1996 Volkswagen Jetta GLS Trek 2.0 from North America
Summary:
Gotta get a Jetta!
Faults:
Catalytic converter went out at 50,000 miles. It was covered under some law that governs Catalytic converters, all though the dealer, not Volkswagen tried to get me to pay for it.
The Transmission blew out at 71,400 miles sept 2002. Which in turn oiled my clutch. I replaced the clutch, rebuilt transmission. I also replaced my timing belt, serpentine, and power steering belts. All of which cost $1538.58 with a 1 year warranty on the transmission.
My Jetta is in the shop now getting the transmission replaced, as 5th gear went out, which thankfully is still under warranty. In addition to that, I have another $900 that I'm putting into the car. A full tune-up, at $278.15, a lot of other things are routine for the year, and miles, most are cosmetic things that I want fixed. Of the repairs the most significant is the valve cover & intake gaskets are being replaced, and the reverse light switch went out.
The driver side molding came off about 1 yr ago, which cost $130 total, for the part and to paint. The passenger side is now falling off too.
General Comments:
I love my Jetta, and It has been a great car, its just been loved a little to much, and not taken in to the shop as much as it should have been by the previous owner (s). This is the 2nd Jetta, that I've had, and my next purchase is going to be a Passat, as the new Jetta's are not as roomy.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 12th May, 2003
2nd May 2003, 16:41
I can understand that you would be very upset about the transmission, and the radiator, but come on, being upset about cup holders? The old VW's you love so much did not even have cup holders as an option. I can tell you now, I drive a 1989 Jetta, and personally, I would never buy a type 3 or type 4 Jetta. The reason.. Look at your VIN number.. they are made in Mexico. Now, buy a 95 Passat, that is a good, all around German designed and build car. Or, buy a type 4 Golf made between 1999.5-2002, and look at the Vin number. Get a good German one. But please, do not sit there, and trash all Volkswagens, because you don't like the cup holders. (Vin number starting WVW = All German steel, engine, trans ect)