2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8 turbo from North America

Summary:

Get a JETTA... you won't regret it

Faults:

I had to replace the 02 sensor, which cost me $300...

Also one of the two fans had to be replaced, another $400.

General Comments:

I have driven this car for about 10,000 miles.. After the $700 I spent replacing those parts, it's never given me any major problems... I think it's fair for a car that is close to the 100,000 miles...

I love the way it drives, just like a dream. Everybody likes it, especially the interior and the blue lighting..

The gas mileage is also awesome, even though I have to use premium gas because of its engine, the turbo is amazing as well, and it's a better choice than getting the JETTA VR6 if you really don't want to waste your money on gas...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th November, 2008

2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS Wagon from North America

Summary:

Do not buy this car!

Faults:

This car has been having issues for me since about 1 month after I bought it. It was used, but I had a Car Fax report done, and all came back clean. Here is a run down:

- Rear axle dropped out while on the freeway, $500.00 fix.

- Brake light switch failed, $150.00 fix.

- Driver's window fell in - recall item.

- Check engine light comes on for no reason - a general pain in the butt.

And most recently, I have a major leak - it appears to be due to the moon roof.

General Comments:

More on the leak:

It leaks down the right drivers side and in through the hood latch handle, soaking the floor. I noticed this a while back, but it wasn't too bad, and seemed to be only once in a while, until yesterday... and living in Houston, Texas it rains a lot. We had a very heavy rain all day yesterday, and not only was the driver's side soaked when I got in it (floor mats were like stepping on a wet towel), but when I turned a corner water poured in my lap, it came from the drivers side visor, I flipped it down I saw it was leaking from the vanity light.

When I got home and put it in the garage, it had time to dry out. When I got in it this morning to leave for the office, I looked at the headliner, the passenger side near the rear seat, has a very large water stain; it appears to be coming in through the hand grip attached to headliner.

I am very fed up with this car, I cannot afford for the dealer to repair the problem & the damage. I can't sell it like it is without taking a loss... GRRRRR!

I read some posts about a possible law suit with VW; does anyone have anymore information they can share?

You can email me at mcginleytx@hotmail.com

Thanks!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th November, 2008

7th Mar 2010, 11:48

It's a clogged sunroof drain causing the leak. You have to clear the drain lines every now and then. Stupid design for sure.

2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLX 2.8L VR6 from North America

Summary:

Hate to have these problems

Faults:

I bought my 2002 VW JETTA VR-6 2.8L in February 2002.

I love the way it drove and the way it handles. Then things started to turn south.

At 30000 miles the car had problem with cold starting problems intermittently. The engine had reduced power when running. Took it to the dealer; they couldn't duplicate the problem.

Few month later, the same issues reappeared and I later found out these cars had a recall on the ignition coils. Got it replaced it for free under the warranty.

At 55000 miles the alternator went out. Took it to the dealer, and told me it is no longer covered under warranty, and I have to pay about 550 dollars. Warranty is only covered up to 50,000 miles. (Am I lucky or what) Pep boys replaced it for $475.00.

At 80000 miles, a noise was coming from the wheel and it was getting louder as day go on. Took it to the dealer again. Noise was coming from the wheel bearing. Wheel bearing was replaced for $430 dollars.

Now at 90000 miles, transmission has problem shifting, especially in the morning when it is cold. Took it to the dealer for diagnostics. After the diagnostics they told me.

1. I have an internal problem with this transmission.

2. Recommended the transmission be replaced.

3. It will cost $5500 to replace the transmission.

4. They do not recommend servicing or changing the fluid the transmission due to the high mileage. If I change the fluid, it may not work well or don't work at all.

Note: During the early stages 1st and 2nd year of the usage, I inquired about changing the fluid in the transmission. The response I got from the highly trained technicians and sales representatives were as follows;

*** There is no need to change the transmission fluid on this car, because this transmission is sealed and the fluid last the lift time of this transmission. I was bit skeptical about this from the beginning. Now I am convinced that, what they mean by this is what is occurred to me now.

I CAN'T BELIEVE THE LIFE OF A TRANSMISSION IS ONLY 90000 MILES. THAT IS A JOKE...

I don't think I am going to spent $5500 on this transmission job to find out something else is wrong with this car later.

I think I reached my conclusion NOT TO BUY ANY MORE VWs from now on. I love the way it drives and handles, but that feeling diminishes when it break my wallet.

I hope VW carefully address these issues and improve their product quality and services, so the VW drivers can drive with confidence. Thank you very much.

General Comments:

VW need to work on the reliability issues.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th October, 2008