Used 2001 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Reviews
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Plastic Water Pump Impeller Failure
Just in case your 2.0 Liter-powered VW (not sure of other engine designs) develops unexplained overheating with no external coolant leaks, it is most likely a internally shattered PLASTIC (yes you read that correctly) impeller that has failed. Unfortunately, it is about a 4-hour shop job to replace the impeller, since it is driven by the timing belt. So most of the front part of the engine must be dismantled in order to get to the impeller! COST: about $600-$750 parts & labor. If you are mechanically knowledgeable, parts (impeller, timing belt, tension pulley, and thermostat) will cost you about $210. When buying a replacement impeller, be sure to specify an ALL METAL replacement!
My 21 year old Jetta is still amazing!
I got this 2001 Jetta GLX V6 in 2003 with 30k on it after original owner. Now I’ve got 105k and it’s still a great car. I just came back from it at the mechanics after a very expensive replacement of the radiator (original) and electric water pump which were leaking. The thing I most have to focus on is the cooling system. There are coolant leaks and it’s had them in a hose, a plastic pipe and the housing of the thermostat (twice in 10 years). Other issues have been with the cooling fan control module making the a/c not working. O2 sensor replaced, and the check engine light has been going on often, always around smog time but it’s been off now for awhile. Considering it’s age but such low mileage, overall it’s been great. The paint clear coat is starting to flake off and this is disheartening as it makes the car look so much older. I don’t think I’ll pay for a new paint job. Maybe I can have a professional sand the clear coat to get rid of the look. The things I know have to be attended to is the timing belt/chain —not sure what I have in there. Needs attention in the transmission as it slips at times from 2nd to 3rd especially starting up a hill and a clunking sound in the left rear when turning sharp right. Considering the age of the car, it’s not too much. Still fun to drive, excellent pick up, and I had 3 Corvettes. No reason to sell at this time!!
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- Value
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poor man's audi / bmw
Bought it new two years ago and overall have really enjoyed this car. The VR6 motor is outstanding, but does use more gas than the 4 cyl. models. Body roll is a little excessive in fast corners, but it grips well when pushed hard. Ride is plush, quiet and smooth. Very comfortable for road trips. When I first picked up the car the cruise didn't work and the climate control wouldn't switch to defrost. Dealer fixed both problems promptly, and I haven't had a problem with the car since. Guess I've been lucky (knock on wood) as I see a lot of reliability issues from other folks.
LOVING MY VW
My VW was in a really bad accident 12/01. She had over 15,000 worth of damage. My cousin T-boned her, lucky the engine wasn't affected. After almost 4 months of repair. She is still in good condition. She runs just as good as when I bought her in 5/01. I haven't had any major engine problems. I had to replace driver and passager window regulators, which I found out that was a common defect in VW's. I also had to replace my rear brakes at 28,000 miles which I thought was rare but I was told it was due to a braking feature. Overall I am happy with her.
Bad Quality
I have a 2001 Jetta. The check engine light has come on numerous times during the past couple of years and I have spent more than $1,500 a year on repairs, over and above the regular maintenance. I am really tired of this car's bad quality. My colleague has the same one and has the same problems. I will never buy a VW again! Quality is the key, look at all of the Japanese cars around.