1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLX review from North America

Wheel bearings - both front wheels on different occasions.

Ignition coil.

Mass air sensor.

Window regulator (only one!)

AC leak.

I've had a Jetta GLX since 1997 (bought it new) and still love it after almost 10 years. It handles great, gets great mileage for a 6 cylinder, 10 yr old car (about 27 mpg combined, mostly city). Being rather a skinny car, it is easy to parallel park (I live in a city). until a few years ago, people were still asking me if it was new. I think because you could still smell the leather.

I've had a lot of the same repairs as others describe here, but nothing unexpected for a car that old. Ignition coil replaced - only once so far. Mass air sensor - that's an expensive bugger! Window regulator only once, but ti didn't cost as much as others say to replace. Other minor and routine things as well. Batteries, brakes, belts, tires, plugs and wires, etc.

I'm comfortable with spending $1000 per year on repairs and maintenance rather than buying a new car. It's far cheaper, and I may not ever find a car I enjoy as much as this one (that I could actually afford). Plus, it will be my last stick ever because my wife refuses to drive a stick.

When the trim first started getting loose I glued it on with a silicone glue called GOOP that you can find in any hardware store. Best $4 I ever spent. Never had a trim prob after that. I think I have the only Jetta on the road with all the original trim.

My Jetta only has 94K miles and is almost always parked inside, so it has that advantage, I'll admit.