I have driven both, the choice for you as I see it is easy.
The only thing better about the Jetta would be in a cornering situation that I can see with an upgraded Jetta suspension. Everything else goes to the Passat - space, comfort, quality (consumer reports just gave the Passat a favorable review). The extra couple of inches width you get in a Passat makes all the difference in the world, especially if your a 6 footer, you wont feel like a hulk in little putter car and can actually fit adults in the backseat. And if you really want the sunroof, spend the extra $1300 or so and get the lux package, only a few extra bucks a month. Jetta very nice little car, but you have greater needs than just a little racer, so upgrade to the Passat where you get the best of all worlds, no car comes close for the price - you get style, space, comfort for around 25k loaded (1.8t, leather, lux, monsoon, tip).
Thanks so much for all of your postings. I'm looking at a 1.8T Passat now. Although the Jetta seemed fun, the two kids, car seats and 'stuff' will fill the space in a Passat's trunk.
Only decision is tip or manual. Since it's 'my' commuter car (15 miles of stop&go traffic) I'm leaning towards the tip...but I did love my manual tranny in my old CRX. If that's the case, I'm going to the lux package.
I stopped by a VW dealer here in NJ after hours. Seems the tip, monsoon and homelink is a standard. Final decision is the financing. I'm looking at the traditional lease or VW's "Driver's Option"..a combo of lease payments with better options to buy later. Anyone have experience with that?
Driver's option money rate factor is typically higher than the money factor (interest rate) on your typical lease contract.
Driver's option is only recommended when state tax laws make regular leasing a more expensive endeavor. Check your tax state laws in regards to leasing to see if Driver's option is the best option for you.
The only difference between a regular lease and driver's option is that in the latter the car is registered IN YOUR NAME, thus you pay insurance premium rates as it you had purchased/financed the car. You also have a pre-determined balloon payment at the end of the contract and the option of paying the balloon outright, re-finance the balloon amount, trade in the car for another new VW or just walk away (After all penalties and lease end costs have been fully satisfied).
For the rest, driver's option works exactly the same as a regular lease contract. Mileage charges and annual limits also apply. If you take a lease/driver's option at 36 months with an allowance of 12k miles per year, you'll pay less per month than going 36K miles with 15K miles per year. Over the mileage charges also apply.
Also check and make sure about down payments and initial lease inception costs. Ask about the money rate and other hidden charges. Leases are pretty complicated if you are not familiar with them or don't have a clear idea of what you are getting yourself into...be extra careful before signing any papers. Edmund's offer pretty good advice on leasing in general.
If you can truly afford the car I would recommend going for traditional finance. Car is yours outright, no mileage limitations, no wear and tear charges, no worries, no nasty surprises at the end of the contract like with a lease.
I see leasing as never ending revolving credit, while purchase/finance you pay for your car and at the end you have something to show for. the Passat and VW's in general have very good resale values. A Passat after 4 years of use still commands 47% value of original sticker MSRP price.
These critters are almost an investment in the long run, so weigh your purchase/lease options carefully.
Again, it is cheaper to buy/finance the car outright than buying later at the pre-determined balloon payment at the end of the lease contract. If you can't comfortably buy the car outright, maybe you are buying more car than you can actually afford, so check your options and keep tabs on extras and tack on packages.
i'll admit it, i'm lazy. my next car will have an automatic. so the GLI trim level is out for me.
the next generation jetta is suppose to gain up to eight inches in wheelbase and five inches in overall length. with the 6 speed manuals and 5 speed automatics being phased in more models before the new ones debut. source: consumer guide. take it for what it's worth.
blueguy: have you read edmund's review of the 2003 acura cl type s. replacing the fake wood with the titanium-finish accents helps out the interior a lot. also, edmunds likes what the ATTS does for the car's handling. i know, i'm captain honda around here. teo must be captain impala.
i have the 5 speed vr6 and i think this car is even too busy at 80 mph or higher. cruising at these speeds is really the only time my jetta annoys me. no rattles in my car though.
Not sure if you have considered them, but don't count out the Saab 9-3 and the Volvo S60 T-5.
Yes, the Saab is OLD, but some people swear by Saabs. They have improved a lot reliability wise, and they have always been durable. I personally like them - best bet is to look at a one year old used one as they lose their value even more than Kia and Hyundai.
The Volvo is winning quite a few accolades in the car mags. I know everyone here ADORES the car mags. Beating out the ES300, X-Type, C320, etc. I like it too. Very clinical and simple interior, beautiful on the outside, especially in black, and it also doesn't have the 3 series image and stigma attached to it. Besides, it is the last REAL Volvo, if that means anything to anyone
I test drove both. Though neither were the Viggen or T-5. Both are nice. Just complete opposites.
Got my first ding in 4200 miles. Actually, more like a deep scratch. These days, is touch up paint still the way to go?
I know of atleast 3 guys who went in, test drive both the Passat and the Jetta and were blown away by the interest rates. Last person I spoke to said that he was getting a Jetta for 3.9% APR and the Passat was a whopping 9.9% APR.
When I bought my Jetta last year, it was the same case. I bought it under the college grad program which gave me 5.9%APR vs the Passat's 9.9%. Basically it meant that we could drive a loaded Jetta cheaper than a bargain base Passat. The Jetta GLX can anyday impress back-seaters than the base Passat,maybe making them forget the loss of leg-room :-)
The Passat's interest rates are 2.90% 4.50% 4.90% 5.50%, obviously in ascending order.
I was at the dealership this morning getting my 10k checkup and I looked over a 1.8T Passat with lux, leather and tip. They wanted 25k for it (26k MSRP). Weird thing is, the Passat comes with really small wheels. Like 15 inchers! Otherwise, darn is that car nice.
Justin, nah man the Saab's a GM and I've tested them before. My sister looked at them a year ago when she was car shopping. I test drove every car she drove. Saab was among them.
I've got a whopper of a scratch on my front lower bumper. I'm not sure if something struck my car while driving or if a a friend did it when borrowing the car, either way it stands out when the car's clean. Oh well. Maybe it'll buff out.
I don't own a Jetta, but from what I get around here, they are noisy cars on the road. The interiors are also small--hope you don't put people in the back seat. The interior is smaller than a Hyundai Elantra. Which engine? I hear acceleration is pretty slow with the 2.0. We've had 2 Jettas in the past and are considering one for our next car. One was a manual and the other was an automatic. If we get another one, there is NO chance of it being an automatic--they just don't seem the same--but that's just me! Good luck to you!
A major newspaper is looking to interview folks who learned how to drive stick in their adulthood, and either fell in love or hated it. Also welcome is any input on why people love to drive stick, and any unusual anecdotes about how you learned etc.
Didnt get much response from the Civic forum so asking it here...
Bought a 2001 new Civic DX for the wife at invoice and need to get a good sound system in it. We love the Monsoon on the Jetta so something comparable...
Budget is $350-$400. No DIY kits from Crutchfield(which is what a couple of chaps at the other forum recommended.) Basically looking to go to someone where I can pick a CD player (and speakers too if you chaps feel are needed). Else might get it from Crutchfield and have someone (Pep Boys?) do it.
Note: The DX has 4 speakers, while the EX has 6 which give quite good sound.
All right everyone. I am out of the forum for an entire week. Somebody, please, at least once a day say something nice about the subject matter. I know it is usually my job, but I am relying on someone to be the "good guy" for a week
Also, chant or pray or whatever you need to do so that my planes don't crash. Hate flying...
I bought the 25mm rear sway bar. It's enough for me. If you really want, you can buy the 28mm for ever firmer cornering, but you have to watch out or the rear end can slide out on you in a hard corner.
I'm happy with the 25mm, and I plan to buy H&R Sport springs and the Bilstein Sport shock/strut set. This setup was recommended to me as a nice balance between sport and comfort.
Once all of that is finished, I'm going to get some 17" wheels and tires.
elmo, I have a 2000 Jetta with a 2.0 engine and 55K on it. What you should buy depends on what you want the car for and what you like. The 2.0 is a very reliable, if a bit noisey, engine. The 1.8T eats more gas and turbos are not known to be as durable as non-turbos. The VR6 is FAST but it gulps lots of fuel and makes the car front heavy which impacts cornering.
What transmission you get also depends upon what you want the car for. If you don't care about performance, get the Tiptronic. The Jetta clutch is very difficult to get used to (at least mine was). It does not catch until the last inch and then it catches fast. When matched with the five speed's gear ratios this makes for a very touchy combination. It easy to stall and easy to accidentally squeel the tires in first gear. Both first and second gear top out very quickly. They make the car feel quick without using a big engine to produce the effect.(Remember the Golf commercial with the car in the tree?) Things tame down quite a bit after second gear. If you like to get going quickly and enjoy using a combination of gears and gas to take hills and curves, then the five speed will give you lots of fun!
The salesman will tell you that the Tiptronic gives you both the fun of the 5 speed and the easy driving that comes with an automatic. IMHO its an automatic pure and simple. The tiptronic feature does not really replicate a five speed and most drives stop playing with it after a couple of months and just drive it in automatic mode.
Whatever choice you make, you will find the Jetta is a fun little car.
as for the 2.0, I have it and although it really isn't to bad around town...it looses steam on the highway, it is fairly loud, and gets a rough idle. Also, it is far from reliable as it has an oil burning issue. The turbo is fast, high tech, Audi made, equal mileage as the 2.0, reliable, and has a great sound , the VR6 is nice and smooth and quick, but it is heavy as mentioned above so it will cause some real nose dives and make the handling sloppier...
I've been following these discussions about the problems everyone is experiencing with their Jetta's. I saw the postings before my purchase and decided to go for it anyway (even though I hate rattles).
I test drove several different 1.8T's and 2 had door rattle's and 3 didn't. I purchased one that didn't.
The day I drove it out of the lot, not one block away, the driver's side door started up. I turned right around and told the business manager I wouldn't take this car the way it was. It must have happened during the prep.
Thanks to Justin I new about the "foils" and told the service manager who had his trusty roll of 3M tape. He spend about 45 minutes and 3 test drives, but managed to rid the car of the door creaks.
I say they are not rattles because the noise is caused by the doors rubbing against the odd material VW uses for the door seals. Something like a rubberized felt.
Anyhow, 2 days later and those annoying creaks were back. Not to worry, however. Just a quick trip to the local Home Depot fixed the problem. Forget about "foils", which is just clear tape that they use to prevent the rubbing. (Actually, they sell this stuff at Home Depot) Go out and pick up some Frost King "X-Treme Rubber Weatherseal (3/8"x1/8"x17'). $4.98 + tax. I got it to match the paint (Grey) and ran it along the groove in the upper door panel on all the doors. One pack covers all 4 doors.
Otherwise, the car is awesome. I've had Toyota's, Mazda's, Honda's and Nissan's, not to mention some of those American brands, and have had good luck as well as bad luck with all. I'm hoping to have a good experience with this one. After all, I opted for the Millenium Extended warranty package (84/100,000). I'll try to keep you all posted.
We have a 2000 GL with the 2.0. I think its a good motor. My one complaint is I think they rev high at freeway speeds which causes it to be a little noisy, but nothing to worry much about. I don't think the idle is ruff or that the motor has reliability problems. Yes, ours goes through about 1 to 1.5 quarts every 5K, I don't think that makes it "unreliable". Unreliable to me means when I get in to start it, it doesn't or it poops out on you all time which the Jetta most certainly does not. I think the fit/finish is great for a 17K car IMHO. I also don't think the Jetta clutch is hard to get used to ePaterline???? What have you been driving before this? Ours had the door creak everyone talks about, it was simply the striker plate needing adj. so that the door sat tighter when closed. Actually fixed this (because it would start up after having the dealer adjust it and I got sick of taking it back) by taking a small piece of duct tape and wrapping the stricker, fixed it permanently.
just stop by the local home depot and get your "Frost King "X-Treme Rubber Weatherseal" so your car won't "creak". and while your at it, pick up a couple of quarts of oil for your oil burning engine. any more endorsements like this out there?
So what? The Jetta is such a fun car to drive I think its worth a few querks such as the door creak. Lots of other cars have querks as well, its just knowing that they are there and fixing them. The door creak (on ours at least) was the striker plate adj. My Jeep Cherokee does the same thing. I would have fixed both the right way but a tiny piece of tape was cheaper than the large Torx (who the hell came up with that anyway?) wrench needed to adjust it properly. Just check your oil and you will be fine which is what you should do anyway???
If people did the minimums for car maintenance, they would keep almost any car manufactured today for $150k. Case in point - I own a 1990 Pontiac Grand AM w/ 144k on it (and this is with a stick 'Crap-4' (Quad-4) engine. I was not 'religious' - I just followed the manufactures guidelines (and used Mobil 1, which I suggest in all engines). I had some issues w/ it, like DO NOT follow the manufacturer's guidelines when changing sparkplugs on this engine - 30K is too long and you blow out coil packs (this engine has 2) and your car runs like it is missing. However, as long as there is oil in the engine (which you should check), you should be ok. If it becomes extensive, then you'll know within the warranty and have to take it up with the manufacturer.
The issue is that car makers have made engines basically oil leak proof, which gives the average American (I don't have time to check) a sense of security until their engine freezes. Thank God for competition, or this would be a common occurrence. If you check Lexus's owner's manual, it will tell you to check the oil level. The only cars that you do not have to physically check the oil level are most brand new Mercedes (they have a sensor that performs this, now - no dipstick) and electrics!
I've been looking at new cars for several weeks, and I've decided to buy the JettaGLS 1.8t w/leather/sport lux pkg/ monsoon. I'm not an aggresive driver and am not fond of driving a manual, so its automatic for me. Just like there are some in the forum who have issues with their jettas, I know one Jetta owner who just loves her car and has had no trouble with it or the dealer. I've also talked with 3 other Jetta owners I've happened across and they were all positive. Just happens that some individual cars may have problems, while others do not.
Just like what is an unacceptable to one owner, is just a minor annoyance to another. And, of course, there are those who DO get Lemons, and a feel for them. I just hope mine doesn't turn into a lemon. Just do your research, decided what is important to you in a car and TEST DRIVE what you like a few times. Then take the plunge. I'm happy with my decision, with the options I've chosen. It all comes down to your personal preferences and tastes. Everyone will have an opinion and it is a good thing to gather and weigh the opinions of others, but in the end it is your money and your car so YOUR opinion is the ultimate end all be all of the car buying process. (Unless your married, then the wife's opinion is the end all be all...
Here it goes. New Jetta GLS auto, leather pkg, Monsoon, and sport lux pkg. The dealer quoted me a price of $23,575 which includes all taxes etc. As of 2/09 Edmunds new vehicle calculator's TMV price for this configuation was $24,178, which is before taxes. So I'm at $603 below what edmunds says is a good price before tax. (in Indiana, where I'm at, tax is 5%). So,I believe I am getting a good deal. Also have the quote in writing.
i agree with you that the jetta is a fun car to drive. but having the doors "creak" as you're leaving the dealer and having your engine burn 1 1/2 quarts of oil per 5000 miles is not acceptable. these problems appear to be more than just isolated cases from reading this topic. hopefully in regards to the "creaks", this is just a bad batch of cars that left the factory and the problem has been fixed. vw is lucky to have such understandable buyers like yourself. me, i would yell out my window: "i'm as mad as hell and i'm not going to take it any more" like they did in the movie "network".
Try e-mailing the VW dealers near you. Most of the local VW dealers by me will sell a Jetta for between $200-400 over invoice via e-mail. No hassle, easy way to get the precise car you want at a pretty good deal.
What I am saying is that just about every car (as you can read here in Townhall) has some type of common issue. So VWs is door creak. The oil consumption is said to be fine by VW so what are you worried about? If something happens as a result it will be covered under warranty anyway. I agree that everyone wants perfection in their new car, well, if you want that you are in lala land. Almost every new car has a querk at some time. Remember, these are not 40K cars, but rather 17K cars and you can't expect perfection at that price IMHO. What you CAN expect is that when issues like the door creak arise, that they are promptly and curteously taken care of by the dealer. End of story. And this is more where the problem lies IMHO.
A buddy got a GLS 1.8T last week, and I had the opportunity to drive it this weekend. Thought it was a great little car, and am considering one when my lease is up this summer. Because it would be a lease, I would order an '03 to get a better residual value. The timing of receiving the car really doesn't matter, as far as ordering goes.
When is the next re-design scheduled? I believe '03 will be the fifth year of this body style, and I hate getting a car and having the car re-designed the next year. Any information would be appreciated.
frame and redesign was late 1999...similar to the January release of the 2001.5 Passat...
A Major redesign of this car in the next year or two, to me, is not a reality...tweaks, some mods are certainly possible, but what I would suggest you that you will see first is a 2 Door version or a Cabrio...
In August, the New Beetle Cabrio will finally be introduced, and the Cabrio, as we know it today, will go away...
>>agree that everyone wants perfection in their new car, well, if you want that you are in lala land. <<
On what planet is that la-la land? On Earth, living in the USA, that's not a pipe dream, that's EXPECTED. Hondas, Toyotas, Lexus, Infiniti, Acura all arrive with nearly zero problems. Look at the initial quality stuff from JD Power and you'll see that you can buy a car and expect for it to be problem free.
And PLEASE don't offer rejoinder like "I had a friend who had a civic that was nothing but problems" or "Well those cars have their problems too" or "Well the interiors aren't as nice" or "what do you expect for 20k?".
The empirical evidence suggests that the Jetta is far below good cars and is in the middle of the pack (some studies indicate bottom). And no, average is not good. Rating in the 50% percentile, at least where I attended school, always got one an "F".
Did I write that people should not buy Jettas? I don't get why so many Jetta owners must misrepresent the data. Most of us want and expect good cars because we know that some companies are capable of building them. To expect less than perfection seems rather odd. Do you normally buy things and hope for marginal performance.
"Hey, check out my new Samsung 27 inch TV. Sure its got muted colors, the speakers buzz, its S-video and component inputs don't work but that's what I expected because I spent $800 on this TV instead of buying a 27 inch Sony for $600. I'm hoping the remote breaks soon."
No I do not, but it seems that so many people will try to claim "lemmon!" for nothing more than a few rattles and sqeaks that fall under the warranty anyway. I am not saying to expect marginal quality, but what I am saying is that all cars have a few problems and the Jetta is one of them. Becuase the doors creak (I am using this as an example, I realize there are plenty of other problems people have had) on SOME Jettas is certainly not a reason to not buy one.
I am a little mad because I am driving a car that stickered for $24,675 (1.8T w/Sport Luxury, Monsoon, Tiptronic, Northeast emissions, and Leather Pkg.) and the dash and door panels rattle. I never have had a brand new car do this to me before, especially not one costing almost $25,000. That's rediculous. I mean you can take the car back and get it fixed, but that gets annoying. It seems like every time they fix one rattle, another appears a few days later.
I am really sorry, but that to me represents poor quality. I have had 2 Mazdas, a Chevy, 2 Pontiacs, and a Dodge and not even those cars (except the Chevy, which I bought used) rattled. It makes no sense for a $25K car to do so. Perhaps if it were built better, it would not rattle.
And if getting a better built car means leaving VW and going to another manufacturer, then so be it.
I got a few quotes online and used them to negotiate a better price at a dealer closer to town. They had to locate the car, but it should be here this week. Paid $300 over invoice, although the salesman said that invoices in Texas are increased by $117 for something called a port tax. Has anyone else heard of this, or is this BS.
There are all sorts of weird add-on fees. In San Diego every deal I spoke to mentioned extra fees for advertising, space, etc. I got some stuff taken off but not all . If it's an issue, call another local dealer and ask if they charge that extra fee. If they don't, contact the selling dealership and see if you can get it removed or negotiated down.
I finally test drove the Jetta with the 1.8T and the V6 this weekend -- both automatics. What a great ride! the Sport package has a nice feel, IMHO not too hard. I preferred the V6 for the increased power, in fact spun the tires twice unintentionally. For those with the V6, is spinning the tires something you always have to watch or did the dealer possibly not deflate the tires from their shipping pressure (protective plastic was still all over the car)?
Also, the dealer said that they were starting to get in V6's with 200hp versus 174hp from the factory and that there'd be a good size upcharge ($750 - $1,000 range) if that's what I got. Does anyone know what the deal is with the increased hp? Are they shipping both the 174 and 200 for a while, or are they now just shipping the 200 and what the price increase might be, if any? Perhaps he was just trying to flim-flam me into paying more.
As soon as we see if the three carseats (4 yr old and 5 month old twins) can be crammed into the back when the Suburban is in the shop, we're ready to buy. Not sure what we'll do if they don't. They did fit into my brother's Passat and I don't think the Jetta's that much narrower.
Trust me, 3 car seats in the back of a Jetta won't happen. I owned a 2001 Jetta GLS 1.8T 5-speed and although I loved the car, the room was the main reason for selling it. We thought we could live with it, but after 8 months and 20K it was just too hard. I only have 2 kids and one car seat and one booster seat in the car left less than 6 inches in the middle. That was with the other 2 seats crammed against the door (not safe), with them sitting the way they should, there was less than 3 or 4 inches between them. I couldn't even fit 3 kids in the back seat, even if one wasn't in a car seat or booster seat. Jettas are a tight fit. I do miss my car but I don't miss the lack of room. If I had it to do again I would get a Passat.
Remember, the EPA classification of the Jetta is "Compact" for a reason. An Elantra has a larger interior. I always thought it was strange about how small the interior is. When you look at a Jetta, it does not seem that small to me. I guess looks can be deceiving!
those new VW commercials where they praise their engineers and say "VW makes it better"..., well why don't they make VW's better and rid them of rattles...? Question- When turning and getting my foot off the brake, or doing that when turning onto a driveway or entrance of sorts, I hear a scraping tpye sound from underneath the car....anyone got any ideas?
Thanks for taking the time to post in response to my question about a 2002 Jetta. I was looking at the GLS with an automatic & 2.0 liter engine. I have a wife & two kids that need booster seats. I am glad I posted here...sounds like the Jetta is not roomy in the back for kids, let alone adults. Also bothered by the multiple posts about squeeks & rattles coing from the doors. Not going to spend 19k on a car that requires $5 in duct tape to make it a quiet ride.
I was encouraged by the upgrade to a 4 year 5ok warranty...VW was wimping out with the old 2 yr 24k warranty. I am wondering if a Honda Accord is any bigger than the Jetta.
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The only thing better about the Jetta would be in a cornering situation that I can see with an upgraded Jetta suspension. Everything else goes to the Passat - space, comfort, quality (consumer reports just gave the Passat a favorable review). The extra couple of inches width you get in a Passat makes all the difference in the world, especially if your a 6 footer, you wont feel like a hulk in little putter car and can actually fit adults in the backseat. And if you really want the sunroof, spend the extra $1300 or so and get the lux package, only a few extra bucks a month. Jetta very nice little car, but you have greater needs than just a little racer, so upgrade to the Passat where you get the best of all worlds, no car comes close for the price - you get style, space, comfort for around 25k loaded (1.8t, leather, lux, monsoon, tip).
Only decision is tip or manual. Since it's 'my' commuter car (15 miles of stop&go traffic) I'm leaning towards the tip...but I did love my manual tranny in my old CRX. If that's the case, I'm going to the lux package.
I stopped by a VW dealer here in NJ after hours. Seems the tip, monsoon and homelink is a standard. Final decision is the financing. I'm looking at the traditional lease or VW's "Driver's Option"..a combo of lease payments with better options to buy later. Anyone have experience with that?
Driver's option is only recommended when state tax laws make regular leasing a more expensive endeavor. Check your tax state laws in regards to leasing to see if Driver's option is the best option for you.
The only difference between a regular lease and driver's option is that in the latter the car is registered IN YOUR NAME, thus you pay insurance premium rates as it you had purchased/financed the car. You also have a pre-determined balloon payment at the end of the contract and the option of paying the balloon outright, re-finance the balloon amount, trade in the car for another new VW or just walk away (After all penalties and lease end costs have been fully satisfied).
For the rest, driver's option works exactly the same as a regular lease contract. Mileage charges and annual limits also apply. If you take a lease/driver's option at 36 months with an allowance of 12k miles per year, you'll pay less per month than going 36K miles with 15K miles per year. Over the mileage charges also apply.
Also check and make sure about down payments and initial lease inception costs. Ask about the money rate and other hidden charges. Leases are pretty complicated if you are not familiar with them or don't have a clear idea of what you are getting yourself into...be extra careful before signing any papers. Edmund's offer pretty good advice on leasing in general.
If you can truly afford the car I would recommend going for traditional finance. Car is yours outright, no mileage limitations, no wear and tear charges, no worries, no nasty surprises at the end of the contract like with a lease.
I see leasing as never ending revolving credit, while purchase/finance you pay for your car and at the end you have something to show for. the Passat and VW's in general have very good resale values. A Passat after 4 years of use still commands 47% value of original sticker MSRP price.
These critters are almost an investment in the long run, so weigh your purchase/lease options carefully.
Again, it is cheaper to buy/finance the car outright than buying later at the pre-determined balloon payment at the end of the lease contract. If you can't comfortably buy the car outright, maybe you are buying more car than you can actually afford, so check your options and keep tabs on extras and tack on packages.
Good luck and have fun.
the next generation jetta is suppose to gain up to eight inches in wheelbase and five inches in overall length. with the 6 speed manuals and 5 speed automatics being phased in more models before the new ones debut. source: consumer guide. take it for what it's worth.
blueguy: have you read edmund's review of the 2003 acura cl type s. replacing the fake wood with the titanium-finish accents helps out the interior a lot. also, edmunds likes what the ATTS does for the car's handling. i know, i'm captain honda around here. teo must be captain impala.
i have the 5 speed vr6 and i think this car is even too busy at 80 mph or higher. cruising at these speeds is really the only time my jetta annoys me. no rattles in my car though.
Yes, the Saab is OLD, but some people swear by Saabs. They have improved a lot reliability wise, and they have always been durable. I personally like them - best bet is to look at a one year old used one as they lose their value even more than Kia and Hyundai.
The Volvo is winning quite a few accolades in the car mags. I know everyone here ADORES the car mags.
I test drove both. Though neither were the Viggen or T-5. Both are nice. Just complete opposites.
Got my first ding in 4200 miles. Actually, more like a deep scratch. These days, is touch up paint still the way to go?
When I bought my Jetta last year, it was the same case. I bought it under the college grad program which gave me 5.9%APR vs the Passat's 9.9%. Basically it meant that we could drive a loaded Jetta cheaper than a bargain base Passat. The Jetta GLX can anyday impress back-seaters than the base Passat,maybe making them forget the loss of leg-room :-)
http://www.autosite.com/new/grabbag/rebatet.asp
The Passat's interest rates are 2.90% 4.50% 4.90% 5.50%, obviously in ascending order.
I was at the dealership this morning getting my 10k checkup and I looked over a 1.8T Passat with lux, leather and tip. They wanted 25k for it (26k MSRP). Weird thing is, the Passat comes with really small wheels. Like 15 inchers! Otherwise, darn is that car nice.
Justin, nah man the Saab's a GM and I've tested them before. My sister looked at them a year ago when she was car shopping. I test drove every car she drove. Saab was among them.
I've got a whopper of a scratch on my front lower bumper. I'm not sure if something struck my car while driving or if a a friend did it when borrowing the car, either way it stands out when the car's clean. Oh well. Maybe it'll buff out.
Is it roomy enough ?
Road noise ?
Fit & finish ?
Any recall problems ?
Thanks in advance
Hope to hear from you before Feb 22 via the Talk to the Press discussion or at jfallon@edmunds.com with your thoughts and contact information.
Thanks as always,
Jeannine Fallon
PR Director, Edmunds.com
roomy enough for what?
i am not aware of any recalls for 2002 Jettas. At least not in my VIN range.
Road noise - average. Same as any other car outside of Lexus. Fit and Finish is excellent!
Bought a 2001 new Civic DX for the wife at invoice and need to get a good sound system in it. We love the Monsoon on the Jetta so something comparable...
Budget is $350-$400. No DIY kits from Crutchfield(which is what a couple of chaps at the other forum recommended.) Basically looking to go to someone where I can pick a CD player (and speakers too if you chaps feel are needed). Else might get it from Crutchfield and have someone (Pep Boys?) do it.
Note: The DX has 4 speakers, while the EX has 6 which give quite good sound.
Any recommendations?
Also, chant or pray or whatever you need to do so that my planes don't crash. Hate flying...
I'm happy with the 25mm, and I plan to buy H&R Sport springs and the Bilstein Sport shock/strut set. This setup was recommended to me as a nice balance between sport and comfort.
Once all of that is finished, I'm going to get some 17" wheels and tires.
Too many toys, not enough money. ;^)
The 2.0 is a very reliable, if a bit noisey, engine. The 1.8T eats more gas and turbos are not known to be as durable as non-turbos. The VR6 is FAST but it gulps lots of fuel and makes the car front heavy which impacts cornering.
What transmission you get also depends upon what you want the car for. If you don't care about performance, get the Tiptronic. The Jetta clutch is very difficult to get used to (at least mine was). It does not catch until the last inch and then it catches fast. When matched with the five speed's gear ratios this makes for a very touchy combination. It easy to stall and easy to accidentally squeel the tires in first gear. Both first and second gear top out very quickly. They make the car feel quick without using a big engine to produce the effect.(Remember the Golf commercial with the car in the tree?) Things tame down quite a bit after second gear. If you like to get going quickly and enjoy using a combination of gears and gas to take hills and curves, then the five speed will give you lots of fun!
The salesman will tell you that the Tiptronic gives you both the fun of the 5 speed and the easy driving that comes with an automatic. IMHO its an automatic pure and simple. The tiptronic feature does not really replicate a five speed and most drives stop playing with it after a couple of months and just drive it in automatic mode.
Whatever choice you make, you will find the Jetta is a fun little car.
I test drove several different 1.8T's and 2 had door rattle's and 3 didn't. I purchased one that didn't.
The day I drove it out of the lot, not one block away, the driver's side door started up. I turned right around and told the business manager I wouldn't take this car the way it was. It must have happened during the prep.
Thanks to Justin I new about the "foils" and told the service manager who had his trusty roll of 3M tape. He spend about 45 minutes and 3 test drives, but managed to rid the car of the door creaks.
I say they are not rattles because the noise is caused by the doors rubbing against the odd material VW uses for the door seals. Something like a rubberized felt.
Anyhow, 2 days later and those annoying creaks were back. Not to worry, however. Just a quick trip to the local Home Depot fixed the problem. Forget about "foils", which is just clear tape that they use to prevent the rubbing. (Actually, they sell this stuff at Home Depot) Go out and pick up some Frost King "X-Treme Rubber Weatherseal (3/8"x1/8"x17'). $4.98 + tax. I got it to match the paint (Grey) and ran it along the groove in the upper door panel on all the doors. One pack covers all 4 doors.
Otherwise, the car is awesome. I've had Toyota's, Mazda's, Honda's and Nissan's, not to mention some of those American brands, and have had good luck as well as bad luck with all. I'm hoping to have a good experience with this one. After all, I opted for the Millenium Extended warranty package (84/100,000). I'll try to keep you all posted.
The issue is that car makers have made engines basically oil leak proof, which gives the average American (I don't have time to check) a sense of security until their engine freezes. Thank God for competition, or this would be a common occurrence. If you check Lexus's owner's manual, it will tell you to check the oil level. The only cars that you do not have to physically check the oil level are most brand new Mercedes (they have a sensor that performs this, now - no dipstick) and electrics!
Just like what is an unacceptable to one owner, is just a minor annoyance to another. And, of course, there are those who DO get Lemons, and a feel for them. I just hope mine doesn't turn into a lemon. Just do your research, decided what is important to you in a car and TEST DRIVE what you like a few times. Then take the plunge. I'm happy with my decision, with the options I've chosen. It all comes down to your personal preferences and tastes. Everyone will have an opinion and it is a good thing to gather and weigh the opinions of others, but in the end it is your money and your car so YOUR opinion is the ultimate end all be all of the car buying process. (Unless your married, then the wife's opinion is the end all be all...
When is the next re-design scheduled? I believe '03 will be the fifth year of this body style, and I hate getting a car and having the car re-designed the next year. Any information would be appreciated.
Thanks.
A Major redesign of this car in the next year or two, to me, is not a reality...tweaks, some mods
are certainly possible, but what I would suggest
you that you will see first is a 2 Door version or
a Cabrio...
In August, the New Beetle Cabrio will finally be
introduced, and the Cabrio, as we know it today, will go away...
On what planet is that la-la land? On Earth, living in the USA, that's not a pipe dream, that's EXPECTED. Hondas, Toyotas, Lexus, Infiniti, Acura all arrive with nearly zero problems. Look at the initial quality stuff from JD Power and you'll see that you can buy a car and expect for it to be problem free.
And PLEASE don't offer rejoinder like "I had a friend who had a civic that was nothing but problems" or "Well those cars have their problems too" or "Well the interiors aren't as nice" or "what do you expect for 20k?".
The empirical evidence suggests that the Jetta is far below good cars and is in the middle of the pack (some studies indicate bottom). And no, average is not good. Rating in the 50% percentile, at least where I attended school, always got one an "F".
Thank you.
"Hey, check out my new Samsung 27 inch TV. Sure its got muted colors, the speakers buzz, its S-video and component inputs don't work but that's what I expected because I spent $800 on this TV instead of buying a 27 inch Sony for $600. I'm hoping the remote breaks soon."
I am really sorry, but that to me represents poor quality. I have had 2 Mazdas, a Chevy, 2 Pontiacs, and a Dodge and not even those cars (except the Chevy, which I bought used) rattled. It makes no sense for a $25K car to do so. Perhaps if it were built better, it would not rattle.
And if getting a better built car means leaving VW and going to another manufacturer, then so be it.
Also, the dealer said that they were starting to get in V6's with 200hp versus 174hp from the factory and that there'd be a good size upcharge ($750 - $1,000 range) if that's what I got. Does anyone know what the deal is with the increased hp? Are they shipping both the 174 and 200 for a while, or are they now just shipping the 200 and what the price increase might be, if any? Perhaps he was just trying to flim-flam me into paying more.
As soon as we see if the three carseats (4 yr old and 5 month old twins) can be crammed into the back when the Suburban is in the shop, we're ready to buy. Not sure what we'll do if they don't. They did fit into my brother's Passat and I don't think the Jetta's that much narrower.
Question- When turning and getting my foot off the brake, or doing that when turning onto a driveway or entrance of sorts, I hear a scraping tpye sound from underneath the car....anyone got any ideas?
Upgraded engine = mo' money. That's how it is everywhere, so he wasn't really sticking it to you personally.
Good luck with your decision.
Not going to spend 19k on a car that requires $5
in duct tape to make it a quiet ride.
I was encouraged by the upgrade to a 4 year 5ok warranty...VW was wimping out with the old 2 yr 24k warranty. I am wondering if a Honda Accord is any bigger than the Jetta.
It was *yawn* very *yawwwwwn* reliable.
I sure do enjoy driving my Jetta, however. I've had more fun in 6000 miles and 6 months of ownership than I did in three years with the *yawn* Accord.