2000 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI from North America - Comments

I own a 2000 Jetta TDI (bought it new 8 years ago, have 150,000, at the time diesel less than gas and you got more mileage - doesn't hold true today). The style, drivability, especially turbo have been great - but, feel some camaraderie with other posters on some similar problems (1) cup holder broke (2) arm rest latch broke (3) glove compartment latch broke (4) replaced MAF sensor twice - got reimbursed for one by VW (5) had to have carbon blown-out around 80,000 - will probably have to do that again at around $800 (6) changed timing belt twice $2000 at dealer recommendation (7) trunk sticks and won't open most of the time - took to dealer twice, they don't know why (8) also haunted electrically - alarm goes off, locks don't' work consistently (9) this is a new one I think... all the surfaces that are hard plastic on the dash, around the door handles is flaking off - it's like there is some coating that is just deteriorating.

I guess what I've learned with this car is that you have to be willing (and able) to spend a couple thousand dollars a year on maintenance and repairs and live with a lot of "quirks" - definitely has turned out to be one of the more expensive cars I've owned.

I have a 99.5 Jetta TDI. Bought new in May 1999. It currently has 283xxx miles on it.

I've replaced the MAF twice (bought part from TDIParts and did myself, no big deal.

Timing belt 3 times now - they usually replace the water pump at the same time - runs between $700 and $1000 depending on where it's performed.

Never had an issue with the turbo.

I have consistently done the recommended maintenance schedule with an oil change every 10,000 miles using full synthetic.

Originally I went to the dealer, but due to location and cost, I use a local Goodyear dealership. They do just fine on the maintenance.

2 biggest items were replacing the clutch plate - key here is you have to replace the whole set - not just a part.

The other item was due to human error - on the 2nd timing belt change, the dealer left some type of holding pin in place and a few thousand miles later it slipped and caused a valve to slam the valve cover. Almost $4000 in repairs. That was at 200k and the repair shop (import specialist not the dealer) said the valves were some of the cleanest he's ever seen.

I consistently get in the 45mpg range, and I'm a hard driver. I really drive it. Plus, it's now going through its 2nd 16 year old learning to drive a stick. Been killed a few times, but keeps on going.

Lets see, I've replaced the starter once and the air conditioning pump once - just figure it for normal wear and tear with high mileage. My goal is to get at least 400k out of this car.

Yes, the original cup holder was cheap - replaced it with the newer type that is stronger - bought off eBay and replaced myself.

The leather has held up very well - no splits or anything. And everything else interior looks great.

Oh, my biggest complaint initially was the moonroof clips - had to replace 2 times while under warranty, then 2 more times at my cost. Due to labor, it's costly. Just plastic clips.

Otherwise, I have no complaints. Great car. Economically. Fun to drive. Wouldn't trade it for anything.

I own a 2003 Jetta TDI. It has 111 000 km on it.

I just recently had to have the intake manifold taken apart to have a valve cleaned that is found just before the EGR. This valve chokes off the engine when it is shut off. The valve had carbon build up and had become stuck in the closed position so the engine would not start. This came as a surprise to me as the engine had a complete de-carb done on it only 8 months (35 000 km) ago. I do 90% highway driving, use low sulphur fuel and always warm the vehicle before driving. Oddly enough I was told the rest of the intake was fairly clean in comparison. Has anyone else had this issue isolated in this area of the intake manifold as well? Any suggestions on how to help reduce or prevent this from happening again?

Also my vehicle goes through tail lights like the are going out of style. No idea why. Had the wire checked twice.

The dealer in my area told me that I should drive the TDI harder, it was designed to be a sporty engine and needs to rev out, the EGR valve is open under about 2000-2200 rpm's, running it under this lets the carbon build up.

I have put 2 sets of taillights in my Jetta as well, not sure about that one.