Faults:

At about 40,000 miles I had to replace the battery.

Now, at 96,000 miles the check engine light has come on.

General Comments:

This car has been almost completely maintenance free.

It still has the original exhaust system, the original clutch and two of the four original tires.

It has required no tuneups, because it's a diesel.

I have never changed the air filter and I think that's why the check engine light has come on.

This is my fourth diesel car. By far the peppiest, it is as fast as most gasoline powered cars.

Faults:

Front seat wore down badly.

Major oil leak at 220,000 kilometers.

Transmission downshifted roughly.

Replaced CV Boots at 180,000 kilometers.

General Comments:

This was the best car I've ever owned! It had gobs of personality and was cheap to run.

The Jetta takes the corners with complete confidence, with minimal body lean. The steering is quick and precise, and the ride is firm, but quiet. It still drives like new.

The dash was simple, but very well designed. You never had to look away from the road to fiddle with the heat knobs or the radio dials.

The 1.8 liter 4 cylinder had plenty of low end grunt and was extremely reliable. I never had to put a cent into any major engine repairs. The transmission downshifted roughly, though.

I loved this car and regret ever selling it. If you need a reliable fun to drive second car, buy a Volkswagen Jetta! They hold their value well and will provide you with a trouble free ownership experience.

Faults:

Needed new muffler and exhaust system when I first bought the car.

Needed new rear brake cylinders.

Power steering reservoir was cracked.

New spark plug wires needed.

Driver's side front wheel bearings needed to be replaced.

General Comments:

Very reliable and economic car.

Handling is terrific, and acceleration is up to par with the specifications.

Tends to be a bit loud, and lack of air conditioning isn't pleasant.

Bought it for $450, put about $900 into it over the past year, hasn't let me down yet.