2000 Volkswagen Jetta GLS VR6 2.8L 12v
Summary:
Great car for those who are maintenance inclined
Faults:
Hello to all those eager readers who want to know something about the 2000 Jetta GLS VR6. I am writing a detailed explanation of my personal positive experience with my car.
I am a proud happy owner of a 2000 Jetta VR6 5 speed manual transmission. I originally purchased this car used with 60,000 miles and 5 years old. (June 16th 2005).
One of the things I saw when I purchased this car was the original owner had bought an 8 year / 100,000 mile warranty, which made me really happy because those extended warranties are extremely expensive. So I assumed who ever bought this car really took care of it.
By the way, I paid $11,500 out the door for it in 2005. Any ways, as the years have gone by, I have some scratches and 1 minor ding in the body, I have numerously ripped my front bumper off, but have learned to be cautious and haven’t done it in quite some time.
When I first bought the car, the gas mileage was 21 in the city and 32 on the highway. I am now at 116,000 miles and the gas mileage is about 20 city and 29-30 highway.
I absolutely love the quality of leather they used. I have no creases, folds, or rips in any of my seats. The leather is in perfect condition with color and texture. The floor mats are almost brand new looking. Since I purchased the car, I have not had to replace any thing major. Two things did however catch my attention and went away by themselves.
1. A horrible coiling metal to metal noise started about 4 weeks ago, so I stopped driving the car for 6 days. I cussed at it and told it I would burn it to the ground. After some hard praying, I started it one day and the noise stopped. It hasn’t made it since.
2. My A/C belt started to squeak. So I sprayed a ton of lube where the belts are and bingo. Noise gone. The few things I have replaced are the following:
1.) Battery 60$
2.) Spark Plugs 60$
3.) Oil/filter ever 2900 miles (EVERY TIME! Personally, don’t trust those oil changing places! They don’t change your oil filter every time and they used recycled oil)
4.) I recently just bought a K&N air filter, and have noticed a HUGE boost in performance as well as gas mileage.
5.) 4 new tires Michelin touring 205/55/16 520$
6.) Headlights/tail lights 55$
7.) Oil pan 500$ (my fault… darn Chevron and their raised gas fill tank lids on the ground)
Things I want to replace:
1.) Serpentine belt (ribbed v-belt)
2.) Spark plugs / wires
3.) Coolant flush
4.) Transmission flush
5.) Driver door window regulator (dealer asks 350$ I can do it for 60$)
6.) Arm rest clip 5$
7.) Wiper blades 20$
8.) Inside door handles as the rubbery material is peeling a tad bit. 30-50$
General Comments:
Overall, this car has been an awesome car to own. I have heard many horrible stories of how these cars have failed many different people. My beliefs are that the climate, driving habits, and proper maintenance are key aspects in keeping these cars trouble free. I have also done routine recalls.
I have also purchased a Robert Bentley auto repair manual, which is 1900 pages thick, to assist me in repairs, even though I am not mechanically inclined. This manual has every step needed to fix ANYTHING on this entire car. If any major repairs are needed, I take it to a personal mechanic instead of the dealership. My mechanic has also told me that pre 2001 in the VR6 models have more Audi parts were used in the construction of this vehicle.
I have a friend who owned a 2001 GLX VR6, and it was plagued with problems. She had numerous check engine light issues and airbag light nightmares. Once she paid it off, she got rid of it. She is still amazed on how well my car is running.
Many people however claim, out of arrogance, that I am some fanatic on Volkswagens. I am not. I am a college student who got lucky on one of these magnificent cars. I am very privileged from the quality and reliability this car has shown me. I drive it respectfully and love to drive it. I will be posting upcoming issues and prices how much things cost to repair.
My only advice to those who want to buy or who already own these cars are to do the regular maintenance and drive them respectfully. These are truly great cars, and you can’t find a car that’s used with the wonderful amenities, especially the 15 degree V-6 with a moon roof and heated quality leather seats, in a compact car.
In a last note, many people complain about the gas mileage and premium fuel. My advice is don’t buy a car that is built for performance and then complain that it doesn’t meet your expectations for gas mileage, I mean come on, they did make a TDI, which gets 44+ MPG, and a 1.8T, which routinely gets 28+ MPG in the city. From my experience 20 MPG in the city from a 4,000 pound performance car is pretty good. Many reviewers get 16-17 from lead footing it. Heck even the lame 2.0 gets decent gas mileage… after owning this car, I don’t care if gas is $5.00 a gallon where I live, this car rocks and I will continue to repair it until 180,000 miles, when I plan on dumping it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 26th June, 2008
24th Apr 2010, 23:27
I agree with you; my 2000 VR6 is the best car I have ever owned... Replaced A/C unit.. but well over 100k, it runs like a scolded dog.