1998 Volkswagen Jetta GL 2.0 Liter from North America

Summary:

A car fit to be set on fire and rolled off a cliff

Faults:

Mass air flow sensor went out at 50,000 miles. Very expensive.

Bottom of rear driver side door starting to rust.

Annoying rattle sounds started shortly after I purchased.

Plug wires were replaced at 55,000 miles. Also very expensive.

Ignition coils had to be replaced at 75,000 miles. Again, very expensive.

It's hard to find a mechanic to work on it.

Trim started falling off shortly after I got it.

Gas tank had problems reading the correct fuel level, but the problem went away.

Reflectors beneath headlights pop out easily.

Rough idle.

Other normal wear and tear. Tires, brakes, plugs, rotor and cap.

General Comments:

Turning on the air conditioning really affects power.

I usually took the car to a Volkswagen dealer to fix it, but repairs were always expensive and problems started again shortly after I got it back.

The car looks good.

Very nice, spacious interior and big trunk.

There is still a problem I have yet to fix. It is either the constant velocity joints or the reverse idle gear and it makes a loud ticking sound in reverse. Volkswagen said it would cost $900 to repair.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th June, 2004

1998 Volkswagen Jetta GT 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

High Maintenance Piece of Junk

Faults:

Both CV Axles broke. I was towed and they were repaired

A deer hit the front driver's side fender, side view mirror, and the back door (driver's side). Volkswagen parts and service are extremely expensive.

My brakes were new and a month later were shot (I'm not hard on my brakes).

The dealer promised a touch up paint tube and never provided it.

Every mechanic in town dreads my arrival because "It's a Volkswagen".

General Comments:

For a teenage driver, this car would have been great... If I was Bill Gate's daughter. However, I'm not. I cannot afford it.

The overall comfort of the car is average. If I drive more than an hour, I do get sore.

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

Review Date: 24th May, 2004

1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.9L from North America

Summary:

Lots of maintenance, okay buy

Faults:

Had earlier service done at dealer (tire rotation, oil change) Shortly after service, got a flat tire (unrelated) and was unable to find key for tire lock to have it towed. Dealer forgot to replace it after rotating tires.

Cruise-control stopped working around 60000m.

Hose for windshield washer fluid is broken.

Car cut out in the rain, asked dealer about and they said they would have to look at the car. It took 3 different mechanics to find problem: faulty ignition switch.

At one point the car locked itself and the alarm started to go off. Had to have the car towed to the dealer; $500 to be fixed.

Window mechanism is faulty. Window falls off the track. This has happened twice. Has to be taken to the dealer to be fixed (they extended the warranty to 7 years for the problem)

Switch in the window needs to be replaced. This has happened twice.

Exhaust needed to be replaced at 80000m.

Molding on outside of doors falls off when it gets hot outside. They are only fastened using glue. Since I have a black car, it gets very hot and the glue melts. Had one fall off at 20000; still under warranty so dealer replaced it. I have lost one that fell off on the highway; 3 are bowed and ready to fall off this summer.

General Comments:

Car handles great. Has a lot of pep.

No major engine problems, besides ignition switch.

Interior is in relatively good condition.

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

Review Date: 22nd April, 2004

4th May 2004, 15:57

I also have a black '98 Jetta GL and I thought I was the only one with molding that falls off in the heat! I've had the strip on the driver's side replaced twice and both times it fell off within a week. I bought this car used in 2001 and now it's at about 65,000 miles. Since then I have had to put a lot of money into this car such as:

~ New ignition switch: $200+

~ Faulty wiper/electrical thing--the wipers stopped working altogether: $200

~ New battery: $200

~ Now I've gotta replace the Front Oxygen Sensor and have the fuel injection system flushed out, and they say the Mass Air Flow Sensor may have to be replaced which altogether would be : $900+

I love driving my Jetta and I really have never had any other car, but a Saturn and that never gave me any problems. Maybe I will consider buying American next time...

24th Oct 2004, 13:54

"~ New battery: $200 " You paid $200 for a battery? LOL..

18th Jun 2010, 13:30

Yeah, I was gonna say, you've all have to stop going to dealerships and start doing the work yourself. O2 sensors and fuel injection flush would be about 100 bucks. And get some super glue if you're tired of plastic parts falling off.