Faults:

Clutch cable has been replaced twice.

Door card is coming off on the passenger door.

Doesn't start easily in cold weather.

Difficult to get it into 5th gear.

General Comments:

Had the car resprayed in a custom electric blue, and fitted 17 inch MSR racing mags.

The engine has redone from the ground up.

It's very fuel efficient for an old car, and has performance that feels like a 1.8 and not a 1.6.

Parts are easily available, and are generally super cheap in RSA.

I'm planning to get a smash and grab window put in, and an alarm with central locking in the next couple of days.

Overall, I think it's a great 2nd hand buy, as long as you find one in good nick, and have it checked by a mechanic.

Faults:

Interior door pins and glove box handle have snapped.

Immobiliser stopped working.

Central locking motor had to be replaced 4 times.

Boot lid lock has not worked since I got the car.

Wiper motors.

The car cuts out when stopped or accelerating, and won't start again.

Car shudders and jerks sometimes. Have taken it in to VW, and replaced numerous parts, but the problem is there.

Aircon pipe exploded.

Fuel pump.

Carburettor had to be replaced 6 times.

Pieces of rubber in the fuel line.

Rust.

General Comments:

Powerful and quick for its size.

Has a very solid feel to it, despite problems.

Fuel efficient.

Safe car held up well in 2 accidents.

Fantastic aircon.

Reliability is a big let down to the car.

Faults:

- Brake booster had to be replaced twice

- Clutch cable has broken twice

- Wear and tear items (CV joints, wheel bearings, shocks etc)

- Tappet cover gasket (seal)

- Engine seized at 200 000kms (was subsequently rebuilt)

General Comments:

The Jetta was my second vehicle and was an upgrade from my epically unreliable Toyota Corolla (1983).

Based on the MkII Golf, the chassis is remarkably capable for a vehicle of it's size, it handles predictably, and is very stable at high speed.

Although not a blistering performance vehicle, it's 1.8 engine gives a linear pull through the range, and is always willing.

With a towbar attached the Jetta can easily handle light to medium towing requirements.

For it's day, the Jetta was well equipped, including air conditioning, fully adjustable seats and cruise control.

Despite the list of mechanical faults mentioned above, one must keep in mind that this vehicle has substantial mileage on it, so wear and tear item replacement is inevitable.

The only major issue was the engine failure at 200 000km. I had it rebuilt and haven't had a day's problem with it since. Another advantage of older vehicles, the engine rebuilt is inexpensive, easily a 1/4 the price of a modern engine.

Through the years I have often considering upgrading to a more modern, luxurious sedan, and every time, I do the math regarding purchase price, insurance and running costs, my conclusion remains the same, no current vehicle can match it in value for money and versatility combined.

I am a happy owner, and have decided for the last while now, that I will only upgrade as soon as the old girl gives in.

I've been trying to "kill" her subtly for the last 5 years to justify an upgrade... but she won't have any of it ;-)

Faults:

My 1996 VW Jetta is jerking?

General Comments:

It started by just cutting off while driving on a highway. The engine was running but could not rev.

I took it to mechanic who took the whole week trying to find the problem. They started by saying it's throttle body, which they changed, and there was no difference, then fuel pump, which they changed and still no difference.

Then a computer box, which they changed and the car started revving, though you could feel something was not 100% right.

On driving the car started jerking. I noticed that it was jerking on the steep when the fuel was low (1/4 tank). I also suspected timing.

I took it to my VW specialist; they started by pointing at HT leads and distributor cap, which they changed and the car is still jerking. When they checked the timing with the timing light, they said it does not hold timing, but they do not know what the cause is.

Now the car does not hold the idling when cold, and you can still feel it cutting while driving. Any one who can help with this?