by RobMc » Tue Nov 03, 2009 1:14 am
The VW',s with auto transmission have had a history of trouble from the beginning till the 2003 model year. The automatics of 19941998 were the worst of the bunch, but 1999 till 2003 wasn',t much better.
If you may be able to only pay for a used Jetta with an auto transmission, attempt to purchase one that has either had the transmission replaced with an exchange unit or one that has had all the updates on it. Your dealership can check the software in the control unit to see if the updates have been done. As much as I think that the models from 1994 to 1998 are mechanically superior to next generation 1999 to 20042004 excepted, the auto transmission in these models really sucks big time.
Ideally, the 2004 models up have had improved transmission operation and so far, at least, have been dependable enough with improved shift quality. The manual transmissions have a far superior dependability record and get both better fuel economy and acceleration to boot.
The 2.0 L four is dependable, but suffers from two faults: one it uses a just amount of oil, 1200 to 1500 miles per quart before adding more oil is common, two, its a rough runner and has low power for its size. it's the only gasolene powered VW besides the rough 2.5 L five cylinder that can run on regular gas for sure. The VR6 is dependable enough, has good power, but suffers from poor economy for the power and has a costly to replace timing chain s set up. The turbo needs premium gas for sure, has had trouble with sluge build up and is somewhat trouble prone also. All the VW',s since 2000 require special synthenic oil the 2.0 L NON turbo four can run on regular oil to meet VW plans.
If you want a VW with an auto transmission Jetta, purchase a 2004 or afterward model. with all the updates on earlier model years, they won',t be as dependable as the afterward ones. The Jettas are safe cars, they have been a top safety pick for some years and have side and curtain air bags and abs as standard equipment for some number of years.
Hope this helps, a car nut.