Used 1998 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Mk3 jetta / alot Of miles Per gallón
I got this Car for 800$ and put On it Around 2300$ But is a great invesment. Paint , socks,breaks, radiator,hoses ,housing hose, Water pump,timing belt,custom rims & tires michelline/ rims and tires same size like original recomend , front windshield,interior small parts , and clips, Many i got On eBay , junk yards ,México, vw parts - this Car is very economical To use San Diego To los Ángeles Around Trip 25$ On gas I fix it With my friends Looks Good - restored was The best desicion 1998 jetta manual Gl No words To describe is a old car But give me All i Need We have 5 cars and VW jetta MK3 family We love it !!
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I love my Jetta!
After two years in this car I'm still in love with it. I drive this car hard and fast and it keeps up with everyone. It hugs the road and feels much safer than other cars I've driven. I get a lot of complments as well- especially from Jetta owners '99-'02. If something (god forbid) were to happen to this car I would have to find another. The '98's are far superior to the newer VW models and kicks my friend's Civic to the curb!
I love this car
It has been a great- car. We have had to do a lot of mechanical repairs to the car, who ever sold it did not do them and that was probably why they sold it in the first place. We have done timing belt/tensioner, both drive axles, breaks, struts, engine mounts, and turn signal switch, spark plugs, plug wires, and had the engine detailed. The car has been excellent with no mishaps.
a big bottomless hole in my wallet
I bought this car 2 years ago. The muffler fell off twice in 1 week right after I got it along with the siding (back on w/ double-sided tape) & the spoiler. Had to fix the ignition switch, buy a new radio/cd player. Several sets of new tires. Blinker/brake light problems which only worked for a year & stopped working again. The 2 back windows are being held up with pcs of wood. The power locks don't work from the inside (they'll lock me in). AC adaptor doesn't work & I was told they couldn't fix it. The glove compartment handle snapped off. & now it's back in the shop for some unknown reason. If it's more than a couple hundred I'm buying a new car & never buying a Dub again
Driver Found
I beat the crap out of this car on a daily basis,driving it all over the Tri-state area and it has never left me stranded.Just keep up with the maintenance and they are all go! Repairs seem to be easy to do.Most of them I can do in my driveway.Could you expect anything less from a Peoples car.
Not again!
Although my 1998 Volkswagen Jetta was two years old when I purchased, it had low mileage (it still has low mileage) so I was enthusiastic. I loved the style, the way it handled, and the way it drove. BUT it is a piece of junk. I have had to replace every window control on it, the axels, side trim, throttle body, it quit on the interstate when the coil went out, and on and on. And it is expensive! To have the transmission serviced was $500! I will never purchase another VW of any kind. I still have it because I have too much in it to be able to recoup any expenses but I am going to have to do something with it.. I can't afford to "drive" it!
Another great VW
I bought mine used from a local VW dealer, and abuse the snot out of it. I autocross and do hill climbs with this car, as well as daily drive it. Normal wear and tear items get replaced, and regular maintenance keep things going strong. As with any used car, parts tend to wear out faster than new, so be prepared to spend money keeping them going. Do your homework and never buy a used car without having it checked out!
Good car
Good car, great on gas will buy an other vw again.
Too Young To Die
I purchased my Jetta in 2001, with only 17k. In the 7 years that Ive owned it, the rubber on the sides fell off, the cruise control went out, the keyless entry stopped working, the airbag light goes on and off, and worst of all the transmission is dying at 86,000 miles. The repair shop (a costly VW only shop) could not fix the cruise, the key or the airbag light. They said that I will have to get a new tranny, which would cost more than the car is worth. It takes a lot of effort for it (automatic transmission) to get up to 20 mph (gets up to 50 rpms), and it jerks into second gear. Once it gets to 60 mph, it's ok but it takes a lot of work to get there. Not so much fun to drive now.
Great little car - GT should do more...
I really like my 1998 Jetta GT, there are a few things that I think VW could have made better, like the shifting is a little harsh. Sometimes takes a while for it to shift. Other than that its a great car... once it shifts normal its fast.
Great Car
I bought the car used with 103,000 miles on it in 2004. The paint is still very shiny (exclusive to wolfsburg painting techniques) and the suspension, wheel bearings and other components were still in great condition. The car has decent pickup for a 4-cyl. (faster than my honda) and the 5 speed transmission works beautifully. The engine idles very smoothly and is very reliable. My clutch did however go out at about 107,000 miles which is normal. I get many complements about my car and I love it. The only problem is the door trim, which any able bodied person can fix for 4 dollars by buying a tube of automotive adhesive. Install NEUSPEED products!
Could have been a contender.
I like the way she drives.. I bought the car with 106k miles on it. Salvaged the ailing (automatic)transmission with transmission conditioner. The window regulators are garbage. They break often and run you over $350 a pop to put in. Don't let a substandard shop work on the car. They will cause you more problems. The car has broken motor mounts, they cause a shimmy when accelerating and cause the CV joints to wear quickly. The engine and Transmission still run really strong with 170,000 miles. Just don't think the rest of the car will last. With TLC early in the life of the car I think it would be running and looking great in every facet.
Poor Quality
My 1998 (44,000 miles) Jetta is a big disapointment. While it is a fun car to drive, it is hard to keep the car long enough to have too much fun. Since owning this vehicle I have had t the following problems: - 3 out of 4 power windows FAILED - Power Sunroof FAILED - Body molding FELL OFF (on both sides) - Power Steering Pump FAILED - factory battery FAILED after two years - Power Door locks intermitantly FAIL
This is a fun car to drive
I purchased this car new in 1998 and have been religious about maintenance and fixing things before they become expensive problems. I've driven 160,000 miles with no major repairs and still enjoy driving this car. If you stay up on maintenance (yes - brakes, struts, engine, etc.), this car will reward you every day - it is a fun and responsive car to drive and blast through turns. There is a certain "structural integrity" to the Jetta that Hondas and Toyotas lack. It handles well, has a responsive engine for its size and is great to drive. Great on gas too - I get 31 mpg highway.
Nice car if your pockets run deep
No doubt about it as said above the car is fun to drive. Unfortunatly fun to drive comes at outragious cost. Maint. on these things thru your dealership will not come cheap. Waterpumps, belts, anything else with more than 3 hours labor will cost you heavily. As said above my sunroof has broken twice, 2 of the four window regulators went, 2 moldings fell off, my cd changer blew out twice and my foglights die (then physically fall off). Last but not least, after 67000 oilchange documented miles my engine blew. Reasonably priced fix of $6000- haha. The guttyworks of the car are simple to explain... garbage!
never buying a VW again
car ran well for about a year before everything went wrong. Bought with 76,000 now has 130,000 miles Muffler fell off about 7 times resulting in lots of repair costs. When everything seemed ok the distributor went and needed new wires. After that the spark plugs had a problem resulting in gas killing my catalytic convertor and o2 sensors that =$1,200 worth of repairs. Had steering problems and a few days ago the clutch broke and stuck to the floor. Quick fix for about $200 bucks but warned that the clutch will go very soon. Body is rusting faster and faster where it is to the point that you cannot even jack the car up without the body crumbling. Replacing car ASAP and never buying VW again
I do love my Jetta
I have wanted a Jetta for years, and I finally got a 98 this past December. I love it. Its fast, fun to drive and seems to be very reliable. I think the cup holder situations stinks, they are way to small. And the fact that the GL has roll down windows also stinks, I had a 90 Oldsmobile with power windows! Anyway, I so far love this car- its almost everything I want in a car. I love the german feel and design.I love the way the car shifts. I have been told VW's are very expensive to maintain... and I believe it. Well wish me luck-
Beg to differ
Great to drive to Sacramento and back and to work and to all my friends houses and then do it all over again.
1998 Jetta Gt
This is a great little car that is extremley fun to drive. Nice exterior styling with Gt upgrades- tinted rear lights, spoiler, alloys silver racing dials. Very, Very safe car. I've been in 2 head on collisions with this car at speeds over 60 km/hr and have walked out of those accidents with a couple bruises. The car goes nice on the highway and the fuel efficiency is fabulous.
Should've bought a Honda
After having an 89 Accord for 10 years it was time to try something new since the body design on the Hondas began to look like suppositories. I really liked the style of the VW. This is not enough reason to buy a VW. Within 3 months the transmission acted up and the dealer tried to tell me it wasn't covered under the bumper2bumper warranty. A year later the ignition coil cracked and had to have that replaced which the dealer did do but the cleaning ($200) wasn't covered. Now there's either a bearing, the tension pulley for the timing belt or the AC compressor has gone. Never had these problems with my Accord. Not worth the headache.
Did not enjoy this car
This car has been a major disappoinment. I leased this car new in 1998 and have been trapped in a four year lease! It was great for the first year, but on the one year anniversary of the car, the electrical system shorted out. Since then, my dashboard shorts out and I have to hit the dash to get the lights back on. My stereo gets louder as I try to turn it down. Then my wheel covers ended up missing. To top it all off, my exhaust system fell out, and was not cheap to replace. Now I have an unidentified rattling coming from the rear of the car. I also found that I did not have that great of a gas mileage. Oh well, live and learn. I'll never buy VW again.
Great VW
I've owned this vehile for almost 3 years now and have felt nothing but love for it. I have to give a little extra care here and there but over all she's one awsome peice of work.
give it a
Extremely reliable, comfortable and enjoyable to drive car, nice design inside and out, "feels" like a more expensive car than it is. Lacks a bit of power, bit sluggish on take-off. Small problems become annoying - moldings come loose, door handles stick, antennae needs to be tightened. Should note previously owned 92 Wolfsburg Jetta had none of these problems.
The Poor Man's BMW my butt!
This car has been one nightmare after another. I have a love hate relationship with this car. It is fun to drive and the engine and the transmission have been good, but everything from windows, to ac compressors have blown in this car, and the rate for fixing this car is almost as high as working on a BMW. Come to think of it, for what I spend on fixing this car, I could have bought a BMW. I love the way this car dirves and handles, but I hate the tempermental features this car has, windows, cruise control knobs, a/c buttons shking loose. A poor man simply can't afford a VW, next time I won't buy the imitation.
They got it right--except little stuff
Overall, I've loved owning VW Jettas. The A/C and Heat are quick to the rescue in tough Wisconsin weather, and the tork in the engine is enough to keep up with quick lane changes in downtown Chicago. If it weren't for just a few cosmetic issues, this vehicle would be superb!
Jetta not so good
Bought this Jetta for my daughter in 1999 from a private party and have had nothing but problems with it. There are too many problems to list but here are a few. First the clutch failed at 25,000. Oxygen sensor failed at 32,250. The key switch switch was replaced at 51,000. The electrical system and heater controls work when they want to. The starter failed twice. The power steering pump was replaced. The wheels can not be removed without beating on them with a sledge hammer. The list goes on and on. I had the car to 2 separate dealers who have told me to trade the car in because of the problems. 1 dealer suggested that I not bring the car back for servicing. This car is a nightmare.
I love my GLX
I love this car...it is fun to drive and is really peppy. It is such fun, after driving mine, my sister, brother, and 2 co-workers went out and bought one. It has had the typical VW window regulator problem, but it was no big deal to fix. (HINT - don't go to the dealer unless it is under warrenty!)
bullet proof for the most part
I have owned my jetta for about a year got it with 137k replaced the struts pads cleaned the rotors replaced the belts and got a new exhaust. Given how old the car was with the miles all that should be expected I now have 160k plus and I'm replacing the clutch and motor mounts but the car Neva has left me stranded always starts is sweet in the snow and will eat a stock civic. With mods will keep up wit fast cars. Relatively cheap to fix if you can dyi. Its got a good amount of torque for carrying hills but not so much top end for speeding tickets if your looking for a decent looking out side a very Nice inside and and decent lil 4 banger this is what your want v-tec virtually tourqeless economy car
Fun to Drive but pricey to maintain
This car is a lot of fun to drive and responds / handles beautifully. I don't think anyone can dispute that. But this car is expensive to maintain! Every repair is pricey! The moldings on my car fall off anually. I've had window regulators repaired and the ignition switch replaced and have had numerous electrical problems that took numerous visits to diagnose and fix. A lot of other interior things to numerous to list that scream - poor workmanship.
Love my Jetta VR6
A very reliable and fun car to drive. The VR6 enigine is very zippy as I hug the turns like a high priced sports car. Many cars on the road give me a double take as my Jetta zips on by them with ease. For the price this car rocks!
LOVE HATE RELATIONSHIP
The pluses of this car are that it is very fun to drive. The engine is powerful and acceleration great. It feels solid on the road and handles well. HOWEVER, never again. In the 6 years I've owned it I've had to fix: various front end problems, the transmission, window regulators, security system, damaged hoses and now the ABS
Please do NOT buy a VW Jetta
Jettas are a maintenence nightmare! Since I got my Jetta (new in 1998), the following are only some of the problems I have had (most occured REPEATEDLY or were never resolved): window motors went out 6 times, cruise control (fixed twice, still doesn't work), volume control on radio, side plastic moldings don't stay on, keyless entry broke less than a year after buying, faulty front spoiler. To top it all off, I just found out I have $7,000 in transmission repairs. Everyone who I have spoken with has had similar problems and several VW owners I know have or are trying to get their cars declared lemons. I am NOT a person who complains at much...but it is ridiculous that VW is still in business.
The engine won't quit
We bought this Jetta back in the beginning of 2001 with nearly 48k on it. This year, I took an outside sales job and I've pushed it from about 137k to 160k and counting. Its days are numbered, as I haven't done much upkeep outside of oil changes, but this sucker still doesnt burn a drop of oil. The coolant is starting to leak a little. Both windows on the driver side are off track and are held in place by pieces of wood propping them up. Radio reception is awful. Transmission will stick going uphill from time to time. We superglued the rubber molding to keep it in place and that has worked pretty well. Knock on wood, the car has never left me stranded.
I Hate my Jetta
My car has been nothing but an expensive project since I bought it 2 years ago. Fist I had to have all 4 struts replaced, and new tires and alighnment. A few months later it needed a new exhaust and still is having cat issues. I have replaced both front axels, the brakes, new timming belt, and water pump. I have learned how to fix the Windows cause I have had all 4 break on me and its actually simple to replace the regulators, but getting the window back in to possition is a pain. The crank shaft possition sensor was just replaced and now its going back to the mechanic today, there is something wrong in the front end and it needs the valve cover gasket fixed and is leaking oil. What a pile!
Good car overall
My Jetta has been very reliable and a good daily driver since I bought it. The car has decent power once revved up. Engine space is large and easy to work in (ie oil changes, filters, fluids, etc.). The gearbox on my 5spd is somwehat stiff, moreso than other VWs I've driven. Seats are comfortable around town, but less so on long drives. The passenger seat sits too high (I'm 6'2" and my head hits the ceiling unless I slump down). Ergonomics are excellent inside. The tiny cupholders and lack of a center armrest are a bummer (but have changed with the newer Jetta).
VW K2
this is a great Car very fast. much much car for the money. manny goodies. turns heads I love it
Break all at once
I was disapointed with this car, despite the low mileage (under 45,000 at purchase) it start to break starting with the engine mounts, axels, brakes, engine lights went on since I changed the spark plugs. The bottom line it's not fun as advertised, I liked my old Corrola 90 with 130,000 miles on it better.
Migraine
I purchased the car with 96K and now have 133K. Repairs so far include: timing chain & belt clutch all 4 window regulators struts, ball joints, control arms - entire suspension AC all hoses sparkplugs now I'm looking at fixing the heater core, which is ~ $700. Also worth noting the radio gets minimal reception, CD player died soon after purchase, electronics are quirky (turn volume down and it goes up), cruise control doesn't work. When there's nothing wrong with the car it drives fine and is fun, but the maintenance is horrible, and I take it to the best and cheapest shop around (Black Forest Industries). Probably put in ~$5K in 40K miles/2.5 years (paid 5600). Never buying a VW again
The Jetta is a great car!
I purchased a 1998 Volkswagen Jetta this year with 133,000 miles on it and it runs awesome. It is really comfortable and the heated seats are really nice. Everyone that rides in it says they love it.
Don't believe the hype
I bought a '98 dealer-certified Jetta in Jan. 2001 for about what I would have paid for a 2001 Corolla, thinking I was getting a better car. And in terms of comfort and handling, I was. The positives end there. This car has been a nightmare. Transmission (automatic) died at 54k; the powertrain warranty was only good up to 50k, so the dealer politely informed me that I was screwed. Cost of a new trans: $3,000. Car still doesn't run right: Jerky, inconsistent shifting and acceleration, runs hot, idles rough, burns through coolant. Dealer insists with a straight face there's nothing wrong with it. In short, a total piece of crap. Never again.
Would Do It Again
I love this car even with its problems. For the money the Jetta is fun to drive, has good power and looks great. The car feels solid and well made for just $16K. Once I learned how to drive the car right, I had plenty of power. You just gotta know how to use those 115 horses. The issue I have with the Jetta: expensive to maintain, battery exploded at 24,000 miles, switch for air cond sometimes doesn't work, wheels covers and reflectors fall off, 3 front and rear wheel alignments, parts are expensive, VW service departments suck, options and add-ons are too expensive. Overall, I love this car.
Been A Great Car over the Years
I've had my 1998 Volkswagen Jetta for eight years now with 175,000 miles and have been very pleased. I've had the ususal Jetta problems with the ignition, water hose, window regulator, minor electrical and body moldings. The parts manager at the dealership gave me a great tip on the moldings. Buy the pop-in plastic moldings from the '95 model. They look fine and you will never have to replace them again. I use the seat adjustment levers for my cupholders which hold big cups. I have changed the oil / filter every 5,000 miles, the air filter every 35,000 miles, and hope to keep the car for 250,000 miles. The V6 engine has been very reliable with no engine repairs whatsoever.
Stay Away
Stay away from this car. I bought it last June and since September my repair bills have topped $5,000. They are lemons. A lot of little things go and labor kills you. It feels like it has spent more time in the shop then with me. Trust me, they look nice and will run for the test drive, but once you leave the lot, get ready for some headaches.
Just a fun little car!
This '98 Jetta is my first ever car. As I purchased this vehicle "late in life", and did not drive at all until a year ago, I don't have anything to compare this car to. BUT, it is fun to drive and definitely has a lot of pep. Not the best on gas mileage, but then I don't drive to work, and mine does have 6 cylinders (Vroom-vroom!). Parts can be pricy, so it's good that VW's have a good reliability rating. I bought this car used and had I done more research, would have preferred a new (w/warranty) car. A good, solid (and well-sealed) car.
Nothing but problems
Ever since i have owned this car, i have had to keep putting money into it. New spark plugs, new transmission, window mount broke twice, faulty wiring, engine mount broke, emergency break light stays on some times; it is by far the worst car that i have ever owned. I will NEVER own another volkswagen again.
Great Jetta!
Very fun to drive. VR6 is a great performer. Fit and finish inside is very good. Exterior fit and finish is excellent. Have had some problems with the fuel oxygen sensor, esp. when there is heavy rain. Also had to have the ignition switch replaced!? This is one of the last old style body types before they "Passatized" the Jetta. Ugh!
No regrets! Great car!
I bought this car new in 1998. It has always been very fun to drive. Despite it's cramped rear seat, lack of good cup holders (seat adjustment levers hold sport bottles perfectly!), and it's little quirks and rattles, I love this car and would do it all over again. It now has 64,000 miles on it and I would drive it cross-country. It still has awesome power with the VR6/5- speed combo. One tip, let VW install the CD changer. That was my only nightmare and it was because I took it to an after market place.
Pretty happy with this car
I bought this car in 2000 with only 34k mi. I am very hard on cars, and this car has stood up to my "abuses". This car wasn't perfect, though; the crank sensor and cruise control went out on me. Gas mileage is pretty good, but could be better. Unfortunately, I was involved in an accident in 2002 and the car was never the same. The rack boot and front axle needed replacement on 2 occasions, and the heat shield rusted off. Tires were wearing unevenly, and after the latest repair bill (which involves all the above), I have to say goodbye to this venerable car. Outside of those issues caused by the wreck, the only thing I had to do was change the oil and this car was ready to go. I'll miss it.
Absolutely not!
So I bought my nice 1998 jetta in 2008 for a graduation present to myself. Granted the car was 10 years old and I did get it for a deal (sort of)...IT stinks! so far since I've had it (less than a year) I've had to replace the wheel bearings 3 separate times because they've broken while I was driving and I've also done the breaks and rotors twice. On top of that I had to replace the exhaust, all the window motors are messed up, my automatic door locks don't work, the window cable broke, my 02 sensor failed, my cruise control doesn't work, the wiring causes shorts in the lighting and sensors, and my side panels had to be reglued in place. All of this at 120,000 miles? I miss my dodge stratus!
Bought out the lease
I've been driving this 1998 GLX VR6 five-speed Jetta for four years on a lease. I like it so much, I decided to buy the car at lease end. It's still way fun to drive. Every friend who's ever driven it says, "wow, I love driving this car." The pick-up is great and sporty. This GLX is a completely different beast from a regular Jetta, but you probably already knew that. I'd recommend the leather seats, which are especially nice heated. My only problems have been an electrical repair. Also, the tires, because of the sport model, I recently found out are quite expensive! I only have slightly over 50,000 miles on the car, so why not keep driving it?