Faults:
- Broken handbrake cable ($20.00)
- Broken caliper ($120.00)
- Body rust - half a foot by half a foot - square which needed a welded patch ($30.00)
- Stupid horn needed replacing ($25.00)
- Speedometer works 65% of the time
- Transmission feels like it's kicking when it changes from 1st to second 2nd gear.
- The power in second gear is extremely weak compared to first.
General Comments:
Absolutely excellent interior; after vacuuming it looks like it just came out of the assembly line.
The handling is very good as well; you don't feel a strong jerk when cutting corners at fast speeds like you would in a Hyundai I used to own.
All the above problems are the repairs I needed when I first bought the car for $400 from an old woman. I didn't think anything major needed replacing, and when I reflect back, NOTHING major NEEDS replacing, thank God. Everything works fine, and I've test driven it for a 1000km as hard as I can just to make sure.
After purchasing it, I've had a transmission flush (the old liquid was black!!!) or else it would have burned within a few months. I could bet money on that, but since I've done so, it shifts smoother, but still has a slight kick from first to second; not as bad as before of course.
I plan on changing the oil every 3-4k km just to make sure the engine will last me quite a while. I'll probably flush the coolant system so it doesn't overheat or anything in the summer.
But overall, it seems like a fun car to drive. I'm gonna invest a couple extra bucks on my next oil change to flush the brake system, coolant system, and a couple other things just to make sure it's ready for the summer.
I'm not quite sure if I'd buy another one; people don't seem too happy with the newer Jettas coming out in the last couple of years; they're known for safety, not for reliability :p
Wish me luck with mine people!!! :D
9th Jan 2010, 12:55
Just a follow up with my car.. I sold it after 1 year of ownership since there were some serious engine problems going on with the car, among other things. It felt like it was "bogging" out (i.e. loss of half its power) all of the time when driving. I replaced the MAF sensor twis and the distributor to no avail. Even mechanics don't know how to fix these cars. Check engine light was on non stop for the last 6 months of its pathetic life. Needed to change random exterior bulbs almost every week. All power options shorted out. Never started on the first try. Never buy a VW unless you're rich and stupid. Take care.