1987 Volkswagen Jetta GL from North America

Summary:

Having owned 15+ vehicles in 40 years of driving, this is absolutely the best vehicle I have owned

Faults:

Replaced radiator due to leak.

Fuel pump relay died.

Left Front wheel bearing went out @ 250000 miles.

General Comments:

It has been through three sets of brakes, four sets of tires, three sets of front struts, one rear, and, still have the original factory clutch (still strong).

Other than normal maintenance this car has been a trouble free car.

Constantly cruise 75-80mph with no oil burning between changes.

Averages 38 mpg even today after 20 years of use.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th November, 2007

1987 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 1.8 gas from North America

Summary:

What a steal

Faults:

So far not a whole lot has gone wrong. It runs great.

There is a quarter sized hole in the transmission that leaks fluid, but my dad has a plug for that.

One of the headlights are out.

But considering I only paid $100 for it and it still runs, its wonderful.

General Comments:

I also have a 1995 Buick Regal Custom 2 door coupe, and the luxury of the Jetta far exceeds my Buick.

I enjoy the manual locks, windows and the sunroof.

For being an older car it has a surprising amount of safety features, that I really enjoy.

Only one-hundred dollars, I couldn't believe. I am so happy with the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 10th April, 2004

11th Apr 2004, 18:31

I miss my 1987 Jetta! I drove it to 284,000 km with no major problems. I knew its time was limited so I traded it in for a 2002 Jetta. MISTAKE. What a lemon. I just sold that lemon today and bought a Volvo. Hang onto your 1987 Jetta!

9th Oct 2006, 13:11

Where I come from it's called lightening the load :) probably saves close to 60-80 lbs which doesn't sound like much, but it shows in acceleration, as well as highway mileage :)

1987 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.6 non-turbo diesel from North America

Summary:

A great car in many ways

Faults:

I had to replace a break line because it rusted through.

I replaced the radiator because it started leaking.

I replaced the lower front ball joints bceause they were worn out.

Front driver seat back support has an internal problem.

I replaced other parts over the years which I consider normal maintenance, such as shocks, brake pads, drive belts and exhaust system.

General Comments:

I have thoroughly enjoyed owning this car.

Before owning this Jetta, I owned a 1981 VW Rabbit LS diesel which had 642000 km on it when I finally had to put it to pasture. The Rabbit was an extremely simple, durable vehicle and I found the Jetta to be a worthy successor.

The thing I like most about this car is the 1.6 non-turbo diesel engine. Like the 1.6 that was in my Rabbit, it has performed with a high degree of reliability and economy over the years, with only regular and consistent maintenance.

Although some may complain about the performance of this motor, I found it to be adequate when mated to the five speed gear box. Although only rated at 52 horsepower, the engine has enough torque for me to pull a 4x8 utility trailer.

Other points I like about this car is its' cavernous trunk, good handling characteristics and its' overall styling.

Can I recommend this car? Absolutely. Before buying one, I recommend you take someone with you to view the car who has an understanding of these cars and what to look out for. For example, black scum in the expansion bottle can indicate a failing head gasket or cracked cylinder head, both potentially expensive repairs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th November, 2002

1987 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.6 turbo diesel from North America

Summary:

I should have bought a gas engine, I need more passing power

Faults:

Just about everything has gone wrong with this automobile, the previous owner must have really neglected the car. The worst had to have been the camshaft breaking, ($400 brand new)

General Comments:

For a turbo diesel it responds quite well. The fuel mileage is incredible, and the car handles extremly well. Aligning the wheels on the other hand has been quite a task.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th April, 2002