1989 Volkswagen Jetta Carat review from North America

Air intake issue caused the car to lose speed on the highway. Had it checked by two mechanics who couldn't figure the problem. Took the car in to a VW dealership and the mechanic knew exactly what the problem was right away, $150 fixed it.

Solenoid problem - starter motor was installed too close to the engine, causing the car to refuse to start after driving it in hot weather. We learned to deal with this by keeping a piece of stereo wire in the car, and making a connection between the battery and the starter. Not ideal, but it worked...

Always had issues with the door handles, locks, trunk lock. In the end we had one door that would open on both sides. Heat was either all or nothing.

We bought this car at 10 years old, and put almost nothing into repairs over eight years - our kids were babies and we had no money to fix the car. All we did in that time was replace the exhaust system (after 6-7 years), brake pads, fluids (sporadically) and one power window motor (the most expensive fix we did, costing over $400). Never had a single problem with the engine, transmission, gaskets - nothing major, despite our abuse. We always enjoyed driving it - it felt so solid and responsive.

We still have fond memories of that car, and would buy another if it weren't for the cheap door handles and locks - too annoying, and a safety issue with kids.