Faults:

Everything started going wrong right around 200,000 miles. It got a new clutch, an engine rebuild, new front struts, needs new injectors, and the exhaust mount broke loose. The roofing is falling out, the driver seat just busted, it's a pain to get into 1st gear. But what do you expect after 200k on the odometer for a $500 car?

General Comments:

We sank about $900 dollars into it at 200,000 miles for maintenance. The head was still smooth as if it were new. All I can say, is that nothing drives like my Jetta, no other car has the same feel. It lived to 200k, before needing a rebuild, and that's not bad. Of course when it broke at that point, everything broke :) The car runs really stout, and doesn't have much trouble getting into traffic, until you turn on the AC which sucks its power. No rust whatsoever. The door handles stop working. Jetta's are a pain in the neck to work on, and parts are expensive. Even changing the oil is a headache. But I love them all the same for the way they drive and their general reliability.

Faults:

I had the master cylinder replaced and C.V. joints. I don't know why the back light will not work.

General Comments:

It's a pretty good car. The parts are little expensive but it's kind of worth it if you want to keep a good car running well.

Faults:

Replaced rear wheel cylinders twice.

Front struts twice.

Strut bearings several times.

Coolant thermal switch once.

Front wheel bearings and drive axles once.

Drive axle boots three times.

Load sensing brake proportioning valve once.

Muffler once.

Injectors at 200,000 miles.

Head gasket at 135,000 miles to fix an oil leak.

At 206,000 miles I do not consider these replacements abnormal. Then there are the regular maintenance/wear items such as brakes at 140,000 miles (yes, they lasted that long!), clutch/pressure plate, tires, oil and filters, etc. Timing belt and new coolant pump every 60,000 miles. Goes thru alternator belts often, though. Replace Voltage regulator brushes about every 90,000 miles.

General Comments:

Still has original engine and injection pump, starter, alternator and A/C (still works great). Turbo cartridge replaced at 100,000 miles due to thinking it would lower oil consumption. It did not. Great economical car and very dependable. Many of the items I replaced probably could have lasted longer, but I prefer reliability. I do my own work on the car, so labor is not an issue. The vehicle is rust free after 14 years.

Faults:

Spark plug wires, distributor cap (twice) half shaft on both sides, back up light switch, struts, sending unit, transmission seals, clutch (still in the shop for that), miscellaneous crap.

General Comments:

I don't know if an 85 is supposed to fall apart like this. I have always been good to the car....maybe I just have bad luck.