1994 Volkswagen Jetta GL review from North America

- Broken handbrake cable ($20.00)

- Broken caliper ($120.00)

- Body rust - half a foot by half a foot - square which needed a welded patch ($30.00)

- Stupid horn needed replacing ($25.00)

- Speedometer works 65% of the time

- Transmission feels like it's kicking when it changes from 1st to second 2nd gear.

- The power in second gear is extremely weak compared to first.

Absolutely excellent interior; after vacuuming it looks like it just came out of the assembly line.

The handling is very good as well; you don't feel a strong jerk when cutting corners at fast speeds like you would in a Hyundai I used to own.

All the above problems are the repairs I needed when I first bought the car for $400 from an old woman. I didn't think anything major needed replacing, and when I reflect back, NOTHING major NEEDS replacing, thank God. Everything works fine, and I've test driven it for a 1000km as hard as I can just to make sure.

After purchasing it, I've had a transmission flush (the old liquid was black!!!) or else it would have burned within a few months. I could bet money on that, but since I've done so, it shifts smoother, but still has a slight kick from first to second; not as bad as before of course.

I plan on changing the oil every 3-4k km just to make sure the engine will last me quite a while. I'll probably flush the coolant system so it doesn't overheat or anything in the summer.

But overall, it seems like a fun car to drive. I'm gonna invest a couple extra bucks on my next oil change to flush the brake system, coolant system, and a couple other things just to make sure it's ready for the summer.

I'm not quite sure if I'd buy another one; people don't seem too happy with the newer Jettas coming out in the last couple of years; they're known for safety, not for reliability :p

Wish me luck with mine people!!! :D