Faults:

Since 1998 I have had my ignition changed out at 115,000.

My water pump replaced after 125,000 miles, twice by non dealership, and it is in the dealership right now at 155,000 + for cooling system waiting to hear.

Check engine light came on at about 115,000 because of idle regulator.

Three windows, electric, have motors busted.

A/C not working properly at about 115,000.

General Comments:

My Jetta Wolfsburg 1999 has been a very reliable car overall, and the problems I have had were after 100,000 miles. Even if I paid double or triple what I actually paid for this car, it would be a terrific and reliable car.

The repairs can be pricey, but I don't mind at all, because the car has really lasted, and if the replacement parts last as long as the originals, it is quite a deal!

The handling is fantastic, and for a 4 cylinder has quite a lot of power, and I have no trouble climbing steep inclines. I got different rims after an accident, and ache to have my VW ones back.

I am really surprised of the negative comments for the VW's. I have to say I have been very, very pleased with mine, and am strongly considering going to get another one, and keeping the one I have going as well.

My maintenance record is very good. I take it in regularly for oil changes, had my timing chain changed for the first time at 120,000 only because I didn't know any better before that.

Faults:

Well, ever since I have had my 1999 VW Jetta, barely anything has gone wrong. I have 40 times more problems with my Honda.

I have had only 2 real problems with this car: my rear passenger window regulator (obviously) and my clutches connection at the tranny. Both were very cheap fixes (less than $150 together) and took less than a day to be fixed.

Think about it, these german cars are 10 times better than the Hondas. Why would it matter if one or two regulators broke? The cars are still amazing. I don't really like how people make these cars seem so bad. They are so much better than most Korean and Japanese cars out there. I guarantee that I will always own at least one VW.

General Comments:

This car has a great solid feel.

Every shift feels excellent, unlike my old Honda.

Faults:

Heck! I love this car... But it has been expensive to maintain. Right one week after I got it from the dealer, had to replace the actuator on the driver's side lock, as it broke and the alarm would toggle on and off randomly.

At 64k, the stereo went bad... it 'ate' a cassette. Had to replace it (eBay, $100)

At 70k the A/C compressor had to be replaced, as some clicking noises were coming out from the engine... dealer charged $1100.

At 70k also, the started broke. Dealer charged $250.

At 78k there was a weird noise in the exhaust system... the catalytic converter was broken. Thankfully the 'federal warranty' covered that... otherwise it would've been a $1700 bill.

Now at 93k the headlights are not on all the time as it used to be... they work if you explicitly turn the knob, but they're not on during the day (this is just minimal... but it's a problem anyways)

Also, the light in the trunk does not light up all the time... It's a crap shot. I think it is some sort of sensor that detects whether the trunk is open or not, as I've had the alarm go off when I open the trunk with the key (car doesn't have a wireless key entry system).

Car does not have many things rattling, which is good... but it has been expensive to maintain. I'm looking forward to trading it for a Toyota, Honda or Acura...

General Comments:

My advice: do not buy VW. They are nice looking and nice to drive cars... but they'll surely make a hole in your wallet.