2001 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Summary:

I enjoy the car, but the repairs are killing me

Faults:

Replaced the turbo.

Replaced glow-plug harness.

Replaced glow-plugs.

Replaced timing belt 2x's within 6 months.

Heated seats do not work.

Heated outside mirrors do not work.

Cup-holders in front and rear are broken.

Tint on drivers window is peeling off.

Wiper base has seized and wipers fail.

When wipers do work they skip across windshield.

General Comments:

I purchased a used car and I should have spent the extra buying new. I have only had the car 1 year and it feels like my mechanic has had it more than myself. The car is in the garage again as I am typing. Again for the timing system.

My problem is finding a mechanic that is competent to work on diesels and is up to date with the models. Taking it back to the dealership is not an option as their prices are too high for labour and parts. Finding a private mechanic is difficult for this model of car.

If the car was working properly I may have time to enjoy it. What I am paying for repairs could have gone to a newer model. I travel approximately 120km to work (one way) each day and purchased the diesel for better gas consumption. I realized after I made the purchase that we do not have a diesel gas bar in our town. I have to remember to fill up before coming home.

Living in Canada and the colder climate I was looking forward to having the heated seats. The seats stopped working within 6 months of my purchase and the dealership mechanic states its the heating elements and the entire seat upholstery will have to be removed to repair the problem.

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

Review Date: 1st November, 2005

1st Jan 2006, 23:17

I too bought a used Jetta TDI (a 2001) and have been stung several times. Every time the check engine light comes on it's a $1000 minimum out of my wallet. The car has amazing fuel economy, but is less reliable than a ford with parts and labour being as high as a BMW. Not a good Combo : (I too live in Canada and my heated seats work sometimes.

11th Mar 2006, 00:01

Check out "www.tdiclub.com" and you may find your problems solved.

2001 Volkswagen Jetta wolfsburg 1.8 turbo gas

Summary:

Excellent when it works, but it usually doesn't and costs me a lot of money

Faults:

- check engine light on MANY times

-clutch gone at 100,000 km

-engine has been misfiring ever since I bought it.

General Comments:

The car is exceptional, when it is working properly

The check engine light has been on for almost the entire time I have owned the car. Every time I take it in, it cost $100 just to have it analyzed, let alone the cost of repairs.

The engine has been misfiring and lopping erratically ever since I owned the car. Volkswagon Dealers can't seem to explain or fix the problem.

The Vehicle rarely starts the first time, and needs to be turned over 2 or 3 times to start...

Yes, I have new platinum plugs, and I always use supreme gas

The clutch has now gone at 108,000 KM, service/replacement is very expensive

Overall, the car has been disappointing. Like I mentioned, when it works, it works very well and is a joy to drive. However, it has been plagued by problems and has been very expensive to maintain...

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

Review Date: 25th October, 2005

11th Nov 2005, 19:50

I am having the very same problems. I purchased my 2001 VW Jetta Wolfsburg about 6 months ago. It had about 56,000 miles on it, and it ran beautifully. I am now at 68,000 miles and am having the engine problems that you had described. I had a mechanic that I trust very much work on it and a few hundred bucks later it still continues to do the same thing. I am hesitant to talk to a VW dealer because they may want me to have them work on it. I can just see the $$$ already. I am seriously thinking about trading it in on a different vehicle already.