Center arm rest console hing broke.
Back ash tray lid will not stay closed.
Vanity light in drivers side sun block /mirror would not turn on.
Replaced bubbling (cheap) factory tires.
Check engine dummy light came on. (probably the glow plug wiring harness $15, not the glow plug relay $105)
Glow plug dummy light blinking. (I'm in the process of fixing these now)
PROS: It gets great gas mileage, and performs very well for a diesel car.
Diesel fuel is usually cheaper than regular gas.
I can go 500-600 miles before having to refuel.
You can get 40-50 miles per gallon depend on how you drive.
It's quick off the line (manual transmission).
It's great for high way driving.
It looks great.
CONS: The paint job is kind of cheap, and prone to chipping.
The back seat needs more foot room, at the expense of less trunk space.
Factory floor mats move around a lot.
Cloth seats pill easily and are hard to clean.
Auto window regulators are a problem for some (not me yet, knock on wood), but there has been a recall on them.
Biggest problem is that VW dealerships are the worst! They rip you off for oil changes ($53!!) and give you crappy oil and service to boot. At my stealership you also have to schedule an oil change appointment a MONTH in advance!
If the dealership doesn't know what the problem is, they will attempt to get you to pay for them throwing new (and expensive) parts at the car, while they try to figure out what is wrong.
My solution is to find a reliable mechanic, who isn't afraid to work on a diesel; or buy a repair manual and the diagnostic tool (VAG tool) and do minor repairs yourself.
I do all my own oil changes and maintenance. A premium diesel oil can be found at Walmart (Rotella) and the filters can be bought for $5-10 over the Internet. Parts are also a lot cheaper over the Internet. www.vwparts.com.
For a lot more information on these cars and more in depth information of there problems and solutions check out www.tdiclub.com.
My son has a 2000 VW Jetta GLX and I have a 2001 VW Jetta GLS. My son's check engine light keeps coming on and the VW dealership keeps telling him to tighten the gas cap five clicks. It keeps coming on. I took my jetta to the dealership to have a key reprogrammed and when it came out of the service department it had the EPS and check engine light on. They told me it needed a new engine computer (ECU) and an ABS module. The cost would be $1460. I left!! I still have to have the car repaired. I am very unhappy and disappointed!
2002 Jetta GLS TDI manual transmission {70k miles}
This car has a front end noise. Sounds like it is in the drive shaft area. Have replaced both wheel bearings. The noise is intermittent, doesn't matter whether in gear or not, clutch in or out, swerving left or right, under load or not.
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