Faults:

I've had this car for almost 2 years now and it's been very reliable. The only problem I have with it was having to replace the camshaft seals (warranty), and the battery went dead at 40,000 miles.

Brake jobs for most German cars are rather expensive since they recommend replacement of both rotor and pad. The tradeoff is that you get excellent performing brakes, since Germans spec a softer steel rotor to maximize pedal feel and increase performance. Basically, you can't re-use the rotor, and for good reason.

General Comments:

The only other major problem that I am currently battling VWofA with is the death of the ABS control module at 68,000 miles. For a part that rarely gets used, it's unfortunate that it decided to give up. At $1,500 a pop, it's borderline ridiculous. 2001+ Jetta's have already had their ABS units recalled, so we'll see if I have any luck. I've talked to some VW shops and a couple of VW techs and they claim that the ABS unit is malfunctioning at a high rate, but VW hasn't had the guts or marketing fortitude to to do a TSB or, gulp, recall. After their ignition coil fiasco you'd think they'd learn, but being the largest automaker in Europe has its perks, especially when get to stick your tongue out at "ugly American consumers," and not feel any wrath. I talked to a 99 Audi A4 owner who had the same problem with is ABS unit, and AudiUSA ended up repairing free-of-charge, even though it was out of warranty. The VW representative asked me why Audi did that and I replied, "I don't know, maybe they like to take care of their customer?!" She laughed and I sighed as she told me, "Sorry sir, your car is out of warranty." I guess VW has never taken a class in "Customer Service," but evidently they've aced "Accounts Receivable."

Faults:

The car pulls to the right very badly.

Passenger seat release to rear keeps falling off.

Exposed wiring underneath glove box keeps showing despite trying many types of adhesive.

General Comments:

This car has one of the nicest 1.0 units I have ever come across. I am a car trader and I intended to sell it on however it runs so well that I have kept it.

The rear space is excellent and the stereo is pretty good.

Tyre wear is excessive for such a small car with fornt tyres being changed after 5000 miles.

It is a classy looking car for the money and it looks solid in comparison to a fiesta or 206. If only small pieces of trim would stay in place. I would suggest buying this car for town driving, but for motorways, go for the 1.4.

Faults:

Motor for window. Dealership never has any parts and when you pay in advance for parts the dealership takes more than 8 months to get the part into the Bahamas. No one else in the Bahamas carry this particular car, nor would any of the other dealerships trade this car.

Faults:

Nothing big. Just the accelerator cable broke at 9,000 km.

And the exhaust was making some noise (I re-attached it to its place)

General Comments:

I like the car. It's fast and reliable, but of course that comes in a high fuel consumption 13L/100 km.