Faults:

Several Recalls. Timing belt changed at 20,000 miles. Rear brakes replaced at 45,000 miles. New alternator at 55,000 miles.

General Comments:

This car has been a headache since I drove it off the lot. I would not recommend buying a VW to anyone. I have also been displeased with the service at the dealership. They were unable to diagnose the broken alternator.

Faults:

Head Light out.

General Comments:

I have owned VW's since 1967 but never again. The Jetta has been a maintenance nightmare even for the simplest things. Originally I had oil burning issues with the new car that the dealer fiddled around for 3 years until they finally admitted that there had been problems with the engines in this series. They did a major engine overhaul on mine finally for no cost, but though greatly improved, I still add oil far too often. Plastic interior parts break from being too brittle.

Today, my left headlight burned out. The ordeal to change it is unbelievable including removing the battery and case which I still have not been able to figure out how to do. To make such a simple repair mean a trip to the dealer (which the manual recommends and will likely cost a fortune) is ridiculous. A far cry from the simplicity of the beetles where everything could be worked on by a novice mechanic.

Faults:

Front bumper assembly came loose because of broken plastic tabs.

Black colouring wearing off around dash controls, exposing white plastic underneath.

Transmission failed at 95000 miles, requiring complete replacement of transmission and clutch assembly.

Driver's door light/alarm switch failed.

Broken glove box door and pull-out drink tray.

Plastic faceplate on stereo (stock cassette player) disintegrating, causing individual buttons to fall out.

General Comments:

After having owned two Audi models, the 2000 Jetta has comparable handling and cornering. The gearbox is tight and the dashboard is well planned, with well-placed controls and a beautiful indigo/red lighting combination.

All this lovely fit and finish lasts for years on an Audi, but on this later generation of Mexican-built Volkswagens, the beauty is fleeting.

Faults:

Check engine light stays on, taken 4 times to dealer.

Doors leak grease.

Climate control panel lights out.

Power locks don't always go down using key remote.

Key remote needs to be reprogrammed at dealer or with hard to find Internet instructions if you have 2 keys.

Grey interior just as hard to keep clean as black.

General Comments:

I have finally gotten service manual and feel it will be best to go that route. Dealers and repair guys either don't know or just want money. Many things are easily fixed if you read a little and do it yourself.

Car is quiet, but performs nicely. It is at a good place of performance vs. economy. There are more economical cars, but they aren't as fun to drive. There are better performing cars, but don't expect ~30 mpg from them.

Expect parts and labor to be pricier than domestic. Catch repairs early, don't let it get worse. Treat it well and it will treat you well.

I think most "across the board" problems have been identified by now. People seem to expect new from used. Things go bad. Get it fixed and your Jetta will be set to keep you happy for a while. Let it go and you will feel decline in performance and economy.