[Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
 | [Main Other Cars Bulletin Board | BBFAQ |
Prev by Date | Next by Date | Post Followup ]
Member Login / Signup - Members see fewer ads. - Latest Member Gallery Photos
Re: Considering a Jetta>>> Posted by Ari [Email]  (#2847) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Ari) on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 08:09:05
In Reply to: Considering a Jetta>>>, bever77, Mon, 18 Feb 2008 23:20:10 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
I've got an early (bought Aug 00) '01 1.8 Jetta from new. It's got ~94K miles on it now. The major difference I know of between the '01 and '03 is the '03 has more power. This was primarily done through engine managment mapping.
In general, it's been a good car. I've done regular oil changes, and so far the engine hasn't blown up. Unfortunately with sludge, that's about the best one can do. We've had only two 'failures.' One was a window regulator that broke and was repaired under a recall - VW used plastic pulleys, which they retrofit with proper metal ones. The other was a failure in an air valve that ran me about $400.
Other than that, pretty good. Original rear brake pads lasted a mere 25K, but the replacements have 70K and look new. Fronts lasted an amazing 75K,but the rotors needed replacement (worn to limits). Replaced the timing belt early, just to be safe. Regular brake fluid changes. Interior bits holding up decently - a little peeling on some plastic pieces, but that's it. The inside looks pretty darn good, particularly for a near 8 year old car. The only thing that breaks with any regularity is the latch on the center armrest.
A decent amount of things were done under recall, which is simultaneously worrying and comforting. Window regulators replaced, and they replaced the ignition coils (VW's version of DI) - mine worked just fine but were replaced; others did have coil failures.
No rust. Paint holding up very well.
It's a good around-town car, and we have taken it on long trips. Our 9000's are more comfortable for long trips and hold more, but the Jetta does a good job for what it is. Handling is very good, and the 1.8l turbo is a real hoot. I get a middling 22 mpg around town (automatic), but can see 30 mpg on a long highway drive.
Drawbacks are a tight backseat, but I never sit there. The trunk is large and tall, but like many cars these days, very hard to access - the trunk lid is very short. Not a lot of shoulder width, but I'm not a big guy so it works out.
I miss a hatch, and will probably consider something like a Mazda3 hatch in the future for the improved access. But for a trunked car, the Jetta is pretty nice - good handling, fun engine (VERY fun engine), and a high level of fit and finish.
posted by 192.249....
, Tue, 19 Feb 2008 08:09:05 <-- Viewing This Message
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
