Everything started going wrong right around 200,000 miles. It got a new clutch, an engine rebuild, new front struts, needs new injectors, and the exhaust mount broke loose. The roofing is falling out, the driver seat just busted, it's a pain to get into 1st gear. But what do you expect after 200k on the odometer for a $500 car?
We sank about $900 dollars into it at 200,000 miles for maintenance. The head was still smooth as if it were new. All I can say, is that nothing drives like my Jetta, no other car has the same feel. It lived to 200k, before needing a rebuild, and that's not bad. Of course when it broke at that point, everything broke :) The car runs really stout, and doesn't have much trouble getting into traffic, until you turn on the AC which sucks its power. No rust whatsoever. The door handles stop working. Jetta's are a pain in the neck to work on, and parts are expensive. Even changing the oil is a headache. But I love them all the same for the way they drive and their general reliability.
I also own an '85 jetta and I must agree, nothing rides like it! however... the work being a pain in the neck really depends on what you're used to. I'm 18 and have very little experience with cars in general, and so mine is the only one I've ever actively worked on so I'm comfortable with it. :) except them darn axles... ARGH! doing that by hand is annoying...
I own a 1985 Jetta GL - Not bad for a $500 car. Runs great, drives great, very little problems (compared to the other vehicles I owned). Driveaxles replaced @ 85k, Alternator not too long after. A/C works OK, Heat pumps, Seats are best that I've seen. My only real complaint is the lifters. After sitting for more than 3 or 4 days without running, they take a good amount of time to pump themselves up. Not too much of a driveability issue, but just a basic concern.
Car only has 95,000 miles on it, and I'm the 3rd owner. Have access to most service records (father works with guy who owned it). Very well taken care of. I love the car, and will likely continue to purchase VW products in the years to come (looking at another Jetta and a VW Fox at this moment! -Kermit, Mechanic in the Making, Va Beach, Va.
I really enjoy and appreciate this site. Reading the survey has provided me with greatly increased knowledge of the jetta model. I have purchased a jetta that has had a fair amount of audio and visual customizations performed on it, and I can't wait to get it on the road. These surveys have provided me with several things to look into to avoid common /potential problems with my car. I am looking forward to submitting my own and providing my comments once I've had the pleasure to experience the GRMN MUSL (German Muscle) as my plates say! Thanks.
I've owned my 1985 Jetta GL for over ten years now. It has served me better than any of my previous four cars. Parts never seem to be too difficult to find, but they can be pricey at times. Maintenance on this vehicle is made much easier if you have both Bentley and Haynes repair manuals. I'm lucky enough to have an excellent VW parts and service location nearby (Austin). Careful when checking manual transmission fluid, be sure to refill to the appropriate level - failure to do so can result in a burned-up tranny. (That's what I get for trusting an oil change shop.) Have a look at VWVortex dot com for all your specific questions. Looking forward to the next 200,000 miles!
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