2000 Volkswagen Jetta GLS VR6 review from North America

Cruise Control switch broke at 4,772 miles.

Power mirror switch snapped off at 22,600 miles.

Low coolant light came on at 23,500 miles; the water pump had to be replaced.

Water was leaking onto the passenger side floor at 30,000 miles. Problem was the pollen filter and cover was broken and had to be replaced.

Passenger side window fell into the door at 30,000 miles. Window regulator was replaced. Had to be replaced again at 40,000 miles.

Glove box lid broke at around 35,000 miles.

Temperature sensor stopped working at 40,000 miles.

Check engine light came on at 48,000 miles. Had to replace air valve and catalytic converter.

At 50,000 mile service it was determined that the main cooling fan was not working and had to be replaced as well as a cracked serpentine belt.

Center console lid latch snapped.

This car's performance is great and it is a ton of fun to drive. The V6 engine has great low-end torque, and even retains some acceleration power in 5th gear at 70 mph. Handling is great, although you do pay for it with a bumpy ride on a rough roads or when you go over speed bumps.

The interior of the car was very nice when the car was new, but is now starting to show some wear with peeling plastic, etc. I haven't had any troubles with rattles and squeaks, which I have been happy about.

The biggest complaint I have about this car is the maintenance and repair costs. I knew when I was purchasing it that it wouldn't be as reliable as a Japanese car, but I figured if I maintained it well, I could minimize any problems I had. It has been to the dealership every 10,000 miles for scheduled maintenance since I bought it, and had the oil changed every 5,000. Unfortunately, this has not paid off in fewer repair costs. Also, because it is a German car, it is difficult to have even simple maintenance done anywhere but the dealer. Even changing the oil requires an Audi-made in-pan oil filter, which requires me to call ahead to any oil change place in advance to verify they have my filter in stock, as they often do not. I understand this is unique to the VR6 engine.

My only advice if you are considering buying a Jetta, is to be aware of the high costs to fix anything. I love the way it drives, looks and feels, but the maintenance costs have really been adding up, and I am becoming doubtful that I will be able to afford to drive it for 10 years or put 150,000 miles on it, like I had hoped when I bought it new.