1984 Volkswagen Jetta GLI review from North America

Fuel pump at 225,000km, Fuel pump at 315,000km, that's pretty much it!

WOW, this car makes vehicle ownership a real pleasure. I listed the only things that have gone "wrong" with the car as fuel pumps, and that's partly true. The fuel pumps have been the only thing that has left me stranded, once in the driveway, and twice in the parking lot at work. Other than that, I've been pretty steadfast in preventative maintenance on this car. If something was noisy, or acting up, it is replaced without hesitation. As a result, I've ended up with the perfect car.

On the downside, this car is rudimentary by today's standards. It's now underpowered, rides a little harsher, and creature comforts are absent. But the Jetta (GLI in particular) handles like it's on rails! The 1.8 8 valve is bulletproof and still hauls this little rocket up to highway speeds with little strain. I did replace the original GTI 'pocket rocket' transmission with one from a diesel to get better cruising speeds and range, but it has hurt the pull-out-and-pass ability.

No other car I have ever owned has given me as much pleasure as the 1984 GLI, and it's doubtful one ever will...