| Year of manufacture | 1986 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2000 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 diesel Manual |
| Performance marks | 4 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
7.3 / 10
|
| Distance when acquired | 326000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 410000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Lada Sagona |
Summary:
Very economical and extremely reliable
Faults:
I changed the drive axles, and did the brakes and exhaust.
General Comments:
My father bought the car new in 1986 and it has yet to ever break down.
It gets a very consistent 58 to 64mpg depending on your foot.
The clutch is getting weak now, as it is still the original.
All maintenance is performed by me or my father as we have a diesel shop of our own.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 10th December, 2000
| Year of manufacture | 1986 |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2000 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 Manual |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
6.0 / 10
|
| Distance when acquired | 73000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 107000 miles |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Golf 1983 1.3 |
Summary:
Slow but at least you will get there without breaking down
Faults:
Mainly usual parts ie. brake discs etc.
CV joints seem weak.
Rear shocks have been changed.
Diff bearing went in the gearbox - ouch! Big bill.
Generally just plugs and oil changes every 6,000 miles keep it running well.
General Comments:
Has been very reliable car as I do many motorway miles. Not very fast but cruises OK.
No rust at all anywhere. Seems very tough although I do tend to replace things before they break.
Good car on the whole.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th September, 2000
| Year of manufacture | 1986 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
8.8 / 10
|
Faults:
Had to have a new clutch at 200,000 miles. I've had to have a couple of radiators put in. Brakes of course.
General Comments:
This car has probably 260,000 miles. The odometer went out a few years ago and I drive a lot everyday, city miles, too. I'm constantly on the road.
The engine has never been out of the car and burns no oil. Your questions about reliability and performance should take such long term service into account. I decided a few years ago to drive this car until it drops. It just won't drop!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 28th March, 1999
260,000 miles!! Wow. What a car! If only the newer VW's were made as well. I'd feel more confident taking a 1991 VW Golf on a 3,000 mile France/Germany trip from England than I would a 2001 VW Golf due to the dramatic come down in quality and reliability despite the hype...
My 1986 Volkswagen Jetta has 362000 on it and still runs like a charm, uses no oil, has had to have one transmission, two radiators, one rear inside door panel, upholstery is still very good, and the engine is unbelievable, gets 32-36 miles per gallon, have had replaced four CV joints, six sets of brakes on the front, one on the back, have gone through six sets of tires.