2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI turbo diesel from North America

Summary:

High expectations, but very low satisfaction

Faults:

Rt rear window fell inward.

Short in instrument cluster. Replaced entire instrument panel (warrantied).

Radio shorts out.

Armrest spring broken ($500 to replace.. which I did not).

Replaced two taillight bulbs and one headlight already. I've seen many Jetta's with lights NOT working.

Replaced glow plugs... one was covered. I replaced the rest.

Carbonization-$1200..no warrantied.

Battery died within the first 2 weeks of ownership.

Fuel line came loose (likely dealer replacing filter did not tighten).

Windshield fluid jet is currently inoperable.

Replaced front brakes at 35000 miles.

Replaced another front brake at 70000... rear brakes are squeaking.

Fuel line gelled on the highway in sub-freezing temps - dealer failed to tighten fuel filter.

General Comments:

Purchased a TDI for mileage benefits and have a reliable newer car.

My brother has owned a 1988 VW.. still running strong.. and a 2000 golf... with essentially no problems.

We've spent $3500-4000 on misc repairs essentially $1000/year.

This money pit is never-ending and I'll never be able to sell the car.

I'll end up eating any additional costs driving it until it dies. Hopefully the mileage will help defray some of the costs.

I do like some features and the drive-ability is nice, but the overall engineering or manufacturing quality standards are very low.

My 1992 GMC S-15 (purchased new) was still going strong at 150k miles having to replace only the waterpump at over 100k miles and a set a brakes.

It's scary that my wifes' old 1998 Mercury Mystique (Mistake as mechanics have called it) has had less expensive problems.

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

Review Date: 5th March, 2008

2002 Volkswagen Jetta GS 1.8 from North America

Summary:

I hate this car

Faults:

EPC was replaced one at 50000 miles, and again at 55000 miles.

Temperature control sensor was replaced at 60000, and again at 71000, for 300 dollars each time.

Reverse lights went out. The switch is in the transmission. That'll cost me about 500 dollars to fix.

The cable in the shifter needs to be replaced at a cost of 600 dollars.

The transmission began to slip at 65000 miles. I don't even want to know how much that will cost me.

Had a transmission gasket replaced at 66000 miles. That cost me 650 dollars.

General Comments:

This car is a money pit. The cost for fixing minor things is absolutely the most ridiculous thing about these cars.

We loved the way the car looked and drove when we got it, but that's where it ends. I will never purchase another Volkswagen as long as I live.

It cost 95.00 just to hook it up to the computer every time you take it to the dealer. I feel like I'm getting it fixed at least every other month. I can't wait to pay off this piece so I can get a Honda.

I would love to be able to run it off of a bridge so no one else has the burden of dealing with it. I could've paid it off with the money that I put into fixing it.

The dealerships are always trying to squeeze more and more money out of you. They are always "recomMending" things like a cooling flush or transmission flush, which costs anywhere from 200 to 400 dollars.

Please don't ever purchase a VW.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th February, 2008

2002 Volkswagen Jetta 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Electrical problems never end!!!

Faults:

About a month after I got the car the engine light came on.

About a month after that the fan kept running about 5 minutes after I turned my car off.

The stereo went out. Fixed it, but the speakers cut in and out now.

The air conditioning stopped working. Then about 4 months ago the heat went out and all the controls stopped working all air in the car. It didn't even blow out any air!!!

Something electrical wrong with it!! Trunk opens randomly on its own. Have gone through 4 batteries in a year. Headlights also go out frequently.

General Comments:

I just spent $1200 to get it fixed and the dumb guy didn't fix fan! It still runs after I turn off the car and now my headlights won't turn on automatically and only one works!! He made my car worse!! I will never get another jetta!! I wish I had researched before I bought.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th February, 2008