Faults:
Check engine light stays on, taken 4 times to dealer.
Doors leak grease.
Climate control panel lights out.
Power locks don't always go down using key remote.
Key remote needs to be reprogrammed at dealer or with hard to find Internet instructions if you have 2 keys.
Grey interior just as hard to keep clean as black.
General Comments:
I have finally gotten service manual and feel it will be best to go that route. Dealers and repair guys either don't know or just want money. Many things are easily fixed if you read a little and do it yourself.
Car is quiet, but performs nicely. It is at a good place of performance vs. economy. There are more economical cars, but they aren't as fun to drive. There are better performing cars, but don't expect ~30 mpg from them.
Expect parts and labor to be pricier than domestic. Catch repairs early, don't let it get worse. Treat it well and it will treat you well.
I think most "across the board" problems have been identified by now. People seem to expect new from used. Things go bad. Get it fixed and your Jetta will be set to keep you happy for a while. Let it go and you will feel decline in performance and economy.
15th Jan 2006, 16:46
I think it is quit simple to change a headlight bulb in this car, all you need is the Phillips screw driver included in your tool kit in the trunk. There is no reason to remove the battery to replace the headlight bulb. just two cases around the light housing protecting it from moisture.