Used 1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan Consumer Reviews
don't but a volkswagan!
i bought a jetta about two years ago from a private owner. i had a diagnostic done and it passed with flying colors. shortly after i bought it, it needed a alternator and belt, so i took it in to get fixed. $1,000 later, i went to service my car....$900. then my transmission went out for no apparent reason...$4800!! the car is a nice car if you have money to pay for repairs and service. i learned my lesson after spending $6500 in repairs in a little less than two years; the hard way.
REPAIRS-REPAIRS-REPAIRS!!!!
The car is in the shop as I am writing this- Havent had the car 6 months yet! This car is not reliable. Its been in the shop 6 days now and I am up to $4800 in repairs, including new starter and major electric malfunctioning and transmission. If you do not have the extra cash for these pricey repairs BEWARE!! And if you have your heart set on it, then make sure to purchase an extended warranty because you can count on breaking down. Car left me stranded with a horn that would not shut off- had to be towed. Brakes squeaks have a mind of their own. Guzzles gas like crazy. I would never purchase another VW again.
97 GLX Reliability issues
Door alarm problem - car arms itself whenever the rear door is opened or that electric window is operated. Need 2 keys to get it started. Engine Sputters - Car sometimes hesitates and runs poorly for a few days then is fine for weeks at a time. Side door molding strips keep falling off. Buy some doublesided tape ahead of time. No big deal to fix. No place to put stuff. Ex: Cup hldr under ashtray so unusable for anything taller than soda. though. FIX ELECTRICAL PROBS! VW's notorious for this. You'd think theyd have solved by now.
Even the service manager agrees
This car has been the worst vehicle I have ever owned. The electrical system has had to be rewired, the starter replaced, the computer replaced, and the windows have been repaired numerous times. Even the service agrees that they are all common Jetta problems, he's just never seen them in one place.
Excellent Engine POOR Everything else
Drove this car with clean highway miles and easy on the clutch; Was fun to drive for first 6 months. Since purchase I have replaced 3 ignition modules, 2 wheel bearings, body molding, door locks, and a myriad of other mechanical and body components. When the dashboard lights failed and the check engine light came on for the 2nd time I got rid of the car. LEARN FROM MY MISTAKE - DON'T BUY THIS CAR. I will never buy another Volkswagon.