Is it true a Jetta requires a lot of repairs?

Question

I'm thinking about buying a Jetta. I really liked the car during the test drive but I was told by a relative that Jettas require a lot of expensive repairs compared to similar cars.

PLEASE DON'T ANSWER UNLESS YOU'VE OWNED A JETTA FOR AT LEAST 15 MONTHS!

Answer 1

You have to buy the right kind of jetta. I know it sounds odd, but I was dead set on a 2001 - 2004 vr6 manual trans Jetta. Those were the ones that had the fewest problems when I worked at Vw as a tech. I love my car, 136k miles and I have only replaced the drive belt tensioner, the thermostat housing, airflow sensor and a ton of turn signal bulbs. It drives as strong as ever. I live in Florida and climate does have a lot to do with electrical reliability. I suggest you ask around in your area about jetta's reliability.

Rule #1, never buy a German automatic vehicle under $60k - especially fwd. Many 'cheap' german car atx's are recycled GM's and Borg Warners and such that can't take the heat german cars are known to produce causing premature failure. Ever feel the force of an Audi A8 W12 cooling fan? It wants to suck you into the engine bay - all that to cool the engine.

Rule #2, never buy a German turbocharged 4 cylinder vehicle. All turbo cars will meet an early grave. A turbo is a cheap way to boost power and keep fuel efficiency - at the scarifice of engine life and it makes even more damaging heat. The turbo will go right after your warranty runs out - convenient.

Rule #3, Never buy the cheapest model / trim. It is cheap for a reason, Go mid priced on the mechanicals and skimp on the luxuries and you should be pleased with the results.

This is just my opinion based off what I've seen. I also have a 95 4 cylinder 5 spd with 230k miles on it. Original clutch! (no, just kidding) It is starting to become troublesome now, but I love that car still.

You also have to stay on top of the oil changes especially on these aluminum engines. The old iron block engines can throw connection rods for days and still be rebuildable. On an aluminum engine, a few missed oil changes will cause the engine to cannibalize itself (really small oil passages that easily get clogged with sludge hence the 0w40 spec oils and such ) and leave you with an $8000 repair bill. I see it all the time.

Answer 2

I've had my Jetta for 2+ years. So far the only repair I had done was the recall for it's heated seats and rear door locks.

Answer 3

Well I've had my brothers jetta for quiet some time now.....at the mechanic shop that is.... It's been sitting there for 8months....... its got a problem in the harness and computer that not even dealerships will touch....... I've owned a few VWs and work on alot of VW's at th shop as for any car though dude it depends on how you drive....... If you drive it economically and like a law abiding citizen it will last you a remarkably long time.....
Good Luck
Kristopher

Answer 4

alright, i brought a brand new jetta in 2003 and it now has about 45k miles. I wouldn't recommend jetta for anyone, they are piece of ****, my jetta developed a big noise in the egine and the noise gets worse at aggresive accelerations, i gave my jetta to my dad and drive his 2003 corolla. My dad's corolla has abt 75k miles and still runs like brand new. Take my word and but a corolla, it you want a loaded car then go for the XRS corolla, they are very peppy.

Answer 5

I have three Jettas. It depends on if it a gas or TDI. My gas 03 lives in the shop. My 04 and 05 TDI have never had a problem.

Answer 6

in my 18 years of experience Jettas in severely cold climates do require more repair than other vehicles. In warm climates Jettas are as reliable as most any other vehicle

Answer 7

I wouldn't seggest buying one unless u like working on them I have a 95 glx I love the car... but I have to fix it all the time