Used 1996 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Reviews
Used Jetta for sale
Look at a Different Car
Ashley, 01/26/2006
1996 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1996 Volkswagen Jetta in April of 2005. Two days after I bought it, it started to make a horrible noise EVERY time I put it in reverse. The only time I put my car in reverse now is to get out of a parking spot. I have had constant problems with my Jetta since I bought it. I have had the check engine light on more then it has been off. I am now trying to sell it and buy a different car that I feel comfortable driving on the freeway. Right now I find myself using the backroads from get to place to place.
Never Again
Shoregirl, 07/12/2002
1996 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Never Again will I buy VW. Unfortunately, I had bought this car used in '99 with 36k miles on it. I have had nothing but problems with it. From small mechanical problems, to having to replace my entire transmission last year, this car has been nothing but a giant headache. I hate to drive it because it always seems like there is something wrong, and it's broken down more times than I can count. I don't know if I was just sold a lemon but this experience, unfortunately, has made me never want to buy VW again.
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See all 0 listingsMight be my last Volkswagen
akillen, 12/23/2010
1996 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the 4th Volkswagen I've owned. Be very careful who you have service a Volkswagen. They are different from most other cars and you can't take them to just any old mechanic. Other than that, learn how to work on it yourself or you will be very disappointed and/or broke. In the 4 years and 40,000 miles I've owned mine I've replaced the starter twice (do not get a rebuilt starter!), valve cover gasket, oil cooler O-ring, complete exhaust system, coil pack, two window regulators, a light in the instrument cluster and other regular maintenance stuff. On the other hand, the interior is very comfortable. Climate control works great and it is fun to drive. Good MPG (have had up to 40 highway)
German Unreliability
Brandon, 03/17/2006
1996 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After a year of owning this car: the sunroof motor is blown ($300), the back passenger window regulator and motor is blown ($400), the ignition coil failed ($300), sunroof was leaking for awhile ($40 for new seal), and the alarm system arms everytime I got into the car and after 3 visits to the dealer. One month later, they hadn't a clue of what was wrong except that disabling the power locks stopped the problem ($500 for nothing!). So I have no power locks now either. The suspension squeaks over everything and half the interior panels rattle. The motor is still running pretty strong though. This should give you a clue of how reliable VW's are after a decade of use.
Don't Buy This Car
Don't Buy This Car, 03/24/2004
1996 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought 04/2003 @ 86000mi for $4200. Now i'm at 101000mi and have repair bills over $3500. So far i've changed: exhaust, timing chain, tires, brakes & roders (i'm up for new brakes AGAIN). Transmission has about a month left. Stalls for no reason, especially in the rain. On cold days the key won't go in the door no matter how much WD40 i have. Check Engine light is on EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE CAR. Now my oil light is blinking and making that beep noise that i swear is werse than chinese water torture. Thank goodness my radio goes loud enough to cover it. Every machanic is baffled.