Regular maintenance:
Timing Belt ($13), Wheel Cylinders (2 X 14$), Transmission Filter & Fluid ($35)
Other:
Hydraulic Tappet Noise/"Lifters" (Replaced three noisy ones (with used) for $20CAD. Temperature sensor (ECM) (9$), Temperature sensor (Radiator) ($12), Windows roller (rear Not Yet replaced), Door handles Jammed (removed and lubricated/repaired $FREE), Suspension bushing ($25), that's it.. all cheap!
I have had a lot of used cars, none have been as tough as this one. I bought this car for $200!
My oil pressure is way up (29psi @ 2000 RPM, warm), and so is the engine compression (145 psi, cold) : At 330,000 KMS!
I would Drive it anywhere. This car is cheap on gas!
This is a good car for anyone on a budget, who doesn't mind getting there hands dirty to get their car up to specs. After maintenance was performed, I have been driving problem free for 10 months now!
Usually cars of this age have been neglected, and so they appear to have a lot of problems... (Engine noise, reliability problems, etc... But get a repair manual, take your time, and with a very little bit of money, the 1991 Jetta can be brought back to life!
One maintenance is performed, VERY reliable.
I did a quick touch-up and safety of an 89 Jetta GL auto for a friend, the same time I was fixing up a 90 Passat GL for myself. Boy did I make a mistake. I sold him the Jetta for $1200 and kept the Passat. He's driven his for 2 years now, having only needed to do the fuel filter... me on the other hand have had to change the ISV, O2 sensor, throttlebody, power window computer, brakelines, rear calipers in the same 2 year span... Life lessons I guess!
I have a 1991 Jetta GL and will not start. I know the problem is the safety seat belt (where it has to be buckled to start the car) but the wires are loose so I cannot start the car. I was wondering if anyone knows how to fix this. please email me at snaber@vcn.com or reply on here and I will check back.
I have an 91 Jetta with a 92 GTI engine in it. Today I was shoveling the driveway out, and started the car, and got it stuck. After getting it out, I was driving, and it quit. I thought that it was severly flooded, so I took out the spark plugs, checked them for spark, dried them off, and they were all getting spark. It does smell like gas so I think it is getting fuel. I've been racking my brain thinking of what else it could be. If anyone has any suggestions please email me
; burt78c@hotmail.com.