1999 Volkswagen Jetta GL

Summary:

A deceivingly attractive money-pit

Faults:

Almost immediately, springs from under both of the front seats fell off.

"Check Engine" light on prior to 30k miles.

Both front and rear cup-holders broke.

Hinge used in opening glove box broke.

Middle back seat belt jammed.

Mock vent cover on lower right of front end fell out.

Replaced alternator.

Replaced core return.

Replaced starter.

Replaced Battery.

Replaced serpentine belt and tensioner.

Replaced vacuum line to fuel relay.

Replaced v-belt and tensioner.

Air compressor has now seized, destroying the serpentine belt (previously replaced).

General Comments:

This absolutely the worst product I have ever paid for.

I am now at the end of a four-year lease, where, I have accumulated over $1500 in repairs.

The repairs that are now apparent (Air compressor/serpentine belt, etc) have left the vehicle inoperative and will cost over $1600 to correct.

This vehicle has left me stranded on the side of the road four times in four years. This is a 1999!

Two years ago I was confronted by the service manager and a fellow employee regarding "not giving all 5's on my telephone Service Survey". This issue was reported to Volkswagen Customer Care with no correction or follow up.

I have experienced little or no product/service support, both by telephone and written complaints.

I would not only discourage buying a Volkswagen of any sort (poor product/minimal support), I would also encourage all to share my experience with friends and family thinking of purchasing a vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th July, 2003

22nd Aug 2003, 10:43

I see that you have had several major problems with the vehicle, but you must notice that you were putting over 34,000 miles on the car a year. That is an extreme amount for any vehicle. True there are several minor things that have been found shoddy on the VW's, but many of the mechanical problems you are talking about are normal for a car with that many miles. I only have 80,000 on mine and the starter is about to go out. This isn't bad mechanics, the parts just wear out after a while. Don't be upset with a car that only cost $3,000 to fix after 100,000 miles. That's cheap when compared too many of the other vehicles in its class.

29th Apr 2004, 01:17

$3000 in REPAIRS for 100,000 miles!? You are blinded by some kind of loyalty to VW. Have you read any of the other reviews? Noticed any patterns? THIS IS NOT NORMAL! Sheesh! Some things should not need to be replaced within 100K regardless if it takes you a months or 10 years to put that many miles on it. Wheel bearings are a good examples, Mass air flow sensors are another. VW has a lemon here! WAKE UP!

I am a former VW fan, having a wonderful '84 Scirocco and a couple of Bugs. I have also worked in an independent VW shop. I am really disappointed in the downhill slide in quality of Volkswagen. Buy a Honda!

1999 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 2.0

Summary:

So Far So Good!!!

Faults:

Nothing major...yet. I am taking the car in because I was told it needed new front and rear brakes.

Right now my problems are more cosmetic than anything else. The panel on the rear passenger side is discolored. It's never been in a wreck... I knew the lady who owned it previously and she had no idea what happened. The paint is beginning to chip on the hood. I have also noticed a yellow wax coming from the doors.

Has far as electric problems; the previous owner took care of all the recalls. However, the CD player (6 disc changer) is temperamental. It will play the first CD fine, they I press to listen to another CD and it's like the CD skips... oddest thing.

Also the panel lights which illuminate the air and heat controls is gone. When I first got it worked if you tapped on the console, but now it's completely gone.

General Comments:

I love the way it drives and handles. It has pep which my Toyota was lacking. I love the body style. I love the panel purple and orange lights.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 29th July, 2003