1992 Volkswagen Jetta GL review from North America

As you read, keep in mind that I have treated this car with TLC. It is 11 years old, but hasn't even hit 100K miles.

At 40K, the engine mounts broke, resulting in an HUGE repair bill. (Luckily this was covered under an extended warranty I had purchased--otherwise $1,500.) Engine mounts breaking? Yikes, this is a sign of a serious lemon.

Between 40K-60K miles: the timing belt snapped (very costly to replace), the fuel pump needed to be replaced, the driver's side door handle needed to be replaced, the driver's side window fell off track, the heating system in the car blew up--since I couldn't afford it, my mechanic was able to bypass the problem without fixing it, I just have no heater in the car.

The computer fried at 85K miles. Lots and lots of money to replace.

The coil needed to be replaced - I have no idea what that even is, but I can tell you it was expensive.

The blaupunkt stereo was an inconvenient piece of junk--has an annoying security code and terrible sound quality-replaced it in 98.

Interior nuts and bolts have mysteriously disappeared.

Throughout my ownership of this car, I have enjoyed it thorougly many times, however, the amount of inconvenience and money I have spent on it FAR OUTWEIGH the joy.

I understand that 92 was a year that VWs were assembled in Mexico, and they have since changed that.

Imagine yourself on a dark road, late at night, having a breakdown. In the middle of a busy intersection, stalling.

On the freeway, heavy steam pouring out of the radiator vents. Not good.

Looking back, I should have purchased a used Mercedes. At least the ridiculously priced repairs would have been easier to swallow.

Do not buy a Jetta. Do not allow your friends to buy a Jetta. Do not even stare at a Jetta for long periods of time - I think they are the work of SATAN.