Faults:

Back struts have gone.

No interior lites work.

Covering around the interior light is worn out.

Floor mats are worn out.

Back door handle broken.

General Comments:

I love the car and it is really cheap to run. It only cost me 40 bucks to fill up and it is reliable. it handles great and has sharp steering. It is a fun small car to drive and I take it everywhere!

Faults:

A few months after purchasing the car, I had the full muffler system including the catalytic converter replaced as the previous unit was botched to cover the emissions testing required in my region.

The start gave me some problems, but was rectified with a relay kit that was part of a recall back in the mid-90s.

After that I had virtually no problems for 10 months until one day it conked out in an intersection. This was the beginning of a close relationship with my mechanic. After replacing the fuel pump, ignition coil, a full tune-up, fuel flush, and some other electrical and fuel related parts, it problem was found in the distributor. By this time the mechanic did charge me on the last repair.

Finally, in December the ignition switch had to be replaced. A tedious $200 repair.

General Comments:

I wanted to sell this car at one point, but I can't bring myself to part with it. I waited a long time to get up the nerve to purchase a quirky car like this and I've enjoyed it since. I recommend 5-speed over automatic for fuel savings and performance.

I am a tall person and the only car I fit comfortably in, that is in the economy range is this VW.

Insurance has been much cheaper for this model year over if I bought a new car leased. In fact, I like this 1990 Jetta much more than my brand new Sunfire that I leased previous to purchasing this car. European makes are much more fun to drive than the North American boats.

I hope to keep it a couple more years. At that point I'll have my next VW picked out.

Faults:

The battery died after owning it for 2 weeks, but Wal-mart batteries are cheap ($40 for a new one with 2 year replacement warranty.

Dash was cracked when I bought it, but the person who owned it before me lived in southern Arizona, so I am just going to glue it or get a dash mat.

Just 4 days ago, I think my fuel pump went out, which is bad because its about a $300 part, and I know it wasn't the filter, and I'm checking the relay fuse.

The clutch needs some work done, I'm not sure whether or not if it needs replacing, but I'm afraid that it does.

From what I can tell, the person who traded it in didn't want to face all the repairs it needed, so they decided to get a new car instead, but it's fine with me, because I love the car anyways.

The only problems with Volkswagens, as anyone knows, is that it is super expensive to buy parts that are volkswagen made.

General Comments:

The engine rocks, it will beat any Japanese import out there, stock of course, but the 2.0 liter Duel Over Head Cam turn sharp and still make a turn like non other.

The car is sold stock with Racero racing seats that usually come in mustang cobra's, and it also came stock with 15 inch BBS rims.

The car has such a racy little stance too, because the nose of the car is short, and the car looks really boxy and in your face edgy.