1990 Volkswagen Jetta from North America - Comments

Blew out front left strut (my fault)

needs an oxygen sensor

replaced positive battery cable

replaced all front brake pads and front right caliper

replaced exhaust

needs the rubber guards replaced on front axles.

There are a lot of quirky electrical problems: in random times when I start it, the horn will go off as I turn the key, when it's cold the wipers won't shut off, sometimes when I turn off the headlights the radio cuts out with it. That seemed to be solved when I changed the battery cable though. Also, the car overheats when I leave it sit or drive slow for a long time. Anyone know what would cause that and how I could fix it? Overall, despite the problems, I love it.

This car is great on gas! I thought my tempo was good, this thing is unbelievable! $40 to fill it and it does me driving to and from school (half an hour each way) for a week and a half! also, since I'm a volunteer firefighter, I need to be able to get going in a hurry. I hate to do it, but I often find myself doing 140kph in a cold car! :S this thing handles it admirably. I couldn't ask for a better car! and while I'm on handling, it handles great! It accelerates quickly, and it's a solid ride. this should prove to be a great car for years to come yet!

Your problem might be solved by flushing the coolant system. I had the same problem in my car and I flushed the coolant system and the problem went away.

Thanks for the tip, but it's too late, The safety inspection ran out in April 2006, and there was no way it would be worth the work to get it to pass... it looked good from the outside, but as soon as you get under it, you realise that it's almost completely rotted out... It's a shame, I really loved that car.