2000 Volkswagen Jetta GLS review from North America

VW no longer means quality and I will NEVER buy another one. But if you don't believe me, read on. I’ve never kept a log, but now I’m going to after this car (best guesses on costs and mileage).

• Cheap, cheap, cheap (did I mention cheap) brakes. <cost me - $500 at 30K, gonna have to do everything again, costing me $1200 - and I drive with the clutch).

• Laughable, poor electrical system (the headlights dim when you open/close a window) <didn’t fix>

• Cheap wiper blades – replaced at 5K

• Floor mats keep popping off mounts

• Cheap drivetrain - tires, shocks, struts. <Tires cost me - $450, shocks and struts if I do ‘em - $1000-$1100)

• Poor fuel system (entirely rebuilt at 70K) <cost me - $900> Still runs rough or has problems starting sometimes.

• Glove compartment broke <didn’t fix – would have cost $200>

• Mirror switch broke off <Cost me - $35>

• Catalytic convert broke <Cost me - $500> (started with a light rattle at 60K and just got progressively worse)

• Center arm rest broke <didn’t fix – cost was $150)

• Mass air flow sensor replaced <cost me - $150> also had the O2 replaced, think that ran me like $50. You can expect to do this every 1/2 year or so.

• AC needs recharging almost every year <at $150 a pop, I use it sparingly>

• Front Driver door rattles - <lived with it since I’ve heard of too many failures of people trying to get it fixed>

• Check engine light is on so often that I’ve given up trying to make it go off (waiting for it to burn out).

• Back lights (brake, driving, and turn) cheap, all died before 50,000. Too bad the check engine light isn't cheap.

• Front grill pops off and I have to snap it back on every now and then.

• The front door locks stick sometimes (so the car doesn’t lock)

• Rear cup holder broke (we’ve used it maybe 3 times!)

• Various squeaks and rattles too annoying to find/fix/pay for

• It's a pain to keep clean.

So…

After 5 years of ownership (loan, costs, insurance, repairs) – almost $40,000. Here's how it breaks down:

Above and beyond needed repairs: +$3000

Additional, would be nice to have, repairs - +$2500.

Yearly costs – $7310, which break down to:

Payments - $392.50 monthy, $4710 yearly

Gas – 600 gal @ $2.15 per - ~$1300

Insurance - $800 a year

Oil changes, tune-ups and misc wear and tear per year - $500.

What I’m waiting for to fail next:

• Transmission

• Fuel system (it’s running rough again)

• Windows.

Good points –

• Looks good

• Stereo is loud (hides the squeaks and rattles)

• 34 MPG.

It used to be fun to drive, now I’m just waiting for the next big bill.