1984 Volkswagen Jetta GLi 1.8 8v Gas from North America

Summary:

Reliable, Solid, Performer..

Faults:

Normal wear and tear, nothing catastrophic.

A lot of annoying things happened at 280,000 kms, dash lights, fan motor switch, fuel line corrosion, etc.

Gas tank rusted out at 200,000 kms. This is common to pre-1985 VWs because of steel tanks. This is a big job because the rear suspension has to be removed to get at the tank.

General Comments:

Fun to drive and hugely reliable.

Parts are typically more expensive, but genuine VW parts tend to last longer.

You don't "drive" it, you "wear" this car like clothes.

Could use a few more ponies...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th November, 2002

19th Nov 2007, 22:15

I have an 84 with the 1.7 8v. Do the ponies differ much? I seem to think the 74hp the 1.7 has is far MORE sufficient then what is needed to haul this little car up to 140+ km/h with 4 people on board. You must be used to driving muscle cars or something..?

22nd Nov 2007, 09:17

I just purchased a 1984 Jetta. Thing's in great shape, but, boy, it sure is sluggish.

It has a new timing belt, tensioner, alternator, battery, spark plugs, spark plug wires, but it seems it still lacks power.

I can't believe they were made this way. I got a compression check and that seems OK, although one cylinder is a little lower than the others. Might the injectors need to be replaced?

1984 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.7L fuel injected from North America

Summary:

Cheap reliable car with factory performance figures

Faults:

The horn stopped operating.

The passenger window came loose from the crank, but was fixed very easily.

General Comments:

This car has good performance considering it has 76 horsepower. Takes on Civics.

Extremely reliable car.

Only spent money on fuel injector cleaner and gas in the last year.

Tune up still to come.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th June, 2001

1984 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8L from North America

Summary:

An easy to maintain car with a wonderful personality!!

Faults:

A/C pump went out, the cost of a rebuilt pump was $350 for a re-manufactured part, which I installed, and $50 to have the system recharged.

I also replaced the thermo-time switch at a cost of $30.

The idle air bypass valve at a cost of $75.

The catalytic converter for $250.

Cat back exhaust system (I paid less for a performance version) $275.

General Comments:

For a $3000 investment I have found this car to be a formidable performer. Keep in mind that this car was free and I made sure that the motor was in good shape, however with a little research and a little work a novice mechanic can have a wonderfully fun car to drive.

This car is well balanced as far as handling and will throw absolutely no surprises. The engines on these cars "IF PROPERLY CARED FOR" are bullet proof. If you doubt this my car has even compression on all four cylinders and is well within specs, also my oil pressure sits at 15 psi at idle, and 60 psi at 3500 RPM, this indicates the oil pump and bearing condition.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th May, 2001

9th Jul 2002, 09:50

Why does this review have a "sad face" beside it when it's very enthusiastic about the car?