2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS review from North America

Rt rear window fell inward.

Short in instrument cluster. Replaced entire instrument panel (warrantied).

Radio shorts out.

Armrest spring broken ($500 to replace.. which I did not).

Replaced two taillight bulbs and one headlight already. I've seen many Jetta's with lights NOT working.

Replaced glow plugs... one was covered. I replaced the rest.

Carbonization-$1200..no warrantied.

Battery died within the first 2 weeks of ownership.

Fuel line came loose (likely dealer replacing filter did not tighten).

Windshield fluid jet is currently inoperable.

Replaced front brakes at 35000 miles.

Replaced another front brake at 70000... rear brakes are squeaking.

Fuel line gelled on the highway in sub-freezing temps - dealer failed to tighten fuel filter.

Purchased a TDI for mileage benefits and have a reliable newer car.

My brother has owned a 1988 VW.. still running strong.. and a 2000 golf... with essentially no problems.

We've spent $3500-4000 on misc repairs essentially $1000/year.

This money pit is never-ending and I'll never be able to sell the car.

I'll end up eating any additional costs driving it until it dies. Hopefully the mileage will help defray some of the costs.

I do like some features and the drive-ability is nice, but the overall engineering or manufacturing quality standards are very low.

My 1992 GMC S-15 (purchased new) was still going strong at 150k miles having to replace only the waterpump at over 100k miles and a set a brakes.

It's scary that my wifes' old 1998 Mercury Mystique (Mistake as mechanics have called it) has had less expensive problems.