1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLX review from North America

Right front window regulator works, when it feels like it.

02 sensor went within a month of purchasing the car.

The right front wheel bearing went within two months of purchasing the car.

The secondary air pump ($800.00) went within two months of purchasing the car.

Repeated Check Engine Warnings.

Left front CV arm replacement, resulting in new, unexplained problems.

Continuing expenditures.

I have an absolute passion for anything gas consuming. In the last 16 years, I have owned two motorcycles, three Jeeps, a Mustang, an Integra, a Celica GTS, an RX7 and it just seemed natural that my collection should include a German vehicle. Although a BMW crossed my mind, I wanted to start at entry level and ventured into the world of the "Jetta" set. Well, within a month of my acquisition, my faith and my spidy senses started tingling when my troubles with my Jetta VR6 began with Engine Warning lights, failed bulbs for the headlights and interior cabin,...and that, as they say, was just the beginning... unbeknownst to me at the time I acquired the Jetta, there are very few mechanics in my City who actually understand or are familiar with the peculiarities that accompany the Volkswagen automobile. My nearest reliable source of VW technology is an hour's drive away. That, coupled with a minimum three day wait for a part, equals one very unhappy owner. In the five months, 8300 KM that I have owned this vehicle, I have expended over $2,000.00 in parts and un-skilled labour, have endured a total of 9 days without transportation waiting for parts, and essentially used up all my vacation time to run to garages seeking out help for the problem of the day. Last week's expense started with a mysterious "clunk" from the undercarriage, which has resulted in the replacement of the CV arm, and a new unexplained front-end dragging when maneuvering into either a right or left hand turn. Needless to say, I have run out of money, patience and vacation time to cater to this German piece of junk. I can't even look at a VW symbol without wanting to throw up. I will never, ever return to a Volkswagen product. Symbols of "status" can sometimes cost you more than they are actually worth. My advise to the person in the market for used German technology is to 1. only buy from a reputable dealer; 2. have the car put through a diagnostic assessment before you buy; 3. realize that a part replacement will take up to three days; 4. not every garage in town will be able to work on or accurately diagnose problems with German cars and, most importantly, if you cannot be talked out of buying a Volkswagen product, make sure you have plenty of cash to pay for the abundance of parts you will have to acquire during your ownership! And to think I sold my troublefree '92 Celica GTS for this!!!