5th Dec 2009, 12:46

Car, boats, planes, helicopters. I operate them all. I repair them all. Overhauled my first engine in 1979 (Ford 289 for a 1967 Mustang) Mechanical... Yes! Experienced with cars... Yes.

I have owned approx. 18 cars. Two of the eighteen I would consider to have had serious design flaws. The first was a 1972 Ford Maverick. Mechanically, not that bad... but the body rusted away to nothing in three years. Consider though, that this was a $3,200.00 entry level car and 1970's technology.

The second, chronologically, and by far the worst vehicle I have ever owned is my 2002 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T.

Major transmission problems at 35K. Major engine problems at 60K (lost oil pressure and killed the engine.) Cheap plastic fenders that fall into the rotating tires. Numerous engine control and other electrical failures. The list could go on and on and on!

Let's be honest... a 2002 design should easily function trouble free for 100,000 to 150,000 miles on nothing more than basic oil servicing, tires and brakes. ANY other maintenance is an indication of a weak design. The data is out there... VW knows it.

Now here is my concern. The 2002 Jetta is a great car to drive... when it is not in the shop! But it is NOT a high performance vehicle that should have to be pampered and constantly maintained. The fact that VW has not stood behind this vehicle…with more support for owners (ie, special parts pricing and free extended warrantees) tells me that VW, as a corporation, does not care about the experience of their customers.

So, to the president of VW I say this. "Your company has designed and marketed a seriously flawed vehicle. You have charged a premium for it. You have shown little compassion, in words or actions, for the mistake of your corporation. I bought 17 other makes and models before I bought my 2002 Jetta. It is the absolute worse customer value of any car I have owned. If I live to buy another 18 vehicles (a good estimate) you can rest assured that none will be a VW. You can also rest assured that I will tell everyone with ears to hear, in every forum I can find, the facts and truth about your quality issues on the 2002 Jetta 1.8T. Does VW care? Prove it! Offer something to your Jetta customers who have paid so much for the shortcomings of your engineers. Time is of the essence.

15th Jan 2011, 22:10

I have a 2002 Volkswagen Jetta, and it doing the same things you guys are saying. I think we all should email the company!!! This is just bad business. I still owe on mine; wish I could take it and just give it to the bank!!!