Faults:
Battery died at around 76,000 kms.
Exhaust needed replacing at 87,000 kms.
Door moldings have fallen off front doors.
My power sunroof motor burnt out and had to have it replaced.
Fog light burnt out, filled up with water, and rusted out. I was told by the dealership that I could not replace the corroded pieces and that the entire assembly had to be replaced. Cost: Approx. $300.
This car has been hard to start ever since I bought it, and dealership has been rather unhelpful.
Driver's side door lock is broken. I have to unlock it from passenger's side and then walk around to driver's side and get in. I'm scared to ask what this will cost to have fixed.
Reverse has worn out in my manual transmission. It used to pop out of reverse occasionally when I first purchased the car and the dealership told me I wasn't putting it all the way in reverse. Now I can hardly back up and I need to come up with roughly $1,200 to fix the problem, so I've been told.
General Comments:
I purchased this car to replace my 93 Celica, and I want my Celica back. I thought this car would be a better year round car for me, but it has caused me much grief. I think I must have a lemon or something because I don't know anyone else with a VW who has had the number of problems I have.
This car has been tough to start for as long as I have had it. I have had it in to my dealership 3 times for this reason and they have done nothing to improve my situation.
My father purchased a brand new Jetta about 3 weeks after I purchased my used unit and he has had better luck with his 2001 Jetta TDI. I purchased my Jetta as a certified used Volkswagen with a 40,000 km bumper to bumper warranty. Despite getting the same warranty as I did, the dealership has been much more generous with my father's service work than they have been with mine (before mine expired, that is).
I have not been satisfied with this car and have only kept it because I'm still in University and can't afford to sell it, because I would still owe on it. As soon as I can afford something else, it's gone.
I may purchase another VW someday, but not a third generation model, and certainly not from the same dealership.
23rd Mar 2006, 08:00
Hey man I feel the same way I'm a 19 year old kid. I just bought one and it had problems starting. I am a fan a Volkswagens if they are maintained right.