There is a nice picture of a Jetta coupe concept on vwvortex, sharp! I would upgrade to the monsoon, it's just o.k. so the base one may not be that great. Germans are good at many things, but it seems they fall short with radios.
I've currently got a car broker looking for a 2001 1.8T white/grey cloth. Like you, Shannon, I only wanted the single CD, too - no other options! Evidently it's a "dealer-installed option" which the VW site doesn't list prices for. I live in Colorado and before going to the broker spoke to a few dealers on my own. I found the CD player issue quite confusing. One dealer said he could only get the 6 disc changer, which he tried to convince me was a better deal because it was "only about $100 more than the single CD" (this despite the fact that I'd already told him I didn't want to deal with a trunk-mounted player). Another dealer told me that the CD player was not an option at all on the Jetta, and I would not be able to find one! I know this is not true because I've SEEN them, but when I told the sales guy that he hung up on me (fabulous customer service, no?) Anyway, the first guy said the six disc changer was around $495, which would put the single CD at around $400 if what he said was true. And by the way, I was really surprised at how difficult it is to find a 1.8T with no options! The simplest model I could find has the Monsoon sound system and Cold Weather Package, and most of the others came with those plus sport suspension package and sunroof. Too fancy for me, but I may have no choice but to go chi-chi! Anyway, if anyone has any more info on the single CD player, please post - I'd like to know too!
I think I've decided exactly what I want for my new car. A 2001 Silver VW Jetta 1.8T with grey velour interior, manual transmission. The only options I want is the luxury package (sunroof and 15'wheels) and possibly the monsoon, but I'm flexible on that.
Due to the relative popularity and therefore high demand of this car, I am considering Carsdirect.com. The local dealers I have visited have gone on and on about how rare and hard to find the silver jetta's are.
Anyone have any experience with carsdirect or any of the online car shoppers? Or any advice on the best way to get my new car? By best I mean not overpaying and aquiring the car in a reasonable amount of time. If the best route is ordering one from the factory through a dealer I'd be willing to explore that option. Basically I'm looking for advice from those who have gone through this
The break-in period is covered in the manual -- one whole page! ;-) Anyway, it's just common sense new-car stuff: Don't go to the drags or auto-crosses, etc...Just go a little easy on it for the first 1,000 miles is all. No big thing.
Our 2K1 Jetta came with it and we love it. It is perfectly tuned for the car. Excellent system.
BUT, if you are into big-booming, blow the screws off your headlights, 1500 watt bass-blasting system, the Monsoon is not it. Get a stock radio and go aftermarket.
Many Monsoon'ers though will add a sub-woofer and then turn the bass off on the Monsoon speakers. It is a very nice, 200 watt, 8-speaker, custom-tuned system.
And, BTW: The CD player/changer is a dealer option. There are no VW's that come from the factory with CD's in them.
For winter tires, that all depends on where you live. We just plan on using our stock Michelins here in WA state, rain or snow. Our Honda kicked butt in the snow with all-seasons and I expect the Jetta to be even better, and it should -- it's a much better car at everything else!!
I got my in-dash CD player for $300, the retail price that I had seen on the web pages. And installation was $60, although I've heard its not too difficult to install yourself, I just didn't feel like messing with it. I've had no problems with it at all, except for my aforementioned comment that it doens't automatically start playing the CD when you first put it in. I don't have the Monsoon, I feel the sound system is quite adequate the way it is. Anyways, I'd like to be able to hear my grandkids fifty years from now.
I have always been suspect to any cars since my lemon fiasco. I have looked up extened warranties with no deductibles and the best one is at around 800 bucks. Is it worth it with VW's??? Do they hold their own or should I purchase an extended?
There have been reports of some quality problems here and there with the new VWs, but their most important parts (powertrain) are covered for a good, long time. You can always get an extended warranty down the road. You should get the car and see how it fares in the first two years (while your basic warranty is still in effect). If need be, then purchase the extended warranty on it.
I would get an extended warr on ANY car that you buy if you plan to keep it. But, rest assured, VW's are not any more likely to break down more than any other car. Not too comforting, I know, since all cars are money sucking piece of machinery....vocus has a point, get the warranty later if you want. After two years, you will know if you love the car so much that you want to keep it.
I went to Tischer VW in Laurel, Md. yesterday to test drive a Golf GLS 1.8T automatic. I never did get to do it, because there weren't enough dealers available to help me (from what they said). They asked me to wait, and I said I would. It waited for about 15 mins. and saw at least one person who was free. I got mad and walked out. But, I did get to extensively sit in a GTI GLS 1.8T in the showroom. It was pretty comfortable too, but would probably end up getting the GLS for its 4-doors.
the thing about the golf/gti's is that their air went in the car are different than the jettas. the jettas are flush with the dash - the golf's look cheap to me.
I was just wondering if there is anyone else out there that was treated with minimal or no respect when they went to purchase a car. I had my eye set on a 2001 Jetta VR6 GLX, when the sales man began to treat me like a fool. The funny part is that a friend of mine went to the same dealer the same night and was treated the same way by a different sails man. Any suggestions on buying over the internet?
I just got home from purchasing a 2001 GLS 1.8 Turbo. Full leather & luxury package. This car drove real nice!!!! Can't wait to pick it up tomorrow. Anyone with comments can let me know what to expect. Thanks.
Well, cbot...Expect a smile that you will not be able to wipe off your face for quite some time. You are going to have an awesome weekend with your new toy and will probably put a ton of miles on it the next three days.
We have had ours for almost two months now and *still* think up any excuse to go for a drive.
Congrats, have fun and drive it like ya stole it!!!!
I noticed a couple of you asked about internet buying. I have been looking into it also but haven't actually gone through with it yet. I do know of a website that rates the car buying sites: Gomez.com and one that looks pretty easy and informative is driveoff.com and their prices look good too. Good luck!
Greenlight.com is a very good site as well. I went there 100 times to look at VW's and endend up purchasing a GLS 1.8 Turbo tonight. I like this site and they seem to offer very good prices.
Hello, As you all can see buy now, I just purchased the 1.8 Turbo and I am picking it up tomorrow. Is Premium fuel a must or is middle grade fine? I had not thought about that before I purchase it! Ooops, my bad I guess. To all who own, help me out. It's 2:01 AM on the east coast and I can't get to sleep just waiting for tomorrow!! Thanks.
The fuel question seems to be a bit in the air. I have the 1.8T and so far (5K+ Miles) have only filled with Premium. Some folks have tried both premium and middle grade and say they definitely noticed a lack of performance with the middle, while some other folks said they didn't notice the difference. I'm staying on the safe side and keeping with Premium. I would go Premium through at least 5K miles, then do a little experimenting after that if you want with things like power, gas mileage, etc. between the two grades. Have too much fun with your car this weekend, she's a beaut.
Just thought I'd repost my original question to see if anyone has had any similar experience with their 1.8T Jetta:
My 2001 Silver/black leather 1.8T is coming up on 2000 km. My question is after a long drive, 2 hours and with cruise on, I had no problem. Later that same afternoon, I noticed that the Turbo seemed to "skip." It would rev hi, then low, or not kick in at all. It has now been three days since and everything seems perfect again. Any insight?
It has been a week now and it has not happened. Still, I am left wondering.
Okay folks, I've ready so many good things and so many bad things on the Jetta, I just don't know what to do. I drove the 1.8T last night and loved it. I mean, I really loved it. But I've read so many things about bad reliability, weird problems, and horrible customer service, that I'm just a little nervous. Anyone have a good unbiased opinion for me? I know it's stupid question in a sense, but I'm really struggling with the decision.
I have the VR6, not the Turbo, but have heard a lot of good things about the Turbo. I prefer the VR6 but the Turbo has a weight advantage in the front since it's lighter. As for reliability mine has been a dream and I haven't experienced any of the "common" problems reported in the maintenance forum. For example, broken window regulator. Not here, not yet. It's put together tight as a drum and drives like a dream. And it still gets looks. I've had it 9 months and 16,000 miles. Just had the oil changed today and the service department was great as usual. So, none of the horror stories you've heard. Not so far anyway, and I'm not expecting them anytime soon. Heading for a drive to the mountains tomorrow to see the foilage, and can't wait! Unbiased? Well I've owned a Saab, Buick, Renault, Fiat, Ford and VW and the VW has them all beat. My coworker has a 98 Accord and is always having some weird problem with the catalytic converter or the check engine light, the brakes burned out, etc. Stuff happens to all cars. Buy the one that you feel right in. I did.
Here is my opinion and I don't own a Jetta. If your priority is performance and driving pleasure get the Jetta 1.8T. If reliability is your top priority go for for something you feel is a safe bet. I personally wanted both but had budget restraints. I wish Mazda made the Jetta. Or do I wish VW made the Protege? I came very close to buying a Jetta. I finally passed because it was at the high end of my budget and I got scared because of what I read in these forums. Is that fair to the Jetta, I can't answer that for you. I'm happy with the Protege, but I think I would have been happy with the Jetta too. Good luck with your decision.
I appreciate the responses. It's definately the car I had the most fun driving (I'm down to an Infiniti G20t, a Subara Legacy GT, and a Maxima SE). But I can imagine nothing worse than having to continually take a brand new car into the shop. I mean, reliability is almost the biggest factor when you consider a car on a long term basis. To some extent though, you're right gregj - you gotta just hold your breath and go for it. None of 'em are gonna be perfect.
When I went looking for a car in January I had only owned 4-cylinder Japanese cars (Acura, Honda) and wanted to get another reliable car with a little more power. Logically I figured I'd try the Accord V6. What a joke! It wouldn't move no matter how hard I stepped on the gas, plus the interior looked cheap and tacky, and the exterior: BORRRRRR-ING! So much for that idea. I tried an Integra, a Miata...too small and underpowered. Then I tried a Jetta GLX. I loved it right away: great looks, thoughtful design, and enough torque to put a smile on my face (even with an auto transmission)! I was worried about VW's reputation, but after a couple more test drives I decided I couldn't pass it up. Didn't like the walnut finish so I got the GLS with the manual VR6. I've had it 9 months, 8000 miles and NO problems! It feels solid and I love driving it. Several passengers have said the interior reminds them of a BMW. One note: if you get the leather option, get black unless you don't mind having to clean it constantly. I have a black belt that has rubbed a nice wide black strip onto the seatback.
Most road tests that I read don't share your opinion about the Accord's interior. Not to mention what my own eyes see. They go out of their way to point out the opposite of what you think, but you're entitled to your opinion. But the acceleration times of the Accord V6 is a matter of fact. 0-60 times of 7.6 seconds (from a number of sources). I would say this probably puts the Accord V6 between the Jetta VR6 manual and a Jetta VR6 auto. Just because your car doesn't have any problems doesn't mean the VW Jetta doesn't have quality problems. The VW salesman I talked to was honest enough to acknowledge this. I plan on getting a Jetta and hope to get one with no problems just like you did. I am willing to my chances because the Jetta has very strong attributes in other areas. Enjoy your car.
My co-workers 98 Accord is always in the shop and I agree that the interior not only isn't as attractve as my Jetta's but the VW is also better put together. And no problems here either. I've never regretted getting this car. The best thing my coworker can say about his is that he likes the shuttle service the service department provides, so go figure.
My parents have a 92 Camry that has NEVER had one repair bill. Only routine maintenance and a repaired door panel due to an inconsiderate deer. Does that mean ALL Camry's are this reliable? Ya'll need to face the facts...both the Jetta and Accord are good cars. If you go to the Jetta: Break Down Often forum and read the horror stories, I think they bring up legitimate concerns. Does that mean these things commonly occur with the Jetta? I doubt it. But to try and state that the Accord is not a reliable car is simply not true. I would be willing to bet the Accord beats the Jetta in overall reliability. I would also be willing to bet the Jetta has better overall performance than the Accord. Why don't ya'll call it a push?
Like I stated before, German car owners always seem to know an Accord owner who has all kinds of problems with their car. It's just amazing. JD Powers and Associates get their funding from the Automakers themselves (including VW) to conduct their surveys. The Jettas ranking was very dismal - just above some Korean cars - for problems encountered during the first three months. I do take some comfort from Consumer Report subscribers who own WV Jettas. Their the car has an average rating for reliability. I think the Jetta is a great car, but it will be more prone to problems than an Accord. Still, chances are still very high that I'll get a problem free Jetta.
We can pee on everyone's cornflakes: Honda, VW, Toyota, whatever...But, the fact is that they are all pretty good cars. All the manufacturers make lemons out there too.
I owned two Honda Accords ('84, '91) and had quite a few problems with the '84 and zero with the '91 -- traded the '91 for the Jetta. We loved the '91 Accord but got bored with Hondas pretty much looking the same for the past 20 years. Sure they're pretty relaible and all, but come on! Make a major change Honda!
VW's public record is not the best and venus537 is correct that Honda complaints are (much) lower per-thousand than VW. I think Honda was 3'rd on the list and VW was way down (bottom third) by Kia. That was for 1999.
Also, a fact for 1999, was that complaints for ALL manufacturers were up. I read this in an article at Seattle Sun Times, but could not find it (online) again.
It does appear though that many, if not all, of these problems with the new A4 Jetta/Golf platform have been addressed with the 2001 run. But, now Golf purchasers have also to be concerned with the new Brazil plant finally getting ramped up for production.
And (*grin*) my neighbor has a 2000 Accord in the shop for engine and air-bag lights.
It's pretty much all a crap shoot, for the most part, so I say just find a car you like and buy it. Take care of it and above all: Drive it like ya stole it! (Tagline borrowed from VWvortex.com) ;-)
If you take care of your car, you reduce the odds of major problems down the road. I don't know about ya'll, but I try to stay away from 1st year models and 1st year (international) plants. Call me Mr. Cautious...lol. I work for a start up company and have seen first hand how many unforeseen problems there can be with a new product.
I just purchased my 2001 1.8 Turbo and after 2 days, I love it. Nice heated black leather seats, black exterior and the finest attention to detail on the car. I just got rid of my 1988 Honda CRX SI that I owned since day one (12 years ago). I never had any problems with this car. The clutch lasted me 127,000 miles. The starter lasted 145,000 miles. Timing belt lasted 122,000 miles. How could anyone complain about that? This car was great and if it were not for having a child, I would still have it. Honda's are great automobiles, but the interior of the car has not changed in years. I love my new VW and I pray it lasts as long as my Honda does.
Personally speaking, I have never peed on anyones Corn Flakes. With all the current problems discovering genetically modified corn in cereal these days, no one should be eating them. Just MO.
My friend made a very good point tonight about cars' reliability. He said, "if you're gonna get a lemon, it's going to happen, no matter how careful you are about it". That makes sense to me as well. I just happend to get lucky with my Mazda I guess. Hopefully I will have the same luck when I get my next car. If not, then that's the breaks. But also, I will not purchase a first year model either. If you haven't learned about that yet, just ask an owner of a Ford Focus.
I accidently scribbled this.... so here it is again.. sorry for the repeat
was that my car is reliable. People in here for some reason like to think the Accord/Camry walk on water, which doesn't make sense to me since this is supposed to be a VW area. I've said before here and in the breakdown topic that all cars have problems. Mine fortunately doesn't, and to imply that VWs are more prone to them just because people report problems in a forum where such problems are supposed to be reported is a fallacy.
No one implied that VWs are more prone to problems just because people report problems in a forum where such problems are supposed to be reported. Reread my post again and if you still think that's what I implied, then just forget about it. It's the Jetta owners (some) who have the attitude. I hope I don't get this affiliation where you lose all objectivity and logical thinking when I get my Jetta.
there is no car out there better or more reliable than another. Meaning - no Accord is more reliable than any Jetta. Just not possible. And vice versa.
It is amazing to me that someone would LOVE a car, then read some posts in here, and then decide not to buy it. None of us knows who we work for (Honda or VW perhaps), what we do to our cars, if we change our oil etc.....Buy what feels good. And as I have said before, if you are going to be nervous about it, then don't buy it. Not worth the anxiety. VW's are not meant for people that freak out about that stuff. Because, eventually, even if it is just a tail light burning out, a VW will do something bad, but the nervous person is automatically going to think, "Oh, I should have bought the G20, that would have never happened..."
The Jetta esp. with the VR6 is WAY too fun to worry about reliability. Consumer's Reports gives it an average, but these days average is very good. Don't worry, be happy!! p.s. chicks DIG this car!
How can you say that no car is more reliable as another? When publications and other groups do factual research and consitent patterns emerge - year after year - you can make a pretty good judgement about a particular car, or car makers, reliability. Honda, Toyota, and others have come up on top continuously in these studies. I'm not defending those cars - I just think
ANYWAY...my point is really...I agree that I shouldn't let a message board effect my purchase decision. I got a little nervous when I first read all those...it was kind of a knee-jerk reaction. Of course the vast majority of Jettas are going to be very good cars. I know it. And it's still the only car that really quickened my pulse. The next shipment of 1.8T's will be in soon. I can't wait.
1. Seen them on the road and just fell in love with the look of it. Bare bones stock or tweaked out, they all looked sweet. Didn't even really matter what color. I could spot one on the road a mile away and had my eye on the Jetta for a year.
2. Drove one. Went to the dealer and picked out the one we own. No leather, no V6 or 1.8t (don't need the power and don't want to pay for the gas) but loved the Monsoon and the sunroof.
3. For a 2.0 and less horsies than my Accord that we were trading in, this baby was quite peppy, Would definitely out-pull the Accord.
4. German engineering: The handling of a German car is priceless and there are no words in our language to fully explain this feeling.
....And then I read this and other forums and just about freaked, but the deal was done and we love our Jetta and have had no problems.
I don't know if I would have bought a Jetta if I had read all the Complaint Forums. Heck, I probably wouldn't have bought ANY OTHER CARS EITHER had I read their complaint forums too.
And Venus537: You will not lose any objectivity when you get your Jetta, but you will find yourself defending it against unfounded attacks if you keep reading this forum. People *need* to hear both sides in this forum.
The car deserves more respect than what some people here give it. Drive it and it will change your mind.
There are all kinds of perks when ya get one too: Other VW owners will wave and toot their horns at ya and yes, Chicks dig this car! ;-))) Guys dig it too: My wife gets bugged all the time!! ;-)))
I recently travelled 880 miles from Dayton to Norman, OK (OU campus). Here's the report on how my 2000 Jetta GLS 1.8T fared:
First of all, I've had no problems with this car at 6K miles. I put in Mobile 1 systhetic oil at 5K (dealer likes synth.) and rotated tires.
On my trip, the trunk was plenty roomy for two months worth of gear, but I put a big duffle bag in the back seat for more even weight distribution (more weight between the wheels). I also had a Yakima bike rack on the trunk with my mountain and road bike on it.
Because of the wind resistance of the bikes, I only got 26 mpg. Another factor was speed - I consistently tooled along at 80-85 mph. Inside the car was quiet at speed, the lumbar adjustment gave comfort when I felt at all fatigued, and the cup holders were fine (no single CD player in dash). I had an extra CD cartridge so there was plenty of music, and the radio had good reception for football on the AM band.
The cruise control worked well - it's precise, and the amazing torque in fifth gear made getting back up to speed very expeditious! During humid and rainy conditions, the climate control kept me confortable, and windows clear.
I use a front end cover to ward off highway debris, sand and stones - no paint chips or blemishes!!
Overall, it was a great trip, very comfortable and speedy! I love this car!! The only complaint is when driving friends around in the back seat. The Jetta cannot compare to the Accord in back seat comfort - oh well. I have small kids and rarely have people back there anyway.
I already drove the Jetta twice and I already think it's an awesome car and I can't wait to get one. Its just not as reliable as an Accord. It's the Accord that receives many unfounded attacks. Take your item #3, wouldn't you have to go back to a pre-94 Accord in order for it to be slower than the current 2.0 liter Jetta? Well who cares anyway? I will soon have my very own Jetta.
the statement you make about the Jetta you have not bought yet, not being as reliable as your current Accord. How can you say that? You don't have your Jetta yet. My Jetta was more reliable than ANY car out there. ZERO Jetta related problems except for burnt out tail light.
Give the car a chance. Why would you buy it "knowing" that it is not as reliable as the Honda? The gap gets smaller and smaller each year - non-Japanese manufactuers are getting better, and Japanese manufacters are getting cheap and lazy. Soon, very soon, VW will be right up there (or down there ) with Honda, even in consumers eyes....even Consumer Reports...:)
Comments
I live in Colorado and before going to the broker spoke to a few dealers on my own. I found the CD player issue quite confusing. One dealer said he could only get the 6 disc changer, which he tried to convince me was a better deal because it was "only about $100 more than the single CD" (this despite the fact that I'd already told him I didn't want to deal with a trunk-mounted player). Another dealer told me that the CD player was not an option at all on the Jetta, and I would not be able to find one! I know this is not true because I've SEEN them, but when I told the sales guy that he hung up on me (fabulous customer service, no?)
Anyway, the first guy said the six disc changer was around $495, which would put the single CD at around $400 if what he said was true.
And by the way, I was really surprised at how difficult it is to find a 1.8T with no options! The simplest model I could find has the Monsoon sound system and Cold Weather Package, and most of the others came with those plus sport suspension package and sunroof. Too fancy for me, but I may have no choice but to go chi-chi!
Anyway, if anyone has any more info on the single CD player, please post - I'd like to know too!
I think I've decided exactly what I want for my new car. A 2001 Silver VW Jetta 1.8T with grey velour interior, manual transmission. The only options I want is the luxury package (sunroof and 15'wheels) and possibly the monsoon, but I'm flexible on that.
Due to the relative popularity and therefore high demand of this car, I am considering Carsdirect.com. The local dealers I have visited have gone on and on about how rare and hard to find the silver jetta's are.
Anyone have any experience with carsdirect or any of the online car shoppers? Or any advice on the best way to get my new car? By best I mean not overpaying and aquiring the car in a reasonable amount of time. If the best route is ordering one from the factory through a dealer I'd be willing to explore that option. Basically I'm looking for advice from those who have gone through this
Thanks in advance for your help.
As for the Monsoon: The Monsoon is NOT a VW product!!! You can read about the Monsoon company at: http://www.monsoonpower.com/index_auto.htm
Our 2K1 Jetta came with it and we love it. It is perfectly tuned for the car. Excellent system.
BUT, if you are into big-booming, blow the screws off your headlights, 1500 watt bass-blasting system, the Monsoon is not it. Get a stock radio and go aftermarket.
Many Monsoon'ers though will add a sub-woofer and then turn the bass off on the Monsoon speakers. It is a very nice, 200 watt, 8-speaker, custom-tuned system.
And, BTW: The CD player/changer is a dealer option. There are no VW's that come from the factory with CD's in them.
For winter tires, that all depends on where you live. We just plan on using our stock Michelins here in WA state, rain or snow. Our Honda kicked butt in the snow with all-seasons and I expect the Jetta to be even better, and it should -- it's a much better car at everything else!!
not much to complain about, I know...:)
We have had ours for almost two months now and *still* think up any excuse to go for a drive.
Congrats, have fun and drive it like ya stole it!!!!
it!!!!"
I like that one...haven't heard that one before. I don't have a VW, but I tend to drive my car that way too...until I reach the speed limit. ;^)
My 2001 Silver/black leather 1.8T is coming up on
2000 km. My question is after a long drive, 2
hours and with cruise on, I had no problem. Later
that same afternoon, I noticed that the Turbo
seemed to "skip." It would rev hi, then low, or
not kick in at all. It has now been three days
since and everything seems perfect again. Any
insight?
It has been a week now and it has not happened. Still, I am left wondering.
Thanks alot
Regards,
Bryan
I owned two Honda Accords ('84, '91) and had quite a few problems with the '84 and zero with the '91 -- traded the '91 for the Jetta. We loved the '91 Accord but got bored with Hondas pretty much looking the same for the past 20 years. Sure they're pretty relaible and all, but come on! Make a major change Honda!
VW's public record is not the best and venus537 is correct that Honda complaints are (much) lower per-thousand than VW. I think Honda was 3'rd on the list and VW was way down (bottom third) by Kia. That was for 1999.
Also, a fact for 1999, was that complaints for ALL manufacturers were up. I read this in an article at Seattle Sun Times, but could not find it (online) again.
It does appear though that many, if not all, of these problems with the new A4 Jetta/Golf platform have been addressed with the 2001 run. But, now Golf purchasers have also to be concerned with the new Brazil plant finally getting ramped up for production.
And (*grin*) my neighbor has a 2000 Accord in the shop for engine and air-bag lights.
It's pretty much all a crap shoot, for the most part, so I say just find a car you like and buy it. Take care of it and above all: Drive it like ya stole it! (Tagline borrowed from VWvortex.com) ;-)
-Jim
Regards,
Mark.
was that my car is reliable. People in here for
some reason like to think the Accord/Camry walk on
water, which doesn't make sense to me since this is supposed to be a VW area. I've said before here and in the breakdown topic that all cars have
problems. Mine fortunately doesn't, and to imply
that VWs are more prone to them just because people report problems in a forum where such problems are supposed to be reported is a fallacy.
It is amazing to me that someone would LOVE a car, then read some posts in here, and then decide not to buy it. None of us knows who we work for (Honda or VW perhaps), what we do to our cars, if we change our oil etc.....Buy what feels good. And as I have said before, if you are going to be nervous about it, then don't buy it. Not worth the anxiety. VW's are not meant for people that freak out about that stuff. Because, eventually, even if it is just a tail light burning out, a VW will do something bad, but the nervous person is automatically going to think, "Oh, I should have bought the G20, that would have never happened..."
All cars suck at times.
p.s. chicks DIG this car!
ANYWAY...my point is really...I agree that I shouldn't let a message board effect my purchase decision. I got a little nervous when I first read all those...it was kind of a knee-jerk reaction. Of course the vast majority of Jettas are going to be very good cars. I know it. And it's still the only car that really quickened my pulse. The next shipment of 1.8T's will be in soon. I can't wait.
I knew there was more to these Jetta purchases.
Regards,
Marko.
1. Seen them on the road and just fell in love with the look of it. Bare bones stock or tweaked out, they all looked sweet. Didn't even really matter what color. I could spot one on the road a mile away and had my eye on the Jetta for a year.
2. Drove one. Went to the dealer and picked out the one we own. No leather, no V6 or 1.8t (don't need the power and don't want to pay for the gas) but loved the Monsoon and the sunroof.
3. For a 2.0 and less horsies than my Accord that we were trading in, this baby was quite peppy, Would definitely out-pull the Accord.
4. German engineering: The handling of a German car is priceless and there are no words in our language to fully explain this feeling.
....And then I read this and other forums and just about freaked, but the deal was done and we love our Jetta and have had no problems.
I don't know if I would have bought a Jetta if I had read all the Complaint Forums. Heck, I probably wouldn't have bought ANY OTHER CARS EITHER had I read their complaint forums too.
And Venus537: You will not lose any objectivity when you get your Jetta, but you will find yourself defending it against unfounded attacks if you keep reading this forum. People *need* to hear both sides in this forum.
The car deserves more respect than what some people here give it. Drive it and it will change your mind.
There are all kinds of perks when ya get one too: Other VW owners will wave and toot their horns at ya and yes, Chicks dig this car! ;-))) Guys dig it too: My wife gets bugged all the time!! ;-)))
First of all, I've had no problems with this car at 6K miles. I put in Mobile 1 systhetic oil at 5K (dealer likes synth.) and rotated tires.
On my trip, the trunk was plenty roomy for two months worth of gear, but I put a big duffle bag in the back seat for more even weight distribution (more weight between the wheels). I also had a Yakima bike rack on the trunk with my mountain and road bike on it.
Because of the wind resistance of the bikes, I only got 26 mpg. Another factor was speed - I consistently tooled along at 80-85 mph. Inside the car was quiet at speed, the lumbar adjustment gave comfort when I felt at all fatigued, and the cup holders were fine (no single CD player in dash). I had an extra CD cartridge so there was plenty of music, and the radio had good reception for football on the AM band.
The cruise control worked well - it's precise, and the amazing torque in fifth gear made getting back up to speed very expeditious! During humid and rainy conditions, the climate control kept me confortable, and windows clear.
I use a front end cover to ward off highway debris, sand and stones - no paint chips or blemishes!!
Overall, it was a great trip, very comfortable and speedy! I love this car!! The only complaint is when driving friends around in the back seat. The Jetta cannot compare to the Accord in back seat comfort - oh well. I have small kids and rarely have people back there anyway.
Give the car a chance. Why would you buy it "knowing" that it is not as reliable as the Honda? The gap gets smaller and smaller each year - non-Japanese manufactuers are getting better, and Japanese manufacters are getting cheap and lazy. Soon, very soon, VW will be right up there (or down there