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Comments
First of all, all of you need to stop acting like children in a peeing contest. This board is not even any more fun to read, there is always drama somewhere. Get over it!
Teo: You trash every car that is NOT an Impala. If you don't have anything nice to say here, then don't say anything at all. It would be childish and time-wasting for us to go to the Impala room and do the same thing, but it would be in good turn though. And I have seen you do the same thing on other posting boards too. Let it go. Good Lord.
Justin: The Jetta is a nice car, but it's a ~$20,000 subcompact sedan, not a super power.
Blueguy: Get rid of the Jetta. Run it into a wall or something. Just get rid of the car and stop complaining about it already.
Newcar: You had said many times you wanted a Jetta, but decided not to get one for your beloved Protege. That's fine, it was your choice. But as far as it getting deep in here, that's your opinion and you are stuck with it. If people are enthusiastic about their cars, then that's their opinion. The comments are crap and not really needed.
JDPower: JD Power says the initial quality of the Jetta is not good. Some cars have problems. They need to break into sub-categories or something to better define what "problems" the cars have had. I mean, they treat a loose screw the same as a blown transmission basically. That has been said before as well.
BTW, I must be subconsciously trying to get it stolen at this point. I've accidentally left it unlocked and alarm unarmed about three times in malls over the past few weeks. I thought San Diego was a hotbed for car theft too. Go figure.
Blueguy: Yes, I base my opinions on my personal experiences. Do you understand that in life their is no better way to have an opinion? You have yours, based on your experience with this "horrible" Jetta (that you STILL own??), and yet you can't allow that I base my thoughts on my good experiences with TWO Jettas? Why is that so hard to understand?
Venus: You most certainly have to own and drive the car you are commenting on. No question. Rr again, I could go into every board like others here and say what ever I want. I would take your advice/opinion, because you actually drive the car, over someone who drives a chevy...
In the end, there are people on this board that have no real credibility when posting about Jettas performance, reliability, or what have you. They should step back and ask themselves why a car that they don't own, interests them so much? The answer is because, they bought the wrong car, and they regret their purchase. They support my opinion each time they come in trying to trash a car that they don't know about.
And yes, car mags are notorious for doing favors for car makers in exchange for things. Hello? Car and Driver would have us believe that the Honda Accord V6 LX is the best sedan out there, in it's last year of production, over many other new sedans. Funny. Look at the Accord posts.....problems problems problems. On the other hand, when any car mag tests a VW, and tests it hard, they don't mention all these little problems that people say that VW's have. I can't figure it out.
Eagerly awaiting for the next generation Jetta/Golf and the upcoming *Jetta enemy*, the BMW series 1.
VW's problems are real as GM's Ford's, DCX's etc, etc. VW is improving its quality stats, but they still need to pull long and hard from the bottom of the pack. This is not TEO saying this and that, is the automotive industry community and press that share the same exact opposing views expressed here. VW fans need to be more accepting of VW's shortcomings and stop sugarcoating some of the deficiences found in its products and dealer service network.
I will admit I have 2 rattles which have not been found in my car yet (mostly because I haven't taken the time to take it to the dealer for these problems). Also, like I said before, the dealer handles my problems very professionally. They give me a loaner every time the car is in for work for free (and I don't have to fuel it either), and wash and clean the car up as well for me before I pick it up. They also do their little follow-up call about the service too. VW service (for me, anyway) is the best I have ever had. This is my 5th car in 4 years (not including the 2 cars I maintained for my late mother), and it's the best service experience I have ever had.
Ludricrous!
This is an open forum where prospective, current and car buffs alike can come to share experiences, views, aks questions or simply get informed before making a purchase decision.
If you love your cars so much, good for you! But I have news...this is not a private Happy only VW Jetta owners club. If that's what you want, then move over the VWVortex.com or create your own domain with password protection and 24 hour post police to delete those posts that do not give a word of praise to VW and its products.
Some of you seem to have a very hard time taking up criticism and been able to carry on on civil and constructive debate.
Teo: I have noticed posts in other forums where you talk down other cars and talk up your Impala. That's not fair. You are entitled to your opinion, but you don't have to shove it down other peoples' throats.
Here is an example of an opinion: I like the Jetta and I think it is a neat car.
Teo, of course, you technically have the right to post wherever you want. I personally know my own limits and respect myself enough to know that I can't come into your Impala board and post, because I don't own the car. Sure, you can come in here and ask questions. But you don't. You trash a nice car, for what reason I don't know. The difference, again, between you and I, is that I never wanted an Impala. And you obviously wanted a Jetta. And that must burn you up, so you try to ruin the experience for others. The Impala will serve you well. That 3800 series engine has direct roots from the Stone Age I believe. Not sure what GM's thinking is, but it is not hi-tech, that's for sure. Only 200HP out of 3.8 liters? My 1.8 liter has 180 hp. But, then again, outside of the Corvette (still questionable) and some freaky Pontiacs (hideous), and the Aurora (actually a decent car) GM is not known for being a risk taker. The 3800 engine in your car should last forever - of course, the rest of the car will disintegrate in time for the warranty expiration....but who cares, right?
I still have not washed my car. Since Thanksgiving. I can't find a car wash anywhere!!
What is this BMW 1 series? And when is the new Jetta coming out? I am afraid to see how VW is going to mess it up.....
Newcar - yes, there have been false statements. Yours. Considering you don't own the Jetta, your comments can ONLY BE OPINION. Seriously, you want a Jetta, and that is cool. I did so much that I bought two of them. Bite the bullet, trade the Protege, and get the Jetta. Then talk about your experiences. That might help in these posting areas. Your Mazda Protege real-life experiences and Jetta "opinions" aren't going to really help anyone in a Jetta board.
So BMW is actually going to bring a 1 series here to the States? Should be interesting. I wonder how they will keep the cost down. Something will have to give. But it won't matter - they can sell anything here it seems like.
Even if my Jetta were perfect, the facts are indisputable. The car ranks low on JD Power initial quality surveys. The model, regardless of your experience, is not a well manufactured item. You may have had good luck, god bless, but the stats reveal people probably won't be that lucky.
I followed my heart when I purchased the car (though I got the warranty, so the brain did demand some restitution) and I lament my impetuousness daily. And while my personal experience causes chagrin, the car's reliability comments are related to studies, not anecdotes. Heck, my mother put 200k on a Z28 but I'd NEVER claim a Chevy Camaro is a reliable car. She may have been lucky but the evidence suggests most people will be plagued by problems...just like Jetta owners.
Not being mean or rude, but do you know what JD Power is? It is supposed to be survey OTHER peoples experiences with their cars. I have a problem basing my decisions on other peoples feelings. Some person might be mad because a tire was under inflated at delivery. That makes Jetta points go down. Someone hears a rattle. Uh oh - JD Power gets to knock them down again. For every person out there that complains about a rattle, there are hundreds if not thousands that don't have that problem. I understand that the impression is that VW quality is not as good as Toyota. It might even be true. But, does that mean VW quality is bad? I don't know. I can't identify with all of the mindless people that read a survery, and say, Honda is at the top, so that is what I buy. Obviously, there are millions of others out in the world that feel the same way. They buy the car they WANT, not the one some other group of people tells them to. And guess what? I will be happy with a few little annoyances. Not overjoyed - but considering the other choices out there - happy. I mean, if I had $8k more to spend, I would have liked an IS300. But, for my money, there isn't anything comparable, no matter how much more reliable someone says it is. A Camry or Accord? For my Mom, yes, but not me, thank you
Again, my main issue is that VW owners refuse to accept that VW's assembly/quality is below standard. Focusing more on the "fun to drive" aspect. VW's own chairman ignologies this, why can't anyone here do the same?
What will you get out of trying to get happy VW owners to come to the conclusion that somehow you are right about a car you don't even own? What is your goal? Just curious...
I will say again, if I was at the Impala board among others, what would you do if I was in there saying Impala is bad bad bad. Some magazine says so, so it must be true! What would you say? Probably the same thing I say, which is, BUY ONE, then comment on it.
As for current options...after I buy my house and finish grad school in May I'd like to move into something with a bit of verve for once, probably a G35, maybe a Bimmer or some as yet unseen contender (Mazda 6 or RX-8?). Until then I'll make do flogging my Jetta through the streets.
C'mon folks, calm down - none of this is worth all this chaos. We need to talk about the vehicle itself and stop talking about each other.
Thanks.
Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board
My mother used to say that opinions are like butt-holes. Everyone has one.
Justin---When did I make a statement that wasn't true?
I agree about the Sentra. I almost waited for Sentra SE-R spec-V but upon seeing that they were making the interior even more goofy than the 2001 SE's, I couldn't stomach the prospect.
Have fun with your.....Mazda.
Also... Jeeze, the Jetta is a fine car, I know used to have one but the truth is it is not a Lexus or anything. My Protege feels better built and more solid then my Jetta did but again like Vocus said that is my opinion. There are always lemons. Really folks, all the compact cars are very alike but it is good to know there is so much verve in some of these message boards.
Quotes from Justin: "The Jettas built in Mexico are revered in the automotive enthusiast community as some of the best built cars out there, in ANY price class." ---- Tee hee hee
"I would ask anyone to find a car that is better assembled than a Jetta. You won't find a Lexus or Mercedes that does any better."---- BLASPHEMY!!!!!
"why look at JD Power? been through this before. guess which car companies have nice little relationships with companies like JD Power? the ones at the top of their lists...:)"---- Uh, yeah, JD power takes bribes yet the biggest automaker in the world has many models that rank near the bottom. That's real logical buddy.
Why am I posting here? Because I can. Now, you can answer my question that you have been dodging: What false statements have I made?
p.s. I'm not the one whose dug a hole for himself.
I mean it. If you must continue to argue, take it off-line. Further posts in this vein will be removed.
Thank you.
Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board
Hey man, don't put down LEGO like that. Good memories there. :^)
Well, my two cents are thus:
2002 Jetta 1.8T
5200 trouble free miles, going in for first oil change on Thursday.
Lots of fun to drive. I recommend getting the Neuspeed sway bar.
I'd pretty much agree about the VW/Audi interiors. I think the Jetta's luxo-like interior is what sold me on the car...along with that juicy little turbo. Although I'm also a big fan of Bimmer and MB interiors too. Something about the driver friendly, almost austere, yet luxurious Teutonic interior designs that make me happy. Must be my German blood.
I just turned 7000 miles (since 11/3/01) on my 2002 1.8T and loving every mile!
VW's are like an illusion. You feel like you are getting the bargain of the century....whoa! look at that beautiful, tasteful interior! You think you are getting an Audi with a 30% to 40% discount. NOT!
You are getting high quality interior materials not assembled in the most appropiate manner. Then how can you explain rattles developing within days and weeks of taking new car delivery?
Take a look at any VW and then go over to the Audi showroom. It is evident that Audi's are what VW's are not, not just because of the premium brand label, but because Audi's are built to a much higher standard in despite of the VW corporate ties. Dr. Piech's eagerness to turn VW into the next BMW and Mercedes rival has caught up with with. The man is retiring (or has already) and while a visionary and being the mastermind behind VW's comeback from the brink of bankruptcy in the late 1990's, I think he has had his moments of total insanity....a $40K+ VW Passat "Phaeton" V8? A W12 exotic V12 supercar? What??? What about the long overdue SUV or the dated Cabrio and Eurovan model, which BTW rides in a 20 year old platform??
VW, does not need to compete with MB and BMW, et al. VW does not need $40K flash mobiles that overlap and carve into Audi A6 territory. VW instead needs better assembly quality and better component reliability mated to exceptional dealer service to match the high prices these compact sized cars command. I don't care if they make them in China, Russia, Mexico, etc, just make them reliable to go with the looks and feel.
Good thing Germany's coporate laws force company executive retirements at age 65. Dr. Piech while having its moments of geniality, the man has the personality of "Dr Jekill and Mr. Hide".
Just an opinion, so VW fans, don't get ofended. This is reality.
I guess at the end of the day, a car is measured by the interest it captures. Judging by this board, Jetta wins hands-down. Even people that don't have one, feel the need to be all up in it's business
As far as the $40k VW - bring it on. For the money, performance, features, etc, you would have to spend at least $10 grand more for the 5 series, or A6 models. For my $40k, it would not be a VW however. It would be my Jetta, and a Miata on the side
>>On the low end, a Protege that can't even get out of it's own way<<
That is even more true for the Jetta on the "low-end".
Not to worry though, there is a turbocharged Protege on the way....with better handling than the Jetta to boot.
But, this isn't the place to be comparing the Protege with the Jetta, if you want to, you can start a topic in the Comparisons section.
And, for the record, a five speed TOP of the line Protege is not much quicker at all than a BASE 5 speed Jetta model. In the real driving world, not quicker at all.
But, you are right, this is not a Jetta vs. Protege board. That would be silly and unfair. Proteges are nice alternatives to Focus and Sentra and the like....
I have not driven a new Altima, but I have been in one. I didn't think the interior was any worse than any other Nissan. I think the Altima's price point is what SHOULD propel it to the top of the class.....$24k for that V6 and leather? There is a Jetta GLX competitor if their ever was one...