Used 2003 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg Edition 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M) Consumer Reviews
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Won't buy another car until this one EXPLODES!
bradspunky06, Milpitas, CA, 04/08/2014
updated 04/20/2020
Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg Edition 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
34 of 35 people found this review helpful
I have owned this 2003 VW Jetta, since 2006, bought w/23788 miles. It now has 196483 miles, still on its original clutch, its fifth set of tires. The first set went via burning rubber on launches for the first 20k of my ownership. If any portion of this car has a problem it would be caused by my abuse. I've only replaced the timing belt twice, and its still good as new. Interior is still as new except driver side entrance bolster. The engine has only gotten better and the transmission easier to shift. This car is miles of smiles for the dollar, and should be tops on your list. 31 mpg on long drives, 25-27.3 in town avg. Keep tire pressures all around at 4 lbs under max, for best handling! Updated 4/12/16 car has 231600 miles, still on original clutch, and turbo. The mileage is now between 21 and 26 depending on how I drive, but no smoke, a bit of oil burning, interior looks fantastic except bolster on driver left side of seat. Best purchase ever, love this car, handles like a dream, best tire for this car is a Cintinauro P7 Pirelli, check the tire rack for proof. You'll be like where has this tire been all my life?! Just replaced the speed sensor, it corrected a stalling issue, poor mileage, and a lack of power, all with one part. Best 527.00 I've spent, first dealer experience, and certainly won't be the last. I am still in love with my Yetta Jetta, and as I initially said, I'll drive it up til it pops. When it does, you'll be the first to know. Updated 4/15/17, car was traded in for 800.00, though I really wish I'd just kept it, instead on 5/28/16 with 236, 847 miles and a nearly completely blown turbo, I over revved it; blowing the seals. It started smoking, so before it became worthless, I traded it. It would've been 5500.00 to replace the turbo, and catalytic converter. Car was replaced by a 2009 Honda Accord EX 4cyl/5SPDR, in two years I only applied 20k to this plastic loud slow vehicle to replace it with a 2018 Accord Hybrid, A MUCH BETTER BUY. Still want another turbo, as the Jetta is still my number one car of choice, the repair bills not so much.
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Constant expensive repairs
rocketknight, Columbia, MD, 07/15/2013
updated 07/15/2016
Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg Edition 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
17 of 17 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive. Too expensive to own! Breaks often, all unusual problems, always over $1K to repair. Engine design is terrible! Water pump broke at 32K miles/4yrs. 2/3 of transmission needed replaced at 100K from the plastic hydraulics reservoir bursting. Plastic parts throughout engine are designed to last <10 years. An engine fuse didn't burst when shorted causing a small engine fire. Plastic parts break when removing to get to broken parts. Metal fuel lines bolted over plastic coolant parts with no line flex make DIY very difficult. Most parts can only be obtained through dealers. Aftermarket parts cause check engine light to be constantly on, only solution is dealer parts @>2-3x cost. ETC. Worth of vehicle always less than repair costs.
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- Technology
- Performance
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- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2003 Jetta - Wolfsburg Edition
rileyken, 07/21/2003
Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg Edition 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
34 of 36 people found this review helpful
This is a great car. It has very good handling and performance. Theres lots of power with the 1.8T Engine. Cars Interior is attractive. The adjustable sports seats and leather steering wheel and leather parking brake are a plus. The overall quality is very good.
The Good and the Bad
kyoung116, 10/27/2005
Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg Edition 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Love the tiptronic transmission in my 2003 Jetta Wolfsburg! It makes driving an automatic almost as much fun as driving a stick. It is great on fuel and has awesome handling. It is amazing how much power you get out of that little engine. The low end torque from the smaller turbo unit almost makes you forget it's a 4-cyl. However, the worksmanship is pretty bad. The paint and windhshield scratch too easily. The paint has swirl marks everywhere. The VW CD player just doesn't sound good, it's missing a certain clarity to the sound. I replaced the head unit, but kept the Monsoon speakers...which sound GREAT! Some fabric came loose on the passenger seat and a rear seat came off it's hinge. Also, my trunk is getting so stiff that I can barely open/close it. This is a great car, too bad it's made in Mexico.
Yeah, it's great...for the first year
KCgirl1234, 07/08/2005
Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg Edition 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Like most Jetta owners I was thrilled to be driving my fire engine red Jetta at breakneck speeds down the highway, and then a year passed and the problems began. First, the coolant thermostat wasn't working and my car overheated in the middle of rush hour traffic in Atlanta...fun. Then, all of my tires began slowly leaking air.. Not sure how it happened or what caused it but so far one has gone completely flat and I had to use the spare. Then the door handle broke on the passenger side and people were forced to climb in through the window...lovely. And most recently,the clutch blew and I had to have the entire clutch replaced, costing 1300$. Don't waste your money! Get a Honda/Toyota.
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