1982 Volkswagen Jetta LX

Summary:

Great little car

Faults:

The water pump leaks, the cd player doesn't work, heating doesn't work signals burnt out, headlights burntout all electrical problems, but keep in mind that it is an old car.

General Comments:

Good cheap car with many problems, but the problems could be easily fixed with a little bit of knowledge and money. is very cheap on gas, gets great mileage.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th March, 2004

9th Jan 2008, 20:23

The electric problems are from a bad windshield seal, probably in the bottom drivers side corner, right over the fuse box. Nothing a little silicone caulk wouldn't fix.

10th Sep 2008, 09:27

I had one of these as my first car in 1998. By the time I was done with her, she had over 400,000 miles on the engine, replaced all CV shafts at least twice, O2 sensor went out about every year like clock work.

Otherwise, for a gas saving little car, this thing was a beast!... There wasn't anyplace I couldn't go, I was making snowy drives over passes that only trucks and 4x4's were attempting and this little car did it better. KUDOS!!! to automotive engineering on this car.

I'd like to see another in the same class do 400,000 miles.

1982 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 1.8L

Summary:

Fun little car

Faults:

Many normal wear items (clutch, exhaust, brakes) were replaced.

The resistor pack for cabin fan burned out (apparently common).

The headlight switch burned out.

General Comments:

This car was a load of fun: small, gutsy, very good handler.

I realize there was no GLI in '82, this had '84 GLI internals in an '82 body, so the engine must have blown at some point.

It was the kind of car that was crass and harsh, but in a very good way.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd April, 2003

1982 Volkswagen Jetta 1.6 N/A diesel

Summary:

Could use more power, but you learn to live with it and plan ahead with a diesel

Faults:

Alternator boss egged out.

Water pump leaked.

Rain leak around the windshield.

Vent window keeper came off, no suitable adhesive to bond them back on.

General Comments:

Very economical, 50+ mpg.

Very comfortable seats.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd May, 2001

20th Jul 2004, 13:56

Have you had a problem with the C/V joints, such as squeaking or anything like that? Is there anything I should check for as my car is ticking up to 300,000 kms? I love mine- 82 Jetta Diesel, 1.6L with amazing compression and a double bypass oil filter that helps me get an average of 58MPG's!