Anyone with insight on a VW Jetta

[variablebinary]

Get a Mazda 3 instead. It's a better car and similar in size

[Irish]

I bought my wife a CPO 09' VW Jetta Sportwagen 2.0T (approx 12k miles) a few months back. We've had nothing but great success with it thus far. 2 roadtrips down to the Orange County, CA area and 1 trip to Albuquerque, NM and the car runs like a top. I also have Stage 1 APR turbo tuning and KW coilovers installed.

I prefer German designed cars due to legroom, ergonomics and driveability. In their price range none of the other cars will be as upscale or nice as the VW in my opinion. My bestfriend's widow also drives the diesel wagon and has had zero issues with her's over the past 2 years.

I'm not sure how many people are offering advice due to VW's old "reputation" rather than actual experience but keep in mind that VW also has a free maintenance program, similar to BMW, and that's a nice thing as well if you go CPO.

Many people will tell you not to buy BMW due to expensive maintenance, it's free, and problems you'll experience with reliability. I honestly question how many people have owned them and still give this advice. I'm on my 2nd BMW, 335i, and have had absolutely zero issues with either one and I drive my cars like I stole them.

[C-grunt]

I bought my wife a CPO 09' VW Jetta Sportwagen 2.0T (approx 12k miles) a few months back. We've had nothing but great success with it thus far. 2 roadtrips down to the Orange County, CA area and 1 trip to Albuquerque, NM and the car runs like a top. I also have Stage 1 APR turbo tuning and KW coilovers installed.

I prefer German designed cars due to legroom, ergonomics and driveability. In their price range none of the other cars will be as upscale or nice as the VW in my opinion. My bestfriend's widow also drives the diesel wagon and has had zero issues with her's over the past 2 years.

I'm not sure how many people are offering advice due to VW's old "reputation" rather than actual experience but keep in mind that VW also has a free maintenance program, similar to BMW, and that's a nice thing as well if you go CPO.

Many people will tell you not to buy BMW due to expensive maintenance, it's free, and problems you'll experience with reliability. I honestly question how many people have owned them and still give this advice. I'm on my 2nd BMW, 335i, and have had absolutely zero issues with either one and I drive my cars like I stole them.

I speak through second hand experience. With the VWs it comes from my friend who is a dealer mechanic (Audi/Porsche) but also does a lot of VW.

With the Bimmers its from my best friend who is a BMW fanatic. His 335i was one of the ones that had CONSTANT fuel system issues and several computer issues. His new 2011 M3 runs great. His friends 2010 M3 has also been flawless. I know a few people at work that have 3 and 5 series that have been in the shop. Yet my uncle always has a 5 series and praises them for their reliability.

Its very hit or miss with the BMWs from my experience. If it were not, I would own a 328i with the sport package in a heart beat.

[Irish]

I speak through second hand experience.

Totally understandable and you have reliable sources. My point was I think some of the issues may be blown out of proportion due to the internet and the squeeky wheel. Although, I will admit if you want a "reliable" car to buy Japanese but if you want a car that is fun to drive and actually performs well at highway speeds buy German. I may be sacrificing a small amount in terms of overall maintenance but I gladly accept that when I can rip down the road in a fast, quiet, nimble vehicle that doesn't feel like an aluminum box of shit on wheels. There are definitely trade offs.

[C-grunt]

Totally understandable and you have reliable sources. My point was I think some of the issues may be blown out of proportion due to the internet and the squeeky wheel. Although, I will admit if you want a "reliable" car to buy Japanese but if you want a car that is fun to drive and actually performs well at highway speeds buy German. I may be sacrificing a small amount in terms of overall maintenance but I gladly accept that when I can rip down the road in a fast, quiet, nimble vehicle that doesn't feel like an aluminum box of shit on wheels. There are definitely trade offs.

I agree with you. The 335i is just about the perfect sport sedan. Comfortable, quiet and stylish. But is a damn fast car.

But I do really like my Infiniti G37. I believe the S model would give a 335i a run for its money. I need to put better tires on my car but even with normal all weather tires it handles really well.

[orionz06]

My brother had a jetta and had loads of problems. bought an accord and never looked back.

If you do get the jetta, avoid leather interior. His and many others had an uncanny smell like crayola crayons. I know it sounds odd, but its true.

The smell is a wax that is used during assembly. I believe it changed around 2005.

[orionz06]

Totally understandable and you have reliable sources. My point was I think some of the issues may be blown out of proportion due to the internet and the squeeky wheel. Although, I will admit if you want a "reliable" car to buy Japanese but if you want a car that is fun to drive and actually performs well at highway speeds buy German. I may be sacrificing a small amount in terms of overall maintenance but I gladly accept that when I can rip down the road in a fast, quiet, nimble vehicle that doesn't feel like an aluminum box of shit on wheels. There are definitely trade offs.

100% spot on. What is not spread around the internet are the issues that happen with Honda's and other cars that are deemed "ultra reliable". Similar to what some people call "malfunction amnesia" with their favorite firearms.

[C-grunt]

100% spot on. What is not spread around the internet are the issues that happen with Honda's and other cars that are deemed "ultra reliable". Similar to what some people call "malfunction amnesia" with their favorite firearms.

Very true. You want to know about car problems, check out the racing communities. Every car has problems... Honda 6 speeds have bad synchros, EVOs eat clutches, WRXs blow up transmissions, Audi turbos go out and are EXPENSIVE, 335i have fuel system problems, GTRs blow up first gear... so on and so on. No car company makes a perfect car.

[lethal dose]

Timing belts, head gaskets, water pumps, axles, ball joints, and tie rod ends are still no more than any other brand. If they are, you are shopping in the wrong place.

Point of comparison: 1997 Chevy Cavalier (in 2005) cost ~$50 for two tie rod ends. 2001 Jetta (in 2005) cost ~$65 shipped for two tie rod ends (heavy duty). They were replaced as PM prior to lowering the car.

Should have clarified... if you bring it to me (or most other garages) it's gonna cost you more to have it fixed. Most water cooled vws tend to be finickey.

[Quiet-Matt]

We have the new VW plant here in Chattanooga that is making the new soon to be released Passat. They say it'll sell for $20k, who knows if it will be any count.