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Volkswagen Jetta 2006+
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It is likely that the Rabbit is sportier than the Jetta due to the qualities you pointed out. Also, the Rabbit is made in Germany (at least, the GTI is) while the Jetta is made in Mexico. If that is something important to you, then that may affect your decision and was one of the reasons why I preferred the Rabbit.
The deal-clincher, as you may have already noticed, is that VW is more likely to discount on the Jetta rather than the Rabbit. I picked up our 2007 GLI with DSG and PKG 0 for $21500 + taxes back in October 2007. That was about $3000 below invoice. A similarly equipped GTI was going for about $2000 more at that time and I could not honestly justify the price difference. And so far, the GLI has not exhibited any quality defects that I had concerns about, since it was made in Mexico. In our current world of globalization, it may not really matter where a vehicle is manufactured since the manufacturer would likely employ the same manufacturing technologies in all their factories.
BTW, the 2.5L in the Rabbit and Jetta are not as fuel-efficient as the 2.0T in the GTI and GLI, even if the 2.5L uses regular gas while the 2.0T is recommended for premium gas. I only use premium gas on our GLI.
Help! Does anyone think Jetta's are any good?
Yes.
What sort of problems?
We have the first model year of this car (which was actually 2005, despite the discussion title). We had a few things in the first year, which was not unexpected, since it was a new model. But we are happy with the car.
Actually VWs reliability reputation was in the toilet. It is this new Jetta (and the Rabbit) that have been better, with average or above in reliability, according to CR surveys.
Can anyone please shed light on the situation? Of course, when calling the dealer they immediately assumed the satellite modulator is bad and tried to sell me a new one for $500 uninstalled.
If I can receive channels 01 and 247, does that mean the modulator is working? Any advice would be greatly appreciated...
:mad:
I have heard horror stories about repair costs for BMW and Audi.
Thanks.
call sirius and tell them the serial number of the receiver and they can help you.
also you can probably lookup your account/serial-number via their web site.
Sirius customer service is outstanding in my experience.
We have had no repairs that we had to pay for on our 2005.5 Jetta 2.5 (except for a flat tire). I don't think our maintenance costs per proceedure have been unusually high, but they do ask for some things to be done more often than some other manufacturers: change brake fluid at 2 years, change spark plugs at 40K mi or 4 years.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you.
VW's are great fun to drive and have a - hate to use this word but its the most accurate - cachet that Corollas, Hondas, Scions can't match.
VW does almost everything "it's own way" and it's NOT a good idea to use an oil shop or independent garage - except maybe one specializing in VW's - for services.
VW dealers can charge quite different prices for the same service, so it pays to shop around.
For example, the oil used in VW is not only supposed to be full synthetic, it is an unusual grade - 5W-40 - and has to satisfy a specific VW specification as well. The VW drain plug is supposed to be completely replaced at every oil change, not just the washer, to prevent oil pan damage. VW coolant is different. And it goes on.
Fortunately the fluids and parts and services are competitively priced (my dealer oil changes were only about $50) and service was good - I had no desire to use a Jiffy Lube, for example, and if you use their fluids, you can go the recommended oil change intervals (an initial short 5,000 mile interval, followed by 10,000 mile changes). My 40k "major tuneup" at which plugs were replaced only cost me $300, same as or less than the 30k mile "service packages" the Toyota and Honda dealers tried to push on me WITHOUT a spark plug change. And changing the brake fluid is a good idea than more manufacturer's should embrace - brake fluid is hygroscopic - naturally draws water vapor out of the air - and moisture is brake fluid's worst enemy. True, the resulting problem might only arise coming down a mountain where the brakes are constantly used, but VW seems to care more about performance than other makers, so I applaud them for their caution.
You will probably occasionally hear a story of VW "repair hell", which is, imho, mainly a result of VW's market share - they are a "thinly" sold line, and there aren't all those expert mechanics like they have in Europe to quickly solve problems. You can avoid repair hell by selecting a good dealer with a good service department that has low service staff turn-over and a good reputation. Once again, VW is not a brand to be blase with about choice of after-market service, and not a brand to take to Jiffy Lube or the gas station mechanic - it's a specialized product, and if you shop as carefully for service and maintenance, and do what the owner's manual asks (which isn't that much), you'll almost never have a problem, and minor problems will be quickly fixed.
Never, the 2.5 engine has a timing chain not a belt.
I've had the vehicle inspected and it has oil leaks from somewhere in the engine. Without going further and shampooing the engine to locate etc. it could be a number of things but according to the mechanic "all under $1K". They had to put a further 2 litres of oil back in it.
I think I may just pass and keep looking. Fun little car to drive though.
March of 09, I will have had my 2.5 L Jetta for two years, bought it, not leased.
Oil change and tire rotation costs about 80 bucks, at the VW Dealership in Huntsville, AL that I use. But, they wash it for you every time they service it.
I'm not a "harsh" driver, but the Jetta is my main source of transportation. I've had to have roadside come to my house and pick up the car on a flat bed twice (which is free of charge for the first four years, so that's nice, since I live like 30 miles from the dealer). First time, Jetta had 12k miles on it, and the battery flat died. Which I know is not a VW problem but still. That was under warranty, so they came got it, replaced it and I went and got it the next day.
Second time was about two weeks ago. In November, I had the 20k service package done (around 300 dollars, they reccomend these packages where they do everything from re-lube the sunroof to oil change, run tests on the computer, tire rotation, take off and clean several wheel components, and flush all the liquids, they reccomend this at 20, 40, and 60k miles) In the past few weeks, I had noticed a small rattling noise whenever I hit a bad bump in the road. (we all try to avoid these but sometimes you can't due to on coming traffic) Well week before last, I hit a bad bump, and all the way home it seriously sounded like one of my front tires was going to fall off. I wasn't too far from home, so I drove like 10mph the rest of the way, screching and all. They came picked it up, and the next day said I needed new "Strut Bushings" and they would order them and they will be under warranty. They drove it and said they didn't hear anything. Also mentioned I may need new tires, which bewilder's me since these are supposed to be 40k tires and I have 24k on them now and they're saying that. I typically don't keep a new car past 75k miles. I may trade the Jetta in before then if this keeps up.
The tires that come standard on Jetta are Contenintals. I will prob get michelens this next time.
Whatever you do, if you are "buying" the car, negotiate the extra warranty to 100k. It will be worth it from what I'm seeing right now.
I do love the car though, and get compliments on it all the time.
Did that include a brake fluid change? Did it include replacing the cabin/pollen filter? (I assume that it included air filter, oil change and tire rotation in addition to plugs)
My dealer's 40K package is much higher, they include some extras that VW does not require. I have not yet gotten their "ala-carte" prices to just to the required stuff. My own, I think generous, educated guess is the required 40K should be maybe $350-400 (including brake fluid change and cabin filter).
Has anyone had battery problems such as this with VW Jetta?
But 2003 :confuse: ...I thought we were talking about 2006+ (which, I continue to point out to edmunds, really should be 2005.5+ :mad: ) Jettas here.
So that was probably right around $400, before taxes and fees were added on. My dealer used to have the package (with their extras) at $500, but always had a $50 coupon. They bumped up to $550, so $500 with the readily available coupon. (I happen to have a better coupon for 20% off).
In addition, to what you listed and a tire rotation, they include rebalance wheels, fuel filter, and cleaning fuel injectors in the package.
I'm thinking since the end of the full warranty period is near, I'll have them do the scan, just in case that would identify a warranty repair that is needed. With that added in, I am thinking I may as well take their package deal since it will only be another $70 (actually $56 with my 20% off).
Dealer next to my house has a CPO 2006 Grey GLI..awesome! Everything I wanted, some things in the GLI that SHOULD have been in the A3. Alas, my dilemma is do I suck it up and keep the A3 for another two years when the lease is up, or do I spring for the $15,800 GLI that has 37,000 miles on it, and roll in the negative equity? Do you think my new payment could be lower than what I am currently paying?
Any suggestions would be great.
thanks!
But...as you know, your value at the end of your lease is a big zero (assuming you don't have to dish out money for tires,dents, etc).
But...if you get a 20k loan (playing pretend) for 5 years at 6% that equals $387 (less than your lease)...AND you'd have some equity left after paying it off.
I think most dealers will not carry a large negative equity so it all depends on what you owe to get out of your current vehicle.
You purchased (leased) the A3 knowing that there are other CPO'd vehicles out there...so I'd make sure that I really want to go through the process; plus you'd want to make sure you'd keep the GLI...it would be difficult to swap out again with a negative equity (need the GAP Ins too).
The Sandman :confuse:
Jetta S
Exterior:
16” alloy wheels - “Sedona” design replaces “Mugello”
Exterior color - White Gold replaces Laser Blue
Interior:
Revised instrument cluster, interior trim, seat, steering wheel, wheels
Interior color - Latte Machiatto (new color) available for cloth
Jetta SE
Exterior:
Exterior color - White Gold replaces Laser Blue
Interior:
Bluetooth Connectivity standard
Revised instrument cluster, interior trim, seat, steering wheel, wheels
Premium VIII (touchscreen) radio replaces Premium VII radio
MDI w/ iPod cable replaces iPod adapter option at same price
Interior color – Gray interior no longer available
Options:
Navigation price reduced with elimination of MDI
Miscellaneous:
Exterior color - White Gold replaces Laser Blue
Jetta SEL
Exterior:
Exterior color - White Gold replaces Laser Blue
Interior:
Bluetooth Connectivity with Voice Control and MDI - Standard
Revised instrument cluster, interior trim, seat, steering wheel
Premium VIII (touchscreen) radio replaces Premium VII radio
Interior color – Gray interior no longer available
Options:
Navigation price reduced with elimination of MDI
Miscellaneous:
Exterior color - White Gold replaces Laser Blue
Interior color – Gray interior no longer available
Jetta TDI
Exterior:
Exterior color - White Gold replaces Laser Blue
Interior:
Bluetooth Connectivity with Voice Control - Standard
Revised instrument cluster, interior trim, seat, steering wheel
Revised instrument cluster, interior trim, seat, steering wheel
Premium VIII (touchscreen) radio replaces Premium VII radio
Interior color – Gray interior no longer available
Options:
MDI w/ iPod cable replaces iPod adapter option at same price
Navigation price reduced with elimination of MDI
Jetta Wolfsburg
Technical:
2.0T engine
Sport suspension
Exterior:
Exterior color - White Gold replaces Laser Blue
17” alloy wheels
Black grille
Interior:
Interior color – Gray interior no longer available
Jetta SportWagen
Exterior:
New headlights
New hood
New radiator grill/air intake
VW logo
New front bumper with side marker
Front fenders
New wheel housing
New rear bumper
Tail lights darkened
Deletion of whip antenna, now in window
16” alloy wheels option
Interior:
New door panels
New mirror housing
New belt buckles
Combi instrument
New controls for climate
New steering Wheel
New fabrics
Jetta SportWagen S
Interior:
Revised instrument cluster, interior trim, seat, steering wheel, wheels
Options:
Bluetooth Connectivity
Jetta SportWagen SE
Interior:
Bluetooth Connectivity Standard
Revised instrument cluster, interior trim, seat, steering wheel, wheels
Premium VIII (touchscreen) radio replaces Premium VII radio
Options:
MDI w/ iPod cable replaces iPod adapter option at same price
Navigation – price reduced with deletion of MDI
Jetta TDI
Interior:
Bluetooth Connectivity standard
Revised instrument cluster, interior trim, seat, steering wheel, wheels
Addition of multifunction steering wheel
Premium VIII (touchscreen) radio replaces Premium VII radio
Options:
MDI w/ iPod cable replaces iPod adapter option at same price
Navigation – price reduced with deletion of MDI
Exterior Color
White Gold replaces Laser Blue
Interior Color
Gray interior no longer available
Here are all the changes. Hope this helps.
The car drove very nicely, handled the curves, and incline driving really well. The transmission shifted down several times and pulled strong at 75-80 mph. In North Dakota and Montana, drove at 90mph. The cabin is quiet, Both road and wind noise were low.
The mileage was low of 27 and high of 30.5. I found the fit and finish as good as the 2008 Accord that we sold several months ago.
The likes: seat comfort, displays, interior finish, well matched engine/transmission, brakes, handling, ride, low road/wind noise, trunk space.
Dislikes: rough sounding and growling engine at start up and take offs, lack of A and B trip meters, Low mpg, The gas mileage (when driven under 70mph) at 3200 pounds and 2.5L displacement should be in 32-35 range and not 29-30.
If the reliability continues to be decent, I feel Jetta is a better car over Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. These two do not match Jetta's solid feel and handling, or rich interior finish.
Joe
I had the same motor experience when I test drove a 2007 Rabbit with the same 5 cylinder engine. But by the time I finally bought - a 2009 Rabbit - the engine was super smooth and quiet, feels more like a 4 cylinder. None of the "attributes" car magazines ascribe to 5 cylinder motors - no "lumpiness", "lope" or growl.
VW parts. I have been on many vw parts websites but they are not great. What do you suggest?
I have an '06 Jetta Value edition with 66K. (bought it in '05) I live in Florida. In the past two weeks I have noticed that my a/c is intermittently taking longer to blow cool air. It is to be expected that it would take a few minutes, especially after sitting in the Florida heat. However, it might take 10 minutes before it starts to cool down. In addition, I have noticed a slight grinding sound after I turn on the a/c. It sounds like metal on metal.
So, I took my car into the dealership yesterday. They told me that the a/c clutch and compressor were disintegrating and metal shavings were getting into the a/c system. They said it would cost $1785 to replace all the parts and flush the system. On a side note, my rear brakes are squealing again, and that will cost $275 to replace. Of course, I have no warranty left, and no extended warranty.
I bought this car brand new in 2005. I have owned other cars in Florida and have not experienced anything like this. I really love the Jetta, but the costs to repair and maintain it are excessive.
So, before I go out and buy a Civic, I was wondering if anyone was experiencing the same problem.
Thank you.
bumper bra. I have looked on a number of different websites and found nothing.
What is the best site or store to purchase this and other VW stuff?
Well, since my earlier post I went to get a second opinion with an a/c mechanic. He said the compressor was going bad. He also said that he has seen this very same problem with many other 2005 Volkswagens. Very strange.