2004 Volkswagen Jetta tdi from North America

Summary:

Horrible

Faults:

This car would have cost more than six thousand dollars in maintinance if not for the warranty. Every couple of months I have to bring it to the dealer for repairs. It does get great great mileage, but if you figure in the dozens of trips to the dealer for repairs, the great gas millage means nothing. The turbo blew up in my engine the other day. Thank God I had 1500 miles left on warranty or else it would have cost me more than two thousand dollars to fix. Never again a vw!!!

General Comments:

Worst car I have ever had. I bought a new car so I wouldn't have to worry about repairs. This car has been in the shop much more than my other car that is 25 years old!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th June, 2007

7th Aug 2007, 08:05

I brought a used 2003 Jetta after driving a 1996 Jetta for over 9 years. The 2003 Jetta has given me more problems in the last 3 months than any other car I have ever driven. The 96 Jetta was a dream come true. I never put any major money it to it's upkeep, just the normal oil changes, new tires, brakes pads, regular over time things. However, this 03 is a headache and a heartbreak. Thermostat went out glove box broke, leaking oil, white misty smoke pouring out from under the hood, I believe that's a water pump issue. I am so sorry that I gave my 96 away to a young lady that needed a car. You read it correctly, I gave it away did not charge her a dime. I sure wish I had my baby back. I believe I'll trade this piece of a silver nightmare in on something a whole lot more dependable and reliable. I thought if the 96 lasted as long as it did the 03 would do just as well. How wrong I was!

29th Aug 2007, 15:19

Watch that water pump! Part of mine fell out on the highway when I was driving 65 miles an hour! That was the scariest thing that has ever happened to me. When I took it in, they told me that the cars had some cheap plastic water pump fan or something, so they replaced it with a nicer metal one. If the metal ones exist...? Ugh.

11th Aug 2012, 21:43

I always hear people complaining about the turbo blowing up or leaking, and burning engine oil in it. There are very few people that know about cooling off the turbo before you shut off your engine. The recommended wait time before you shut off your motor - 2 minutes after hardcore highway driving, or 1 minute after city stop and go driving. The purpose is to cool off exhaust gas from injection combustion.

Follow that method, and you can get far better life out of the turbo.

2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T from North America

Summary:

Utilitarian

Faults:

While driving to work, I experienced a loss of power that increased over a short time period. The check engine light remained on, which suggested that I drive the car to the nearest dealership at reduced speeds.

The dealer informs that the ignition coil is faulty.

After reading other reviews, I have come to understand that the ignition coil is expected to fail at 50,000 miles. Further that VW does not maintain sufficient replacement part numbers to meet the demand and has not initiated a recall.

I called some dealerships and executed a part search online. The part is relatively inexpensive, however replacement is expected to exceed $200.00. What fees have other VW owners paid for this mechanical design defect?

At the very least, VW should replace the part at no charge to VW owners.

General Comments:

Generally a darty utilitarian sedan.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 31st January, 2007