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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
Thanks.
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.
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.
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
THANKS.
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.
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.
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!
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
-Jim
AT least we are cute.
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
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.
Usually, it takes a couple of years to compile good statistics on a certain model year car.
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
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?
And my 1.8T has been flawless too. Not a squeak, rattle, or repair. 32MPG highway, 6000+ miles.
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
If you want an absolute guarantee that the new vehicle you buy won't break, buy a bicycle...and even THEN.....
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.
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
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!
thanks,
Mr. Shiftright
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