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
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...