2003 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon review from North America

Intermittent electrical problems, interior lights occasionally short out, engine overheating light comes on despite the engine being fine, intake and EGR valve clogged with carbon, requiring the intake to be cleaned and EGR valve to be replaced ($1,200). Problems with window regulators, windshield wiper control arm came loose from motor.

This is my Mother in Law's car. The good is that it gets stellar fuel economy. It regularly gets over 50MPG freeway. The interior is very comfortable and well laid out. The torque and handling is more like a sports car.

But... the car is falling apart. It ran fine until this year and ever since seems to have problems every month. Apparently the TDI's VW puts in these cars has a tendency to build up carbon, meaning that eventually the intake has to be removed and cleaned and the EGR has to be replaced... a $1,200 repair. This occurred before 60,000 miles thus its safe to assume that it will probably need the procedure again in another 60,000 miles. The car is plagued with electrical problems. The dash lights blink on and off meaning you have to tap the dash at night to see them.

Overall it's a pretty unreliable car, which is a shame. I had thought about getting a Jetta TDI myself. But seeing how this one had turned out, I'm having serious second thoughts.