The left front strut bearing mysteriously broke around 80k.
The heat/AC switch does not work on settings 1 and 3.
If the weather is really hot (I live in Florida) the sunroof won't always open until the AC cools the inside of the car down.
The AC coolant leaks out of the H-block, about a $300 repair job, but a $5 can of R-134 lasts me a little more than 2 weeks so I just keep recharging it. Refilling the AC is very easy to do with a low cost kit available at any auto-parts store.
Catalytic converter crapped out at about 85k, $130 to fix at local cheapo exhaust shop.
Light tan interior stains very easily and does not come clean by any method known to man.
I had a rough idle and severe stuttering at about 90k, the stealership said I needed a $450 throttle body, but I discovered that very carefully cleaning the throttle body with a special TB cleaner from the auto-parts store, then disconnecting the battery for ten minutes to reset the computer solved the problem completely.
Driver's side headlight has water condensation inside it.
I do not regret buying this car, although it has had its share of problems. Any car of this mileage will have issues sometimes. Despite my near abuse of this car, it has never left me stranded.
Since a somewhat motivated buyer can find these cars at low prices I would have to say that it is a real bargain to get a car that looks as good and is as much fun to drive as a Jetta. They handle great, are kinda quick if you have the 5-speed and keep your rpms above 4000, and the 8 speaker factory stereo is the best I've heard in a car of this year and price. Sometimes stupid people mistake mine for a Volvo.
Hi, I think Tetrafluoroethane (or R134a) is not an ozone depletion compound because it doesn't contain CFC's, or chlorofluorocarbons which do damage the ozone. Topping off with R134a is okay, but with R12 it is not. However, I do agree with you that the air conditioning system has to be serviced by a certified technician because not only does the air conditioning system needs the refrigerant, but it needs lubricating oil as well. Topping of the system could damage critical components like the compressor.
I bought this car at 240K.. the engine mount is broken, the sunroof leaks, the odometer light is broken.. but everything else is good.
Ha ha... "stealership"... typo or very clever witty miss-spelling?
An absolute money pit. jettas are an electrical nightmare, so many shops will not even deal with them. name it and it went wrong with this car, from the alloy wheels that cracked to the transmission, to the weld on the seat, the door locks, the air system,, fuel relay switches, wipers switches, needed a new wiper motor... get the idea.. NEVER buy a Jetta... this on top of all the regular stuff, like brakes, serp belt, air belt, tuneups.. we dumped it quick during a time that is was working and bought our son a 99 nissan sentra.. we look forward to years of happiness.
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