1981 Volkswagen Jetta GLS review from UK and Ireland
"Cheap, practical, incredibly reliable and hugely fun to drive"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Err... ummm..... nothing.
General comments?
The BEST car I've ever owned, including my 1991 405 (see other entry).
It dances circles around anything I've ever driven in terms of handling, but lacks serious straight line speed and power (although an indicated 120mph is possible on deserted motorways in the early hours).
It easily swallows all my junk in its huge boot, returns 30-35mpg and costs peanuts to insure through a VW specialist, even for a 22 year old like me.
The basic engine design may be 30 years old now, the overall design isn't far behind and the car itself is 20 years old, but Ze Panzer Wagen just keeps on going.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1994 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2000 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.5 Manual |
| Performance marks | 10/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 43000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 67000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 6th September, 2000 |