1998 Volkswagen Jetta VR6 from South Africa - Comments

1) 2 sets of HT leads were replaced.

2) Engine cooling fans seized.

3) Dozens of rattles, buzzes and creaks.

4) CV joints conked in.

5) Engine developed a rough, buzzing note (Normal).

6) Overheating.

7) Bits and pieces fell off inside the car: door handles, door openers, grab-handles etc etc etc.

The Jetta is completely overrated, and is not worth the money VW asks for it. They pitch it against compact BMWs, Mercs & Volvos but it comes nowhere close in terms of build-quality, integrity or economic viability. Fuel consumption on this beast is laughable. I am sure a '69' Vette returns better mpg figures.

I own a VW Jetta 1997 and I think my VR6 is a very good car. My jetta has 123,000 miles. Never had any problems with the engine, transmission, interior or exterior. It is very fast and comfortable. Change your mechanic.

18 Feb. 2001

I bought a new VW VR6 in December 2000. I tell you my vehicle runs excellently although it has only about 5000 miles. But I do know that my friend has a 92 VW Jetta that has 182,000 miles and that the only things he ever did on the car was tune-up, oil change (synthetic oil only), tires and brakes. He wants to get 400,000 miles out of it and return it back to the dealer for a new one.

His car doesn't even have any oil leaks unlike other cars with this kind of mileage. I do suggest to take your car to a more reliable mechanic. Even his father has a Jetta (I think it's an '86 version) with 384,570 miles and no engine problems. I personally recommend VW's to anyone I know because it's very precise car.

I also own a 1998 vw jetta glx vr6 and bought it used with 35,000 miles on it. Now has 50,000 miles on it and runs beautifully, and looks the part also. I have done many modifications to it and it has never given me a problem besides the trunk not opening and was fixed under warranty and was due to extreme cold weather conditions in my area. I would recommend it to any person who wants a timeless design and great quality car that's fast too.

Thanks,

Neno.

I own a 1993 Jetta VR6. I was not even the second owner of the car, but more likely the third. The car has done 151 000 kilometers and still going fine. It still has the original door handles and everything. I am happy with the fuel consumption, as I use less than 9 liters per 100 kilometers. I would recomend this vehicle any time. Suggestion: Get a new mechanic.

1998 Jetta K2.

Sporty, fast, great handling, but rust everywhere.

Reverse gear has gone for the 2nd time, muffler rotted off at 25 thousand Ks, clearcoat peeled off the rims, worn cloth on the front seats, lots of squeeks and rattles.

Dealer fixed the tranny the 1st time, but won't fix anything else. With all my aftermarket acessories my K2 looks awsome and is good advertisement for VW, SO MY DEALER SAYS. Save the compliments, let's see some service.

Good luck too the rest of the lemon owners out there, I will never buy another one, VW that is.

Kevin Scarlett,

NB, CANADA.

I own a 1998 VW jetta k2, it is a really smooth riding vehicule. it has heated seat and the works in it. I got for university. so far no big problems with it, just wiper difficulties. I would recommend it to anyone. hopefully it will last me for a while.

Joline.

I own a 95 jetta with 75,000 miles, replaced the timing chain (expected), several hoses that explode due to the "pressurized cooling system", several interior and exterior trim pieces have fallen off, door locks replaced twice, and now I'm stuck with a overheating problem that refuses to go away. replaced the thermostat, (located in a ridiculous place) helped a little, but still no heat, checked the heater core (also located in a ridiculous place under the dash, with no access) and it was fine. Overall, pretty dissatisfied with the Jetta, I love the old air cooled VW's, but for the price, one can purchase a BMW or Mercedes, I've even seen Jaguar has an economy line!

I own a 1998 VW Jetta Wolfsburg Edition, which was purchased used in 2002. In 2003, I had to replace the transmission. A few months after that, the whole exhaust system went. Now my car is overheating and I've replaced 4 different parts in the cooling system including the radiator.

My dad is a mechanic and is stumped. I brought it to a VW dealer and they were the ones who told me the radiator was clogged. After replacing it, the car is still overheating. Now my dad thinks it may be the thermostat or water pump.

As you can see, I have had many problems with this car. I would never buy a VW again.

I have a 1998 Jetta VR6 GLX and I love her. The car has

about 95,000 miles and will blow almost anything off the

road. It looks almost like the day it was made inside and

out. I would tell anyone to buy a Jetta. Just don't

think you are gonna service the transmission yourself...lol.

I've got a 98' Jetta GL that will be reaching 200K after this Thanksgiving trip. It is such a good car. It only started to acquire attention when it hit 185K. I got my radiator fixed for 200$, a new gear clutch at 190K for 700$. After I got the new gear I was just as fast as a 2007 Acura TL! He was so amazed. Then at 195K I had to get a new brake master cylinder for 200$. I'm thinking that this pattern is all over. And I hope I could go another 50K with no problems, and I and everyone believe that I can keep the car going until it reaches 400K miles. I only use shell/76/Mobil gas. The last time it tasted low quality gas was 4 years ago.

I own the a 98 GLX.

It takes the lead when I drop into second going 35.

By far, the best car for a high school student.