Spark plugs and wires fouled when purchased. Mechanic who replaced them wasn't careful and shorted out my horn and dash lights. Had those repaired later.
Alternator blew at 135000. Replaced that with my dad.
Interior in decent shape for its age, shift and hand brake boot are both torn.
The clips that hold the grille on the frame were snapped by a mechanic. So my car is now sans-grille.
Rear brakes went out around 137000 which caused a minor accident where I lost the rear bumper and right front fender plastic. My brother and I overhauled the rear brakes and they have worked perfectly ever since.
Short in the trunk light caused the battery to drain while parked. Spent about 5 months unplugging the negative battery terminal for long parks before getting this fixed.
Heater core just went out at 145000. I'm currently in the middle of replacing it myself.
Despite having not been taken care of by its previous owner, and the many hardships that I've suffered through, this car is absolutely amazing to drive. Its little 1.8L engine has plenty of get up and go. Front wheel drive system handles phenomenally. Turns on half a dime.
The cabin is roomy enough to seat 4 people rather comfortably and 5 for short distances. The field of view is incredible for a small car, nothing takes you by surprise. Tons of trunk space.
As a do-it-myselfer when it comes to repairs, the accessibility and incredible order of the engine compartment is first rate. No ridiculous plastic cowls to remove and get in the way, everything is easily within reach with room to maneuver tools.
Fuel efficiency! Even at higher speeds, (70+) it gets close to 35 mpg highway. My record for distance is 468 miles from Warsaw, IN to the Somerset Service Plaza on the PA Turnpike. All on 13+/- gallons!
Don't praise it, it's junk, i have a 1991 automatic jetta I've owned for only a few months now and already I had to have it towed twice because of the alternator and another problem yet to be determined, not to mention the transmission that won't up-shift into third and slips on the second gear when put in drive, i can only drive around with the shifter put in second, oh, and did I mention the noise from the right front suspension?,all these things developed quickly right after I purchased the thing, i didn't have time to mistreat it so you can't blame lack of maintenance on my part, and I know for a fact the previous owners took care of it because I have many receipts from local mechanics that also testify to it being well maintained, the many receipts also say the obvious, many troubles.
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