KY/TN area, but I don't see that many on the road.

fischda

Again, sorry for the flame, but you posted so many times about rattles and noises. I need to remember people are here not only to praise their cars, but to seek remedies for problems.

To your credit, I have seen it. Had a 2000 GLS 2.0 for a few months that the wife totalled in a crash (it IS a very safe car, I might add). Anyway, it came off the lot with an uncharacteristic wind noise coming from the C-pillar, driver's side. Dealer gave me a loaner and took my car to their body shop to adjust the door's alignment. Poof, the noise was gone.

See? I must be really lucky, because ALL my service has been great (in two locations - DC and Ohio). I don't know if buying a Jetta is a 50/50 crapshoot, though. Maybe 90/10. I feel for those who have cronic problems and get no relief.

Blueguy, why don't you come to my dealer.....? I'll take you to lunch for unfairly jumping on you.

blueguydotcom

No problem. I'm meeting with the service manager Thursday and we're going to take the car for a drive. I'm bugging out of work early to do this, but such is life. Who knows, maybe, finally, they can solve my rattles!

fischda

So this is the first time you are driving with the service guys? Hope it works out. We once had a Volvo that refused to act up when the mechanic was in it. Keep us posted.

longhead

I am the proud new owner of a 2002 GL Jetta TDI, 5 speed,black with a grey cloth interior. I have read with interest the many accounts on this web site and they helped me make my choice. I didn't like the sound of all the power window problems and the lint situation with the GLS velour so the choice of the GL was easy. For a base model it provides plenty of creature comforts. The only options I chose were the side curtain airbags and a CD player. The TDI engine has thusfar exceeded expectations. It is a beauty. So thanks to all who have contributed to this discussion. It helped me be much more knowledgeable. Keep up the good work!!

silvertdijetta

Hi all,

Gotta question about the Jetta brake pads. I've heard that Jetta rear brake pads wear out faster than the fronts. I'm seeing that this is the case on my Jetta. I will be needing to replace the rears soon. Any recommendations on a brand of brake pad to go with that will last longer than the factory pads?

Longhead, Congrats on the TDI purchase! Happy Dieseling!

Thx!

dl7265

I saw the listed 0-60 on the TDI is 12.5 , i had hoped it might be a little better with 155lb torque even with low Hp, it is for a female friend not myself maybe it will be adequite , can anyone offer any comments on performance ?

thanks
DL

shawn325i

as a loaner car for 2 weeks until my 1.8T came in. I was presently surprised with the speed at every level, hard to believe it's rated at only 90 horses.

pamlita

I just recently bought a 2002 Jetta GLS 1.8T with the upgraded Monsoon stereo system. This system is prewired to install a CD changer in the trunk. My salesperson told me that I could buy the VW cd changer, but he recommended that I just go over to Best Buy and buy one of their cd changers for a cheaper price. However, I spoke with somebody at Best Buy and they told me that none of their cd changers will give me the digital quality sound that the VW cd changer would give me. Are there any cd changers in the market that I could buy that would be compatible with the Monsoon stereo system? If so, would it be worth buying elsewhere as opposed to buying from VW? Thanks.

blueguydotcom

Panasonic DP610 is the factory OEM model. Buy that and the connector for about $200 at most local (non-Best Buy, non-Good Guys) stores. It takes about five minutes to install. When you need instructions for putting it in, visit vwvortex.com.

sarah233

I just heard that VWs are being made with some GM parts, which is happening due to a lawsuit settlement. Anyone heard anything about this? My friend is in an executive management class with someone from GM and heard that from him.

teo

Sarah, you'll be surprised the amount of new cars in the market that use Delco/Delphi GM parts. My Hondas had GM baterries from factory for instance.

I don't see nothing wrong with that, as it appears to be that some VW/Audi parts like window regulators, Oxygen sensors, brakes et al, do have some serious quality and relibility problems.

This is the result of globalization. Your $70K Jaguar has Ford Motorcraft parts in it. Don't be surprised if your Mercedes C Class has some Mopar components under the hood to lower costs.

More and more cars of different brands and points of origin are sharing common parts, don't be overly surprised about that.

ashutoshsm

BMW's 3 series cars use a GM/Delco automatic transmission (the steptronic).

Of course, I'm sure the german companies (at least BMW) have high standards and only use reliable parts!

sarah233

thanks for the info. i was just curious.

dl7265

thanks for the reply , we are gonna try and drive one tonite if we can make it in, th 49mpg sounds good !

regards,
DL

price10

CAN BLUEGUYDOTCOM POST WHERE AT WHAT LOCATION I
CAN PURCHASE DP610 AND CONNECTOR FOR $200.00
THE BEST PRICE I FOUND WAS AT CRUTCHFIELD.COM
249.00 PLUS 49.00 FOR CONNECTOR. I LIVE IN THE
MYRTLE BEACH SC AREA.
WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR REPLY

cupholder1

can someone describe the difference between a Jetta with and without a sport suspension? I like "sport" anything, but 80% of my driving is on pothole filled city streets and am wondering if the sport suspension might be too brutal.