1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLS review from North America

Wiper Stalk/Switch needed to be replaced at around 70,000. $200.

Oxygen Sensor replaced around 70,000. $200.

Clock Spring for Airbag system went around 80,000. $300.

Exhaust System died at 85,000. $610.

Continuous minor problems with the transmission (hard and/or delayed shifts) since I purchased it.

Intermittent problems with the Check Engine light coming on without any suitable reason.

Color fading from door handles at 60,000.

The car's handling and feel are excellent. It has a stiff, solid feel that is hard to find on anything else in it's class. Fit and finish inside and out is very good.

However...

Volkswagen dealer service is terrible. At each dealership I have been to, the service personnel are uninformative and make no real effort to be helpful. They don't seem to care whether they have your business or not and they won't spend any extra time to answer questions or explain anything.

There seems to be a lot of things on VW's that will perplex anyone besides a VW dealership. So, even though the dealer service is terrible, you will have trouble finding another mechanic who can take care of the car.

Anything that goes wrong with this car will be expensive. I have never spent less than $200 when I have had it in for something.