1984 Volkswagen Jetta GL review from North America
"An easy to maintain car with a wonderful personality!!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
A/C pump went out, the cost of a rebuilt pump was $350 for a re-manufactured part, which I installed, and $50 to have the system recharged.
I also replaced the thermo-time switch at a cost of $30.
The idle air bypass valve at a cost of $75.
The catalytic converter for $250.
Cat back exhaust system (I paid less for a performance version) $275.
General comments?
For a $3000 investment I have found this car to be a formidable performer. Keep in mind that this car was free and I made sure that the motor was in good shape, however with a little research and a little work a novice mechanic can have a wonderfully fun car to drive.
This car is well balanced as far as handling and will throw absolutely no surprises. The engines on these cars "IF PROPERLY CARED FOR" are bullet proof. If you doubt this my car has even compression on all four cylinders and is well within specs, also my oil pressure sits at 15 psi at idle, and 60 psi at 3500 RPM, this indicates the oil pump and bearing condition.
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| 1981 - Jetta Standard 1.6 N/A diesel Great little fuel-sipper...if you can find a nice one |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1984 |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8L Manual |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 240000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 265000 miles |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Jetta |
| Date of Entry | 29th May, 2001 |