27th Jun 2005, 02:35

I love this car. I've had it 1 1/2 years, 19K miles on it. Handles great. Great get up and go. I got all the bells and whistles and love the interior. The stereo is great. Comfortable for front seat people, but back seat is very cramped. I can't believe that with all the features VW has on their cars they still have a knob to set the seat up. I have had the oil light go on and now the emission light is on. I still have warranty on it and the dealer has been great to work with. All and all, I wish I could get a new one every year.

17th Oct 2006, 23:02

I have a 2004 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8t and added the REVO techniks software, and I eat Mustangs up no joke, the pull will put you to the seat.

28th Sep 2007, 07:36

I just bought my car back in May of 2007 it was a certified used 2004 1.8 GLS and at 36756 miles the MIL light came on. It also squeaks when I back up I think it might be the brake pads. Anyone have any insight?

12th Nov 2007, 11:40

I have purchased this car in '04 as the original owner, 1.5miles. This car is not up to par. (i should've bought another Acura)

The day following the 1st rain of the season (approx 2nd wk of ownership), I got in the car (it was sunny out), I started the engine & water dropped from under steering wheel column. What the hell?!? I thought nothing of it. I figured maybe I imagined it & my feet got wet from the door when I got in the car. Surprise, Surprise, 5 days later I was driving and the car just cuts off. No warning lights, no slowing down... just shuts off. um, okay. *scratches head* I immediately took it back to VW, they kept it 2days and told me nothing was wrong. They changed some recalled parts, but said those shouldn't have been a factor in what happened to the car.

I can say, no major problems for the next two years. GREAT! except, all of the metal trim strips sarted coming off (or came off) on their own. Even the dealer laughed, because they obviously weren't put on prooerly and they cost $100 each for the dealer to replace. I went 2 a local shop with the part numbers & had all 4 replaced for $100. Then the plastic clip that opens my center console just broke off one day (springs flew everywhere.) Also, I just notice a plastic piece on my windshield is coming apart.

However the major issues started occurring in January or February when my car hit 47k. My car started sounding like a lawnmower when I started it & calming down slightly after shifted into gear. (still embarrassing that my somewhat new car sounds like an old car) Then came the squeaking brakes. Took it to the dealership and the told me my brakes were @ 3/4 & still in really good shape & that slight squeaking was "normal" BS. oh, and they replaced some more minor factory recalled parts. oh & the rough sound was a cracked muffler. That sound is coming from the engine!! so, yeah right. I took it to another VW dealership & got the same info, its normal for Jetta's. HA, OK. Then one morning I listened to my neighbors '02 Jetta 1.8t & it sounded exactly the same, we looked @ each other and laughed, maybe it is 'normal.'

So here we are in November and guess what, my car is overheating, or @ least going into the red. I shut it off to keep it from overheating. Why? because apparently my PLASTIC factory installed H2O pump has failed. Sounds like an individual problem right? Then why are there tons of forums dedicated to this exact same issue? Apparently at 47k the water pump starts "eating itself" or the engine starts to burn it (i don't know) but that's the loud sound that's heard at start up. Once its created a hole in the pump, the coolant stops flowing to the engine and the car overheats. Nice! Luckily the car is still under warranty and VW will replace it. But, you must request it be replaced with the new metal version or in 47k you'll be back to the same problem. isn't that nice?

So other than the cheap defective plastic parts and squeaky brakes, which I'm sure I'll find out the truth about later, this is a pretty good car. I still wish I would've bought another Acura though. "The cheap always comes out expensive."

17th Sep 2008, 16:56

BEWARE...

At 115,000 miles and about 2,000 overdue on an oil change. My 2004 Jetta GLS 1.8T engine seized. We thought it was the starter... the mechanic said that you have to just be REALLY careful when you get to high miles about the upkeep. These smaller 4 cylinder engines are not built like they used to be... very cheaply made. Now I've got 3,000 left on the loan and have been told it would be 5,000 for a new engine. Trade in "value" is 500-750. Other than that... I was totally in love with my Jetta.

16th May 2009, 19:30

I bought a 2004 Jetta. I have had more problems than any other car I have ever bought.

I have replaced the engine twice, and after today probably another one. The check engine light comes on all the time. Performance Volkswagen says there is no problem. They said the light is a air intake problem, but everything looks fine. Come on guys that light has to serve some purpose!

I have had many problems with the overheating. The water pump, fuel pump, fuel injectors and as well as the transmission had to be replaced. Do not buy anything from Volkswagen or you will have many problems. I am trying to help everyone out.

They also do not hold their value at all. This is a car I bought a year and a half ago for 18000 and they said they would give me 6500 for it... doesn't add up to me.

If you do get a Volkswagen, make sure you get the full warranty. Trust me, it is worth it.

31st May 2009, 21:35

I purchased my 2004 1.8t in late 2005 with 11,000 miles. It has been a great car. I've had minor issues with it. I've had to replace the plugs, and one coil. I had to replace numerous bulbs for one of my tail lights, which is a factory recall, however I'm not wanting to wait in line to get it fixed. When it is cheap enough to buy some bulbs and replace them. I had a stereo put in at Best Buy.. After that I multiple problems with the windows and the keyless entry. When I went back to them, they stated I signed off on the car when I took it home, after they gave it back to me... Any how, found out it was just a bad fuse in the comfort control system. In all, my total expenses for repairs, after putting the last 91,000 miles on the car total 300.00, not including tires, or oil changes. So in the end, I'm very happy with the car. I will get another one when VW puts a little more power in them to compete with mazda and some of the other company's.