1986 Volkswagen Jetta GL review from North America
"Performance, very solid engine, equipment"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The k-frame broke.
I've repaired or replaced the wiper motor, the rear suspension, fixed the seats, the front windshield water leaks, the front brake pads, the thermostat, the thermostatic switch, and some others because the car wasn't in good condition when I bought it.
General comments?
I only paid 450 Canadian dollars for this high mileage car. It has: heated seat, power windows, flip up roof etc..
The first month it was only repairs and maintenance. With the new performance spark plugs and general maintenance combined with premium gas, it took 2 months to make this a fast car. The car started to like high revolutions above 4000 RPM and the sound of the engine with the special air filter is awesome.
I have to say that the motor is unbeatable, indestructible. I've tried synthetic oil and the performance was better and the motor was very quiet. No oil consumption or engine problem, even after 1 year of heavy driving (I'm 19 years old).
The car just start to burn some oil, just after I've switched to normal grade oil. But I will change the car soon.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1986 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 gas Manual |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 10 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 320000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 342000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Fox |
| Date of Entry | 10th January, 2002 |