1985 Volkswagen Jetta Base from North America - Comments

There have been numerous minor repairs. Mostly to be expected on a 18 year old car.

Exhaust system replaced 2 times.

Radiator had a leak and needed to be replaced.

Dash lights went out.

Water leak around taillight.

Fuel pump replaced.

Heater core replaced (recall)

A2 Jettas (1985-1992) are generally good cars although you do have to take care of them. However if you are in the market for one, be wary of those made in Mexico. (Look for the VIN, if it starts with WVW, it's Germany; if it starts with 3VW, it's Mexico.) Most people who have had really bad luck with these cars have owned a Mexican-built one. However let me say that my dad has a Mercury Tracer which is built in Mexico and it's been a pretty good car. Just avoid Mexican VW's.

Anyway, my car has been a part of my life since I was a small child. So I guess it's kind of nostalgic for me. Aside from that, it really is a good car.

The 1.8 liter engine has decent pep with the 5-speed transmission. I still get around 29mpg in mixed driving. The brakes aren't the greatest, but they work. Ride comfort is decent, although you won't forget you're in a German car. My car never had Air-Conditioning installed so it's a bit uncomfortable in the summer. The handling is excellent; probably among the best front drive cars. The seats are comfortable and firm, although the driving position would benefit from a tilt steering wheel. The trunk is cavernous although the seats do not fold down. The bumpers are somewhat weak and have been damaged (but repaired) in parking lot incidents.

These cars do require some minor repairs, but they are generally solid and dependable. If you're looking for something a bit more exciting that a run-of-the-mill Japanese car, look for a Jetta or Golf.

I've noticed while reading these reviews that the majority of Jetta owners during this year have manual transmissions and have no complaints. I have the automatic version of the car, and while the transmission was strong, the final drive - AKA the differential - in the auto versions were not as strong or reliable as the manual versions. Any explanations for this problem would be greatly appreciated. Please e-mail me any responses to matthew@tcewireless.com. Thanks!

On nearly all models, the manual transmission will outlive a automatic under suitable conditions, due to the many more fragile parts of a automatic transmission than the simple construct of a manual.

I own a 1986 Jetta GL and the car still runs in excellent condition as long as it is well maintained. Wear and tear of parts were the repairs made to it. I'm very lucky to have this car. Like the other review the bumper had to be repaired a few times bec. of parking incidents. But other than that this car has been good to me. It is a German made car. I still see a few out there. I plan to keep this car while it runs. It's old but it runs great and it serves it's purpose. Thank you my Jetta!!!