2006 Volkswagen Jetta Package 2 2.5L 5-cylinder from North America
Summary:
Sporty, comfortable, and a high feature specification
Faults:
When I picked the car up, the power seat memory system was not programmed correctly. Nothing was actually wrong, it just was not set up prior to delivery. Otherwise, the car has been great.
General Comments:
I really enjoy this car, it has good power and mileage. I've heard a couple people say their mileage with the 5 cylinder isn't great, but I average 25-26 mpg-US (~9.5 L/100 km) around town and 30-32 mpg-US (7.6 L/100 km) on the expressway. Handling is excellent, the electric power steering gives just the right amount of assist. The ride is firm, but controlled, the interior is comfortable, and the car is quiet.
Features abound in my car, from the dual zone automatic climate control, to the trip computer. The quality of the materials is first rate. It has numerous "easter eggs" such as the wipers adjusting themselves every few trips at shut off to reduce wear.
I was initially surprised at the cost of servicing due to the requirement of synthetic oil. However, a careful investigation reveals there is no significant difference, as the recommended oil change interval is 10,000 miles (16,000 km) instead of the standard 3,000 (5,000 km). Comparing the price of $90 and $30 for the standard versus synthetic oil respectively, it's a wash.
Overall, I really enjoy the car and hope to keep it for many more years.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th June, 2007
14th Feb 2008, 15:57
Please do not be fooled by the manual for your jetta that says you can go 5 to 10 thousand between oil changes. Even with synthetic oil you can hardly go past 4000 miles. Oil gets dirty no matter what. Your engine will gum up and and sludge will seize up your engine. Synthetic oil has smaller molecules that can get into places that natural oil can't, but it doesn't really last much longer. Being the life blood of your vehicle, it is essential to change it out more often than 5,000 much less 10,000 miles. Ask any respectable mechanic about this and when he or she stops laughing at you they will say the same thing.