Volkswagen Jetta 2006+

pete14

I'm just interested in one thing From VW. More rear leg room. I am 6' and with the front seat in a comfortable driving position my 5year old can't sit comfortably behind me in the Jetta...But I also need to be able to take my kids with me."

Try the old air-cooled Super Beetle. I remember sitting on the high-chair rear seat when I was 6, & my feet could barely reach the floor.

I had a '71 Super Beetle and loved it. Ran it until it just was more rust than metal. Would love a new "old Beetle". Don't like the new ones, they just don't have the same character.

--the new jetta is suppose to have significantly more rear seat room. i think the wheelbase will increase six inches.

Will this make it by 2005?

alpha01

If you still have an 83 Camry in good condition, thats frekin AWESOME! Intro year...

~alpha

hansienna

Back in late 1960's and early 1970's an acquaintance traded VW Beetle in every 2 years. I asked the VW Dealer why the man traded it in so often. Reply: VW engines need rebuilding every 60,000 miles so he just trades before his reaches that mileage.
     One of my least intelligent transactions was trading in my 1964 VW Beetle on that 1970 Dodge van. However, winters are long and cold in northern Colorado/southern Wyoming and the VW provided no heat.
    The water cooled VW engines seem to last a little longer than did the old, underpowered air cooled ones. On the other hand, Toyota Camry engines last 300,000 or 400,000 miles. I know one man who has 432,000 miles on an 87 Camry.

Kirstie_H

I thought I remembered a discussion along these lines - it's in our archives, called Making my Camry go 1,000,000 miles. Obviously, they can be durable!

Oops -- I just noticed my own sin. This is the '06 Jetta discussion, so let's veer on track. Sorry 'bout that.

creakid1

The $7999 '85 Jetta's base price was the same as the base-price for the '83 Camry. The Camry had more rear leg room & the back seat sits 3 slim person across more comfortably, but the Jetta's trunk is much larger although blocks the visibility for backing up.

That's why the vintage VW I chose to collect & restore is the 18-cu-ft-trunk '84 Jetta Wolfsburg coupe. See my profile:

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/WebX?viewUserProfile!vuserName=c- - - - - - reakid1

But since the early '90's, the Camry's exterior got bigger w/o really increasing the wheelbase so therefore only slightly roomier than the already-impressive huge old interior. But the Jetta kept shrinking, especially the present Jetta IV.

alpha01, since I missed our short-exterior white-w/-grey-cloth-interior '83 Camry LE, I ended up collecting a white-w/-grey-cloth-interior '93 Camry V6 SE sedan for it's stereo sound quality, but that bulky exterior, turning radius & higher-belt-line lateral visibility just doesn't feel the same.

Still, these Camry's inferior steering & shallow suspension just can't match my Jetta I's chassis invented in the early '70's! Even today, the only thing the Camry excels is the quietness, & the '02's new platform doesn't ride so shallow anymore.

By the way, I bought both of these used cars the same day in March '02, & they're both white.

creakid1

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/previews/previews_story.php?id=45362
"And the electric power-steering works well with the chassis, delivering remarkable feedback."

No kidding!

venus537

the head of VW in the USA was on the Autoline Detroit program and he said that the new jetta will be out next year at this time. the golf to come later.

i think that's been the general consensus but hearing it from a VW official sort makes it fairly credible.

tomcat630

It about time! VW thought that their old Jetta would still sell for premium prices, but people can tell if a car is outdated.

moparbad

Interesting that all Jetta/Bora for North America and Europe will be manufactured in Mexico. Well, the Bora never was a big seller in Europe. Golf for North America is to be manufactured in Mexico also. While I do not subscribe to the notion that quality of German VW's is better than Mexican VW's, I do appreciate my 2004 Jetta being made in Germany since it is German car.

03gtiturbo

Must be a Jetta Wagon, I presume, being that all Jetta sedans for NA are produced in Mexico and have been for a number of years. I'm assuming that your VIN# begins with WVW, indicating a German built VW. If it begins with 3VW, it was born in Puebla, Mexico...and newer Golfs/GTI's beginning with 9BW come from Curitiba, Brazil...

moparbad

Yes, it is a WVW VIN. Manufactured in Wolfsburg. And yes, it is a Wagon.

dallasg20t

VW, I do have ONE request!!! No more manual dial climate control. Let's see electronic climate control. Dual zone would be great, but let's at least get it half-way right with a digital AC system. I have '00 G20t and will never go back to a car with manual dial AC. Do this and I'll buy it.

moparbad

Please VW, no automatic climate control. I like the manual. Keep it simple.
Make it an option for people that want it.

Kirstie_H

Ugh, I'm tired of auto-control as well. I just want heat when I'm cold and cool air when I'm hot. I don't want the thingy to decide that I must be hot inside when it reaches a certain temperature outside. In my case, my car thinks I'm hot when it reaches about 60. I'm not.

I also wish they'd make it an option instead of standard. Heck, I'd pay money if it were additional cost to have the control manual!

creakid1

You know the stupid thing about auto climate control is that it almost always mixes heated air w/ A/C air -- what a waste of energy. Our '78 Rabbit L w/ factory A/C has the lever changing variable-intensity on the A/C-compressor frequency. So instead of mixing the A/C air that's too cold w/ heated air, it simply turns on the compressor less frequently.

When I use auto climate control, I have to set it at the lowest temperature, at a low fan speed, then turn off the A/C, & only intermittently turn on the A/C(usually during deceleration) when the temperature isn't cool enough.

The nice thing about the manual climate control w/ at least 2 stages of A/C setting is that you usually set it(& forget it) at the "econo A/C" semi-cold setting that's comfortably cool w/o the smell from the heated air. In case you need to apply additional braking force from the engine, you can always turn it to full A/C. Or for instance you're using the full A/C on a hot day, & suddenly need the max engine power for the next several seconds, switching from full A/C to econo-A/C will take care of the it but still revert back to turn on the compressor afterwards in case you forgot to so your hot date won't complain...

jchan2

I was driving by a house today and I saw a silver Jetta GL in the driveway with an Enterprise sticker. This isn't the first time either. I saw a black one pull out of a restaurant once. Is VW selling to fleets? Or is Enterprise buying Jettas without fleet discounts?

creakid1

was a feet model w/ std Blaupunkt AM/FM stereo. It's a stripped model w/ auto & air, & choices of coupe w/ sunroof or sedan w/o sunroof in either white or $150 dark-blue metallic. The sound insulation, especially w/ the carpet-less trunk, was horrible, even worse than the Jetta GL.

We got a good discount deal on a dark-blue sedan at just under $10k out the door in S California.

jchan2

that still doesn't answer my question. Does VW now sell to fleets, since most Car mags say that the reason why VW resale values are high is because they DON'T sell to fleets.

venus537

if they do, don't panic because it's probably only a small percentage.

lvboy1980

A friend of mine here in Las Vegas works for Enterprise Rent-A-Car. He told me that Volkswagen sells them the cars at a discount to use ONLY as Volkswagen loaners (for warranty service) for the local VW dealerships. If they rent them out to anyone but Volkswagen customers, they could lose the contract. This is ONLY what I have heard because I have asked the same thing.

jchan2

OK. How can Volkswagen keep tabs on Enterprise to make sure they're not renting a Jetta GL to the next guy off the street that wants to rent a compact car?

nova

Two of my co workers have rented jetta's from enterprise rental here in south Florida. They do not own volkswagons

jchan2

exactly my point. How can VW keep constant tabs on Enterprise?

lvboy1980

Well, possibly they started to sell them to the fleets as fleet vehicles....I have no idea. I have seen a few Jettas in town with the green "e" on the back. I have also seen a lot of Honda Civics as rentals at enterprise as well. You never used to see Hondas as rentals but who knows what is going on.

kmarkol

Does anyone else think that the new Jetta is kind of ugly? I like the way the current model looks as it has the classy German-car look. I think I remember someone saying earlier in this post that the new model has the look of a Japanese car and I agree.

I am currently attending West Point and won't be able to get a new car for another 3 years (we're not allowed to have cars until our senior year) and I have always liked Jettas and was planning on getting one but now I just don't know. I might have to look elsewhere. Ideally I'd want a BMW 330i but those are expensive...

jchan2

Jetta GLs, Corollas, Cavaliers, and the rest of the usual fleet. I haven't noticed any Hondas lately though.

Sylvia

Volkswagen will unleash the next generation of its popular Jetta sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January. The most popular VW model sold in the U.S. (it accounts for 40 percent of VW's volume in the States) will be in its fifth generation with the launch of the new version pictured here. The new Jetta gets a new multilink rear suspension, a base five-cylinder engine with 2.5 liters of displacement and an optional six-speed Tiptronic automatic. The DSG semimanual gearbox sold on some Audi models will be offered on the Jetta as well, and other additions to the larger, more sophisticated Jetta include electric power steering, stability control and antilock brakes. Look for the new Jetta in showrooms this March.

mam262

I have noted that new Jetta will be offered in a 4 and 5 cylinder, with the 4 being turbocharged. Does anyone have an opinion as per the long term reliability of a turbocharged engine? I usually keep my cars 100,000 - 120,000 miles and wonder if turbocharged engines are as durable as engines that are not.

dudleyr

My father has 120,000 miles on his turbocharged passat with no problems.

library1

This may be a little off-topic, Front vs. real wheel drive- but the West Point cadet should know about this. I worked at West Point a few years ago and heard that every year one to three in the graduating class would be killed just before graduation in auto crashes. They get their lump sum pay and buy a BMW- the dealer was just outside the post- at the base of a mountain the main road passes over- and rear wheel drive, icy patches and bad luck conspire.

Take advanced driving lessons, be careful, or buy the Jetta- and still be carefull!

dewey

Or get snow tires! I drive a 99 BMW 323i in Toronto Canada and am aware of the excitement of winter driving.

bimmer4me

seriously, 120,000 mile and NO PROBLEMS?

dudleyr

Seriously! It is a 2000 model. It still has the original clutch, and the brakes were replaced the first time at around 100,000 miles. No other issues. He did have to replace the shroud around the oil pan, but because it hit something, not because it failed.

I put over 170,000 on a 1980 Scirocco, with no major problems, and that vehicle was probably not as reliable as the current VW's

mam262

From my understanding (not confirmed) the trunk in the new Jetta will be 19 Cubic feet, up from 13 cubic feet. That is HUGE!

In addition:
-Climate Control
-"Park" setting for winshield wipers to keep them from freezing to the window
-Full function compass
-Sunglass holder in roof

psyran1

I checked this forum out hoping to attain info re: the new 2006 Jetta, but find most entries discussing anything but. What's up with that?

Kirstie_H

There's not a lot of concrete information out there, and there probably won't be until the 06 Jetta makes its debut at the LA Auto Show:
Sylvia Nov 24, 2004 10:43am

If you have some information, please let us know! Posting a comment about the new Jetta is the best way to get the conversation going.

psyran1

Thanks Kirstie,
I am planning on buying a car in the Spring (2005) and probably will compare the new BMW 3 series, new Audi A4, and the new body Jetta. I wonder how they will compare (e.g., size, hp, etc.) Anybody have any idea?

ghostbuster23

They will all be overpriced and poorly built. Just kidding. Relax everybody! Just trying to get the conversation going.

Okay, imagine an AWD Jetta...

venus537

you'll find more information (and pictures) about the next jetta in the sedan/2005 jetta forum.

 

you can also go to a more direct source for information at www.vwvortex.com

 

the redesigned model is actually going to still be a 2005 model apparently.

edr

I have had this Jetta since 2001 with 18K miles & it runs very strong. No service issues at all. However, I get excessive noise from the window seal areas & with body rattles. I brought it back to the dealer once & they were only able to get one rattle out of the dash (which I had to fight to get it done). The dealer & VW corp. said there is nothing they could do for the rattles. I know someone who had a 2000 (without the moon roof) and it was tight as a drum. Has anyone else experienced this problem? I’m considering giving VW one more shot with the 2006 model. But over all I did not think the quality of construction on my Jetta is up to German standards.

Kirstie_H

This discussion is about the future Jetta - you'll want to visit our VW Jetta Problems discussion to talk to other owners about your problem.

carlisimo

According to an autospies article (so take it with a grain of salt), the new Jetta's looks have been poorly received among enthusiasts but have gotten "through the roof" positive reactions in focus groups.

Find another catchy song for an ad, lessen the breakdown horror stories, and the Jetta could be off.

 

psryan that's nearly a $10,000 spread... you should narrow down your budget, and do look at the other options within your final price range. They should be similar in size (A4 the smallest I think?) and in power (if you're comparing the Jetta's top engine with the A4 and 3's lower-power choices). But the Jetta, A4, and 3 are FWD, AWD, and RWD respectively so they'll all drive pretty differently when pushed hard.

akepley

hi, i wrote you a long reply somehow it did not go through, so the short version is i had huge problems with my 02 tdi gls with rattles in the door/window/seal, worse on passenger side. it went back 7 times and was never fixed. i sold the car as soon as i could because it drove me crazy. i filed a complaint with vw and received $800 cash for the nightmae problems. i was going to get a new jetta, but the quality issues and extremely expensive maintenance has made me steer clear. i think the car is a great looking and driving car and i think the 05/06 looks sharp, but the ridicualous delays on production and total lack of info at any dealer soured me. i have already bought a toyota corolla s that gets 40mpg, looks sharp and is nice and quiet and oh yeah and I bought the 05 for 5k less than what I paid for the 02 jetta new 3 years ago.

creakid1

ivan_99

Not that you didn't make the right decision...

 

Was a rattle your only problem? You did mentioned huge problem so I assume this was the one that irritated the most.

 

I've been fighting rattles in my Honda for 40K miles (each time they can't fix it).

 

I'd be jumping up and down with joy if they gave me $800 for that problem; I'd head down to an independent garage and have them look at it.

 

The Corolla should server you well.

psyran1

Good points re: the drive issue. Obviously, for performance reasons the RWD will feel more sporty. Price is really not a consideration. Although if a car that sells for 10,000 dollars less "feels" from a performance perspective as good as the more expensive car, than its a no brainer for me.

callmedrfill

It faces two problems in the future:

 

    1. The New Passat. The pricing of the Jetta will be CRUCIAL. Anyone with more than $20k to spend on a VW will definitely be swayed by the sexy ways of the new Passat over the homely Jetta. Anyone buying a $21-25k Jetta may need to buy new and improved taste buds for 2006 (with a value calculator as well)!

 

     

    2. The 2006 GTI. Another future grand slam for VW (dependant on pricing), is a sexier two-door with sharper eflexes and more room. The Jetta maybe the "Redheaded stepchild" in this triumvirate (sic). Good Luck!

 

    
    Very poor product lanning, oh bye the way, by VW. Why release all three so close together? It's not like they sell 20 vehicles! They sell a handfull. NOw they al get hot at once, and then a cold spell could last for years (like it has since the current Passat's cooldown). Talk about destined to relive history.

     

    DrFill

ivan_99

I see nothing wrong with their planning.

 

The new Jetta is a gorgeous car. It should have a low enough base price to be competitive in its segment. The high end Jetta, with a 200 hp 2.0T, price should bump close to the low end Passat. The 2.0T is the same as the one offered in the low end Passat and it's based on the same chassis.

 

People wishing for the higher end car, but with fewer options would then have the option to choose the Passat. I think they're trying to cover all the gaps in their product offering.

 

GTI, don't see how it will affect either (Jetta or Passat).

 

Released all at once; ideally I guess it should be staggered, but all the models needed replacement. They will also be releasing wagons at a later date. The next cycle release should correct this; or they could have significant mid-cycle changes to stagger the next round.

venus537

i love how the new jetta looks. the new passat's looks is a real disapointment to me. oh boy, these cars can't come soon enough for dealers.

 

the new golf may be a hit with hard core VW fans but will as always be dwarfed by the sedans in sales.

ivan_99

All 3 look really nice.

 

As long as they don't drop the ball on reliability, it should be a success.

 

New Jetta



 

New Passat



 

New GTI