2000 Volkswagen Jetta GLS review from North America

Covered by Certified VW car to 50K and an extended warranty to 75K.

* Passenger Window fell into door at 26,500 and 82K.

* MAF went at 42K. I bought an after-market stereo and I had to swap to the OEM one before they would service the car. The infamous k-line or whatever might be shorted and ruin their equipment.

* Front 02 sensor at 44k. Yes, I had to swap the stereo again.

* Rear brake light and brake switch were replaced at 49K.

* I noticed an oil "consumption" problem at 40K and went through two rounds of the infamous oil consumption test. I had to show them all my oil changes information.

* At 59K, they told me that out of "good will" that they would do a cylinder wall de-glazing and piston ring change. We all know that the truth..

* at 60k, the inner joint broke on the right side and they replace the "hollow" right-side axle.

* at 82k, another brake switch recall.

I haven't had any problems for the last 25K that isn't your normal wear and tear, but it can be expensive..

* timing belt with a new tensioner, water pump (with that stupid nylon impeller) at 84K

* front brake rotors and pads... Not bad to put 85K and finally wear out the front brakes.. back ones are still fine at 84K

* two sets of tires...a little over 40K per set.

Of course, I had all of the annoying issues that aren't worth fixing..except when you use ebay to your advantage...

* Glove box hinge, cup holder, arm rest clip and rear ash tray broke in the first 40K.

* My kids ruined the low hanging "belly/bumper" in the front getting this caught on the "parking curbs"

I grew up driving sub-compact Toyota Carina's, Corolla's along with a Honda Accord.

German cars like the VW Jetta are a true driver's car. I actually look forward to take the car out and drive it around even after having it for over 5 years. The Japanese cars may be more reliable, but they can be boring.

I bought the car really for my teenage boy's and this is the "ideal car" for them. They like the looks and the car is peppy, but with the 2.0L they really can't get into trouble. I feel the car is solid and has a good safety record.

While the list of problems look long, compared to most Jetta's, this is a small list.