2005 Volkswagen Jetta - Consumer Discussions

VW Jetta 2.5 vs. Volvo S40

• Re: Having trouble choosing between a 2002 Volvo S60 and 2005 Volkswagen Jetta [amic10]

  Written by: kirstie_h on May 6, 2013 10:40:54 AM

  Our Help Me Choose discussion is much more active, so you might want to post there.

• Having trouble choosing between a 2002 Volvo S60 and 2005 Volkswagen Jetta

  Written by: amic10 on May 4, 2013 9:46:05 AM

  My dad is buying me my first car. I have the options of a 2002 Volvo S60 2.4M 4-door Sedan and a 2005 Volkswagen GL 2.0L PZEV 4-door Sedan. They are both priced at $6,995. The Volvo has 106,087 miles on it and the Jetta has 96,778 miles on it. I am having trouble which one to decide on. I want to pick a car that is good on gas and ... Read More

Honda Civic vs Volkswagen Jetta

• jetta vs civic

  Written by: joeladam on Feb 10, 2013 1:48:29 PM

  I owned a 2005 volkswagen Jetta Gli 6-speed. Very fun car to drive but it was expensive over the owner ship. Not a good car for High desert Area/ dirt roads, the lip kit was like 2 inches of the ground it got torn off while colliding a bunny. I also had two speakers go out but where replaced by the warranty. then an engine motor mount went missing the engine ... Read More

2005 Jetta shuts off when clutch is depressed

• 2005 Jetta shuts off when clutch is depressed

  Written by: gipags on Feb 1, 2013 8:08:57 AM

  I have a 2005 VW Jetta GLS Manual Transmission with just about 98,000 miles. I've had this issue since a few months after I bought the car in 2008 and no one can figure out what the root cause of the problem is. When the clutch is depressed for more than just a split second to shift (coming to a stop, slowing down etc) the car quietly shuts off. It doesn't ... Read More

VW Jetta TDI

• Re: Bad fuel gives me the Shudders [longo2]

  Written by: cosmo on Nov 7, 2012 4:20:05 AM

  We have a "06 and a "11, and had a "04, and have not experienced this problem. I always add Opti-Lube at each fill-up to increase the lubricity of the fuel. It is also claimed to increase the cetane rating and clean the injectors. I also try to always run the tank down until the warning light comes on before refilling. On long trips that is not always possible, but that ... Read More

• Tough Shopping!

  Written by: longo2 on Apr 21, 2012 2:40:32 PM

  "We have Hoodguards for these models: 1999.5 - 2005 Jetta" Thanks for the link cosmos, but they don't stock the hood guard for the newer Jettas. I found another link from an old VW Jetta Forum that might have one...will keep poking around until one shows up. This is the first time I've ever stumped eBay looking for an item! Just bought a hoodguard for our Honda Ridgeline off eBay, you ... Read More

Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 2005 VW Jetta [bpeebles]

  Written by: jshelv on Feb 1, 2012 11:28:51 AM

  Haha ok it didn't "say" that I had no coolant but a warning message popped up on the dash that read 'no coolant". Thanks for the info guys!

• Re: 2005 VW Jetta [jshelv]

  Written by: bpeebles on Jan 31, 2012 6:24:42 PM

  Initially, I was going to say "fanbelt" ... because on some cars, both the alternator (battery light) and the waterpump (overheating) are driven by the same belt. Alas, on VW engine, the alternator is on the fanbelt and the waterpump is driven by the Timing belt.... so that aint it! HOWEVER: I *would* like to know how your VW "said it had no coolant" ... does it talk?

• Re: 2005 VW Jetta [jshelv]

  Written by: Mr_Shiftright on Jan 30, 2012 5:54:27 PM

  transmission??? That's a novel suggestion. :P Well you'll have to let it cool down and then diagnose what happened. Overheating is a complex problem and can have many causes. Some of the more likely ones: stuck thermostat coolant leak head gasket water pump clogged radiator non working cooling fan collapsed radiator hoses

• 2005 VW Jetta

  Written by: jshelv on Jan 30, 2012 9:04:50 AM

  Hi battery light came on and then the car overheated and said I had no coolant. I checked and there is coolant in the car. When I turned the car off the fan continued to run for a few minutes and it looked like the coolant was boiling. Any suggestions on what the problem may be. Someone said transmission! UGH!!!

VW Jetta Electrical Problems

• Re: Jetta Electrical Light Phantom [caneel]

  Written by: vwdawg on Jan 23, 2012 12:25:27 PM

  Hey caneel and creepylights: Every time I read another forum article about VW and Audi electrical "phantoms", I can feel my blood pressure and pulse increase. With all the supposedly wonderful Teutonic engineering that VW and Audi brag about, you would think that they could build systems that don't act in such a bizarre fashion. For a 2011 Jetta to have this issue is completely inexcusable, and for a dealer to ... Read More

VW Jetta Sportwagen

• TDI Sportwagon 2012 Answers about Temperature Control [tnt2k03]

  Written by: elias on Dec 21, 2011 6:14:09 PM

  hello Tung, Congratulations on your new TDI , I bet it is a blast to drive. That's the way to warm it up too , to drive it... But of course, driving with a frosted window (or a pile of snow on the roof) is ill-advised and illegal. VW has included an electric heater for defrosting the windshield - it will turn on when outside temp is >80 - also it ... Read More

VW Jetta Electrical Problems

• Flickering Problem..

  Written by: pjlucas on Nov 22, 2011 6:59:51 PM

  Hello, I have a 2005 VW Jetta 2.5. I just bought the car two weeks ago and am trying to work through the few kinks it has. I am trying to diagnose the reason my climatronic system is acting the way it is. The temperature read-outs do not display and the lights do not light up, most of the time. It will then be noticeably flickering if you turn the headlights ... Read More

• Re: 2005 Jetta Flickering lights and occasional stall [owenstc]

  Written by: auto06 on Nov 4, 2011 11:29:23 AM

  I've been servicing my wifes 2004 GL 2.0 since new and been driving it (75K)since we got a newer car for her. She complained that the car would not start sometimes; but wait 45m- 1hr later no problems. This happened to me one sunday after driving 35 mi, stopping for 2 hrs and "no start". This happened actually twice. 1st time tried everything remove the inlet hose by throttle, checked elec ... Read More

• Re: 2005 Jetta Flickering lights and occasional stall [owenstc]

  Written by: bpeebles on Nov 3, 2011 3:43:27 PM

  Your dealership must be boneheads.... most automobile electrical systems can be easily troubleshot with a voltmeter.... heck, it is simply a 12 volt DC system. With that said, I am not sure what you mean by the term "flickering" -- are you suggesting that all the lights are TOTALLY going out and back on... or are they simply getting dimmer/brighter ? Does it happen with the engine OFF -or- ON? Sittiing ... Read More

VW Jetta TDI

• Re: Advice on Tires for a 2009 VW Jetta TDI Wagon [barryob5]

  Written by: gagrice on Oct 19, 2011 8:38:31 PM

  My 2005 VW Passat TDI Wagon came with Michelin MX something in 17" size. We bought it in Portland Oregon and drove back during the winter. Hit Ice, snow and rain. I thought the tires handled the conditions very well. I was spending half the year driving on ice & snow in the Arctic so maybe I was not the best judge of how they handled. My only complaint was the ... Read More

Compact Sedans

• Re: MT compares 8 compacts [backy]

  Written by: igozoomzoom on Jun 6, 2011 1:26:36 AM

  "BTW, last month the Corolla slipped out of the Top Ten list. But the Elantra had its best-ever sales month, topping 20k units. Reputation will only get you so far. It's a very strong compact car field now, with the new offerings from Honda, Ford, Chevy, Hyundai, VW, soon Subaru... and the Mazda3, Sentra, and Forte are no slouches either." I think the Nissan Sentra is probably the most underrated compact ... Read More

Volkswagen TDI Models Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Re: 2011 Golf TDI-payback? [ruking1]

  Written by: zambaq on Mar 21, 2011 12:51:36 PM

  Agreed that an idle shut-off would help mpg in NYC! Is that feature on the 2011 TDIs? You asked "if Prius's were so good, why did it take the NYC taxi community app 10 years to start to implement the brand as Taxi's?" Answer: the sluggishness of bureaucracy combined with our general resistance to the new. All things considered, I'm impressed that the city under Bloomberg started pushing for hybrid taxis ... Read More

2011 Volkswagen Jetta

• Re: 2011 VW Jetta Review [kagedude]

  Written by: jeffyscott on Oct 26, 2010 6:36:17 AM

  You do get three years of free maintenance on VWs. Surely in 115K mi, you have done more than oil changes? Edmunds estimates $378 for the 60K mi maintenance on a Honda Fit; http://www.edmunds.com/maintenance/select.html On our 2005.5, if you follow the VW schedule it does not seem all that different from my 2007 Mazda. The significant additional items that come to mind are brake fluid changes are specified by VW and ... Read More

VW Jetta TDI

• Diesel Love and Hate

  Written by: farmertull on Sep 12, 2010 8:16:45 PM

  If you read the newest edition of Motor Trend you find out the tax incentive for diesel is gone in Europe and now gas and diesel are the same price. We have lived with higher then gas prices since 2005. I live on a farm and the only gas engine is a lawn mower. I have been torn about my Jetta Sportswagon since I bought it last fall. It was no ... Read More

Volkswagen Jetta Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• 2010 Jetta TDI Sedan and Wagon

  Written by: ggeeoo on Aug 22, 2010 7:50:42 PM

  In January I purchased to my delight a TDI Sportswagon it is white with a cornsilk interior. My wife Just replaced her 2005 Mini with a new TDI sedan Candy white and a cornsilk interior . The Sedan has Chrome in the headlight and the wagon is a black mat finish inside the headlight any idea if there is a difference? We both average 39 MPG LOCAL DRIVING AND 56 ON ... Read More

VW Jetta Electrical Problems

• Re: 2005 Jetta 2.5 electrical issues on starting [jmr813]

  Written by: alohaveedub on Jul 7, 2010 12:19:29 PM

  it shouldn't be tood bad. The battery has a plastic cover that snaps off, and you can easily see corrosion, which should be on the "+" terminal. The terminal should be red, the corrosion should be white to bluish crystals. Ignition coil is almost certainly unrelated, just something they replace because of VW recall. You'll have to take your car to a shop to get the CCA checked. The corrosion, if ... Read More

Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 2005.5 VW Jetta 2.5 EPC, Traction Control, and engine lights [spinfit]

  Written by: buyamerican5 on May 3, 2010 11:10:02 AM

  I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THESE ARE GREAT CARS BUT WAY TOO MANY ELECTRICAL ISSUES. IT IS WITHOUT A DOUBT ONE OF THE NICEST CARS FOR THE PRICE BUT ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER WHEN SOMETHING GOES WRONG. THEY ARE BUILT TO BE FIXED ONLY BY THE DEALER !!! GOOD LUCK, ALWAYS THE AUXILLARY FAN GOING BAD.

VW Jetta TDI

• Re: VW Tire Rack solution [cosmo]

  Written by: longo2 on Apr 5, 2010 5:59:48 PM

  I think it was one of VW dumbest ideas of the decade to drop the Passat TDI wagon. It was the perfect classic wagon style that will still look good 10 years from now, nicely rounded where it needed to be but still a classic practical design for a mid size wagon. Looked great inside too. The chain driven counter balance shaft was a disaster, but that could have been avoided ... Read More

• Re: VW Tire Rack solution [cosmo]

  Written by: gagrice on Apr 4, 2010 6:36:32 AM

  Thanks for the study. Myself I like the looks of the 16" on the Jetta Sportwagen. The 17" do not look bad, just my experience in the 2005 Passat with 17" turned me off on them. The radical looking 18", 19", 20" tires and wheels look really $tupid to me. People with more money than brains. And more dangerous with our increasingly deteriorating roads and highways. Low profile wide tires give ... Read More

• Re: TDI Approved Oil [jogousa]

  Written by: longo2 on Apr 1, 2010 10:08:44 AM

  After all the hand wringing and second guessing on VW's bizarre oil ratings for the 2006 Jetta TDI, it seems to me that after 1000's of Oil Wars Forum posts on the subject from people, some who have had to rebuild the problem prone cam shaft and all it's little bits and pieces, that it's actually best not to use ANY of the VW recommended oils. Unfortunate VW owners have spent ... Read More

VW Jetta Electrical Problems

• 2005 New Jetta electrical problems

  Written by: bobbi141 on Mar 28, 2010 2:26:56 PM

  At 47,000 miles electrical problems started with drivers side door...window was open and would not close..outside temp 15F....drove 60 miles and found after getting home, interior lights and headlights and mirror lights would not shut off,,,,11:00 pm,,,had to disconnect battery. VW replaced harness in drivers door ($350.00) two weeks ago...Today, rear left passenger door locks do not work from inside but get outside and door opens but not with keyless entry....wipers ... Read More

Jetta Transmission Problems and Questions

• Dealer denial

  Written by: rired1 on Jan 29, 2010 6:07:38 AM

  I have recently purchased a 2005/6 Jetta 2.5. It is the new body style. I really like the car, lots of pick up, nimble. But I have been having a problem with the transmission that just doesn't seem right. In the low gears it is very clunky, slow to accelerate, hesitates and makes noises. Sometimes it feels like there are bumps in the road or I have hit something when I ... Read More

Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 2005.5 VW Jetta steering Problems, PLEASE HELP! [christoph32780]

  Written by: Mr_Shiftright on Dec 17, 2009 11:59:56 AM

  So you have the 2.5L engine with BGP or BGQ vin codes? If so, yes you have electromagnetic steering and you'll have to have the trouble codes read to figure out what's wrong. You can't diagnose it without a computer scan. If you have the 2.0L motor then you have a different system that does use fluid.

• 2005.5 VW Jetta steering Problems, PLEASE HELP!

  Written by: christoph32780 on Dec 14, 2009 6:05:58 PM

  My power steering is out on my 2005.5 Jetta. I woke up this morning got in my car to drive and there was nothing no power steering. I also noticed the light is on to. Previous to this I haven't heard or had any indication to a problem. I looked for the fluid and there isn't any. I found out it is electric . I need help from someone who has ... Read More

VW Jetta TDI

• Re: Jetta Wagon brake light bulb replacement [jogousa]

  Written by: smdtdi on Dec 5, 2009 7:03:56 AM

  I do have an owner's manual. It says to take it to the dealer. This is very expensive. I thought that someone here may have figured out an easy way to do this themselves. I have a 2005 Jetta wagon, and unfortuneately, it appears that I need to remove the interior trim to access the brakelight bulbs. I don't think I can do this myself without butchering the interior of the ... Read More

Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 2010 Jetta Oil change [jogousa]

  Written by: jeffyscott on Dec 3, 2009 4:56:18 PM

  I just noticed they don't have that language in the vw.com online schedule for 2007 models. It only appears for the 2006. It is also printed in the book for our 2005. VW does not actually let me look up the maintenance schedule for our 2005 on line, as apparently they are unaware that they made a Jetta with a 2.5 engine in the 2005 model year.

VW Jetta TDI

• Re: 2005 VW TDI Wagon Timing Belt [clydesdale57]

  Written by: sdmgm on Oct 14, 2009 4:43:25 PM

  I have a first half 05 TDi Jetta that I just went to take on my vacation last friday. It has 160000 on it and I made it 79 miles and it dropped dead. I had it towed to the stealership (they wanted 500 bucks) and they just gave me the run down. $1989 for the timing belt, water pump idler etc etc etc. So if you can get it for ... Read More

Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

• Owns a 2008 Jetta S

  Written by: s550iwish on Sep 28, 2009 10:18:04 PM

  Hey everyone, I must admit one thing first, the new Jettas are great. I love the new smoked taillights and revised dashboard for 2008+. However, my 2008 seems to have a series of minor issues. It just hit a year old last week and have already had a couple problems but nothing major. First of all, the gear selector in my automatic jetta has many flaws obviously for the leather part ... Read More

• problems with my jetta tdi

  Written by: sisko7628 on Sep 3, 2009 11:41:04 AM

  I have a 2005 jetta tdi-i absolutely loved this car in the beginning, but it now has 97000 miles, we hae the extended warranty until 100000 miles....my question is my car has been at a volkswagen dealership getting repaired at least 5 times in the past 3 months....the latest started 3 weeks ago, flywheel broken which caused damage to my clutch plate which the warranty would not cover. So, my cost ... Read More

VW Jetta Electrical Problems

• Clock/Odometer Won't Shut Off After Removing Key

  Written by: michaelter on Aug 24, 2009 1:41:17 PM

  Hi. I replaced the battery in a 2005 VW Jetta this weekend. I had the battery disconnected overnight, then put the new one in and the car works fine. Now, when I take the key out of the ignition, the clock/odometer stays on, and the battery is slowly dying overnight again. I drove around for about 70 miles or so to reset the drive cycle but it's still staying on. What ... Read More

Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

• 20055 Jetta Transmission Question

  Written by: ealbs21 on Jun 20, 2009 12:53:49 PM

  My Automatic 2005 Jetta which i recently bought from a VW dealership, has a huge issue going from reverse to drive. The car jerks and bucks slightly every time i put the car into drive. Sometimes the RPMs go up and the car doesn't go anywhere and then suddenly jerks forward or it doesn't catch at all and just glides until i pull over and restart it. The dealership says the ... Read More

Volkswagen Jetta 2005 and earlier

• Re: 2005 Jetta 2.5 lease buyout? [fleased]

  Written by: backy on Jun 16, 2009 3:54:51 PM

  First, if you are serious about buying the car, call the leasing company (is it VW?) and see if they will negotiate on the buyout. I was able to do that with the last leased car that I purchased at lease end, a Nissan that was leased from NMAC. The buyout price isn't too bad, and I've seen Jettas of similar vintage at around $10-11k at local dealers, but there may ... Read More

Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

• 2005 1/2 Jetta 2.5 L - MAF Sensor and N80 Valve

  Written by: geech1 on Apr 21, 2009 2:18:33 PM

  I just returned from a VW dealer who proposed that I replace my MAF sensor and N80 valve. I thought I would do some research first before shelliing out $500. I have been reading that cleaning the MAF sensor will work and is easy. I can not find any info on the N80 valve. Can you tell me first where to find both under the hood and secondly give your opinion ... Read More

V50 vs. VW Jetta Sportswagen

• Re: V50 vs. VW Jetta Sportswagen [citydriver1]

  Written by: bonnie9878 on Apr 13, 2009 10:26:14 AM

  I am not sure that this response will be pertinent to you, but I replaced a 2003 Jetta wagon (TDI) with a 2005 Volvo V50 a few years ago. The reason I was looking to replace the Jetta is that I found the leatherette seats very uncomfortable. Otherwise, aside from it being underpowered, I was happy with the Jetta. Hope this helps. Perhaps the real leather or the cloth seats in ... Read More

VW Jetta TDI

• '05 Timing Belt Change?

  Written by: inlarry on Mar 30, 2009 2:49:42 AM

  Can someone out there give me a definitive answer on the timing belt change for a MY-2005 Jetta TDI? I've heard different times and I don't want to push my luck too far. Mine is a model year 2005, mfg in 2004. The manual states (I think) 90,000mi. However, since my car was on the cusp of the engine/body/manual change I want to be sure that is correct for my vehicle ... Read More

• Re: - [longo2]

  Written by: jkinzel on Mar 29, 2009 10:07:53 PM

  Where is Fitzmall? This week I purchased a 2005 VW NB TDI with DSG transmission and 47,000 miles. The wife has taken it from me and tells me how much she loves “her” new car. I threatened to trade the 2008 Taurus for a 09 Jetta TDI (that are suddenly clogging all the VW dealer lots) and she said “Okay”. Hmmm, not sure I’m ready to all VW, but tempting. AND, ... Read More

Volkswagen TDI Models

• Re: 2005 Beetle [jkinzel]

  Written by: gagrice on Mar 25, 2009 6:57:38 PM

  Probably trades on the Jetta Sportwagen TDI. That does seem a bit high. Though that is one of the real pluses with the VW TDI, high resale value. That is very low mileage for a 4 year old car. Make sure it has a clean title, no wrecks.

VW Jetta Basic Maintenance Questions (Oil changes, fluids, etc.)

• Re: should i switch to synthetic? [joker55]

  Written by: jeffyscott on Jan 4, 2008 6:57:05 AM

  Yes, that is the VW schedule for oil changes, at least for our 2005 new Jetta with the 2.5 engine.

Honda Civic vs Volkswagen Jetta

• Re: 2005 Jetta 2.5 lease-buy or turn in? [bvdj84]

  Written by: fleased on Feb 19, 2009 2:07:41 PM

  Thanks for the feedback. I meant to say "Sonata" rather than Elantra. The Sonata seems like a fair bit of car for the price, especially with the cash-back deal. I think I'm a little gun-shy with the VWs; I have a fear of being stuck paying for two of them and driving while holding my breath!

• Re: 2005 Jetta 2.5 lease-buy or turn in?

  Written by: bvdj84 on Feb 19, 2009 1:31:09 PM

  comparing the Elantra to a Jetta? lol wow. I am not sure I would. Both Civic and VW are nice. I have an 08 Jetta!! Love it! But, expensive to maintain, no issues yet, but that oil change sets you back some change.

• Re: 2005 Jetta 2.5 lease-buy or turn in? [fleased]

  Written by: backy on Feb 18, 2009 1:10:16 PM

  First, 10k is a very good price for a 2005.5 Jetta with 35k. But even then you can see if there is any room to negotiate on the purchase price--should be possible if the lease is through VW. Second, the New Jetta has a pretty good reliablity record, e.g. CR says it's Average for the 2005.5. Average isn't great, but considering they also say the predicted reliability of a new Camry ... Read More

Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

• Re: Jetta brake feel [Mr_Shiftright]

  Written by: backy on Jan 3, 2009 3:05:45 PM

  Thanks, that's good info. I'll check the clearance the next time I go out. Here is the recall info, from edmunds.com ("Maintenance, Recalls and TSBs" page for the 2005 Jetta GL): Nature of Defect: 3. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER Recall Number: 07E023000 Dates Manufactured: N/A to N/A Number of Vehicles Affected: 13128 Date Owners Notified On: N/A Vehicle: 2005 Volkswagen Jetta Defect Description: CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH DATE CODES ... Read More

• Jetta brake feel

  Written by: backy on Jan 3, 2009 1:59:26 PM

  I'm posting this here because it seems to be more active than the Jetta 1999-2005 discussion. I just bought a 2005 Jetta GL 2.0L. It's in excellent condition, really can't tell it from a new car except for looking at the odometer (47k). But I am concerned about the brake feel. The brakes feel "mushy" to me. That is, they don't grab until my foot is almost to the floor, and ... Read More

Volkswagen Jetta 2005 and earlier

• My first VW

  Written by: backy on Dec 31, 2008 5:17:47 PM

  I traded in my 2000 BMW 328Ci today on a 2005 Jetta GL, silver blue with black interior, 47k miles. Decided to go with something more practical, and lower cost for repairs and maintenance. The Jetta is an automatic while the BMW was a stick. Personally I prefer a stick, but my wife sometimes has to use the car and she has "issues" with a stick (she destroyed one in another ... Read More

Volkswagen Jetta 2006+

• Re: Help! [barbt]

  Written by: jeffyscott on Dec 16, 2008 9:33:10 AM

  Does anyone think Jetta's are any good? Yes. What sort of problems? We have the first model year of this car (which was actually 2005, despite the discussion title). We had a few things in the first year, which was not unexpected, since it was a new model. But we are happy with the car. Actually VWs reliability reputation was in the toilet. It is this new Jetta (and the Rabbit) ... Read More

• 06 jetta

  Written by: autoboy16 on Nov 29, 2007 4:08:55 PM

  Congrats with the Jetta!! My jetta has been put on hold probably until October 2008. Hopefully by that time I can try the new TDI if VW stops pushing the date back... Luckily, my accord has been Great until now. If i could get any jetta, It'd be the 05-07 in Northsea green or new in Salsa Red w/beige or that Dark blue color that had a name change. I was ... Read More

VW Jetta TDI

• Re: Doing some math [morey000]

  Written by: gagrice on Dec 11, 2008 7:37:19 AM

  It is evidenced by my local dealer has a slew of Jetta and Sportwagen TDIs on the lot right now. That is a direct reflection of the American knee jerk reaction. When I bought my 2005 Passat TDI in April of 05, I was able to buy well under invoice. Diesel was higher priced than RUG. When I sold it 13 months later the prices had switched and diesel was cheaper ... Read More

• Low Sulphur Diesel vs. Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel fuel economy

  Written by: inlarry on Aug 26, 2008 4:32:16 PM

  Does anyone else who owns a pre-2007 VW diesel have any comparison regarding real world fuel economy using ULSD (15ppm)vs. "regular" low sulphur (500ppm) diesel? It may just be me but I seem to notice a definite drop in fuel economy when I use ULSD in my 2005 Jetta. At first I thought it was just the car, but then I happened to fill up on a tank of 500ppm at ... Read More

• Re: [sebring95]

  Written by: gagrice on Aug 7, 2008 10:16:31 AM

  Fact is, there's very little difference between the best and worst reliable vehicles on the road. And the available statistics prove that. That is absolutely correct. VW has made giant strides to improve areas that were problematic. Our 2005 Passat TDI was flawless for the 13 month and 8000 miles we owned it. It was also the most fun to drive of all the cars I have owned. I probably wasted ... Read More

Volkswagen Jetta vs. Honda Accord

• no title

  Written by: bunkie1 on Jul 21, 2008 9:32:01 AM

  I own an 03 Accord EXL 2.4 and an 03 Passat GLS 1.8T (Wagon). I bought the Honda new and the Passat in 2005 for $9000 (I think I stole it.) I've been very satisfied with the Honda. I also like the way my Passat drives and rides and looks, but I cannot say I'm very satisfied. On average over the last year, I spend more on unscheduled maintenance on the ... Read More

VW Jetta TDI

• Re: 09 Jetta tdi test drive [malmouza]

  Written by: gagrice on Jul 17, 2008 8:55:27 AM

  you will need to keep driving that car for 16 years before you get all your money back. I just picked this as an example of the error in your post. I bought a 2005 Passat TDI in April 2005 when diesel was more than gas up in Portland Oregon. I sold it in San Diego in May of 2006 for $3000 more than I paid for it new. That point ... Read More

Volkswagen Jetta 2005 and earlier

• To sell or not to sell

  Written by: kristingus on Jul 15, 2008 3:21:26 PM

  I have a 2005 Jetta (before they changed the body style). I'm coming up on 50,000 miles and I'm wondering if I should keep it after the warranty is up. I know VWs are expensive to have worked on and a real pain when they get major problems. I'm just wondering if mine is at the mileage when problems will start. It has also been in an accident, (about 1 yr ... Read More

Jetta Transmission Problems and Questions

• Re: 2006 Jetta rough shifting [terrifico]

  Written by: mls0413 on Feb 18, 2008 10:04:25 AM

  Hi, I have a 2005.5 New Jetta 2.5 Automatic and I had the same problem, it started at about 9,500 miles and was only a hard shift from 1 to 2 gear and got worse where it was hard shifting from 1 to 2 and 2 to 3 so at about 14,000 I started having the dealer look at it at first they said it was the control box and that ... Read More

VW Jetta TDI

• Test Drove '09 TDI Today

  Written by: obie on Jul 1, 2008 5:47:17 PM

  Well, I finally got my test drive of the TDI sedan today, and it was quite enjoyable, but not terribly long. The demos shipped early to dealers seem to all be equipped with the 6-speed DSG transmission, as opposed to the six-speed manual that will be available as the base model TDI in August. Therefor I can't compare the two, but I can say it is a quicker, smoother shifting tranny ... Read More

Volkswagen TDI Models Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Re: Trouble with TDI? [kc1435]

  Written by: rkelsey on Jun 27, 2008 9:46:49 AM

  A5 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 2005.5, 2006 clutch failure. On Nov 1 2007, VWoA issued Tech Bulletin 2016615. This extends the warranty on Sachs clutch components to 4 yrs/50,000 miles. Copy of Tech Bulletin here: http://www.myturbodiesel.com/images/pdf/vw_tb_30-07-01.pdf Recently had my 06 TDI clutch go at 16,585 miles. Dealer couldn't find this Tech Bulletin until I handed them a printed copy. Under warranty, VW paid for new clutch, and rental car.

Jetta Transmission Problems and Questions

• Re: No warning, differential/transmission locks up on freeway [naz2]

  Written by: 600kgolfgt on Dec 12, 2007 5:54:29 PM

  Unfortunately, automatic transmissions are an Achilles' heel with VWs - dating back to the 1970s. They have been notorious differential-eaters. The manual transmissions have been very robust. As far as your Jetta is concerned, the 2.0L automatic transmissions were made in Mexico, and are a mixed bag when it comes to reliability (at best). I have a 2003 Wolfsburg 1.8T with the 5-speed tiptronic transmission which was made in Japan by ... Read More

VW Jetta TDI

• Re: potential VW 2005 jetta tdi owner [michael1964]

  Written by: vwinva on Jan 24, 2008 4:30:39 PM

  One other item I should mention. Fuel additive. I use Powerservice Diesel Kleen + Cetane Boost. 4oz in every tank. Available at Wal-Mart. Not expensive and well worth the cost. If you are in an area where the temperature goes below 20F you'll want to use Diesel Supplement. Diesel will gel below 20F, DS has an anti-gel in the blend. If Powerservice not available, check auto parts stores. They should have ... Read More

• Re: potential VW 2005 jetta tdi owner [michael1964]

  Written by: vwinva on Jan 24, 2008 4:13:58 PM

  Get the TDI. I bought one used from a small dealer (not VW) in 2003. 46K on it. Did a complete service on it right after I bought it to bring everything up to standard. Still driving it, now has 183K on the odometer. I expect to get 300K out of it. The fluids and filters you can do yourself. Read through the FAQ at TDIclub.com to get an idea of ... Read More

• Re: potential VW 2005 jetta tdi owner [michael1964]

  Written by: sebring95 on Jan 24, 2008 12:36:12 PM

  Two things I'd be scared of...make that three. Low mileage tdi, driven by old people, and serviced by dealer. That's a bunged up trifecta there. I'd prefer one with 100k miles driven by Mario Andretti if it was serviced by someone that had a clue what they were doing. Easy driving will gunk up the intake on a TDI and it's an elaborate process to clean it out. I've heard of ... Read More

• Re: potential VW 2005 jetta tdi owner [sebring95]

  Written by: michael1964 on Jan 24, 2008 11:41:12 AM

  test drove the civic again today and the ride quality of the vw is still my preference. The previous owner of the jetta was an older couple who had the vehicle serviced at a local vw dealer. There is only 37000 km on it. There are so many positives about the civic,new,full warranty,0km, however the fuel economy in the jetta might out way the positives in the civic.

• Re: potential VW 2005 jetta tdi owner [michael1964]

  Written by: sebring95 on Jan 24, 2008 4:43:32 AM

  My advice I offer all potential TDI owners is this...If you're going to rely on a VW dealer for service/repair, you may not be a happy camper. If you can maintain the vehicle yourself or have a good independent TDI specialist nearby and are very meticulously with the maintenance....you'll never want another vehicle. I find many Honda owners to be the type that are only interested in ubber-reliability which may or ... Read More

• potential VW 2005 jetta tdi owner

  Written by: michael1964 on Jan 23, 2008 5:20:00 PM

  I test drove a 2005 jetta tdi standard yesterday. First time ever driving a vw. Man was I impressed. I have always owned Honda and was set on an 08 civic but am seriously considering buying the tdi. The wife works about 100km from work (round trip) + all the running around with the kids activitys, I figure 120-130 km a day. The forums that I have been reading are always ... Read More

Volkswagen Jetta Engine Questions

• Re: 2007 Jetta 2.5 [cry]

  Written by: jeffyscott on Dec 28, 2007 10:29:13 AM

  From a document that used to be on VW website (c. 2005), the following met their 502.00 spec at that time: Volkswagen Part No. ZVW 352 540S 5W-40 Castrol Syntec 5W-40 Chevron Supreme Synthetic 5W-40 Elf Excellium LDX 5W-40 Kendall GT-1 Full synthetic Motor Oil 5W-40 Mobil 1 0W-40 Motul 8100 X-cess 5W-40 Pennzoil Synthetic European Formula 5W-40 Pennzoil Synthetic European Formula Ultra 5W-30 Quaker State Full Synthetic European Formula 5W-40 ... Read More

Volkswagen Jetta Brakes and Rotors

• Re: Jetta Brake Problems [picaso]

  Written by: homerkc on Dec 24, 2007 6:20:40 AM

  I was told the same thing about "German cars" by the dealer where I bought my 2007 Jetta (brake dust from rear wheels was excessive.) Since that's NOT how front wheel cars work, with their high front weight bias, I took my car to another dealer. They spoke with VW and found that the rear calipers were bad - on some number of cars - and replaced mine with new and ... Read More

VW Jetta TDI

• Re: Injector Problems in 2005 jetta tdi [newmexico]

  Written by: bpeebles on Nov 17, 2007 4:33:02 PM

  You have a 2005 TDI. It is very unlikely that your injectors are dirty. If you beleive that you may have picked up a batch of dirty fuel, then your fuel-filter would have caught the crud and may be plugged up. It is not unusuall to need to replace fuelFilter due to a batch of bad fuel. I assume that you are adding diesel-fuel additive at every fillup... this will keep ... Read More

• Post moved

  Written by: pat on Nov 14, 2007 10:13:21 AM

  Here's the link: hurley5, "Volkswagen Jetta 2005 and earlier" #12704, 13 Nov 2007 3:15 pm.

Jetta Interior Issues

• Odd interior odor

  Written by: jennyt on Nov 6, 2007 1:27:15 PM

  My 2005 1/2 new model Jetta, which I leased when the new model just came out, has started to emit a horrible odor. It started in July, and I recognized it to be fuel. I took it to the dealership, and they thought the smell was fuel too- they pressure tested everything, but nothing was found wrong. I have had it in 2 more times. It is almost a chemical exhaust ... Read More

VW Jetta TDI

• 05 JETTA TDI Sedan A/C Problem

  Written by: shannyn on Oct 30, 2007 8:47:32 PM

  I absolutley love my jetta...Would not trade it for anything in the world..I have 83,000 miles on it, I travel alot back and forth to work and it is a 2005. My problem is since I got the car ( bought it brand new) I have had alot of little things go wrong..Mostly electrical..Sometimes the sunroof don't want to close...Headlights or tailights constantly going out..Now my a/c is messing up. I ... Read More

Volkswagen TDI Models Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• 05 Jetta TDI Sedan A/C problem

  Written by: shannyn on Oct 30, 2007 8:40:31 PM

  I absolutley love my jetta...Would not trade it for anything in the world..I have 83,000 miles on it, I travel alot back and forth to work and it is a 2005. My problem is since I got the car ( bought it brand new) I have had alot of little things go wrong..Mostly electrical..Sometimes the sunroof don't want to close...Headlights or tailights constantly going out..Now my a/c is messing up. I ... Read More

Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

• VW Jetta Wagon - Smells Like Cat Urine

  Written by: grayson1 on Oct 21, 2007 6:58:42 AM

  2005 Jetta Station Wagon Smells Like Cat Urine Inside Mileage: 40,000 approx Engine Type: 4 Cylinder ? Hi There, My neighbor moved in about 3-4 months ago from Greenville, SC to SW Florida during the rainy season. After a month, her car began to smell like ammonia inside. I have sat in her car and smelled it and it is strong. She is blaming my cats. She says that they are ... Read More

• Re: Buy or Bypass [lynnvanv]

  Written by: jeffyscott on Oct 4, 2007 6:35:53 AM

  Here is how CR itself puts it (April 2007 issue): If the only things that mattered to a car buyer were performance, comfort, and safety, Volkswagen would be at the top of the heap. Its Volkswagen and Audi models do well in handling, braking, and standard safety features. But few VWs have decent reliability. Conversly, if all that matters to you is reliability, then I guess Toyota is your best bet. ... Read More

• Re: 2005.5 VW Jetta 2.5 EPC, Traction Control, and engine lights [spinfit]

  Written by: marilyn0815 on Oct 3, 2007 12:52:14 PM

  Throttle Sensor had that replaced - $1700. Engine light still on, with the air bag light, brake light (had new brakes installed) light still on and etc. My car is now stalling won't drive unless warm up for 20-25 minutes, granted it has a lot of miles on it, Year 2000, Volkswagen, Jetta that gets tuned up regularly and oil changes regularly like I am suppose to. It has 117,000 miles ... Read More

• Volkswagen recalls nearly 800,000 cars

  Written by: orbit9090 on Aug 21, 2007 7:31:01 PM

  NEWS: Volkswagen recalls nearly 800,000 cars Defective brake lights on Golf, GTI, Jetta, New Beetle and R32 are a potential safety hazard and should be replaced. February 26, 2007 - Around 800,000 Volkswagen vehicles have been recalled Monday because of faulty brake lights, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. The 790,000 vehicles include Jettas, New Beetles, Golfs, GTIs and R32s...all in the United States. The specific years and models affected ... Read More

• Re: Yet another issue-this time burning and stinking 2005 Jetta! [problemjetta]

  Written by: problemjetta on Aug 13, 2007 1:06:28 PM

  Oh it's me again. The original poster. I spoke to VW customer care this afternoon and they say there is nothing they can do for me b/c it's "running to manufacturer specifications" and that's all they can do under the terms of the warranty. I didn't realize that black smoke and a burning smell were manufacturers specs. That car has been in the shop no less than ten times!!!!!

• Yet another issue-this time burning and stinking 2005 Jetta!

  Written by: problemjetta on Aug 13, 2007 12:38:31 PM

  AHH! So it's me again. I posted in June regarding the cooling system going in my new style, 2005, 2.5 automatic jetta. Well, things haven't gotten better since I got this hump of metal back. On Saturday I was driving into town and all of the sudden the vehicle started to smell like burning rubber. The smell was very strong and coming thru the vents with force since I had my ... Read More

• Re: 2005.5 VW Jetta 2.5 EPC, Traction Control, and engine lights [spinfit]

  Written by: patan328 on Jul 14, 2007 8:56:27 PM

  please tell me that it wasn't that expensive. I son't have a warranty cause i bought it from a woman whose warranty was expired. That sounds exactly like mine, the brake lights don't work, the epc light is on, the check engine light is on, and the car won't shift from park or neutral without a lot of patience and time. Please help so that i have some idea on how ... Read More

• Re: 2005.5 VW Jetta 2.5 EPC, Traction Control, and engine lights [spinfit]

  Written by: patan328 on Jul 14, 2007 8:47:29 PM

  hey, i have a new version 99 jetta VR6, and i have the same problems as you. I know a guy who saw my car a little while ago, he worked at a vw dealership as a mechanic. He said that i needed the throttle position sensor and that would fix the little problem i had then. Now, for the past two days my EPC light came on, all my brake ... Read More

• Re: 2005.5 VW Jetta 2.5 EPC, Traction Control, and engine lights [problemjetta]

  Written by: spinfit on Jun 29, 2007 11:36:31 AM

  Well, at least its not just me. I just got the car back from the dealership on Wednesday. They said that the new wire harness from the throttle control sensor to the EPC/ECM was what seemed to fix the problem. So within 10 days I had to bring the car to the dealership three times and they replaced one of the cooling fans, the gas pedal, the throttle control sensor, and ... Read More

• Re: 2005.5 VW Jetta 2.5 EPC, Traction Control, and engine lights [spinfit]

  Written by: problemjetta on Jun 28, 2007 5:47:52 PM

  Hi-I can't believe I found this! I experienced the SAME first half of your problem yesterday. My car is the exact same year, make, and model as yours too with 35k on it. Yesterday was a very hot day and I was on about 3/4 of the way through an hour long drive when my EPC and Check Engine light came on. I noticed that I had a loss of power ... Read More

• Re: 04 Jetta Sputters [bpeebles]

  Written by: 600kgolfgt on Jun 27, 2007 2:31:48 PM

  Dont forget that the 1.8T engine REQUIRES premium fuel at all times. Running lower-octane fuel in a turbocharged engine is asking for trouble. (like holes in the pistons from preignition) I was referring to a good quality PREMIUM fuel, as opposed to the premium fuel from the local Joe's Gas Station... You're preaching to the choir. I've been telling everyone this for quite some time, thank you... I've owned and worked ... Read More

• 2005.5 VW Jetta 2.5 EPC, Traction Control, and engine lights

  Written by: spinfit on Jun 25, 2007 1:53:48 PM

  I have a 2005.5 VW Jetta 2.5 with a 5 cylinder engine and automatic 6 speed trans . It has about 30,000 miles on it. About two weeks ago the EPC light, Check engine light, and Traction Control Light came on while driving. I brought the car in for service and they told me that one of the cooling fans needed to be replaced. They replaced it and on the way ... Read More

Volkswagen TDI Models Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Re: prices paid for jetta tdi

  Written by: bailboy on Jun 7, 2007 8:12:22 AM

  I know, I am trading in my 2005 Avalon, I just hope this will turn out to be a good decision based on the history of Volkswagen's reliability. So we'll see..

VW Jetta Basic Maintenance Questions (Oil changes, fluids, etc.)

• Re: VW Jetta Burnin the oil? [jettagyalgo]

  Written by: 600kgolfgt on May 27, 2007 7:44:39 AM

  Not being smart..just asking are you sure 4? Yep. I have the factory manuals for Golf/Jetta covering both the Mk3 (1993-1999) and Mk4 (1999-early 2005), and the specifications for the 2.0 engines (Mk3 & Mk4) say 4.2 qts. As a matter of fact, having owned VWs for 25 years (including a 1975 Scirocco and 1987 Golf GT), that amount hasn't changed much over the years. The 2.0L engine is basically an ... Read More

Volkswagen TDI Models Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Diesel is the BOMB

  Written by: erik on Apr 26, 2007 5:49:42 PM

  A few points. We have a 02 Jetta WGN TDI and 05 Passat WGN TDI. It took two years to make up the extra 500 or 1000 for the diesel option. The funny thing is people pay more for a V6 or V8 or R32 and they get worse mileage. The price of diesel is now the same as regular unleaded. I checked the resale of my Passat TDI and it ... Read More

VW Jetta TDI

• Opinions please

  Written by: jkinzel on Feb 18, 2007 11:32:56 AM

  Opinions please. Went to the local VW dealer Saturday and did some test drives of a 2006 and a used 2005. We looked at but did not drive a 2004 Jetta as we ran out of time. Dealer called this morning and said they would take a $1000 off the top with out even talking. What it is: Certified VW used car Wheat and beige 2004 Jetta TDI, 42000 miles. Paint ... Read More

Jetta Transmission Problems and Questions

• 2005 Jetta TDI manual transmission damage

  Written by: dblfltd on Feb 9, 2007 2:52:08 PM

  VW of America claims that an attempt to get unstuck from snow was the sole cause of damaging the transmission which had to be replaced for $3300. However, this is the third transmission replacement in this car. What do you think about a one-time incident causing that damage? Quite a coincidence given the other two failures.

Volkswagen Jetta 2006+

• trouble with 2005.5 new jetta!!!

  Written by: foremanatv on Dec 26, 2006 2:53:36 AM

  i bought a 2005.5 new jetta with the 5 cyl engine, now i really do love the car and i made the front look like a GLI and the car is the champaign color, it looks sexy! i also put the eibach springs that vw sells for it and a custom intake system so the car sounds and handles amazingly. i put the springs on because i bottoms the car out ... Read More

Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

• Re: '02 Jetta Water Leak? [1vwman]

  Written by: jordanw on Nov 7, 2006 4:44:34 PM

  I am the owner of a body shop who does work for a local VW dealer. In the previous generation Jetta (1999.5 to 2005) with sunroofs the drains get clogged with debris. This goes unnoticed for a long time because VW uses good carpeting and sound absorber so the water will not show up until ultra saturated. If you are experienceing this leak take it to the dealer to be fixed ... Read More

Volkswagen Jetta vs. Honda Accord

• 05 Honda Accord vs 05.5 VW Jetta

  Written by: cbergan on Oct 18, 2006 4:26:36 PM

  In July of 2005 I was looking for new car and was comparing several different make and models. I test drove the Honda Accord and the New Jetta. They both get you from point A to B, the difference for me was in the handling. Since most of my driving is in the City, where dodging pot holes and deep puddles is the best game in town, handling is important. Also ... Read More

VW Jetta TDI

• 2002 Jetta TDI

  Written by: jeep1947 on Sep 17, 2006 4:58:50 PM

  Own a 2005 Jetta TDI wifes car love it. Yesterday Sept.16,2006 we bought a 2002 Jetta TDI because we love diesels. This one has the check engine light on dealer did not try to lie about it. He said car was purchased new there and serviced there on VW maint timeline. They have checked it a number of times and it has something to do with glow plug sensor. They are ... Read More

Volkswagen Jetta Maintenance and Repair

• Help

  Written by: kimag1978 on Sep 17, 2006 9:46:26 AM

  I have a 2005 Turbo GLI model Jetta. It has about 45,000 miles. It was on it's way out of town when the clutch was engaged and never came up from the floor. Immediately we went to a VW dealership only to find that there were about 5 other people in the maintenance department for the exact same thing!! The mechanic told us that it could be the pressure plate or ... Read More

• Re: Help! 2005 Jetta chugging in morning..dealer can't "duplicate problem" [coness]

  Written by: snowdance on Aug 29, 2006 5:51:21 AM

  That cold start noise that sounds like all the baffles in the exhaust are loose is a common thing on those engines.. If its super bad VW has an update for the computer that they can download.. There is a service update on it.. However it makes little difference.. It last about 30 to 40 sec. and gets longer as the weather gets colder.. I think its one of the things ... Read More

Volkswagen TDI Models Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Re: Canadian car?? [ukjim]

  Written by: gagrice on Aug 25, 2006 6:39:25 AM

  I would like to know where we might find a selection of low milage cars in the U.S. Two things. They are not cheap and I think you are in for a long battle trying to register a Canadian car in CA. From experience: I bought a new 2005 Passat wagon TDI in Oregon. Kept it 13 months and sold it in CA for $3000 more than I paid new. The ... Read More