2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS VR6

Summary:

I am planning to buy an Audi pretty soon

Faults:

Timing belt, secondary water pump, mass air flow sensor, hazard light switch, brake light switch.

Front brakes went bad at 36600.

General Comments:

This car is quick and handles quite good. I love my car.

I had it only for 25 days, in which it was with the dealer for 12 days. It was with the dealer two times. The first time, it was my bad, I hit a small pole in a parking lot, which I could not see from my car. So, it made a hole in the radiator and the radiator core support. I had to leave the car with the dealer for 8 days. It was easy to fix, but they could not get the radiator core support for 6 days.

After it got fixed, the check engine light came on and it was making a whining noise from the air filter. So I decided to take the car to the dealer for the 40K service, which could cost around $700. I left the car with dealer and went to work.

The dealer gave me a call after 3 hours, and told me that, my timing belt has a crack and the secondary water pump is leaking. The check engine light was because of the mass airflow sensor, and they replaced it for free, because it was under recall. They also told me that my strut mounts were wearing up, and I have to replace them immediately. I told them to go ahead and replace the water pump and timing belt. The parts were covered under warranty, but they charged me $300 for the labor. I have an appointment next week for the strut mounts. I hope this is an end of the expenses on my car.

I love my car because it is really fast.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th August, 2005

2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8 turbo

Summary:

I think Jettas are lousy cars... don't buy one!

Faults:

Bad Oil Seals $400.

Faulty Temperature Sensor $230.

Bad Serpentine Belt $104.

Remote Entry Stopped Working $65 to reprogram.

Bad Window Regulators $??

Brake Lamp Recall.

Bad clutch $1,000 (ouch!)

Failed Emissions Test. Required $550 repairs.

General Comments:

I was very excited when I originally bought this car brand new 4 years ago. I like the styling, the turbo model is quick and it is easy to drive and park.

Post warranty, this car is really starting to fall apart. I've had like 8 things fixed during the last 13 months. Volkswagen parts are very expensive and the dealer's labor rates are quite high. This car is reminding me of the junkers I used to buy when I was a teenager.

Right now I'm doing all I can to spread the word to friends, family and complete strangers that I think Jettas are lousy cars... don't buy one!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th August, 2005

6th Feb 2006, 11:57

I have an appointment to take my VW in Wednesday after nearly destroying the engine this weekend. I had an oil change 3000 miles ago, and the oil light suddenly sounded and flashed for a couple of seconds. By time I pulled over, I could hear the valves clicking, and an oil check revealed a bone-dry dipstick. The car has 69K miles, and I change my oil more often than suggested. No oil in the driveway, no blue smoke. I shudder to contemplate what I'm going to be told. I've had all the usual VW drama -- preemie water pump failure, catalytic converter failure, the infamous window clip failure, the perpetual 'check engine' light, various broken-off plastic pieces in the interior, hazard light drama, a front bumper that snags anything more than 4 inches high... I thought it was just my own bad luck, but I seem to have plenty of company.

3rd Jun 2006, 03:30

I love my VDubb, and I've owned it for 5 years now - no problems to write about.

4th Jun 2006, 07:22

My Volkswagen is 13 years-old and has been the most enjoyable & reliable vehicle I've ever owned.