1999 Volkswagen Jetta GL review from North America

I Purchased this car from a used car dealership thinking it was a deal. I did a Kelley blue book search on the car and noticed it was under retail, I soon learned why.

I won't go into details with cosmetic damage, simply because I knew what I was getting into when purchasing a used car.

I recently learned that the Jetta IV was known for having electrical problems. When I first bought the car the light bulbs were extremely dim. I took them out to take a look at the bulbs. They were intact, the resistor inside the bulb was still connected. When I looked closer I noticed the socket was burnt. The car didn't have a warranty so I knew I couldn't go back to the dealership where I purchased it. I merely took it on the chin, and tried to repair it myself. I simply went to an auto parts store and bought new sockets and the correct light bulbs making sure that wouldn’t' have been the problem, problem solved... temporarily.

After 3 months of ownership when it came time to change the oil I noticed the drain plug wouldn't screw in tight like a normal car, the screw or the oil pan was stripped. Went to a Volkswagen dealership they wanted 300+ to repair it. I merely designed a gasket to fit there, problem solved.

After 5 months of ownership the clutch began squeaking and the start would make a loud grinding whistling noise. Then one day the car just wouldn't crank. Took the car to a local mechanic who works on Volkswagen, did the job cheaper than the dealership would have. Apparently the flywheel is damaged causing the gear on the starter to damage as well. eventually the starter gave up.

At around the same time the light bulb sockets burnt again, and I was stuck with no working lights. The reverse lights have burnt out as well, and also one of the rear tail lights, causing me to be pulled over numerous times.

The power locks no loner work, and often times the anti-theft will alarm itself not allowing me to turn the car on, and leaving me stranded. Quick solution to this problem, I merely take a wrench disconnect the battery and reset the computer. seems to fix the problem.

The check engine light never goes away. I've been told it's numerous things. At one point the car was idling around 400 rpms, I was informed that the circuit board on the throttle body idler module was damaged and needed to be replaced.

Later on I didn't pass the Indiana state emissions test because the O2 sensors weren't functioning properly.

I have gone through 2 Volkswagen windshield wiper motors.

I can't stress how much of a burden this car has caused me.

Currently I'm in the process of looking for a slightly used certified Japanese car with a warranty. I really just want a car that I know the only amount of money I'll put in is for basic maintenance.

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Interior is decent size, car looks cute from the outside, but unreliable.