Faults:

According to Volkswagen's maintenance, the timing belt needed to be replaced every 60,000 miles. OK, fine, I replaced it, but I still believe that Volkswagen should make quality parts that last longer.

Also, I found out that my spark plugs need to be replaced every 40,000 miles. If failing to replace, major engine issues may effect the performance of the vehicle, including cylinder misfires.

Also, this car is built with so many parts that are so cheap; my check engine light comes on at every two weeks.

General Comments:

For a short guy like me, this car feels very comfortable to me, but I can see how a much taller person may feel a little tight in the front and back.

This car accelerates great for the most part, and the interior lighting is amazing. The car handles very well, and the radio has served its purpose.

However, the center console broke, and this car rattles and is very noisy when put in reverse. When driving through speed bumps, the suspension is very squeaky and my mechanic can't find the problem. Also, this car is very thirsty and burns gas quickly, especially with the A/C on in this Texas heat. If you own this car, you better have some money set aside for this car, because it will be in the shop frequently.

Faults:

Ac compressor went out at 56,000 miles.

Coil packs went out and left me stranded! Thanks VW.

Inside of the car smells like crayons.

Seats wear out and headliner falling down.

Car will stall and the dash lights will flash (faulty ground wire at battery).

Do yourself a favor, buy a Honda.

Faults:

When I first got the car, the check engine light was on and the ASP light was on... all that was wrong was a coil over and a mass air flow sensor... It fixed it right up...

The suspension is probably the only issue I have with the car... I have a personal tech to build it up the way I like... and I have to say I am very impressed with VW.

General Comments:

Because I rally my car, I would expect to be fixing a lot more... I've read hundreds of specs on what people say about VW, and it's about 50:50... I absolutely love my Jetta GLS.. I'm turning it into a GLI... this is one car I'll probably keep till someone steals it...

The only thing I don't like is the option to mod the motor to its full potential...

Faults:

Sunroof drains leaked into car.

Interior wood trim was peeling.

Drivers side heated seat only worked on high.

General Comments:

Bottom line first, I enjoyed this car. It was the best handling car I had ever owned. My Nissans with near perfect weight distribution might have kept up if not worn out from years of abuse. The wide 225 tires gripped nicely. The acceleration was nice especially the lower end torque. The engine was quick to 60, but slowed significantly in 3rd.

What I enjoyed most was the sound system. The monsoon 8 speaker system was a blast. I mainly listen to rock and it could easily produce the volume without sacrificing the quality, even at high levels. Most factory add-ons like Bose/Infinity/Monsoon have great quality, but lack in quality at high volume. This one did not. I am thoroughly impressed.

All the factory features this car provided were outstanding for an "economy" sized car: rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror, heated seats, mirrors and sprayer nozzles, dual power seats, memory drivers seat are just a few of the many features that originally attracted me to the car, and I found myself jaded/spoiled by them. I find myself getting mad that I have to adjust the wiper setting and rear view mirror now back in my Nissan.

As nice as the car was in all aspects; looks, performance and comfort, I was still scared by the future maintenance costs. I just simply couldn't afford to fix it, even if something routine like a thermostat or water pump would fail. I know nothing failed when I owned it, but I was still worried.

Gas mileage was still lower than expected, but I drove mainly in city. When using all the features of the car like heated everything, I forget that I am loading the alternator, causing gas mileage to plummet.

I would buy from Volkswagen again. The car was really fun, but in the end, not fast enough and too expensive. If I bought another Volkswagen, it would be brand new and I would trade it in before the warranty expired.