Nice car, but too many problems and not reliable
The Cup holders have broken as well. The middle console latch has broken. I have replaced the motor at 107,000 miles.
Replaced sensor as well.
Had to replace the headlight sockets multiple times.
The car is poorly put together to much shaken noise in the cabin.
Burns to much gas.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 13th October, 2005
An excellent performer at a great value
Both driver and passenger front windows broke off their tracks, but VW recognized a design flaw and covered the repairs. They used plastic clips to hold heavy windows. The fix used metal clips. No problems since.
A O2 sensor went around 22K that had a recall on. VW either repaired or reimbursed owners who repaired.
Rear truck release actuator lever in the truck broke twice.
Rear window defrosters had a couple of lines that wouldn't heat. VW replaced the whole windshield under warranty.
Rear brake pads finally wore out at 55K.
Center console armrest latch broke twice now.
The 2000 VW Jetta GLS 1.8T has been an excellent car with below average repair, maintenance costs, and operating costs. I recommend this car to anyone interested in a smaller sedan that is fun to drive, great on gas, has some guts when you need it and has plenty of space to carry your clubs, bike and luggage.
After five years as the original owner I've been considering buying a new car, but come to the same conclusion. The car is too good to give up and start over with a $400+ car payment when the Jetta is a great commuter, holds my weekend fun, and doesn't break the bank.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th October, 2005
Over priced, over rated unreliable vehicle
Back Door would not open.
Front Passenger Door would not lock.
Air bag light on.-Recall by VW.
Scratch-Squeak inside dashboard.
Front end struts went.
Antenna reception pure static on all stations, Replaced antenna.
Defroster went.
Rear Trunk sling broken, not drivable.
Starter had to be replaced.
Center Console broke and rattles constantly.
Arm rest spring broke.
Glove box door hinge broke, un-usable.
This car has been a mess. I would not waste your money on it. I have only had it for a year and 8 months, VW certified.
Dealership service is below par, and customer care service does not do anything to help. Brought back to dealership 5 times in one month, for the same problem and still was not fixed.
I like the styling of the body, however the interior craftsmanship is choppy.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 23rd September, 2005
Wouldn't wish this car on my worst enemy!
First thing to go was the power window motor regulator (had the car for 3 months when that happened). Found out this is a major defect in all new model Jettas and Beetles.
Airbag light has been on for 2.5 years now. Spring goes bad apparently, never been in any collision, never used airbag - obviously. Was told the airbag will not deploy if I'm in a collision. That's what I call safety!
Check engine light was on for 2 years. This is due to defects in VW's air flow sensors (admitted by VW Corp). What they don't say is that this breaks down the catalytic converter, that I also now need. Quoted $1500 on that one! No catalytic converter = no smog in the state of CA = no registration. Awesome!
Cup holders have broken, left and right, springs don't work so cups slide around.
Reverse lights didn't work after replacing bulbs numerous times. Had fuse problems.
Brake lights go out, at very least, every 6 months.
Middle console armrest latch broke, so it flies open when I put the console up, dumping all contents inside into the back seat.
Monsoon 6 disk changer trash. Only says "CHK MAGAZINE" and "ERROR". So I have no CD player anymore.
Clutch going out, slipping and makes a 'Ping' sound when it slips.
Bumper is junk. Can't park even remotely close to curbs, park stoppers, etc, because you might leave your bumper behind. Also lost one of the lower plastic grilles. Looks great.
Backseat shouldn't even exist. I'm 5'2" and people still cannot sit behind me in the back seat. Way too small!
Glove box spring surprisingly broke and glove box door flew open. I think in the 5 years I've owned this car, I had opened the glove box for the 4th time when that happened.
I purchased this car brand new in April of 2000. Car had 100 miles on it as it was a transfer from a nearby dealership.
I was 22, thought it was cute and it was my first major purchase on my own!
Within 3 months of having the car, on a 110 degree Sunday, on the freeway, I went to crack my window and it made a funky sound, and literally dropped into the door. Of course, being Sunday, the service dept was closed! Thank God the warranty covered that.
From here the list goes on, and I'm just waiting for more. Luckily I have a friend who is a service tech at the VW dealer that I bought this from, and I can take my car to his house and he can work on it at a fraction of the cost. Still, I could have bought a much more expensive car, and at least had those luxuries for how much I've spent thus far on this piece of crap!
Thank God its paid off!
I would much rather have my 1995 Geo Prizm back, that gave me absolutely no problems whatsoever in the 5 years I had that car, at 80k miles no less!
I will never, ever in my lifetime own another German car. My insurance for this car is expensive (my record is perfect and no accidents), just because the car parts are rated the most expensive. Funny, they seem to be made of junk!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 1st September, 2005
14th Oct 2005, 17:23
What did you have to replace the motor for? And what do you mean that it burns through gas too easily? Maybe you are a leadfoot, or maybe the person who drove the car before you was.