10th Oct 2006, 16:12

I purchased a 2001 Jetta GLX September 2005 with less than 30,000 miles on it.

By November 2005, the transmission had been replaced THREE times. (and it's still not right)

I truly regret not having done thorough research before the purchase of this car, but it looked brand new, drove well and I figured since it had such low miles it would be a good buy.

WRONG.

I have since hired a lemon law attorney and it looks like VW is going to cave and buy the piece of @!#@! back, but it's been a long, drawn out process.

I don't recommend VW to anyone... please do your research.

:)

17th Nov 2006, 08:33

I purchased a VW V6 from a wholesaler who got it at auction. It ran great for a week or two. I thought I got it for a good price, but after visiting the repair shop twice in the first two months for electrical problems... I was now down another $ 700.00. Then one month later (88,000 miles) my transmission started jerking into 2nd gear (automatic). I then RE-reseached my VW Jetta with the word transmission attached and I was shocked to read what some people went through with this car. There is no fix from what I understand. The next day, I ran to a Japanese dealer and traded the car the next day. Yea, I lost 3-4 thousand on the car in two months, but I feel lucky that I didn't fix the transmission only to have it break again like some other poor people. I promise I will never own a VW again.

21st Feb 2007, 21:48

I think that it must be noted that these transmission failures have most likely all been on automatic transmissions. Yes, if these people would have done their homework, they would have learned that VW sucks at making automatic transmissions, since people are not as lazy as us over there, and actually shift their cars.

The VW manual transmission is one of the best out there. If you are looking for a manual Jetta, or any VW, please do not let these above comments deter you from considering these cars!!! I have a 1996 VW Passat VR6 with 150,000 miles on it, and have never had to change the clutch or anything. It is a great car. Yes, the plastic items in these cars do break, but it is made up for with their great engines.

Stay away from the automatic transmissions! Go with a manual, it is not that hard to learn to shift your car.

22nd Feb 2007, 08:43

I fail to see how a manual transmission that feels something akin to stirring oatmeal can be considered "one of the best out there". VW is great at making fantastic engines that even get great gas mileage, but everything else is suspect.

6th Jun 2007, 20:17

JUNE 06,2007. Well, I too, have a 2001 Jetta VR6 transmission that went completely out. I just picked it up from the dealership from having it looked at because my dash lights (EPC, ABS, CHECK ENGINE) kept coming on. I didn't have a problem with the transmission. Would't you know it! Two days later it leaves me sit an hour away from home and I find that my transmission went.

I have 115,000 miles on the car and of course it is out of warranty. Can anyone suggest anything?? I am unfortunately not financially sound and cannot afford this kind of expense.

Help!!

24th Apr 2008, 15:50

I have a 2001 Jetta GLS. I picked it up at the dealer with 27 miles. BEST CAR EVER!!

Of course, it is a manual, and by reading this thread, apparently those are the best in terms of quality.

I have had the car for 7 years. It now has 118K miles. So far, the only thing I have ever done to the car that was major: replaced rear brakes for about $50.00. My neighbor is a mechanic and I just paid for the parts.

I also bought a new battery after 7 years too - paid about $60.00.

The trunk release module went out (made of cheap plastic). Spent about $15 for that part and replaced myself.

As all might be aware of: the oil pan is made of aluminum and will strip the plug after many oil changes. Simply bought an oversized-beveled plug that made new threads on the pan, problem solved. Cost me about 3.00. I've read horror stories about getting entire pan replaced, no need to.

I spend good money on my oil changes at Jiffy Lube, and get them for around $45.00 every 3K miles, but it's worth every penny using synthetic for high mileage vehicles.

As far as tires, I buy them used from a local mom and pop tire shop. I usually get the used Michelin's for about $25.00 each, and another $5.00 to install. The used tires usually have enough tread to go another 10-15K miles. Might have already bought 6 used tires in 7 years. So I guess total for my car spent without oil changes: $250.00. I can honestly say I have gotten my money's worth.

Bought it for $17,500.00. After financing around 20K total. Oh and replaced a few tail light bulbs, front light bulbs and rear license plate bulbs too. Maybe $20 total there.

Email me with questions and I can give you tips!! agonzalez@frost.com