2000 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 1.8 turbo from North America

Summary:

A terrible mistake

Faults:

Check engine light came on at 4,000 miles. The car began backfiring. Dealer turned the light off and said the computer reported no problems.

At 5000 miles the car continued to backfire and the service engine light was on again. Had regular service done, they turned off the light again and told me again the car was fine.

Spoke with service department prior to 10000 mile service about backfiring. Dealer could not replicate problem. Service engine light came back on at 7000 miles. Driver door began to groan when accelerating or decelerating.

At 12000 miles the service engine light was still on. I told the dealer I did not want the car back until it was fixed. A week and a half later the dealer told me that valves in the turbo were cracked and oil was being sent into the engine. The problem was repaired and the light stayed off. The backfiring continued without an error light. All doors now groaning when the car accelerated or decelerated. Dashboard creaking badly around radio when any road irregularity encountered. Dealer threatened to void warranty because after-market radio was installed.

At 15000 service I complained about the backfiring again. Dealer was unable to replicate the problem. I backfired my way back home very discouraged. The center armrest latch broke off, and the sun-roof emergency crank cover fell off while going over railroad tracks. Tires began making very loud warbling noise and were replaced as defective under warranty.

At 20000 miles I attempted to remove sap from the hood with a clearcoat safe product I have used on Hondas, Toyotas, and Nissans without problem. It ate the clearcoat off the Jetta. Jettas have very thin clearcoat finishes. Driver door began to sag on its hinges. Dealer said it was within specs. Numerous audible interior groans, squeaks, and rattles became topic of conversation when transporting friends.

At 25000 miles the car continued to backfire. Tires were badly cupped and distorted again. Dealer refused to inspect suspension and said that the Jetta was being driven roughly. I don't think rough driving cups tires. It tends to wear the tires down quickly, but evenly. Warranty gone at this point anyway.

Near 30000 miles the car began spewing bright blue smoke occasionally on startup. Very concerned abotu this problem. Dealer said it was bad fuel. Check engine light did *not* come on. I discussed this with the dealer, wondering why blue smoke wouldn't trigger an emissions warning. No answer. I was told that an engine diagnostic was not covered under the 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. Only "internal lubricated parts" are covered under powertrain.

General Comments:

At 31,000 I sold the car to Carmax. I took a $4600 loss and am happy to be rid of the car.

Even when the car was working correctly, it handled sloppily. The suspension bobs and sways and the steering is not accurate. The brakes are strong, but the nose dives severely under strong braking. The traction control is not effective.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th September, 2002

3rd Oct 2002, 00:19

Did you ever try to contact VW? I've had all sorts of problems with my vehicle resolved through the VW of A complaints office, despite Dealership wrangling.

18th Jan 2004, 13:02

The State Attorney General would have been very helpful in your situation. Make sure you check lemon laws as well next time before you buy a car. A standard warranty is usually no less than 70,000 miles by most major manufacturers, no it would be wise to not settle for anything less.

In addition, I just bought a 2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T for just under $10,000 that had 50,000 miles on it. It drives like a brand new Audi TT! They must have mad some major changes after your model. Not one complaint from me.

15th Jul 2005, 15:43

Just recently bought 2000 jetta 1.8T for 8 grand with it having 65000 miles on it. Previous owner said there has never been any major problems except for the water pump leaking which he then got it replaced. Of course I opted for the manual transmission because with the turbo charged engine it's a lot of fun to drive... Drives real nice and smooth and if you get one with the extra Monsoon audio system, it makes driving very enjoyable... Love it.

2nd Feb 2008, 17:32

Have had a 2000 Jetta 1.8T for seven years now and it's going in for an 80,000 mile tuneup soon. I love the car and have had only general maintenance performed.

2000 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 1.9 turbo diesel from North America

Summary:

Day to day maintenance is too pricey to be considered a bargain

Faults:

The day after driving off of the lot a tire blew. My dream car has now lost one small grille on the front driver's side, has had all of the glow plugs replaced twice and most recently the glow plug harness. After many headaches, I now have to pay over $200.00 to replace the battery. This is an uncommon battery and anyone servicing it must have the codes at the time of replacement.

General Comments:

I always dreamed of owning a VW Jetta. I love the fuel economy of the car and the stylish look. However I do not think that I can ever purchase one again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th September, 2002

23rd Nov 2004, 09:58

Good Afternoon Steve Jackson,

I also own a 2000 Jetta TDI with the extended warranty which has proved to be well worth it. I am now in the process of getting a replacement battery (after 5 years - which is a good lifetime).

Did you have VW replace it for you? I was thinking of doing it myself and have read the warnings and the need to reset the windows, radio, and the presets.

I hear your hesitation in purchasing another TDI, but I have spoken too many other TDI owners of later generations of VW's 2000+ and it appears that VW has made many advancement for the TDI line.

Hope all is well, let me know if you want to share notes.

-Jacques.