2002 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4 Door Wagon review from North America

Radio failed to work and sometimes came on by itself. Went to dealership and they replaced radio under warranty.

A year later, the car wouldn't start but lights would work and radio as well. Took to dealer and they repaired electric sensor.

A year or so later, the battery went dead. Went to dealer and they replaced it under warranty.

A year later, the battery went dead, car out of warranty. Bought new battery. OK for a while.

Then months later, wouldn't start. Took to good mechanic and he diagnosed it. First tested security locks and left locked at all times unused. Drained battery still.

Then, pulled out the radio and for last 6 months, there have been NO PROBLEMS without THE RADIO. Inspected radio, there was a sticker - the dealership replaced my new radio during the first year with a FACTORY REFURBISHED radio!!!

Now, I am looking to get a new radio, but local audio installers can't find VW harness and can't help me. The dealer couldn't provide harness either, but offered to SELL ME A RADIO! They are nuts!

It is a shame that the dealership was so unhelpful and uncooperative or ignorant. It is also a shame that this manufacturer gets away with making such a poor product and it is also a shame that folks still buy VWs.

I would never buy or use a this manufacturer's vehicles again as long as I live, and I will make sure that I tell everyone that they should never consider buying or using one. I will be trading in or selling this car very soon, and then I will use the proceeds to buy a Toyota - I already have 2 and they are undoubtedly the best value for the money.