Somewhere around 50,000 miles, the clutch started failing. I have a reliable mechanic, VW specialist. he replaced the clutch. about 5,000 miles later, clutch was starting to feel crappy again, I've been milking it ever since, trying to avoid repeating the expensive job.
Right after I bought the car, both front hubcaps eventually came flying off the front tires, after hitting a bump or pothole. I have seen many other '98 Jettas with both front hubcaps missing. perhaps a defect of this model/year?
At 100,000 miles, inexplicably, the check engine light came on and has remained on. my trustworthy (non-dealer) mechanic tried earnestly to fix it. he couldnt figure it out, and basicly said, "ignore it".
This is hard to do after reading so many negative reviews of these Jettas. the Jetta seems like the car that was so close to being a new VW classic.
Unfortunately, VW quality doesn't seem to be up to par with the models of the 60s and 70s. they started to suck in the 80s, and that lack of assembly-line quality has apparently carried over to this generation. such a shame.
The engine has been reliable, but a car cannot run on a good engine alone. this becomes painfully clear when I'm in my girlfriends 2001 toyota corrola. perhaps a bit boring to look at, but light years ahead of VW in terms of internal and external reliability.
Of course, the seats are excellent, the trunk is the roomiest trunk in the buisiness, fits an entire drumset.
There is a good balance of zippy handling and engine performance.
The car still looks great, a simple, elegant, funtional design that sticks out amongst grotesque american bubble cars.
It's too bad that you are giving up on Volkswagen.
You are correct that 50k miles is not a lot to get out of a clutch, however perhaps it had been abused. I'm surprised it is acting up again, however it could be a defect in the replacement clutch.
If it is, there should be a warranty on it. My shop (also independent) gives a 12 month 12k mile warranty on parts and labor. Perhaps you should look into it at your shop.
As for the check engine light. Bring it to a shop familiar with VW's and have them check for a trouble code. It could be something very minor, such as a sensor.
My '93 Volkswagen has been very reliable. However I have all of its maintainance records, since it was new.
You are also correct that Corolla's are very reliable cars, however their just not as fun to drive as a VW, and their styling is rather bland. Great little cars though!
Don't give up on your Jetta. I had one that lasted nearly
230k miles.
100k on a '98 Jetta! You are rocking a tippy canoe!!!
Dump it and get a Mazda 3. This seems to the vehicle of choice for former and future-former VW victims!
About 1988 is when VW started going down the tube, in the U.S. They considered pulling out in '92. I think they made the wrong decision.
Good luck!
VW Jetta rocks! I have a '96 and it has 120k+ miles on it and still handles like a dream. I have kept up on regular maintenance and have spent very little on other problems. I am the original owner. It runs like a dream and often speeds by those OTHER foreign cars. Too bad the new Jetta is not as nice too look at!
Yeah get a Mazda 3. You know, the re badged Ford Focus, with less recalls and less engine fires.
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