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Volkswagen Jetta 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    Having just returned from the VWOM Plant in Puebla...I can assure you
    that with exception of leather, etc...the interior of every Jetta is the same...

    The CupHolders are below the AshTray and you have to push where the
    little Blind persons dots are, and the cupholder tray will come out...Don't any
    of you have a Sales Person that showed you this stuff????

    If not call me : 831.521.5113
  • bluejettabluejetta Member Posts: 272
    Here are some photos: http://members-http-2.rwc1.sfba.home.net/jimdeford/photos/dscf0029.jpg shows the five tiny dots on the cupholder door. Mine is real sluggish and needs some coaxing out. Not near as responsive as the ones in the front.


    http://members-http-2.rwc1.sfba.home.net/jimdeford/photos/dscf0030.jpg shows the holders in the open position. Sorry about the bad lighting. I'll try and lighten it up a bit in photoshop.


    Hope that helps.


    -Jim

    http://www.jettaownersclub.org

    http://www.bluelagoonjetta.com

  • vwguildvwguild Member Posts: 1,620
    Just re-read the piece that we did about the Puebla Plant...You would
    be well served posting it as an entirely new topic...Your edit is so good
    and the pix are great...I am sure that a large number of the Jetta posters
    do not now that it is there, and it would also link them to the www.jettaownersclub.org
  • bluejettabluejetta Member Posts: 272
    Yeah, Peter. I should just add that URL to my SIG. There are so many new people coming on board these days with the new VW's it hard to keep track! ;-))

    So gang, you can virtually visit the Puebla plant where your car was made, and read VWGuild's impressions of what he saw when he visited there. It's well worth a visit and not too long to read.

    One thing I will add a little later today is the ability to click on the photos for a full size version. See it at: http://www.geocities.com/jettaownersclub/mexico.html.
  • walkabout24walkabout24 Member Posts: 10
    Nuride, I feel your pain. This week I started looking for a silver automatic 1.8T w/ leather and lux package.

    I live in St. Louis and we have about 5 or 6 dealerships here. One dealership e-mailed me that there were no 1.8T's in the states that were not Wolfsburgs. I wrote him back telling him I was sorry to hear that since there is one that lives in my parking lot and another at my gym every morning. Both silver to boot.

    The guy at a second dealership spoke w/ me and told me that automatic 1.8Ts were almost impossible to find. He cited Wolfsburg as the reason. Which is a damn shame since I think the featureset on the WE is disappointingly low. I'm not interested in it. The colors of the WE are also not great IMHO.

    I asked this second guy if it would be possible to order one with what I want. I'd be willing to agree to buy and wait. He told me that no VW dealer is capable of calling up VW and saying "We want a car with X, Y and Z." IS THIS TRUE?? They have to choose from the configs the factory is spitting out is basically what he was saying.

    He said 1.8T automatics are not being rolled out these days and so they're not available. He offered to do an "extended search" at other dealerships in the country. But of course it will cost me even more for them to have it brought to StL. How much more depends on how far.

    Of the four dealerships that have contacted me so far we haven't really even begun to discuss price because we're still fighting over availablity!

    Obmot you said there were a lot of Automatic 1.8Ts in Houston? Could you give me your zip so I could search on the VW site for your dealers and contact some of them myself?

    What has been everyone else's experience with 1.8T availability? Is it really true dealers can't order from the factory exactly what you want??? It really seems ridiculous that you can configure things any way you like on VW's website if you can't really have it that way.

    Any comments are most welome!
  • jemmyjemmy Member Posts: 6
    Greetings, I'm new here and really appreciate senior members' favors out there. Recent grad looking for nice RELIABLE car for next 4-5 years, test drove Wolfsburg Black/Black: good experience, like the 1.8t power and the smooth drive.

    Need help on:
    1. How's the reliability of WE? I really want my first car to keep up with me for next 4-5 years. Please advise.

    2. offered $20,540 (with tax etc around $22000) for black/black (with sunroof, monsoon, and cold pankage+6 CD changer) said can not go lower than that because it was the best color selection for WE... what do you think of this deal?

    3. Don't know much about past wolfsburg edition, how's WE history? Salesman told me WE only comes out every 4 years, and there's only 15,000 limited for 2001 WE produced and they won't be getting any more shipment in the future (no 2002 WE), is anybody can confirm this case??

    4. This big decision makes me kinda picky, what do you think WE compares to some new 2001-2002 line-up such as: the Acura RS-X, Nissan SE-R, Mitsubishi Lancer, new Honda CRV or Toyota Matrix... (mostly with consideration of 6 speed Manual option and bigger HP) should I wait???? Please advise.

    I really appreciate your help, please freely comment on my questions or email me at jchayadi@hotmail.com for some helpful informations. Have a wonderful day!

    Sincerely,
    Jemmy
  • obmotobmot Member Posts: 61
    Jemmy sounds like a lot of grief! The VW guy here said if they dont have the WE I want with the exact options, he'd just order one. Getting one with options as desired didnt phase him at all.

    Anyway my ZIP is 77006 (Houston TX) and the two dealers Ive been to are Momentum VW and Archer VW. There is a dealer in San Antonio with a huge selection (Ancira VW) that has their inventory online. If you tell me exactly the jetta/color/options you want - I will check the lots here myself since I live so close. I mean heck you could buy an $89 Southwest ticket to Houston and drive the darn thing back to St. Louis yourself it is an easy one-day drive!

    But I do disagree with one thing, I think the Galactic Blue WE with black interior is very sharp!
  • obmotobmot Member Posts: 61
    The Black/black WE you mentioned with CD can be had for $21400 out the door (all fees) in Texas. Also, statistically, the Blue WE is more popular than the black. I like the black as well but black cars show *every* blemish, scrape, scratch, etc.
  • balticjetta18tbalticjetta18t Member Posts: 146
    I live in TULSA, OK. Avail of my car was similar back in early FEB. I cut a deal with a store in ARLINGTON, TX at my desirable price. They, in turn, searched all of the TEXAS market for my match. The dealer traded with ROD EAST VW in SAN ANTONIO. I flew to DFW and my delivery dealer in ARLINGTON picked me up in the new JETTA. I stayed overnight with friends and family and drove home (4.5 hours) the next day. This whole process took only 8 days from the first phone call to the time the new JETTA was in my garage. I have to agree that TX has a BIGGER selection available!
  • balticjetta18tbalticjetta18t Member Posts: 146
    From ST. LOUIS to Midway Airport on Southwest for a cheap one-way fare. I'm sure the Chicago market will have a greater selection also. It might be a shorter drive back through Illinois too. Good Luck...
  • obmotobmot Member Posts: 61
    As I mentioned I think it might have something to do with TX being the port of entry. The lots here have virtually every permutation and combination of Jetta/Options.

    Try searching TX walkabout - you might find what you want just one $89 plane ticket away!
  • flacaflaca Member Posts: 168
    There are NO blind people dots in my leather Jetta where the cupholder should be. Believe me - even the sales guy when he was going to show me where they were said "oh, this one doesn't have rear cupholders". For now, I am letting this subject rest.
  • walkabout24walkabout24 Member Posts: 10
    First of all thanks guys for the quick replies and the support. I've had my eye on this car for months now. And now that I finally try to buy it seems that I can't. I was beginning to think I was S.O.L.

    OBMOT
    Thanks very much for your generous offer! Here is the exact config I am looking at:
    Silver Arrow 1.8T GLS Automatic Transmission w/
    Luxury Package PEA
    Leather Package [Black] PLA
    In-Dash CD SCD

    If you could tell me what you find I'd be VERY grateful. I have no problem at all jumping on a plane and coming down there. SouthWest airlines WAS the first thing that came to mind actually.

    BTW I do like Baltic Blue and Bright Green but they are darker colors and VERY hard to keep clean. Silver is the only nice light colored option.

    BALTICJETTA18T
    Likewise for Chicago. SouthWest flies there too. Cheap! I am only too willing to look in the Cha-Town area do you have a zip I could use? And yes it is closer to St. Louis (4.5 hours). It will definitely be to my benefit to check more than one option out. I don't want to be held over a barrell w/ price because a dealer knows of the lengths I'm going to to get a hold of this car.

    All my research indicates that fair price for this car as I've configured it is $21,660 and I'm trying to stick VERY close to that.

    BTW does anyone have any idea if the multi-function steering wheel works w/ anything other than the VW installed CD Player/Changer? One dealer here quoted me $400 for the in-dash CD. Highway robbery WITH assault and battery.

    Thanks very much folks. I'll keep checking in here for responses.
  • wntajettawntajetta Member Posts: 12
    I was surprised that my WE doesn't have a rear cupholder. After reading the posts I went out to make sure that maybe I didn't push or pull correctly but nope....no holder. Oh well.

    I have had my White WE for about a month now and couldn't be happier. I paid 21,200 with roof, in dash cd, cold weather package. If anyone would like more information about WE I'd be happy to chat.
  • jmorriss13jmorriss13 Member Posts: 12
    I can offer up a little info to answer some questions I've seen here.

    ALL Jetta's are made in Mexico. Period.

    The engine and (5-speed) tranny are assembled as a unit in Germany, along with most of the parts, but the cars are assembled in Mexico. This is all posted (by law) on the window sticker, so don't believe the dealer, just look at the car. There are also manufacturer stickers on the inside driver's door that have this info.

    The place where Wolfsburgs come from: Every few years, when VW is revamping the model line, they get rid of the old stuff in inventory by dropping it into a 'special' model. Back when the Golf was the top-selling car, you would see Golf WE. These cars were basically standard Golfs with all the GTI trim.

    The Jetta WE is basically the same sort of deal. They are clearing out all the extra turbos and other things to make room for the new stuff. This is part of the reason for the limited numbers; they are clearing out the parts lockers, and have limited supply. Plus, 20,000 units is actually a lot of cars.

    Last time they had a Wolfsburg was 1998, just before the A4 body style came out. It looks like a good deal: You get a lot of stuff for (relatively) cheap money. Look closely, and you'll see that a lot of the upgrades are (once again) GTI gear. Leather wheel, leather stick, turbo engine...

    (BTW, this is the same engine that has been in the Audi A4 since 1994. It's well-tested and lasts forever. And it's built on the same line.)

    Price: I am picking up my 2001 Red Jetta WE with sunroof, Monsoon, Cold Weather package (useless!). black interior and 6-CD changer this week. I am paying $20490 plus tax and title. This includes the changer. Sticker is 21,640 plus $495 for the CD changer(rape!) = 22,135. This is the Boston, MA area. You should be able to find these cars for about $100 over invoice, although I've seen ads in the paper allegedly hawking them for less.

    Reliability: Funny thing about VW's: People either love them or hate them. I don't get it. This will be my 4th VW. My wife drives a 2000 New Beetle(silver, of course). We love these cars and have had no problems with them. Just so you don't think "wow! 4 VW's! They must break down a lot" The first was a '72 camper with over 250,000 miles on it, the second was a 1990 Golf with 150,000 miles on it. They both ran great when I sold them; no rust, no rot, and everything worked.

    My third VW, a Red 2000 Golf GLS, died a horrible death 3 weeks ago when I got sandwiched between a Jeep and an Olds. The Jeep in front of me stopped, I stopped, the Olds behind me hammered me going 60. The car drove great, ran great, and not a single item on the car gave me problems in the year that I owned it. The only good thing to come out of the weeks of Hell(Hell, by the way, is dealing with an insurance company, so Sartre was partly correct), is that I now get to drive a new VW with the turbo engine.

    One personal note: I prefer the Golf. It has a certain quirky personality that appeals to me. Plus, you can fit a refrigerator in the hatch (only a slight exagerration.) But for the money, the WE comes with far too many cool features to turn away. Plus, it is impossible to find a turbo Golf GLS with the sport suspension (I like 4 doors).

    I am totally psyched about the Wolfsburg Edition. I know from experience that VW's are well built cars that last. Add the great engine, awesome handling, and kicking Monsoon stereo, and you are truly experiencing Farhvergnugen.

    My apologies for my utter lack of brevity.
  • walkabout24walkabout24 Member Posts: 10
    Are you saying that since the Wolfsburg is being offered they are doing a drastic change in the Jetta next model year? To an A5 body style perhaps?? The A4 style is only in it's third year right now...
  • jmorriss13jmorriss13 Member Posts: 12
    I don't think that they are changing from the A4, but they are changing the 1.8T to a 180 HP monster. They are also changing the standard stereo(to include a CD player), the standard feature package on the GTI, and quite a few things on the Jetta and Golf.

    I'm not clairvoyant, but historically(and this has been verified by VW sales people, for whatever that's worth) the Wolfsburg only comes out when VW is making big feature package changes. Check out vwvortex.com and other such sites for more info.
  • balticjetta18tbalticjetta18t Member Posts: 146
    Go to www.cars.com and click onto "Research a car" tab, enter "Volkswagen","2001","JETTA", hit the "go-to" and then to the "find dealer" go to. THIS will allow you to find a dealer within the mileage of YOUR ZIP CODE ! If you select 300 or more miles, it will list dealers in Chicago, Memphis, Nashville, Kansas City, Louisville and Indianapolis etc. Some of these dealers have a way to look at their inventory on-line. Most all of them have an -map to help pinpoint their street location. Illinois shows a bunch of dealers. This is how I located my dealer in Texas. When U call one in a certain area don't call his neighbor unless the pricing is outrageous. This is because if too many dealers next to each other try to tackle the same car it could be counter-productive. Also the dealer in a large area will want to do a dealer trade so each dealer can keep their holdback monies from the factory. If one dealer just buys a car from another and sells it to you, then you will pay a higher price since your selling dealer gets no holdback but the dealer they got it from does. So ask one of these stores what amt over invoice they are willing to do to locate/dealer trade for your choice of Jetta. When you find the right #'s then hand that dealer the ball. If they drop it, then hand off to another. Maybe if you contact a dealer in each of these cities then they won't bump into each other. Call at least maybe 2-3 in Chicagoland since it is a big market. If you have any other questions then email me from my profile...
  • afryarafryar Member Posts: 50
    I have a 2001 GLX with the steering wheel controls. I did exhaustive research on the steering wheel controls and their compatibility with an after market DC Changer as I didn't want to shell out the 450+ for a dealer installed one. Anyway, what I found out is that the steering wheel controls are directly connected to the stereo (head unit). So if your after market DC Changer works with the controls on the head unit, it'll work with the steering wheel controls as well. As for mine... I ended up just getting an in-dash DC which works fine. Good Luck!
  • afryarafryar Member Posts: 50
    FYI: The spell check changed all my "CD"'s to "DC"'s.... technology...
  • k_h_bk_h_b Member Posts: 54
    How can you NOT find your the rear cupholders folks? *sigh*, Why is it important anyway? They are of No use. To whoever was asking I paid 20,100 for my Galactic blue/beige interior moonroof/monsoon/heated seats before tt and l. it was like 21,300 total. Also, don't bother with dealer installed options, way too expensive. For the price of the dealer cd player I put in a sony mobile es explode cdx 650 in my car. Fully LCD face, colors match Perfectly, plus you can keep the lil kubby hole there. Motorized face with remote etc. Keep the stock stereo and put in an aftermarket cd, the stock stereo just slides right out, all you need is a little tool you could get from crutchfield.com. kay? ;I
    8,100 MILES AND COUNTING~!
  • mary1421mary1421 Member Posts: 8
    I just bought a Wolfsburg and I don't like the rims...... I prefer the 6 spoke alloy wheels..... How can I change them? Where should I go? Any ideas?
  • k_h_bk_h_b Member Posts: 54
    BBS Wheels are very nice, I love mine, I dont know why you would want to change them =/. Tirerack.com is where you'd go if you wanna order/see what other wheels would look like. I'm sure you could sell your BBS wheels for some decent change, they are expensive.
  • roninjoutenroninjouten Member Posts: 201
    That's one of the car's value props!
  • synistyrsynistyr Member Posts: 8
    Help!

    Called up crutchfield to get a Panasonic 8 disc(DP-88) interface to my 2001 Jetta Non-Monsoon..

    The guy said the P.I.E. VW/PC-PAN8 for 8 Disc WON'T work with the changer.. is he right, or should I order anyway?

    P.S. Anyone have any Canadian sources for the cable? :)
  • bluejettabluejetta Member Posts: 272
    I show that adapter #469VWPCPN8 is the correct one. Crutchfield is supposed to know their stuff and that's where I got the number from awhile back. I gathered this info for my website a few months ago: http://www.geocities.com/bluelagoonjetta/cdchangermod.html

    Hope that helps.


    -Jim

  • balticjetta18tbalticjetta18t Member Posts: 146
    If you have not taken delivery yet, maybe you can cut a swap deal with your dealer. Make sure you don't take a 15" wheel and tire since your W/E has a 205/55HR-16 tire. You don't want to give up any rubber on the road. Besides, ask your service dep't if they will rotate and balance aftermarket wheels and tires under the warranty maintenance period of 2/24...
  • afryarafryar Member Posts: 50
    It's the Panasonic 6 Disk that works with the Jetta, not the 8. I don't know what the difference is, besides the 2 disks, but the Panasonic 6 CD changer (with the proper cable) will work fine. I'm not sure of the model number but I'd know it if I saw it. Good Luck.
  • creekspeakcreekspeak Member Posts: 1
    After driving the Jetta with the 18T and both the Jetta and the Passat with the 6 in it, I could be happy with a Jetta with either engine. All this talk of reliability problems bothers me. Currently I have a 1985 Accord SEI with 205K on it and it runs like a top. I've never had a car with this many miles on it and I probably never will again, but I like knowing that it has lasted. Can anyone help me. I'd like to know if either the 18T or the 6 can reasonably be expected to go 200K. With a 10 yr 100K warranty on the drive train and a 24/24 warrantee on everything else it makes me wonder. Clearly VW expects the engine and drivetrain to last 100K, but what happens usually after that? What is it that they don't expect to hold up? Can anyone tell me exactly what seems to be the problem and which engine has the best long term track record.
  • roninjoutenroninjouten Member Posts: 201
    Look at the stats for the 1.8T on the A4 (same engine) in Consumer Reports. The engine is a wonderful thing. As for other aspects, JD Power's initial quality survey puts the Jetta almost at the bottom among Korean cars.


    http://www.auto.com/autonews/cwirh17_20000517.htm


    The VR6 on the otherhand, since its introduction, is pretty well known for being a poorly made engine. Additionally the extra weight of the VR6 adversely impacts handling on a fun little car.


    BTW, what other manfacturer do you know of with over a 100k warranty on the engine? Not Honda or Toyota or anything American. In fact Honda's warranty is rather skimpy at 3/36k.

  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    The Certified used Toyotas have 6 year/100K powertrain coverage, but from first use too. And Hyundai and Kia have 100K powertrain warranties too. Surprised that alone hasn't driven Kia to bankruptcy. :0
  • jmorriss13jmorriss13 Member Posts: 12
    Well, I just took delivery of My 2001 Wolfsburg, and I can't wipe the smile off my face. My initial inspection of the vehicle revealed not the tiniest blemish, and I was very thorough.

    The sound system is simply astonishing.

    Performance and Handling: Wow!
    Look and feel: Excellent!
    Problems: None. No funny sounds, smells, or any of the other things you see on the gripe boards.

    This is after driving a 2000 Golf GLS for a year, and being extremely satisfied with it.

    I love the 1.8T's acceleration, which, while not mind-blowing, will certainly put a smile on your face.

    The handling is typical of VW, and then some. Even tighter and smoother than standard, in corners, the Wolf holds the road despite your best efforts to make the tires lose traction.

    This car may cause me to reconsider the Jetta's place in the VW food chain, as I have always thought the Golf to be the highest form of driving fun.

    P.S. Those of you who can't find your rear cupholders:

    Don't be insulted by the condescension of those above. Mine doesn't have one either, although I couldn't care less. And, yes, I looked in the right location (same place as on my golf, and my wife's Beetle, and *some* other Jettas). It just isn't there.

    Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to be going. There's simply no reason for me to write about this stuff when I should be driving.
  • flacaflaca Member Posts: 168
    It's nice knowing other people who don't have rear cupholders. Have fun in your new Wolfie!
  • f12000f12000 Member Posts: 1
    I just bought a new 2001 Jetta Wolfsburg edition with the monsoon stereo, sunroof, and cd changer in galactic blue. I love the car but i was wondering how much I would like the 2002 Jetta with the European VR6. This engine is high tech compared to the old one with 12v. The new one has 24v and 204bhp.
  • tippsthefootippsthefoo Member Posts: 1
    Hello Jetta lovers. :)

    I'm graduating from undergrad in a few weeks and will be treating myself to a new car in June - the question is - does anyone know of or has anyone gone through the process of the Volkswagen Certified Pre-Owned program? I am thinking of getting a later 3rd Gen. Jetta (97-98) using this program but would like to know if it's a good idea OR if I should just get a brand new Jetta. Although some don't like the new design of the Jetta (saying it's too conservative, etc) I really like it and would prefer being able to get a 99+ Jetta. Would it just be wiser to get a brand new one rather than a C.P.O? Also, does anyone know the current finance rate through VW Credit? My buddy just got a 2001 Ford Mustang with 2.9% and I must be honest that that is really tempting, but I would prefer German engineering. ;) Anyway, if anyone could help or share some insight - that would be great. Thanks.

    Matt
  • synistyrsynistyr Member Posts: 8
    Well.. got a response from crutchfield:

    "...the Panasonic CX-DP88 changer is not compatible with your factory head unit. In fact, according to our database, the only changer that will work with the factory radio in the 2001 Jetta is the 6-disc CX-DP610. You'll find this changer on our web site at ..."

    Hm. That totally doesn't sound right at all. (Of course the DP610 costs more thant he DP88...hmmmm) But I think I'll follow Jim's site and order the cable anyway.
  • 2001jetta2001jetta Member Posts: 10
    I beleive the reason that several people including myself do not have a rear cup holder is due to the fact that improvements were made to the 2001 Jetta mid year. I just bought my 2001 in Feb, however it was made last July. The "new" 2001 have the cupholder as well as "curtain" air bags on the front windsheild pillar. The early 2001 only had the side and front air bags.
  • synistyrsynistyr Member Posts: 8
    Well.. got a response from crutchfield:

    "...the Panasonic CX-DP88 changer is not compatible with your factory head unit. In fact, according to our database, the only changer that will work with the factory radio in the 2001 Jetta is the 6-disc CX-DP610. You'll find this changer on our web site at ..."

    Hm. That totally doesn't sound right at all. (Of course the DP610 costs more thant he DP88...hmmmm) But I think I'll follow Jim's site and order the cable anyway.
  • roninjoutenroninjouten Member Posts: 201
    More power, better standard features in the 1.8T. Unless you're talking the 4 banger, in which case it doesn't really matter (though getting the extended warranty might be wise with the 4 cylinder Jetta).
  • afryarafryar Member Posts: 50
    What's with all the V6 bashing? I LOVE my GLX, I drove both the 1.8T and the VR6 and really had to push the 1.8 to get the same performance as the V6, but then there's the added weight (which is the equivalent of just having a passenger or two in the car...) The car absolutely flies and handles like a dream, I've never once felt the least bit concerned about the handling and trust me, I've tried to throw it around and it's not budging. 6 of one, half a dozen of the other... Smooth, sounds awesome, and tourqey as hell. no matter where I am, the car responds. GO VW.
  • bluejettabluejetta Member Posts: 272
    What's on my site is gathered from Crutchfield and the gang over at Vortex. Like my site says, the Panasonic 8 CD changer is fine for the NON-Monsoon system. If you have the Monsoon and want the Panasonic, you must get the 6 CD changer.

    Let me know how that works for you. Please email me at: NWVW

    Thanks!

    -Jim
    http://www.jettaownersclub.org
    http://www.bluelagoonjetta.com
  • roninjoutenroninjouten Member Posts: 201
    My experience with the VR6 has been that it's nose-heavy. Not a big problem for most people as they usually don't push their cars much. I on the otherhand immediately noticed how much more nimble and tossable the 1.8T is in corners. You can push the car faster and deeper into a corner because you don't have an extra 50 kilos sitting on your hood, which is TOTALLY unlike having a passenger beside you (unless you make passengers sit on the hood?).

    Plus there is the chipping factor of the Turbo and the renowned reliability of the 1.8T v. the VR6's infamous issues. To each his own. But the handling characteristics are pretty much undeniable as basic laws of physics demand that a car with a heavier nose will suffer more in cornering/handling.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Does the turbo require premium fuel? And how about the VR6? I like the turbo, but don't wanna have to fill up with premium gas, because it's so expensive. I guess what you make up with using regular for the VR6 (if you can, that is) you will lose with its fuel economy.
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,281
    Yes, the 1.8T does require premium, however it gets 30 mpg so its not too bad. I think I figured it out once (when we were trying to decide on a Jetta) and it costs me an extra $2.50 per fill up over having a 4cyl that takes regular unleaded. I don't mind the extra cost, the car is a blast to drive. I didn't look at the VR6 mainly because I was after gas mileage and hubby felt that the 4 cyl was better economically. Course it took some convincing to get him to buy me the 1.8T but now he loves the car.
  • dc_75dc_75 Member Posts: 53
    Hi, Jett'setters I am researching cars for my wife and have a few questions...I have been reading the many posts in this forum and have found much useful and friendly information. If we do swing with VW's, we (well I for selfish reasons that is :-) decided we should look into a Golf GTI GLS 1.8T, Jetta GLS 1.8T or maybe a GLS VR6 or even a GLX (unlikely but...). We are looking at auto trans, as my wife doesn't drive stick...and I do not have the patience (nor the courage) to teach her...:-)

    1) I know that this is a Jetta board but I was wondering what differences, other than body style and space of course, there are between the Golf GTI GLS 1.8T and the Jetta GLS 1.8T. Particularly in worthwhile option/std equipment/quality/resale/insurance/performance.

    2) I noted that a large number of Jett'ites here opted for the manual trans and under other circumstances I will go the same way. What are your thoughts/impressions/feelings of the auto trans in the Golf/Jetta. Do they suit the characteristics of the 1.8T for everyday driving conditions?

    3)WRT extended warranties...what are the different terms available (i.e. yrs/mileage). Do we have to buy the warranty upon delivery, or can we opt for it down the road...will there be an extra charge if we do it later? Is the warranty refundable...I mean if we trade-up/sell early do we get some % of money spent back?

    4) I realize after going through the boards, that there will be slim pickings wrt to the VW choices I want (i.e. GTI GLS, Jetta GLS with 1.8T and auto and GLS VR6 auto w/o dead cows) so I will probably have to wait for new MY as WEs are not an option due to n/a of auto trans...How soon can we order/purchase the MY2002 Golfs/Jettas? Is ordering the way to go? How is the ordering process i.e. do dealers get allocations and give out prodn' numbers/VINs upon order? What is the typical wait time? I am also ordering a 3 series this fall which takes 4-8 weeks and wonder if ordering process/wait time be similar...the waiting is usually the killer :-)

    5) I might get tempted to go with a 2001 GLX auto, but are the MY2002 changes worth it...will the tip and new Euro VR6 be available some time this year...what about the 4-motion...

    Sorry for the many questions, but the vw.com site IMO is pretty but not too informative...

    Thank you
  • roninjoutenroninjouten Member Posts: 201
    VR6 is supposed to also take premium. Around here gas is $1.93 for 87 octane, so the 2.13 for premium seems like no big deal. If 10 gallons of 87 octane is gonna cost me 19.30, then spending the extra $2 for good gas doesn't seem like a big deal.
  • rurounirurouni Member Posts: 6
    I'm really interested in Jetta WE, but the more I do research on Jetta, the more I found tons of problems on this car!! Especially oil consumption and things like airbags light. I know it's european and all, but is this car really worth it? I really looking for a reliable car in long run (e.g. accord, camry).... any comments would be great! Thanks!
  • jmorriss13jmorriss13 Member Posts: 12
    I've said it before, and I'll say it again: VW's , you either love them or you hate them.

    I want to make a few of observations in response to the concerns regarding VW's.

    First, The Jetta is the most popular European car in America. Call it a baby Beemer, or a yuppie-mobile, but whatever you call it, we Americans buy more than 150,000 per year. For perspective, we only buy around 20,000 Golfs. Passats and Beetles are below Jetta, although they are also great cars.

    That said, statistically, more units means more problems.

    Second, people who aren't having any trouble with their Jettas don't go to pages titled "Jetta problems" or myvwlemon.com and such. So when you go to these sites, you are overwhelmed with negative information about the cars.

    Third, and related to the last item, is my own experience. I went to the Jetta problems page, and to myvwlemon.com, and the information is daunting indeed. I can understand why you would be hesitant to buy a car after reading about some of the terrible experiences people have. Some of the problems are, I'm sure, legitimate. And some are probably due to neglect, abuse, etc. You are only getting one side of the story.

    The Jetta, Golf, and New Beetle are 60% the same vehicle. Engine gear is the same, chassis are all A4's, much of the interior, and so on. The 2000 Golf I just lost was identical in almost every way to my new 2001 Jetta when sitting in the driver's seat. Every button, knob, and so on, except for the Wolfsburg leather stuff is the same. So if the Jettas are such bad cars, then the Beetles and the Golfs should have the same problems that the Jetta does. But you don't hear about them. I suspect it is because of the market penetration of the Jetta, compared to the other VW's.

    Finally, as I've ranted about before, look around. You will see VW's with 300,000+ miles on them driving down the street daily. The cars, if properly maintained, will outlast almost anything that the US or Japan produces. And you'll find that people who drive VW's are "VW people". Like me. I'm on my fourth VW. I may never drive a non-VW again. I think you'll find that most VW drivers feel the same.

    So, if you like the car, buy it. It will last. It will run for a long time, reliably. And, every once in a while, it will require maintenance.

    As always, my humble apologies for my utter lack of brevity.
  • roninjoutenroninjouten Member Posts: 201
    From what I've seen and heard, the basic 4 cylinder is the major cause of complaints. The 1.8T is a rock solid engine used in 7 VW/Audi cars. If you check reliability info in CR and JD Power you'll see the 4 cylinder is the major problem child. Also check the JD Power initial quality survey and the Jetta line lands at the bottom among the korean cars. Yikes!

    BTW, the reliablity rankings are done usually on number of problems per 100 or 1000 cars. Thus, the total number sold and produced is not relevant. It's the number of problems per 100 or 1000 vehicles whcih is very relevant.
  • chzhang1chzhang1 Member Posts: 1
    Thanks for your suggestion
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