1993 Volkswagen Jetta GL 2.0 Gas
Summary:
Not too shabby, but better for my mom to drive
Faults:
Steering column smokes periodically (not regularly) when starting.
Exhaust system rusted, fell off.
Door locks failed, causing alarm keep going off. Fixed (vacuum pump $300).
Sun-roof guide rails broke, would not shut properly. (fixed $1000)
General Comments:
It's a good car overall, I've had more problems then most I've seen. Parts are expensive, especially luxury parts like CD Changer, and roof racks.
Car handles pretty good, although if I bought another I'd step up the engine to the VR6. The 4-cylinder doesn't have the highway speed. Tops out around 130 KM/H.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 20th June, 2001
25th Nov 2008, 16:26
I agree with that first comment, my 1990 Golf with a 1.8 8 valve did 180km/h and still had lots to more to go, only I didn't want to lose my license.
These cars are engineered to run flat out all day on the Autobahn, and so that is where they are engineered to run their best.
People give VW a bad name because they don't drive them properly. These are not your Granny's car. They must be driven more aggressively and shifted at higher rpm or they break down. I am not saying that you should drive it like you stole it either.
A very good VW mechanic whom I respect the opinion of completely, told me that as well as the fact that most vehicles that came to the dealership with major engine problems were owned by people over the age of 20. Stop babying your VW! As the saying goes "built for drivers", so start acting like one and your VW will love you for it.
I would give my Golf "The ol' Italian tune up" once a month and would notice a vast improvement in throttle response and acceleration pretty much right away. It would also idle much better as well.
I am currently driving VW number 16 and love them. That said, I don't really want to buy one newer than a 1992, because they started to have issues after that.
The 2 litre is not as good on fuel as the 1.8 is, and is more of a pain to work on because the intake manifold goes over the top.
If you get the Golf in the 3rd gen, you still get the 1.8 in it. Also as for the problems with the first year of a new generation, that is with pretty much any vehicle out there. There are always bugs to be worked out, so the last year of a generation is usually the best buy.
Just one more thing, buying your oil filter from the VW dealer (Audi or Mann) is one of the best things you can do for a VW. These have a check ball in the filter that keeps the oil in the head from draining back to the oil pan after the car is turned off. The aftermarket ones don't have this feature, and you will end up with a valve tick in no time.
People who know and want a VW, love them, people who want a "car" don't get it and usually have high repair bills. These cars are very good, they just need a different set of rules to be driven and taken care of.
Just my 2 cents.
26th Nov 2008, 18:00
"Steering column smokes periodically (not regularly) when starting"
Sounds like a car fire that was waiting to happen - there must've been a bare wire shorting out in the column - I say "must've" because this was a 7 year-old review.
22nd Mar 2008, 11:29
Haha, 130 km/h only, it's pretty impossible... You probably means 130MPH... because no volkswagen with a 2 liter will top at only 130kmh. My friend has a 1.8 liter and goes near 200 kmh with it... and its stock.