Faults:
First thing to go was the power window motor regulator (had the car for 3 months when that happened). Found out this is a major defect in all new model Jettas and Beetles.
Airbag light has been on for 2.5 years now. Spring goes bad apparently, never been in any collision, never used airbag - obviously. Was told the airbag will not deploy if I'm in a collision. That's what I call safety!
Check engine light was on for 2 years. This is due to defects in VW's air flow sensors (admitted by VW Corp). What they don't say is that this breaks down the catalytic converter, that I also now need. Quoted $1500 on that one! No catalytic converter = no smog in the state of CA = no registration. Awesome!
Cup holders have broken, left and right, springs don't work so cups slide around.
Reverse lights didn't work after replacing bulbs numerous times. Had fuse problems.
Brake lights go out, at very least, every 6 months.
Middle console armrest latch broke, so it flies open when I put the console up, dumping all contents inside into the back seat.
Monsoon 6 disk changer trash. Only says "CHK MAGAZINE" and "ERROR". So I have no CD player anymore.
Clutch going out, slipping and makes a 'Ping' sound when it slips.
Bumper is junk. Can't park even remotely close to curbs, park stoppers, etc, because you might leave your bumper behind. Also lost one of the lower plastic grilles. Looks great.
Backseat shouldn't even exist. I'm 5'2" and people still cannot sit behind me in the back seat. Way too small!
Glove box spring surprisingly broke and glove box door flew open. I think in the 5 years I've owned this car, I had opened the glove box for the 4th time when that happened.
General Comments:
I purchased this car brand new in April of 2000. Car had 100 miles on it as it was a transfer from a nearby dealership.
I was 22, thought it was cute and it was my first major purchase on my own!
Within 3 months of having the car, on a 110 degree Sunday, on the freeway, I went to crack my window and it made a funky sound, and literally dropped into the door. Of course, being Sunday, the service dept was closed! Thank God the warranty covered that.
From here the list goes on, and I'm just waiting for more. Luckily I have a friend who is a service tech at the VW dealer that I bought this from, and I can take my car to his house and he can work on it at a fraction of the cost. Still, I could have bought a much more expensive car, and at least had those luxuries for how much I've spent thus far on this piece of crap!
Thank God its paid off!
I would much rather have my 1995 Geo Prizm back, that gave me absolutely no problems whatsoever in the 5 years I had that car, at 80k miles no less!
I will never, ever in my lifetime own another German car. My insurance for this car is expensive (my record is perfect and no accidents), just because the car parts are rated the most expensive. Funny, they seem to be made of junk!
14th Oct 2005, 17:23
What did you have to replace the motor for? And what do you mean that it burns through gas too easily? Maybe you are a leadfoot, or maybe the person who drove the car before you was.