Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

bluejetta · May 2001

The first one is very common, though I can't for the life of me remember what it is. #2 I have also heard of mentioned here and a few other sites, but I don't remember them ever being answered, and #3 I have not heard.

If someone doesn't answer here soon (which they might...) try the forum at http://www.vwvortex.com. They have a very, VERY active forum there.

-Jim

blackjetta18t1 · May 2001

anyone here noticed if you drivers window is slower than the rest of the windows and went u put it down intially it makes a couple clicking sounds, anyone notcie this, anyting to be worried bout?

teedan · May 2001

Re dashboard rattle and all the plastic rubbing together: what are you supposed to spray the light silicone spray on, exactly?

Thanks.

chrislin2 · May 2001

Does a 1997 Jetta have a delayed wiper setting? I believe the off setting is all the way down and the next click up should be delay, but nothing happens on that setting.
Also I did find out that the VW dealer will service the transmission on the Jetta for only around $50 which is probably less than AAMCO charges. Besides AAMCO said they do not work on Jetta transmissions.
Where can I find a manual that gives information about the little things, such as wipers controls and how the trunk light works, etc.? The Chilton Manual I have is OK on tecnical stuff but does not cover the little stuff.

afryar · May 2001

Has anybody had a problem with their EPC light and Check Engine light on the 2.0 liter engine? My girlfriends 2001 with the 2.0 is back in the shop for the third time in a month (the car is only a month old too...). The first time they removed and replaced the throttle body unit. the second time they "reset the light" and as she was driving it home last night after picking it up from the service department, it went on again. Dropped the car off there this morning and have already started the paperwork to declare this thing a LEMON. We are dealing with Boston VW. Any help would be appreciated.

heatmn5270 · May 2001

I purchased a '99 Jetty GAS and also have had some odd things happen. Of course the warranty ran out (after a year of owning the car) before these things started to fall apart. First, I noticed the reverse lights stopped working. Figured it was lamps or a fuse... NOT. Second the fuel door release stopped working, fortunately it stopped working in the open position, the door will not lock at all now. Third, the driver side window fell into the door. It has become disconnected from the rail on the rear clip (which after checking it is a small plastic piece that had broken in half) No doubt a piece that I will not be able to describe to the dealer to order. For the past 4 months the check engine light has been on. I've tuned the car, checked everything... and still the light won't go out. It is my understanding that I need to take the car to a mechanic and have them scan the module to make it go out... but experience from other 4 cyl-2.0 owners (even the 97 had this problem) it will just go back on. I was thinking of just applying a strong magnet to the module... maybe that would clear it. I'm afraid that would clear more than I wanted though and create other problems. To add to the misery.. the clear coat on the right front bumper has started to peel (I have the ever so popular silver).
So here I have a two year old car with 40k miles that has a lot of little things wrong with it. It may sound like it has been neglected but it wasn't. It is most frustrating and I really don't feel anything but forced to return it to a Volkswagen dealer to have these things repaired... for a nice charge I'm sure.

I really do like the car...and wished it would have held up...I just don't have time for this stupid crap or the unavailable or waiting for parts. I'll have my butt in an american car again after this one.

bobbis1 · May 2001

I have a 2000 Jetty GAS, automatic. My car is currently in the shop for the 6th time in 7 months (I've owned it 14 months) because of the check engine light. They've changed a grocery list of things--sensors, fuses, spark plugs, s. plug wired, coil packs, and today they're telling me its a fuel injector problem. I am at my wits end. has anyone had this major of a problem with their car and how was it resolved. I have assurances from my very good dealer and VW that they're working together to deal with the problems, but I need an OVERALL fix. Is there something that others have experienced that my mechanics are missing?

turbogirl · May 2001

I don't know anything about the other things you mentioned, but the thumping sound is normal. You probably hear it mostly at red lights shortly after you've started your car and have a full tank of gas. While I can't explain it well, I can tell you that it's something to do with your gas tank pressurizing or something like that, and it's perfectly normal for our cars.

geewhiz54 · May 2001

Looking for some help from fellow Jersey residents. I went to the dealer on route 46; gensinger, and was treated kind of rudely. When I questioned them on there service dept. I was told they must be doing something right...they've been in business for 50 years! Big deal!!! Then they don't have any books on the cars, they totally ignored me for 15 minutes...mind you, I was the only customer that day! Enough said, could anybody in jersey recommend a dealer worth going to, that they've had a good expierence at. thanks

whites1 · May 2001

I purchased my VW from Millennium in Somerville. Ask for Gary. Very pleasant to work with.

blackjetta18t1 · May 2001

i went to Jack Daniels in Fair Lawn, I'd say it is proably one of the best and most succesful VW dealers in Jersey. It also sells Audi and Porsche so you know their service departments must be on par. I was taken care of very well. I recommend talking to Luis Fernandez. Tell him Ali Shariat recommended you.

gperr · May 2001

geewhiz54,

I live in South Jersey- near Philly, and I drove an hour and a half to Easton PA, right across the border from Philipsburg ,NJ to Young VW. It was the best- I mean the best experience I have ever had with getting a car. I called on the phone and did everything over the phone. I had my Jetta ordered, since, I was very specific and what I wanted was not available, and I had plenty of time- no rush. I was treated with respect and so was my fiance when we went to pick it up. I got the car for $300 over actual invoice. I did pay the port prep fee, advertising fee, and floor plan interest reserve, total was less than $300, and they are on the invoice. I dealt directly with Ted Cowel, the Sales Manager. Arranged everything and then went in once and paid and took the car. When I finally went in, Ted had me meet with a salesman- Glenn Piazza, who was also a great guy. No presuure no B.S. If you know what you want- then this is the place to deal with. If you do go- mention that Gregg & Nicole sent you.

I got a 2001 Jetta GLS VR6, 5-speed, Galactic blue/gray velour, Sport Luxury package, cold weather package, NE emissions, side curtain airbags, in-dash CD.

I am happy as a clam. The only negative thing was the long ride and when the plates and registration came in the mail, I had to spend an hour getting the car inspected, since the inspection sticker was from PA. But no problems, and they Fedex the plates and registration- so only one trip to Easton. My only regret is they are too far for me to go there for service. I will have to use a local guy for that.

Gregg

2000jettagls1 · May 2001

I HAVE A 2000 JETTA GLS. I BOUGHT THE CAR WITH 10 MILES ON IT AND EVERY MILE I DRIVE IT, THERE IS A NEW PROBLEM. I AM CURRENTLY UNDER THE "OIL CONSUMPTION TEST" BECAUSE, LIKE MANY OF YOU, I HAVE A 2.0 ENGINE AND AM HAVING PROBLEMS KEEPING OIL IN MY CAR. THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP DOESN'T BELIEVE ME THAT OIL WON'T STAY IN THE CAR, SO THEY ARE MAKING ME DO THIS STUPID TEST WHERE I HAVE TO MONITOR HOW MUCH OIL THE CAR IS USING. THEY GAVE ME SOME LINE THAT VW IS HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE 2.0 ENGINE AND THERE IS POSSIBLY A RECALL ISSUE THERE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN AWFUL TO ME AND HAVE CALLED ME, MY MOM, AND MY FIANCE A LIAR ON MANY OCCASIONS. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST PROBLEM I HAVE HAD WITH MY 1 1/2 YEAR OLD CAR. CAN ANYONE SAY SQUEAKY BREAKS? THE DEALERSHIP JUST TELLS ME THAT ALL JETTAS DO THAT. IT HAS DONE THAT FROM THE MINUTE I DROVE OFF THE LOT. THE LOT I BOUGHT THE CAR AT, BY THE WAY, IS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS. THEY HAVE SINCE SOLD TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP AT LEAST 8 TIMES FOR VARIOUS THINGS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, IT NEEDED A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER, BUSTED COOLANT HOSE (THE DAY AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR), AND A SLEW OF OTHER THINGS. I AM GLAD TO KNOW OTHERS HAVE SIMILAR GRIPES TO MINE. WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT THIS? PLEASE ADVISE.
THANKS.

balticjetta18t · May 2001

Understanding your frustration why don't u just tell the dealer u want a new engine already... Another idea would be to trade the car in for another GLS 1.8T or a Wolfsburg edition. There are some great finance rates from VW Credit. The 1.8T engine will give u the smooth quiet powerful performance u deserve in a Jetta. Economy and reliability is superb. Also if u trade, go to a dealer that is unaware of the problems as to not jeopardize a trade in value. Obviously u got some lemon tendencies on your car. Take some action, and relax. I had a 2.0 auto Golf as a recent loaner while my 1.8T had it's 5000 mile service and the 2 engines are worlds apart. My 1.8T BTW needed no oil top up at all during the first 5K miles. I checked every 2 weeks for reference and it never even hit the low mark on the dipstick.

jr9881 · May 2001

does anyone else find the first-second gear shift tricky in the vr6 5 speed. all the other shifts are easy and very smooth. i recently drove a friend's 2001 VR6 and his clutch takeup was much smoother (especially from first to second) and the clutch communicated much better feel. I got really upset when I drove his. I am pretty sure there is a flaw in my transmission but I don't know enough about transmissions in general to guess at what the problem might be. i would appreciate any feedback on what the problem might be as well hearing if anyone else has the same problem i am having

jh1216 · May 2001

I bought my car 15 months ago from David MichaelCar of Freehold. Stay away from them they are horrible people. I also, have had nothing but big problems with my 2000 Jetta. 4 times in for the Check Engine Light. The last time I brought it in for that problem 3 sensors went bad, costing over 1,000 with labor since my car had 30,000 miles and was out of warranty. I called and complained to VW Corporate and they picked up the parts. So keep that in mind, its doesnt hurt to call the 800 number and file a complaint. Also, now my back brake, calipers and rotors all need to be replaced (35,000 miles???)...Does anyone have brake problems??? Another 1,000 dollars, what will be next?????

freebird2 · May 2001

I have owned 2 WV's since 1986 (both Golfs). I decided to grow up and trade my 96 Camaro in on a 2000 VR6 Jetta. Since I've had my VR6 (although it's fun to drive) I have had it in the shop 4 times due to the air bag light coming on, and 4 (going on 5) times for the check engine light. And during one of my many visits, the passenger side window fell into the door (I've never used that window... thought this was amusing) and now my drivers side window has become possessed, when I want to roll it up, it hits a certain point and goes back down on it's own. Now I have had several different cars from several different auto manufacturers, but I have never had the problems with a car that I've had with this one. And what is even funnier,the shop manager at the dealership thinks I'm stupid.
Like with the engine light he asked" did you check the gas cap?" Hey 3 clicks (I can read gas cap instructions) or I got "the sensor is very sensitive." OK, sensitive or not,is that my problem, I don't think so. So we'll go for round 5 with the engine light.
I think in the future when I get this "growing up feeling" I'll stay away from VW, Mitsubishi's are cute,but being female what do I know.

seanblue · May 2001

Hello all,

I am due for my 1st 5k oil change this week. I have heard several recommendations to using synthetic oil in the 1.8T. Is this required? What are the advantages? What brand works best?

I appreciate any feedback or reference.

99greenjetta · May 2001

I have a 1999 Jetta GLS-VR6. About 4 weeks ago, I took it to the dealer because my right headlight was very dim. Turns out the electrical harness ( I think that is what it's called) was fried. The dealer replaced it. About 2 weeks ago, the headlight went dim again. I took it back to the dealer. The new electrical harness was fried! They checked the light bulb this time, and found evidence that it had become very hot at some point. They replaced it along with the harness. Service manager has no idea what could be causing this problem. I suggested the possibility of a defective seal around the light allowing water to come into contact with the wiring, since both dim light episodes happened shortly after I had rinsed off my car with a garden hose. He did not think this was likely. No other problems with any lights except for the dashboard "BRAKE" light. It stayed on continuously due to a faulty switch (I think). The only other electronic device I'm having trouble with is the radio that came with the car. I'm getting lousy reception. However, I live about 20 miles away from the nearest radio station. Any ideas as to what is going on with my headlight?

soulja · May 2001

I am definetly going back to Honda/Acura. I was hard headed and traded in My 98' Acura Integra GSR for a 2000 GTI VR6. Never again, the car is beautiful, and not everybody and there mama's have one. I love the interior feel and the build quality "LOOK"! Thats all it is a "LOOK". My car has 34k on it and has been in the shop for the last 2 weeks. I took it to a specialist "non-vw" he said it was running on 3 cylinders instead of 6. The car was running very sloppy like it was going to die out. He told me to take it to VW since the 5yr50k powertrain was in effect. He said it is definetly the engine "powertrain". Since it has been at VW they have been replacing every thing but the Engine, and the car is still running on 3 cylinders instead of 6. Its like trial and error. They want to replace the part and even though it dosent fix my problem they still want to charge me for the parts and labor, im like, NOT MY PROBLEM BUD. On top of that the dealerships are very rude. They act like its your fault there product is breaking down. I stopped giving them attitude because I want my car back in okay condition. Once I get it back Im going to raise hell all over the place. Even VW customer car couldnt do anything for me. If any of you have ever experience a problem where your car is lagging extremely and you know the fix for it, pls. let me know so I can call these guys and do there jobs for them. Never again VW.......

fmurag · May 2001

I adored my 1999 Jetta GLS...for the first 6 months. Since then, the car has been in the shop alllll the time. My credit cards are maxed out with charges from repairs and rentals. One of the many problems that I had was excessive oil consumption with the 2.0L engine.

After having VW check it out numerous times, I was told that it's normal for a car to consume lots of oil. Then, last December the engine ceased while I was driving. The car is still in the shop (5 months later). VW "customer care" has been less than apathetic about the problem.

I finally contacted a lemon-law attorney in March. The attorney told me that VW has a plethora of lemon law cases pending. He said they are the most stubborn car company he has dealt with, but in the end I'll probably get my money back.

For those of you having problems with your Jetta, don't stand for it!! The car is great looking, but poorly designed mechanically. See an attorney that specializes in lemon law cases and get a Honda! Good luck!

bluejetta · May 2001

It's preferred by most to use synthetic when you change your oil, but it is by no means required. If you do though, get your oil at Kmart or Wal-Mart as the prices at the dealer are ridiculous for synthetic.

As for brands....I think they are probably all good and very comparable. I use Mobil 1, but that's just my preference.

-Jim

http://www.jettaownersclub.org

http://www.bluelagoonjetta.com

blackjetta18t1 · May 2001

i've got a question, when i take my car in for its first service, i know they say its free, does that mean i pay absolutely nothing? Exactly what is free?

bluejetta · May 2001

If you order the house-dressing (oil) then it's 100% free. Open the manual and see what they do on the 5K dervice. Everything listed there, they do...For free.

-Jim

blackjetta18t1 · May 2001

i know this topic has been talked about alot lately, but exactly what are the advantages of synthetic oil?

newcar31 · May 2001

Although I realize that there are some happy VWs owners out there, there must be a reason why this board is always busy, more busy than other "problem boards". I loved the 1.8T jettas, but I AM SO GLAD THAT I DIDN'T GET ONE. Thanks guys.

flaca · May 2001

Look at the other boards - every car even the infamous hondas & toyos have their problem board.
AT least we are cute.

bluejetta · May 2001

The immediate advantage is that it's automatically pure. No matter how much you refine crude oil, there's always some 'crap' in it. It's never clean.

Synthetic also lasts longer than 'normal' oil and has a lass chance of breaking down under abnormal conditions.

That's enough for me. No chemical lectures needed. ;-)

-Jim

bluejetta · May 2001

newcar31 whined:
Although I realize that there are some happy VWs owners out there, there must be a reason why this board is always busy, more busy than other "problem boards". I loved the 1.8T jettas, but I AM SO GLAD THAT I DIDN'T GET ONE. Thanks guys.

Okay then. Seeya.

newcar31 · May 2001

Although it is not me whining, it is you guys whining about the cars that you are making payments on. I am glad that I am NOT whining about my car. I didn't mean to offend anyone, I am simply glad that there are owners forums like these that I can read BEFORE I make a major purchase. If you want to get hissy, get hissy with the people who drive the VWs on this board and swear that they will never get another one again (but they are cute though). You have to feel pretty strongly about something to make statements like that. Again, I realize that there are other problem boards for Mazdas, Nissans, Hondas, and Toyotas, and I have read them too. They pale in comparison to this one though. Refer to the numereous posts above. Sounds like my comment hit a little too close to home.

Mr_Shiftright · May 2001

newcar, you have to realize that these boards are like the ER room at a hospital. You only see the sick ones. This forum is a like a magnet for complaints, which is good, but I wouldn't draw any conclusions about a car based just on the few posts you read here. There are a lot of Jettas out there on the road.

Usually, it takes a couple of years to compile good statistics on a certain model year car.

newcar31 · May 2001

I understand that. But the sheer number of posts on this board compared to other cars was troubling to me. For instance, why are there twice as many posts on this problem board than the Honda Civic? We all know that there are WAY more Civics on the road than Jettas right? I am not saying that everyone should go out and buy a Civic (I didn't), but the number of posts on this board seem to be way out of proportion to the number of Jettas out there. Little things that go wrong with a new car wouldn't bother me, but windows falling into the door and excessive oil consumption are inexcusable to me if I am going to be paying for it for a while. Believe me, I wish that VW had a better track record than it does because IMHO, I think that the Jetta is a really classy car and seems way more upscale than the Japanese competition. I really wanted a Jetta 1.8T, but these people scared me away from them, and I thank them for being public about their concerns. Maybe someone at VW is reading these and they will make a better car someday. I also realize that every company makes lemons, but it is the PERCENTAGE of lemons that really counts. I used this site extensively when I was shopping for a new car and its too bad that I made a better decision at the expense of others' troubles, but that is the way it is.

mellis · May 2001

I own a Jetta Wolfsburg 1.8T and it has been flawless. I believe if you look back that most of the complaints have been about the 2.0l engine which is a dog and really drags down the overall reliability ratings.

The 1.8T is an Audi engine that is used in many Audi/VW cars and is generally considered to be one of the 10 best engines in the world. The Jetta is an entirely different car (both performance and reliability) with that engine.

Mark

newcar31 · May 2001

Like I said, I know that there are people out there that have been lucky. I disagree that the Jetta is an entirly different car with the 1.8T though. It is the same car with a different engine. The engine may be more reliable and powerful, but is the rest of the car? Are the power windows different? Is the body hardware different? How many miles do you have? Another thing: If the 2.0L is causing so many problems, why has VW been using it for so long and why haven't they ironed out all of the problems? ALL of the 2.0Ls should be completly trouble free considering that it has been around for a long, long time. Soulja said that VW has replaced everything BUT the engine is his car which is an exageration, but I know what he is getting at. By the way, I love how those wolfsburgs look and I'd be really happy for you if you got to drive a great car like that with no troubles.

bluejetta · May 2001

Sorry to report, newcar31, but my Jetta has been flawless since the day I bought it. Oh...It's a 2.0 too. No oil loss either. I also drove a 1.8T and was not that impressed with it, but it's definitely a nice little engine. Just not the pocket-rocket that some claim it to be. Yes, it's faster than the 2.0, but not THAT much faster.

Anyway, the biggest complaints I have seen since reading this and other forums (for the past year) are with the VR6 and the 2.0. There are numerous complaints on the VR6: Rotten egg smell, blowing black smoke at startup and running bad until warm, to name a few. The only real complaint I recall specific to the 2.0 is oil usage in some cars. That is apparantly due to some bad piston rings in some of the cars and does not effect all cars.

The #1 complaints though come from the tweakers that chip and cam and over-tweak the 1.8T beyond what the VW model is designed for. IMO, if you're going to tweak this thing, you need to go all the way, or not at all. The engine is virtually the same as the Audi TT, except the TT's add-ons are designed for the horsepower it puts out. It has a different turbo, intercooler, etc. to handle the higher stresses that the VW is simply not designed for.

What 'hits close to home', there newcar31, if you can even call it that, is when people that don't even own a VW come in and complain about VW's?!?!?!? What's the point of that? I sure as heck get no joy bugging the Accord owners and all the problems they are having with their cars.

And I can say that, being a former Accord owner (1991-2000) and my neighbor owns (and hates) his 2000 Accord, and he (was) a longtime Honda fan also. I have had to follow him numerous times to the Honda shop, in my Jetta, to take his car in for repairs.

In the meantime, I'll stick with my flawless 2001 Jetta, thank you very much. BTW: What kind of car did you end up with there, newcar31?

mellis · May 2001

With the 1.8T and the sports suspension the Jetta loses the econobox performance and becomes a sports sedan. Much different handling and performance.

And my 1.8T has been flawless too. Not a squeak, rattle, or repair. 32MPG highway, 6000+ miles.

newcar31 · May 2001

Like I have already said, I know that some of you have had no problems with your VWs. I didn't come here to complain about them, I just wanted to thank those that made their complaints public, this is my first new car purchase, and I am a very picky person. I wouldn't be able to handle it if the car I bought turned out to be a lemon, and from what I have read, here and elsewhere, VWs seem to have a higher occurance of lemons. I guess that is what you have to risk if you want one. I really wanted a silver Jetta 1.8T and my plans were to chip it, but it may void your warranty depending if the dealer wants to. (it is in writing, but I have heard that some dealers look the other way) I bought a 01 Mazda Protoge ES 2.0L because to me (and the car mags), it came the closest to that "German feel". If I was going strictly on reliability, I would have gone Civic or Corolla, but those cars are way too boring for me. I feel that the Protoge has a good balance between reliability and driving fun. I know it has nowhere near the potential of the 1.8T, but it is adequate, and has a better forecast for reliability which is really important to me. It also happened to be cheaper, 0 percent financing for 4 years, 6 months defered payment, and it handles really, really well. What the protoge lacks in my opinion is the quality look of the interior. In its class, the Jetta really shines in that department. The inside looks like an Audi. The seats in the Jetta are way better as is the instrument panel. I love the blue illumination, I have red--yuck. The 1.8T is a gem of an engine, I really like how it pulls from low RPMs with little turbo lag. One thing that turned me off is that some of the Jettas are made in Mexico. If I buy a German car, I would prefer that it come from Germany. This may not make a difference, but it is in my head. The Protoge is built in Japan. Mazda as a whole doesn't necessarily have the best track record either, mostly because of Ford's involvement and the RX7. The 626s had Ford automatics in them that turned out to be nightmares, and the RX7 was beautiful but wasn't the most reliable either. Funny how all other companies abandoned the idea of the Rotary a long time ago. The MPV now has a Ford engine and the Tribute/Escape has been plagued with recalls. The only truly reliable cars that Mazda sells are the "real" Mazdas that have normal piston engines and nothing to do with Ford, ie) Protoge (not for long, soon to be a Focus) and Miata. I am still jealous of your Jettas though, I guess I am a wimp though and couldn't be a risk taker this time around.

bluejetta · May 2001

Well...Now that you put it that way, on the level of a normal discussion, and not some flame-fest, the people here might actually respond to your comments.

I appreciate that you shopped well for your car and picked one that you're comfortable with. Especially being your first car, that's what's most important.

As for the VW's being made in Mexico, well, you'd be surprised what's being built down there these days. Cars, electronics, computers, peripherals and much more.

I was skeptical about the Mexican Connection myself, until I met a member here and he actually visited the plant down there. He was very impressed, as was I and we put together a web page showing what a class facility this place really is. They did have some ramp-up problems back when the New Beetle was being built, but that was all resolved in a quick manner.

Those kind of rumors stick around for awhile though, just like the ones that have plagued Mazda over the years that don't even apply to them anymore.

If you'd like to "see" the Mexico plant, go to: http://www.geocities.com/jettaownersclub/mexico.html

Good luck with your Mazda and I'm happy to hear you got something you're comfortable with.

-Jim

Mr_Shiftright · May 2001

Statistically, VW has not been all that highly rated these past ten years, that is true, but they seem to be getting better and better. I have confidence in their product, but if you don't think Mercedes blow up buy a sandwich and a cup of coffee and sit in a dealer's parking lot early one morning and more likely than not you'll either see at least one tow truck or be able to talk to a few disgruntled owners.

If you want an absolute guarantee that the new vehicle you buy won't break, buy a bicycle...and even THEN.....

mellis · May 2001

Chill out guy, I don't think that post was called for!

newcar31 · May 2001

but jeez, tell people something that they don't know. I never said a certain car is immune to breaking down did I? Certain cars are LESS LIKELY to break down than others though. Who brought up Mercedes? A Toyota Corolla is more reliable than a Mercedes, statistically. That doesn't mean that people haven't had a good experience with a Benz. That also doesn't mean that I would rather have a Corolla than a Benz either. It's all depends on your priorities and financial situation.

vwdailydr2 · May 2001

I'm a new member of this board and really love all ideas which posted on this and I owned a 99 1/2 new body jetta with a vr6.I just want to share some of my experiences with jetta's owners and /or with someone has had a difficult time to make up their mind rather to buy a honda, nissan or mazda or a jetta. just had my jetta for a few months and as a second owner at 30k miles when I purchase mine,id' like to do a check up and service by myself in order to have peace of mind and getting to know more about my vehicle. According to manual book,it recommends synthetic oil and high octane fuel. oil will be replace at each 10k miles interval (of course,oil filter also)and brake fluids need to be flush at 20k miles or 2 years interval.I did as the book recommended,however i got an "check engine light"came on not too long after my first oil change and brake flush at vw dealership and to solve that problem i have to spent $950.00 for diagnosis,replace O2 sensor and the aux.injector blower motor (which went bad @ 33,000 miles).after that i noticed spark plugs wires had cracked @ corner where it bent and goes down to the tips which connected to the plug (every one of them)and i had to replaced all 6 wires and plugs (manual book requires to change spark plugs @ 40k miles interval)and buying plug wires and plugs was an unique experience for me.Dealership sold me wrong wires @ first (when i said it's 99,their computer showed old parts #)and they were sold as individually wire about $21.00/ea,order only and plugs,there not a lot of vw parts people work in service knows their products well enough to sell the right part @ the first time.anyway,after replaced all those parts my vr6 runs really good,compare with honda accord and camry v6 which i had owned before about performance and acceleration,the jetta vr6 can let these japanese cars smell dust,specially at highway driving like i've been doing this everyday commuting to work,i could passed a camry,mazda or accord v6 easily (not to race but lanes changing and reach the spot i want to be)the jetta did a great job.so,it makes me think about a high performance car,it will need good cares and routine service and all the expensive fuel and fluids that can make the car always @ top performance.of course it still depend on the owner's pocket and financial situation.i love the look of the jetta,thinking about to buy a BMW for my next car but compare the expensive of routine service for a beamer and a japanese car,it's a no match whatsoever (my previous toyo camry v6 and 92 accord don't need transmission fluids,spark plugs,brakes check until they reached 60,000 miles)the beamer requires routine service about $560.00 every 18k miles.
finally,i think each manufacture car was built for each of us depend on our tastes,our lifestyles,our financial situation and our needs (the need for transportation and the wanted for pleasure it's a totally difference world-i think ???)-THANKS to all you guys for great ideas and great diccussions and thanks to the staffs of this board-keep up the good work.

luckie13 · June 2001

Hello everyone, this is my first post. I just sold my 93 civic today and what a piece of ..... I know honda's are suppose to be reliable and blah blah, but I had to fix more things on that car in 2 years than anyone has mentioned here about their jetta's. My parents talked me into getting it (more like made me)because of "how reliable and dependable" they are, even though I really wanted a Jetta to begin with. To make it worse it was my first car, so it gave me a horrible first car experience, with a minimum wage job to finance all those repairs.

I'm not complaining though, more like celebrating that I have gotten rid of it. But now that I have a much better job I am able to afford the jetta I wanted in the first place.

So now I need to decide on what model. I have read all the problems people have experienced, but have also read all the happy Jetta owners posts too. Now I'm just confused more than I was, because although there is a risk of any car being a lemon, I'm really trying to make a good choice on this car so I don't go through hell again.

I like the '01 TDI, because of the gas mileage of course, but am not sure about the diesel engine, and what kind of repairs it may need in the future.

Any suggestions on the "best" or most dependable or most satisfied with 2001 model for me and anyone, from a current owner already.

It is very appreciated! Rachelle

twig93 · June 2001

Lucky 13...if you are interested in a TDI...go for it! I have had mine since June 2000 and it is fantastic! It runs like a champ and gets 50 mpg. From what I hear, diesel engines go forever. The major expense will be the timing belt. That needs to be changed around 40,000 in the TDI. The guy who sold me my TDI said that they can't keep up with the demand for TDI now with the gas prices. VW is quite possibly building a diesel engine plant here in the US.

I have not had (knock on wood) the troubles stated on this board mechanically or otherwise. I hear a few rattles inside the car here and there.....all were taken care of...they even replaced the seatbelt because it was vibrating and making a sound when no one was in it (passenger side). The only problems unresolved right now is that my trunk lid is slow to open and my AC needed to be charged. They are watching my AC and I will go in next week to find out about my trunk lid. You have to expect small problems like this the first year or so...when a car is brand new from the factory, some things need to be ironed out as the car is used.

I owned a Ford ZX2 previously and had an oil leak that took 4 trips to the dealer to fix, an AC that smelled like vomit and cat urine every time I turned it on, windows that squeaked and barely moved, rusted alloy wheels, etc. I am now very happy with my VW and am sorry to hear about other's troubles.

If you want to hear from happy owners of TDI's go to www.tdiclub.com It is a huge website of info. on the car and engine you are interested in. Good luck!

Mr_Shiftright · June 2001

newcar, I think your post implied (perhaps you didn't intend it) that the statistical gap in reliability between VWs and most other cars was MASSIVE. My and other people's response was to argue that it is probably just a few statistical clicks off the mark, and b) that you can't judge a car's reliability record from what you see here anyway. You'd need better data to reach a conclusion like that, I think.

newcar31 · June 2001

But, I think the statisical gap between VW and Toyota is pretty large. I still wonder why Toyota has consistantly been the best as far as reliability. Do Toyota engineers eat different food? Are they aliens? What do they know that other companies don't? Why do they build boring cars with either bland or weird styling (there are a few exceptions to that rule of course). If they had nice looking, fun cars that were also reliable, they would be perfect.

newcar31 · June 2001

while not a pleasing to drive from an enthusiasts standpoint, a Camry V6 5sp would blow the doors off of any US spec VR6 jetta.

mellis · June 2001

I can tell you from personal experience that a Camry V6 5sp will NOT blow the doors off of a Jetta 1.8t with an APR chip.

newcar31 · June 2001

How can you fairly compare a modified car against a stock car? I was only pointing this out because vwdailydr2 was bragging about beating down camrys and accords in the VR6. Well, auto vs. auto and manual vs. manual, the Camry V6 is faster. We all know that chipped 1.8Ts are nothing to laugh about. But, and its a big but, a chipped 1.8T's 100,000 mile powertrain warranty coverage is questionable AND you are comparing apples to oranges. While more expensive than a chip upgrade, Toyota makes superchargers for the V6 Camrys and it keeps the warranty intact. That would significantly level the playing field if not making it unfair to the chipped 1.8T.

Mr_Shiftright · June 2001

Okay, this topic is supposed to be for Jettas and VWs perhaps, but we should really be taling about Japanese cars in other more suitable topics. We seem to be drifting too far from what newcomers might expect to see here.

thanks,

Mr. Shiftright
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Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

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