18th Dec 2008, 00:04
I bought my Jetta Wolfsburg in August of 07, and it has been great, just with some of the common problems. At first it was problematic, things like the trunk release breaking, right rear window regulator breaking, and problems with the parking brake. After those problems were fixed, I had no issues until the parking brake froze again a week ago, and then this week again, and now I'll have to bring it into the shop for the third time in two weeks. However, this isn't VW's fault, just my mechanic messing up on me.
Outside of the standard problems I've seen everyone else has had (window regulators, throttle body was fixed before I owned car), the car is great. The radio volume works fine, I just turn it down slowly so it doesn't go up before going down.
The engine and transmission are great, actually better than my old 96 Accord.
I keep my car in immaculate condition, changing the oil and keeping the interior clean, etc, and the car has been great.
Basically, these old VW's have solid powertrains, but some iffy electronics and random other interior things.
We also have a 2004 Jetta, which has been great, so I am under the impression that these problems were in the MKIII generation only, plus it is an old car, and old cars with high mileage aren't perfect. If you are good to your Jetta, it will be good to you.
23rd Mar 2009, 20:13
I also own a 1999 VW Jetta Wolf edition, old body style. Have sunk thousands into this car.
Repaired electric windows multiple times.
Issues with alarm.
Power door locks no longer work.
Now a new problem... lights, wipers, no longer work, and brake light comes on after the car is started. These work just before starting car. Suspect a faulty ignition switch. Have you ever replaced an ignition switch on a Jetta? I have and they are a real pain. Not looking forward to doing this again. If I take it in to have the work done, it's $370 to replace a $25 part.
8th Jun 2009, 22:13
WOW, I was looking to buy a Jetta and now I can't run faster in the opposite direction. I have read these comments and talked to others, and I have found getting a "lemon" Jetta is much more likely than getting a hassle free Jetta. Thanks for saving my wallet.
15th Jun 2009, 00:39
After reading these comments, I'm so happy I DID NOT buy the 99 WB Jetta. The car was super clean, but it was missing that umph when I floored it. I've seen older Civics rev up better. Damn shame the car looked so sweet too. Oh yeah, one of the windows was not working. Hahahhahahaah thx u.
20th Sep 2009, 08:05
I have a Jetta 98, and had similar problems; throttle body, check engine, and radio volume.. but I just had these problems past year.. so I took it to my local mechanic and he cleaned the throttle body and was the end of check engine.. the radio is old... but it cost me 5000 dollars.. 8 years ago with 45k miles, and I have not do anything else besides oil changes, and brakes, and tune up and has 176,000 miles...
I guess there is no perfect car; I had a Nissan Sentra, and the clutch and engine collapsed within 5 years old, a Honda, where the transmission broke within 7 years old, a Buick with tons of electrical problems, a brand new Jeep with battery problems... and newer cars are getting harder to fix because they do not last as long as the old good cars..
21st Jan 2010, 15:45
Thanks for the comments. I just bid on one on Ebay and now regret that I am the high bidder. I will just not pay and take the negatives for that.
Thanks for this site; it saved me even though it was too late.
19th Feb 2011, 17:34
Wow, I should have visited this forum before I bought my VW. I own a '99 Wolfsburg with 180,000kms, it drives great, but like so many cases I've read so far, there is so much wrong with it, the value for money is completely out the door!
1 month after purchase, 1 of the window regulators stopped working, I've repaired it twice already and it happened again - now I tape the window shut, + 2 other windows have failed on me (3 in total inoperative). I'll fix them before I sell the thing! I have issues with the radio volume control, the air filter is starting to play up, and now the trunk won't open when I use the keys directly, or will it open every time with the auto switch on the console.
I've had it with this car, it has certainly dropped my confidence in buying European cars in general.
PS, my rear spoiler "snapped off" in the cold Calgarian weather, so now it is just hanging by some wires. NUTS!!
23rd Nov 2008, 21:39
I myself own a 1999 VW Jetta Wolfsburg edition. Whew is all I can say... it has been a good car, I love it, but recently the love is fading fast.
Just had the transmission replaced, the check engine light stays on, none of the windows work, they just keep sliding down, I did take superglue and glue them shut..
New batteries, starters, the A/C has always worked well, until this summer. When you turn it on, you have to wait until it decides to start working, thank goodness I didn't superglue the driver window.
Now the airbag light is on, and the odometer, rpm, or gas gauge on works when the car is sitting still, when I take off, they no longer work.
I have sunk so much money in this car, I have just about had it... when it runs I love driving it or I wouldn't have had it so long, but I think it's time to send this thing to the crusher...