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Volkswagen Jetta 2005 and earlier

12749 messages,  Last post on Oct 10, 2011 at 1:37 PM

You are in the Volkswagen Jetta Forum.

What is this discussion about? Volkswagen Jetta, Sedan

Messages Page 225 of 1275

#2241 of 12749 Consumer Ratings by nwvw

Aug 28, 2001 (4:56 am)

I agree to a certain extent, John. But, like any other 'poll' there are inaccuracies in their findings, as there is with TV ratings etc. when they poll 1,000 people and that is supposed to represent the entire country.
 
We all know that VW is not the Lexus of the auto industry when it comes to new car defects and some reliability issues, but I just don't see it being to the great extent the media reports it to be. You can also toss such manufacturers as BMW and Volvo into the same class too. And, Acura and Honda's ratings have been bumped down over the past two years, but that does not make them a crappy car, nor do I consider VW to be a crappy car, or I would never have bought one, nor would have you.
 
Yes, people should consider what they read here in the complaint forums such as Edmunds and Vortex, but they must keep in mind that it's the Internet and definitely not an accurate sampling to finalize a decision on. That's all I am saying.
 
I also receive quite a lot of private email asking me about specific things on the Jetta. People considering buying cars that email me personally.
 
The latest being a person considering a Jetta wagon and I flat tell them that the Jetta is an awesome car, but there are these things to consider that might happen. I suggest that they consider a Honda or Saturn-type car that has a better reliability rating than the VW if I detect they won't be a good VW-type person.
 
He pointed out some website that just slams VW: http://www.autobuyology.org but that can also apply to other consumers and manufacturers. Obviously this person had a bad experience with VW and is out on a vendetta. I suggested that Michael get a Honda or Saturn.
 
Just a couple of months ago I saw a Dodge Ram that had signs plastered all over it about how bad Dodge is and what a mistake they made and all, but the Dodge Ram remains one of the best rated trucks. I have also read the TSB's on my 1998 Ford Ranger, and it still remains a well rated truck and I have not had problems.
 
I had one small issue with my 2001 Jetta, and (as you know) have the new 2002. Yes, I am aware that there could be issues. We're going on a trip to California here on Thursday and while I don't expect any problems, I certainly am going prepared, just like I would have had I been driving my Accord that I traded for my 2001 Jetta.
 
In fact, there has already been a 'fix' on my tip-tronic tranny that VW discovered after the 2002's went out. There is a module that needed replacing and a software update. My dealer received a call from VW that my car was one that needed the update and they called me and the update was done in less than 30 minutes in a very professional manner.
 
And, while my wife was there, here comes this 2001 Jetta just billowing clouds of smoke. She asked Sara (our service manager) about it and she said it was a fried turbo from a chipped car.
 
What I find funny, is that VW's ratings were not some big 'thing' until the last few years when their popularity exploded exponentially and now the media just slams them against the wall. I have never been a fan of the media and I take the, "I fart in your general direction" approach when it comes to media unfairness.
 
-Jim
http://www.jettaownersclub.org

#2242 of 12749 venus by blueguydotcom

Aug 28, 2001 (9:19 am)

"Do you know the definition of ergonomics?"
 
Um it's a pretty simple definition but I'll give you the Merriam Webster one to make life easier:
 
Ergonomics: an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely
 
"I do like my Jetta, but the best I can say about its ergonomics is - it gives the car character"
 
Well, after driving just about every new car (excluding SUVs and most non-cars, ie American vehicles) under 35k, I came away liking the Jetta's ergonomics second only to the sublime, very Lexus SC400-like Toyota Solara's interior design. From the tilt and telescoping steering wheel to the height adjustable seat to one touch down and up windows to the near blindspot free window design (bested only in my opinion by a convertible with the top down or Acura's NSX) to excellent moonroof operation, I'd say the Jetta's ergonomics are near perfect. My two complaints regarding the interior remain the knob for seatback reclining and the hard to turn HVAC controls. Beyond those two small issues, the Jetta's interior remains one of the most functional, user friendly environments I could find in a brand new auto.

#2243 of 12749 nwvw...huh? by fpgt93

Aug 28, 2001 (11:47 am)

Wait a minute. I never put words in your mouth. Please go back and reread the messages!
 
Somebody named bricebah told people not to fear. I replied to him because I don't think it's right to tell people not to worry about the Jetta when it is clearly very likely that they will experience problems. If that's okay with them, fine. But they should know the trade-offs of owning a Jetta.
 
You then replied that many owners have experienced no problems. In my reply to you I agreed with this. But, I maintained that it is simply wrong to sugar-coat the situation and tell people to go out and buy a Jetta and not to worry about all the negative experiences reported by owners. Prospective buyers should know these facts and take them into consideration. My reply to you explained my reply to bricebah. I did not imply that you said what bricebah said. Again, go back and read it nice and slowly and you'll understand.

#2244 of 12749 fpgt93 by nwvw

Aug 28, 2001 (5:36 pm)

You directed the entire reply to me by titling it: nwvw. Anyway, that's what I wanted to make clear is that it was not me stating those things.
 
No harm, no foul. All cleared up and off to the topic(s) at hand. Thanks.
 
-Jim

#2245 of 12749 a/c not very cold by bluewolf

Aug 28, 2001 (8:19 pm)

Hi all. It's super hot here in Phoenix, and my 3 month-old WE's a/c doesn't seem as cold the last couple of weeks. Is this common for VW air, or should I take it in to the dealer. Seems like a/c ought to get cold enough after a few miles on the road that you need to turn it down, and mine never gets beyond "cool". Anybody else have similar problems? BTW, other than this, my car is tight with no problems, and a blast to drive!

#2246 of 12749 blueguydotcom by venus537

Aug 28, 2001 (11:33 pm)

If you think your car has great ergonomics, good for you. For me, going from an Accord to a Jetta was going from one end of the spectrum to the other end. The main culprits are the radio and climate controls. I knew this pretty much before I got the car. The quality and feel of the controls are excellent but the placement of them is poor. Overall, I don't think we disagree much about our Jettas. These cars are designed for people who appreciate great road manners, workmanship, quality ...

#2247 of 12749 venus by blueguydotcom

Aug 29, 2001 (8:50 am)

Yeah, I always wonder about that useless slot above the radio. Pull everything up 2-3 inches and do away with that gaping hole (or put it on the bottom). Oh well.

#2248 of 12749 2002 Jetta GLX Pricing by tsvw

Aug 29, 2001 (11:49 am)

I plan to buy 2002 GLX, 5 speed in the Wash DC area. . The lowest quote i got was 24.3K (including destination fee). Can anyone throw some light on pricing.
 
Thanks

#2249 of 12749 tsvw... by vwguild

Aug 29, 2001 (2:06 pm)

Invoice, no ad fees, is $23,221.00...New Warranty...

#2250 of 12749 My 2001 1.8T by inky

Aug 31, 2001 (5:11 am)

folks, I am a car nut. In recent years I had 00 TL, an ES 300, an Accord, Camry and others. So which car is the most satisfying to drive after all of that--The Jetta! I look for trips to make. It is solid, quick, sporty and fun. That is my opinion. I have been looking for things to go wrong since so many on this forum bash the car--but nothing. I am very particular. I just went 345 miles on 12.2 gallons of 91 octane or 28.27 mpg. Not bad for daily commute. I like the car and will enlarge in a year to a 02 Passat 1.8 when the CD is standard!
INKY

Messages Page 225 of 1275

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