2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS VR6

Summary:

Very Good Car

Faults:

Had to replace Passenger Window motor.

EPC light has been on for the last 55000 miles. Has occasional trouble starting and revving after rainstorms due to EPC light problem, but other than that is tolerable.

Does the bad luck of replacing 3 tires and 1 windshield count? :) Not VW's fault though.

AM Radio Reception disappeared.

General Comments:

Yeah, I've had some issues, but nothing major. Those issues I have had the dealer fixed for free, AFTER warranty was over. I have no complaints really.

For my EPC light, dealers have swapped out O2 sensors for free. They replaced my window motor for free.

Front brakes lasted 75k and rear brakes are original at 95k.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th May, 2004

12th Jul 2004, 10:30

You're very lucky, my REAR brakes had to be replaced after 25k miles!!! It cost me over $400 and my husband was furious that I paid to have that done! I previously owned a Camry with over 95K miles and never had to change the brakes!

2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 2.0 liter

Summary:

A drivers and mechanics dream

Faults:

Radiator punctured in first 5000 miles of ownership. Most likely caused by debris from the road, but undercarriage protection of the car is not adequate. Repair cost - $650.

Rear brakes are failing and making a terrible noise. Took to shop and they said rotors are worn and need to be replaced. Estimated cost $400. Front brakes fine.

Armrest latch has broken so many times, I've stopped having it fixed.

Armrest swivel mechanism is broken so armrest flops to the bottom.

Dashboard is starting to peal and not from sun (always use sunshade and garage the car). Pealing mostly around cup holder, window switches, and other switches on door.

Tires shot after 30,000 miles. Had to replace.

There is a gooey substance that leaks on the rocker panels. I was told it is the undercarriage sealant. It is impossible to get off the car!

General Comments:

Car handles quite nicely for a car under $20k.

Seats are comfortable, especially with the heated seat option.

Acceleration is great for such a small engine!

Nice interior - gages are displayed nicely and easy to read. Blue and red display is neat.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th April, 2004

31st May 2004, 15:40

Tire life is highly variable, and dependent upon driving style, type of tire etc. 30,000 miles is not necessarily bad tire life.

The leakage of cosmoline in this (and other cars) can happen in warm climates.

2001 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg 1.8T gasoline turbo

Summary:

A well-designed, sporty workhorse

Faults:

A split PCV hose was replaced under warranty. The effect of this problem was that oil vapor condensed under the intake manifold. This was NOT a problem that could have caused a breakdown or engine damage.

The door lock control module was replaced under warranty. The faulty module did not register that the driver's door was open, which means that the dome light did not turn on when the door was opened.

The ignition coils & window regulator clips were replaced under a service action & extended warranty (respectively) at the 35,000mi oil change at not cost or inconvenience to me and before they broke.

The quality of service at my dealer (Ehrlich VW in Greeley, CO) has been exemplary.

General Comments:

I love driving this car. It is fast, fun, reliable, and I average 29 - 30 mpg in spirited mixed city/highway driving.

The car is comfortable, solid, and handles like a car costing twice as much.

The styling is understated and distinctive.

The ergonomics are superb, from the driver's controls to the trunk to the engine compartment.

For a fun, practical, well-designed, and reasonably priced European Sports Sedan, look no further!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th April, 2004

4th Jun 2004, 10:57

I would have to disagree about the service of Ehrlich VW in Greeley, CO. Its OK, but the attitude of some of the staff needs readjustment. Also, the "free" touch-less car wash with service is nice. Although I noticed oil changes when up 6 dollars about 6 months ago when they began to offer this service. Coincidence? Finally, I was in for service on another problem with my 2000 Passat GLX V6 78k miles. Their service department said that my tie rod ends are bad. My car shows no classic symptoms of this problem. Steering is as tight as it ever was. There are no odd wear patterns on the tires. If I go with the reapair it will cost $610. That sounds about $200 more expensive than it should be.