17th Aug 2004, 07:17
I have a '97 GT that I purchased brand new. It now has 104,000 miles on it. I put on new brake pads and rotors for the first time at 68,000 miles, am on my third set of tires (replaced just last week), and replaced the battery last year. My only repair on this car was needing a new water pump last spring. The water pump didn't even fail, the bearings were getting noisy so I had it replaced. While the water pump was replaced I had the drive belts replaced also since it was apart anyway. I am still on the original timing belt. I have repaired three of the door moldings. I agree it is a flawed design. Pre 95's had clips but they opted for adhesive on the new models. If they start to come off, they should be pulled off so them hanging doesn't deform their shape. The 3M trim tape works great to put them back on. I am going to be getting rear shocks soon, but that is wear and tear... the car is 7 years old with over 100K. I have no complaints.
9th Dec 2004, 12:22
I have a 1997 Jetta GT I bought new that has been running great for 139K miles. I can hear the water pump getting a little noisy and I will have it replaced along with the timing belt and other belts while I am at it. I have replaced the brake pads twice, (no rotors) and the AC compressor went out last summer. Other than regular maintenance of tires and 1 battery and plugs and wires once, everything else engine-wise has been great. It still has the same power kick it had when new. I did change to synthetic oils on engine and transmission at about 10,000 miles. I believe this has preserved the engine and the power that makes it cruise at 80 mph without any effort. I had to adjust my driving to make sure I stay closer to 65 mph which is the limit on most highways I drive.
16th Apr 2004, 20:26
I have a 1997 VW Jetta GT that I got in 2000 and it has been great to me. I have only had to replace the brakes. The minor things are the rubber on the antenna is wearing down and one of the passenger doors just start squeaking, but those are minor. It greats great gas mileage and has been a fun car.