1985 Volkswagen Jetta GLI review from North America

Replaced rear wheel cylinders twice.

Front struts twice.

Strut bearings several times.

Coolant thermal switch once.

Front wheel bearings and drive axles once.

Drive axle boots three times.

Load sensing brake proportioning valve once.

Muffler once.

Injectors at 200,000 miles.

Head gasket at 135,000 miles to fix an oil leak.

At 206,000 miles I do not consider these replacements abnormal. Then there are the regular maintenance/wear items such as brakes at 140,000 miles (yes, they lasted that long!), clutch/pressure plate, tires, oil and filters, etc. Timing belt and new coolant pump every 60,000 miles. Goes thru alternator belts often, though. Replace Voltage regulator brushes about every 90,000 miles.

Still has original engine and injection pump, starter, alternator and A/C (still works great). Turbo cartridge replaced at 100,000 miles due to thinking it would lower oil consumption. It did not. Great economical car and very dependable. Many of the items I replaced probably could have lasted longer, but I prefer reliability. I do my own work on the car, so labor is not an issue. The vehicle is rust free after 14 years.