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Comments
Any suggestions on how I can increase the performance on this engine, without spending a fortune and short of trading it in for a 2.0T, which is probably what's going to eventually happen.
Has anyone installed mudflaps on a new Jetta? I ordered some (both front and rear), and I'm wondering if there's any drilling involved. I hope not.
Thanks,
David
So, any notable issues?
Other question, has anyone driven a 2.0t and GLI to compare? I don't need the GLI stuff, and actually prefer the 16" wheels. I no it will be a little softer with less sharp handling, but does it still drive nice, good steering feel, etc?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The issues that I am experiencing with the 2.5L are consistently squeaky breaks when coming to a stop, which I started noticing at about 3,100 miles and a hesitation when the car is shifting into 3rd gear. The issue with 3rd gear is strange...the RPMs increase significantly and then drop back down after a second or two when the gear engages. It reminds me of a manual transmission when you do not let out the clutch pedal soon enough. I'm disappointed that I already have to make a visit to the dealer, and I am hopeful that these issues can be easily repaired. Ultimately, I just want the problems resolved so I can go back to loving my new Jetta!
This was a 2.0T 6 speed manual, package 1, MSRP of $26,035, exactly what I speced out online. Would have been exact if it was blue instead of silver.
Anyway, this was a very nice driving car. Even with the 16" wheels (which I prefer) and 55 series tires, the handling was nice and sharp. Held curves well, nice steering feel, etc. And the powertrain is sweet too, like in the A3.
Frankly, this felt and looked (interior) like an Audi, and is loaded with goodies (memory seats, 4 setting heated seats, XM, etc.). Pretty good value for the sticker price.
The engine also has lots of grunt, while still being smooth with no noticable turbo lag. Pulls like a freighttrain in the mid range RPM. Good real world power, and even has a decent cruising 6th gear.
Much roomier than the previous generation. I was very comfy up front (great seats too, with the slick power lumbar support), and was shocked at how much room there was behind me. I'm 6' tall, and had room to stretch my legs and headroom to spare, so my kids will have more space than they no what to do with.
In conclusion, very impressed, largely with the powertrain (which seems to be the biggest complaint about the 2.5 model). Putting aside the VW badge and question about reliability, it was an impressive package, and functionally a great car. The price for this model (26K, so say ~24K after haggling on Xmas eve!) doesn't seem too bad for wha tyou get, even if it is high for what you would perceive a Jetta to cost.
Just think of it as a real good deal on an A3 sedan.
Oh, and my dealer does loaners (I guess through VW) for any warranty work that runs overnight, and also has shuttle that would take me right to my office. Plus, the service is right next to the Porsche building, so that's a bonus.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Did you drive the GLI with the full manual, as well?
In general, do you drive in full automatic mode?
Does your left foot get bored?
For me, I do enjoy the extra control. Unlike most manual enthusiasts, I fully-admit that I could probably drive a 4 or 5 speed automatic faster than a manual, but I like having more to do, and think it helps me focus on the road. At the same time, this DSG seems very interesting. Can you comment on that?
Of course, they use that logic to low ball the trade in, but try to charge top dollar for the new one because it is rare!
I have driven the DSG. It is pretty nice, but takes some getting used to, especially when you are slowing for a stop and it starts downshifting on you.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
It's perfectly normal that various magazines and online reports post different 0-60 times. Different transmissions, +- abuses of them, temperatures, road surfaces, tires, and - most importantly - drivers. Note that C&D tested the (admittedly Eurospec = launch control) GTI at 6.0, recently. A bit under 7.0 is probably a good average number for the GLI.
As to the hp, some magazines love to convert German-spec 200ps that way, even if the new US SAE rating is at 200hp. Go with what the manufacturer has to say, using the new SAE rating. Some of those magazine writers are just a bit off the wall... (actual dyno runs report VW's numbers to be about 5-10% conservative --- so you get more for your money than you bargained for!).
This is a fast car. What I mean by that is that it is effortless to go fast and it does not give any sensation of going fast (to the point that I am going to have the speedo checked). It is effortlessly quick as well as it moves through traffic very well and invites aggressive driving. I say all this about it being fast but it is definately the slowest car I own...but it is a fast car and fun to drive.
Can anyone please tell me how the car handles in poor weather conditions ...is the ESP enough?
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Thanx!
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I had the 05 TDI with manual seats and now the 06 TDI with power seats. To address your comments: This is something I pay very close attention to for a couple of reasons. I have low back trouble that is controlled as long as I have proper seating, and I drive very far just about everyday of my life. I personally did not notice any difference in how far they go down, manual versus power. What I did notice is this fact: With the power seat you absolutely get more positions to choose from and with the memories those hard to find "perfect positions" are locked in forever with three different memory choices. I find myself using only one position for all my driving even though I do have three different stored positions to choose from. Like another poster stated and I agree with: I believe it's merely your "perception" on a difference between manual and power seat height. Owning them both I prefer the power over the manual. It was not cheap however because I have the package two option. Love the car all around and in fact it's turning out to be one of my all times favorites and I have owned way too many new cars.
We have the new Jetta and ESP is standard in all but the VE. Ours is the VE, but equipped with ESP...its only about a $280 option.
But, if you are really sliding down hills, I assume while braking, I don't tnink that ESP (or AWD) is going to help much with that. You have to be sure that you are going slow enough that you can mostly just coast down hill...maybe with very light braking, if necessary.
I guess I will need to test drive a newer Jetta or Passat and see how that goes.
All VWs are front wheeel drive, except, of course those equipped with 4Motion/Quattro AWD.
As has been mentioned Snows are the answer to safe winter driving...
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You are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO wrong on this-- wrong wrong wrong!!!
I have been driving for 38 years in the Northeast snow belt with some TERRIBLE winters full of way too much snow. This year driving home from my job 65 miles away in a blinding snow storm in 6 inches deep on the Interstate with tons of car and trucks over the hills including 4WD vehicles, I experienced absolutely no trouble. My only fear was the other people skidding sideways as I went around them. This was due to the ESP, absolutely it was. I have driven cars with JUST traction control and ABS and in no way were they as good. The ESP kept me going straight sure and steady while all vehicles around me were going sideways and down over the hills. I saw a Lexus and a new Chrysler Pacifica doing ok as they both are also equipped with advanced stability controls. No sir you are off base on this one sir, WAY OFF! Been there done that with and without this new technology, you obviously never lived it, yet.
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>You are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO wrong on this-- wrong wrong wrong!!!
Read this - and be prepared to re-assess your previous statement:
http://www.bosch.com.au/content/language1/html/3401.htm
One more time...I LIVED IT...you read it.
By the way, my wife and I love this car. Traded in a '05 bug convertable turbo. Just wanted the luxury. It has everything and then some. Very impressed except for the price of an oil change! MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!
I would have thought twice about buying a Jetta if I knew it uses Synthetic oil only! Anyone have a similar experience? Comments? Thanks.
For VW, this is secondary to a Class Action Legal action very early in 2005...apparently some folks wiith 1.8L Turbos felt that 40-50K miles was sufficient between oil changes and developed "sludge" as a result of this lunacy...Can you imagine?
Since then Synthetics have become the norm...
Porsche, for example, has their 1st scheduled maintenance @ 20K miles or 24 Months, whichever comes first...
It's really not that big a deal...$65 for the oil change instead of maybe $25. After the first two it is only once per 10,000 miles.
Would you really choose a different car based on the extra $40 per oil change?
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Since you and others refuse to believe what I am saying, then ask an EXPERT, ask the people who designed it and ask them if what I am saying is possible. You people kill me :confuse:
I don't care WHAT it was designed for, it obviously works wonders in bad snow conditions as an added bonus.
Like I stated, it keeps you SURE---STRAIGHT---STEADY instead of sideways and over the hills.
I watched cars all around me going over the hills, I was RIGHT beside them as they went over the hills as I simply steered straight ahead and kept going the direction I was pointed where they went over the hills regardless of where they pointed their wheels, UNLESS they lost their minds collectively and all drove over the hills to get stuck out in the middle of nowhere with blinding snow, high winds with the temperature well below freezing. Maybe they just thought it would be fun to drive their 30 thousand dollar cars over the hill and practically turn them over. Duh
YES, intended purpose as you state, but ESP also does extremely well in snow storms with deep snow and ice, been there done that...I am finished responding, believe what you want.
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I bought three cases of 505.01 off the internet. It was way cheaper and then I take it to the dealer and let them use the oil I buy, they charge me $25, which includes an oil filter and that stupid $1.50 washer :confuse: Not bad because it saves me the time I have precious little of.
Later,Bob
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems are another breakthrough technology evolving from and incorporating the first two technologies – ABS and TCS. They are stability enhancement systems designed to improve vehicles’ lateral stability by electronically detecting and automatically assisting drivers in dangerous situations (e.g. understeer and oversteer) and under unfavorable conditions (rain, snow, sleet, ice).
It really is not that hard to google "electronic stability control ice" or "electronic stability control snow"
If you recall, the recommended oil change interval for the 2001 VW Jetta 1.8T and many other 1.8T models is 5000 miles and I can attest that the specs printed on the car for oil type, grade and weight(synthetic was not included in these specs) were followed by my oil changes and by agents I paid to change the oil with 6400 miles being the longest mileage interval(plus the vehicle logged many higher speed highway miles allowing longer intervals if desired). You will find many owners with similar stories as well. The real problem here is one of engineering and VW NA trying to act like a US automaker and deny responsibility.
It is shameful how they hang their loyal dealers service departments out by requiring them to set up steps that lay the blame at the feet of the owners and make them(owners) jump through ridiculus hoops to have the problem addressed. 40-50K is not the average oil change interval for the average owner affected by this huge problem--that is the average mileage an owner gets before the oil light comes on and is ignored by the dealership service dept.