Used 2004 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Reviews
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Love the Car but Not perfect
Fun to drive and love the fuel efficiency. Still get about 45 MPG and about 550 to 600 mi range. Suspected potential problems when I bought it so purchased extensive 100k warrantly and was money well spent. Was looking specifically for a high MPG desiel for business travel. Engine died about 40k due to main electrical panel, several O2 sensors, coolant getting into exhaust due to some gasket leaking. Check engine light has been on since 95k but not an issue as far as I know. All covered under warranty. So far no signficant problems after 100k. 125k on it now. Leaks (drips) a little bit of engine oil, armrest console latch broken but otherwise in great shape. Would take it anywhere!
Lemon
I bought a new 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. Within the year I brought it back three times expressing my concern regarding the transmission. They told me that's the way it drives. Brought it back a few more times they told me nothing is wrong. Brought is t back again and they wouldn't even document it and said that's just the way the German cars drive. 11 months after the warranty is up they were able to find a the problem with the transmission but it now will coast me 1,500 or more to fix. Anyone experiencing this type of problem should contact the National Highway and traffic department if enough people are having a problem maybe they will do something about it.
1.8t = Solid Car
Put on about 50,000 miles, with a decent amount of reliability issues (windows dropping into door twice, check engine lights, leaking sunroof, failed ignition coil requiring tow, among others). With the turbocharged engine, I'm going to make sure I religiously change the oil every 3k miles no matter what...can't afford to put money into the car now that I'm off the 4-year/50k mile warranty. Otherwise, a great car overall. Not fast, but quick - and it can be made quite fast with basic mods, if one should so choose. Amazingly refined interior build quality, classy exterior looks. Has its rattles, but not a big deal. Fairly soft ride, though a bit of lean in turns as a result.
2004 GLI VR6
The GLI VR6 is very comfortable. My car is loaded, leather and all and is so much fun to drive. The 6sp manual shift is very smooth and has great acceleration. It's a pretty peppy car for a 200 hp. I've owned several BMWs (540, a 3 BMW 330) and I would say the fun factor is close to a Bimmer but at 1/3 the cost. Only drawback is the gas mileage is so-so for a 6sp. I was expecting to get about 28-33 mpg but I avg around 25 mpg. My 330i (6sp) avg around 28 so I was expecting the VW to be equal if not better.
I'm in Love with my TDI
I've had the car for a little over 2 weeks now and I absolutely love it. The drive is smooth, mileage is great and the turbo gives great performance. Most people think that you need to sit and wait for glow plugs for a couple minutes, that the TDI is loud, and that they stink. ALL NOT TRUE!The interior is great; very comforting. At night the dash glows with the red-blue combination. It looks great! Also, a great resource for TDI information (besides edmunds.com) is tdiclub.com. Check it out and the car. You'll love it!