Faults:

I had trouble with the electrical system. I have had to replace the window motor several times (although only one window was more than once).

The automatic locking system was repaired once or twice.

My trunk locking mechanism screwed up and I had to have it RE-KEYED. Major frustration, because now I have to have two keys (one for the doors and one for the trunk).

My check engine light comes on, often; mostly it's a misfire. Seems to happen a lot after it rains.??

There is a mild "tire noise". No one can figure it out; but when I put different size tires than it came with, the road was greatly reduced. Then when I put spec tires back now, the noise is back!

Overall, this car is is fast and handles very sharply and quick response. It still drives like a new car. Many people who drive my car are impressed with it and they can't believe it's over 10 years old.

I have used synthetic oil from the beginning, I think that it made a difference. Runs clean and engine doesn't knock and the oil is never dirty.

I have heard a lot of negative remarks on this site about my car and I don't agree. Although it has had electrical problems (that are EXTREMELY aggravating) it doesn't change how the car performs! I love my car. and I'd buy a new one in a heartbeat! I have to wait until it dies, but I don't think that's gonna happen any time soon.

So, overall, this car has some electrical bugs (which I read about when I bought it) but it's a great car!

IF I were to sell this car with 113,000 miles on it, someone would be getting a car that runs like new. Unfortunately, I am not selling; looks like my daughter (9) will drive this when she gets her license.

Faults:

I bought this car because it was cheap, the reason why it was cheap was because it had a lot of miles and lots of wrong things with it.

The car came with a lot of the electronics not working, the electronic sunroof, the power locks, the lights, button to open the trunk, the clock in near the speedometer.

The car also has problems down shifting to 1st gear.

Somewhere around hitting the 200k miles I had trouble with the car shifting. Found out it was the spark plug cables. Simple change.

The driver seat broke, making long-medium trips very uncomfortable. Not a big deal though.

General Comments:

I got the car with a lot of miles, but I seriously would state that it handles like new.

Even after 200k miles, the engine is running very strong and has not given me any trouble.

Although this is only a 4 cylinder, the car is very quick and is not afraid of speed.

The car always runs smooth, I have no major problems with it.

I do not plan on selling the car, by the time it actually breaks down it will not be worth much because of its many miles.

I expect to rebuild it and making it a project car.

I really like this car!

Faults:

As soon as the car was purchased:

Ignition Wires and Spark Plugs: $175.00 Installation: Free.

Front Left Bearing Replaced. Part $35.00 Labour $120.00 (While in the shop, asked for a computer diagnostic test. The check engine light and the airbag light were on. Asked for the codes: $40.00) Later googled the codes... gotta love the Internet.

Ignition switch: $30.00 Special Tool: $30.00 Installation: Free.

Maintenance: so far $165.00 (includes full alignment and a four oil change package, air filter, etc)

Winter tires (A highly recommended MUST in Canada): $200.00 (used for one winter) Installation: Free.

Two months after purchasing the car, my Jetta developed a personality to starting up. Sometimes taking 5-6 times to turn the key to get my Jetta to start up. I finally got feed up and purchased a re-manufactured starter from Bosch for $175.00 with a one year warranty. Installation: Free.

Things that STILL need to be done:

Bought new oxygen sensor from Bosch: $155.00.

Rear-right brake drum small leak (found out when my buddy installed my winter tires). New part: $18.00.

Both will be installed for free.

One fog light does not work.

Driver's side key lock does not work.

General Comments:

This is my first car. Thought it was a good deal for $2,500.00. Wanted something cheap so I could learn how to drive stick.

Except for the starter issue, I find the car's handling and driving just fine. Engine purrs nicely (I get a lot of attention from girls as I drive by, even though I'm a girl who drives the car! Must be the sound of the engine, I swear.), clutch is fine, shocks are great (considering the car is lowered).

I've saved quite a bit already since I didn't have to pay for installation fees. Also, you have to have at least one store in your area that specializes in VW parts. Living in Toronto, I've stumbled upon 3 stores which sell parts at half the price the dealer would charge.

Yes, most things that I have already done (or still need to do) to the car are small and painstaking, but that's what you get when buying a used car, especially one with lots of kilometers (mileage).

I find that if I maintain her well and drive her hard once in a while, she'll be good to me.

Overall very happy with the car.