1996 Volkswagen Jetta GL review from North America

Basic routine maintenance (tires, brakes, etc.)

Windshield wiper fuse blew out at 94,000 miles.

Handbrake is completely useless and is too much for me to get repaired.

Transmission is a little creaky when it is cold, and when the car has not been driven for a while.

I'm pretty impressed with this car, based on its hearty age of 13 years and it's ability to run just fine.

Most of the problems are cosmetic. The moulding is falling off and the previous owner tried to fix it by using screws. The paint is rotting off.

Most of the internal problems are because of abuse from a previous owner, and would not be relevant if the person took care of the car. The brakes worked just like new once repaired, and the fuse for the windshield wipers was easy to find.

The car occasionally leaks oil, but not too much. If left undriven for a while, the transmission will occasionally slip or stick when trying to back out or roll.

I have also had some problems with the alarm system. It has gone off a couple of times when I try to unlock the car with a key, and I had no idea what to do. The Volkswagen specialist in my area told me to do something with locking certain doors and whatnot. It was a puzzle.

Other than that, I have really enjoyed it. It's a fun ride.