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Used Vehicle Review: Volkswagen Used Cars
Used Vehicle Review: Volkswagen Jetta, 1994-1998
By Bob McHugh
The third-generation Volkswagen Jetta had a difficult birth. Volkswagen had moved production of the new Jetta to a new assembly plant in Mexico, to improve its price competitiveness on the North American market. However, the transition did not go as smoothly as originally expected and initial production quality problems slowed availability, following it’s ‘93 launch. The Jetta did not begin arriving in Canada in substantial numbers until ‘94.
The styling of this compact German sedan sometimes described as a Golf with a trunk (a big one!), is very European. Its tall body design makes entry and exit easier, allows the driver to sit a little higher and contributes to its very roomy interior and a driving position that suits taller than average drivers.
The ‘94 came in three engine versions and two trim levels. The Jetta buyer could choose a CL with a 1.8 litre gasoline engine, a GL with the new 2.0 litre gasoline engine or a GL with a 1.9 litre diesel motor. Although Volkswagen offered the more efficient diesel engine version at the same price as its gasoline equivalent, most buyers opted for the gasoline engine. A 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic was the transmission choice.
Wider than the previous generation Jetta, the new car also had larger front disc brakes, a re-tuned four-wheel independent suspension, better side impact protection and – cupholders! An alarm system and a lockable folding rear seat were included in the standard equipment package, and it came with a six-year corrosion warranty on the body.
The base CL version got the chop in ‘95 and a new GLX VR6 joined the Jetta line. The VR6 is a unique 2.8 litre six-cylinder engine that can be described as either an in-line six or a narrow angle 15-degree V6, depending on how you view it. There’s no disputing its smooth power delivery and impressive 171 horsepower output.
A mild face-lift in ‘96 included a new grille, body coloured side mouldings and a new top-of-the-line full-load GLS trim. In addition to special editions Trek and Jazz, a new GT trim level, with alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and fog-lamps, were all added to the growing Jetta product line in ‘97. No significant changes were made in ‘98.
Two problems with the radiator fan on diesel engines made from ‘93 to 95 may cause overheating. An incorrectly routed right rear brake line can rub against the fuel tank, leak brake fluid and cause partial loss of braking. Loose hood latches on the 1993 through ‘96 Jetta can also be hazardous, especially if the hood opens while you’re driving.
Tie rod end wear and leaky rear brake wheel cylinders are common repair items. Jetta’s can also suffer from a unique transaxle oil can leak problem. A seal that separates the differential oil from the transmission oil can leak and they don’t mix well.
A Euro-style practical design that’s economical to operate and fun to drive, the Volkswagen Jetta offers much, without having to spend too much.
Used vehicle prices vary depending on factors such as general condition, odometer reading, usage history and options fitted. Always have a used vehicle checked by an experienced auto technician before you buy.
Bob McHugh is a British Columbia-based freelance automotive journalist. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).
Used Vehicle Review: Volkswagen Rabbit, 2007-2009
2007 Volkswagen Rabbit. Click image to enlarge |
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By Chris Chase; photos by Greg Wilson and Bob McHugh
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Not all of the most recognizable car and truck names are attached to high-dollar rides. Take the Volkswagen Rabbit: here’s a car with the most humble of roots, starting out as a basic subcompact hatchback. Its smart design and efficiency – in an age of hulking gas-guzzlers – made the Rabbit a household name in a few short years.
The Rabbit name disappeared in the mid 1980s, when Volkswagen brought the Golf name, which the car wore in Europe, to this continent. Then, in a surprising move, Volkswagen decided that the fifth-generation of Golf (the Mk. V as it’s know by VW geeks) would be called the Rabbit in North America. It was equally surprising, then, when VW announced that the sixth-gen, 2010 model year car would revert to the Golf name. The short-lived “new” Rabbit, and its sporty GTI counterpart, is the focus of my column.
2007 Volkswagen Rabbit (top); 2007 Volkswagen GTI (bottom). Click image to enlarge |
As the fifth-generation of VW’s small car, the Rabbit was an evolution of the Golf that came before it. And, like previous generations, the entry-level Rabbit was sold alongside a sporty GTI variant. Both cars were more refined and, some might say, less fun to drive than their predecessors.
The Rabbit strayed from previous generations by coming standard with a five-cylinder engine making 150 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque (all previous Golfs and GTIs used either four- or six-cylinder power), while the GTI used VW’s terrific 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder, good for 200 horses and 207 lb-ft of torque.
The five-banger proved to be a torquey piece, which helped in the drivability department, but was thirsty and wasn’t much fun to drive hard. Fuel consumption ratings were 10.7 L/100 km (city) and 7.2 L/100 km (highway) – numbers that were more in line with, say, the $40,000 Toyota Avalon (whose V6 made 268 horsepower in 2007!) than with the compact sedans it was sized to compete with.
By contrast, the GTI’s NRGuide ratings were actually a little better than the Rabbit’s, at 10.1/6.8 L/100 km (city/highway), despite its extra power and rev-happy nature.
The Rabbit was standard with a five-speed manual transmission, with a six-speed automatic (a rarity in the class) being the option. The GTI got a six-speed manual as standard, and VW’s six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) sequential transmission as the extra-cost choice.
It’s early to tell for sure, but I’m hopeful that Volkswagen has exorcised the reliability demons that have afflicted some of its other recent models. Consumer Reports gives the fifth-gen Rabbit/GTI above-average used vehicle ratings, but a quick search of the forums at VWVortex.com revealed that there are a few things to look out for.
2007 Volkswagen Rabbit. Click image to enlarge |
Here is an informative post detailing a few things to look out for in the GTI’s turbo four-cylinder engine. In fact, the entire thread that post is found in is quite handy.
Interior rattles seem to be a common affliction in Mk. V cars. This thread details how to eliminate an annoying dash rattle; this one takes care of one in the area of the dome light; and thread number three looks after a rattle caused by poorly secured fuel lines.
The DSG transmission “Mechatronics” unit, which I gather is the device that helps the transmission’s complex electronic and mechanical bits cooperate, is prone to failure. Symptoms include a hard second-to-first shift when decelerating, surging under light acceleration and a reluctance to downshift in automatic mode. Here’s a thread detailing some of the DSG issues owners posting on VWVortex.com have experienced.
2007 Volkswagen Rabbit. Click image to enlarge |
Excessive/premature rear brake pad wear could be due to a parking brake cable that was improperly adjusted at the factory. This can cause the rear brakes the drag slightly, and wear out much more quickly than they should.
This forum section at VWVortex.com is dedicated to the Rabbit’s 2.5-litre, five-cylinder engine; here is a thread specific to common problems in the 2.5-litre-powered Rabbit.
Crash safety is good: the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Rabbit “good” ratings in both frontal offset and side impact tests. From the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Rabbit earned four stars for front seat occupant protection in frontal impact testing, and five stars for front and rear seat occupant protection in side impacts.
All Rabbits have six airbags (two front, two front-seat torso and two front-seat curtain) as standard, and rear-seat curtain airbags were available in certain models. Traction and stability control was standard in GTI and optional on the Rabbit.
Like many a German car, used Rabbits hang on to resale value. According to Canadian Red Book, used prices range from $15,400 to $18,100. Four-door models, which were $1,000 more expensive than two-door Rabbits when new, tend to be worth $600 to $700 more on the used market, but expect real-world prices to vary greatly depending on options.
Meanwhile, the GTI comes in at $21,650 to $24,600; again, the four-door model is worth more used, just like it was when new.
Despite its higher price, the GTI is my choice, for its sporty-yet-comfortable ride and Euro-tight driving feel. The more efficient, more powerful engine is a treat, and while the sophisticated DSG transmission seems prone to some problems, it’s a sweet unit when it’s working as designed.
Many used Rabbits will still have some of their factory warranty left, which is a bonus if you’re concerned about reliability but love everything else about these cars – and this is one car that’s easy to love.
Online resources
Start your search at VWVortex.com, a huge forum where membership also gets you access to the entertaining CarLounge.net forums. RabbitOwnersClub.com and GolfMk5.com/GolfMkV.com (different names for the same thing) are excellent resources, too.
Recalls
Transport Canada Recall Number: 2009249; Units affected: 2,700 (includes other models)
2009: On certain vehicles equipped with a Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG), the wiring harness of a temperature sensor in the DSG may have connector wires that were insufficiently crimped during assembly. As such, the temperature sensor could falsely detect a high gearbox oil temperature, causing the transmission to abruptly shift to the Neutral position. A loss of propulsion, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver’s reactions, could increase the risk of a crash causing personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the transmission control module with updated software.
Transport Canada Recall Number:2007306; Units affected: 52,475 (includes other models)
2007-2008: Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of CMVSS 108 – Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment. 1). The required cap designed to disable the headlamp horizontal aim may not have been installed during vehicle assembly. 2). A cap may have been inadvertently installed to disable the vertical aiming screw. 3). An adjustment mechanism allows aiming of the low beam relative to the high beam. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs.
Transport Canada Recall Number:2006122; Units affected: 244,526 (includes other models)
2007: On certain vehicles, the brake lamp switch may malfunction. If this happens, the brake lamps could become inoperative; or could come on and stay on, even though the vehicle is parked. Correction: Dealers will replace the brake lamp switch with a newly revised version. This action includes vehicles previously affected by Transport Canada recall 03-184 and 04-075. The switch installed during this prior repair may not function properly. Note: parts available December 2006.
Crash test results
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
Used vehicle prices vary depending on factors such as general condition, odometer reading, usage history and options fitted. Always have a used vehicle checked by an experienced auto technician before you buy.
For information on recalls, see Transport Canada’s web-site, www.tc.gc.ca, or the U.S. National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA)web-site, www.nhtsa.dot.gov.
For information on vehicle service bulletins issued by the manufacturer, visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov.
For information on consumer complaints about specific models, see www.lemonaidcars.com.
Chris Chase is an Ottawa-based automotive journalist. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).
Used Vehicle Review: Volkswagen TDI models, 1997-2006
Review and photos by Chris Chase
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VW TDI, 1997-2006
Volkswagen has a long history of selling diesel-powered vehicles in North America, being one of only two automakers – the other being Mercedes-Benz – to do so consistently here.
VW’s earlier diesels tended to be noisy, smelly and smoky – all things that turned off many drivers who weren’t willing to deal with those aspects in return for a diesel’s lower fuel consumption.
Enter the TDI diesel. TDI stands for Turbo Direct Injection, and according to the FAQ at TDIClub.com, the design is similar to that used in heavy truck diesels for years, but with “countless improvements to refine the process and make it suitable for a passenger car engine.” This certainly seems to be the case: while TDI engines are unmistakably diesels, they run much more quietly than older VW diesels, and with less of the smoke and smell of those older engines. For general info about the TDI engines, check the FAQ at TDIClub.com.
The first TDI engines appeared in 1997 Golf, Jetta and Passat models. This motor apparently made 90 horsepower and either 107 or 121 lb-ft of torque, though I couldn’t find a straight answer one way or the other. In 1998, horsepower remained at 90 and torque increased significantly to 149 lb-ft, and the TDI was offered only in the soon-to-be-replaced Jetta.
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Verdict |
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Highs: Great fuel economy; reasonable prices |
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Lows: Some reliability questions; resale values tied to gas prices |
The 1999 model year brought with it an all-new, fourth-generation platform for the Golf, Jetta and New Beetle, in which the TDI now generated 155 lb-ft of torque. In 2004, power increased again to 100 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. The extra juice came courtesy of the “Pump Duse” system, a more precise method of delivering diesel fuel to the engine that, in addition to boosting power, also resulted in a quieter, cleaner engine and better cold-weather starts. Read more on this engine in Richard Russell’s 2004 Jetta First Drive here.
2004 Volkswagen Golf TDI. Click image to enlarge |
The Pump Duse system was also used in a 2.0-litre, 134-horsepower, 247 lb-ft TDI engine for the Passat and a massive 5.0-litre V10 TDI engine for the Touareg SUV that made 310 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both were short-lived and would disappear after 2005. Volkswagen’s diesel engine would disappear altogether in 2007 as the company worked on a new diesel design that would meet stricter emissions standards; that 2.0-litre engine, to be offered in the Jetta sedan and wagon, makes a healthy 140 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque. Read Greg Wilson’s preview here.
Fuel consumption has always been diesel power’s drawing card. In 1998, VW’s TDI motors earned Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings of 5.9 L/100 km (city) and 4.4 L/100 km (highway). By 2006, consumption had risen slightly, to 6.2 L/100 km (city) and 4.6 L/100 km (highway). These ratings are for cars with a manual transmission; opt for the available four-speed auto and city fuel consumption increases by 15 to 20 per cent. The difference is more like 10 per cent in highway driving, according to NRCan.
2005 Volkswagen Passat wagon TDI. Click image to enlarge |
By all accounts, VW’s TDI motors appear to be pretty durable. Diesels in general benefit from good longevity thanks to their robust construction. According to TDIClub.com, it’s particularly important to have the timing belt replaced every 90,000 km, “or else.” The site’s FAQ also mentions the relay for the glow plugs (small electric heaters that aid cold starting in diesels) is a known common trouble spot.
Most of the engine-related electrical gremlins that plague gas-powered VWs are absent in TDI cars, simply because diesels can do without certain electronic components used on the gas motors. You can get an idea of general reliability here and at the fourth-generation Jetta and Golf FAQ at VWVortex.com.
2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI. Click image to enlarge |
All fourth-generation Golf, Jetta and New Beetle models got side airbags as standard equipment, and crash safety tends to be good. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the Golf five stars for driver and front passenger protection in frontal impacts from 2000 through to 2006 models, and four stars for front and rear seat occupant protection in side impacts. Those ratings apply to the Jetta, too. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) mostly agrees. It gave the Golf, Jetta and New Beetle a “good” rating in its frontal offset crash test. The IIHS didn’t test the Golf or Jetta for side impact crashworthiness, but they did test the New Beetle (2004 and newer versions), which got a poor rating despite the presence of side airbags. The IIHS cited a high likelihood of torso and pelvis injury to the driver in a side impact.
2005 Volkswagen Passat wagon TDI (top), 2004 Volkswagen Golf TDI. Click image to enlarge |
The Passat earned a “good” rating in the IIHS’ frontal offset crash test, but wasn’t tested for side impact safety. The NHTSA gave the Passat five stars for driver and front passenger protection in frontal impacts, and four stars for front and rear-seat occupant protection in side impacts.
Volkswagen resale values tend to be strong; the higher new MSRP commanded by TDI models makes these ones a little more expensive as used cars than their gas-engined counterparts. Look for TDI cars to command even higher resale values whenever fuel prices spike.
The latest generation of VW diesels might be the cleanest and most efficient ones, but don’t rule out an older TDI-powered Volkswagen as a good choice for a thrifty vehicle. If anything, a recent diesel-powered Golf, Jetta or Passat should be more reliable than the gasoline-powered alternative.
Online resources
TDIClub.com is the go-to spot for TDI specific information. One of the most appealing aspects for Canadians is that the site itself appears to Canadian-owned, so it quotes many Canadian prices for replacement parts. You might also check the diesel section at Ottawa-Vdubbing.com, and you’d be wise to stop by the super-popular forums at VWVortex.com
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First Drives
Volkswagen Canada
Recalls
Transport Canada Recall Number: 2005107; Units affected: 7,709
1999-2000 Golf and GTI: On certain vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine, fuel supply line tension may cause the fuel pump supply nipple to crack, which could result in a leak. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may cause a fire. Correction: Dealers will inspect the fuel supply line for tension, and inspect the fuel pump supply nipple for cracks. If tension is present in the fuel supply line, it will be replaced. If the fuel pump supply nipple is cracked, both the fuel line and the fuel pump will be replaced.
Transport Canada Recall Number: 2004436; Units affected: 80,752
2000-2002 Golf, GTI and Jetta: On certain vehicles, the hazard switch and flasher system function may degrade over time because of distortion and material transfer of the contacts of certain hazard switch relays which occurs due to substantially increased electrical current load from higher-wattage turn signal bulbs. The subject vehicles utilize a 27-watt turn signal bulb, instead of the 21-watt bulb used in other VW vehicles, which results in substantially higher current draw through the hazard switch relay. This may result in intermittent or inoperative turn signal and hazard flasher function. Correction: Dealers will replace the hazard switch relay.
Transport Canada Recall Number: 2000214; Units affected: 2,094
2000-2001 Golf: On certain vehicles, one of two brackets used to bolt the front control arm to the body structure may not have been welded to specifications. Depending on the strength of the weld seams, the control arm could gradually loosen and ultimately separate from its bracket resulting in control difficulty or possible loss of vehicle control. Correction: Vehicles will be inspected and suspect control arms will be replaced.
Transport Canada Recall Number: 2000189; Units affected: 32
2001 Golf: Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 115 – Vehicle Identification Number. Vehicles were produced with a V.I.N. which contains an incorrect check digit. Correction: V.I.N. Plate and Certification Label will be replaced.
Transport Canada Recall Number: 2002028; Units affected: 18,615
2001-2002 Golf, Jetta and New Beetle: On certain passenger vehicles short circuits can occur within the electronic control unit of the anti-lock braking system (ABS). This can result in a fire. Correction: Dealers will replace the ABS control unit.
Transport Canada Recall Number: 2005012; Units affected: 47,800
2002-2004 Golf, GTI and Jetta: Certain vehicles equipped with the comfort seats option may have a seat heater element that can malfunction when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position and the seat heater switch is also “ON”. If this happened, the seated occupant may experience excessive heat in this location. The heating mat could damage, or melt a small hole in the seat. If this were to occur, an electrical/melting smell or small amount of smoke would be noticeable. In some cases, the small hole in the seat could damage the seated occupant’s clothing. In rare instances, this could lead to a minor or superficial skin injury. Correction: Dealers will modify the driver’s seat heater by installing an electrical repair kit and will install a new passenger side seat heater switch.
Transport Canada Recall Number: 2004435; Units affected: 8,072
2004-2005 Golf, Jetta and New Beetle: On certain vehicle equipped with TDI-PD (Pumpe-Duse) engines, the high-pressure diesel pumps were produced with improper fasteners. In rare cases, one of these improper fasteners may yield due to repeated cyclic loading and allow diesel fuel to escape from the high-pressure pump. Diesel fuel in the presence of an ignition source may lead to a fire. Additionally, due to the quantity of fuel that may be released, there is a crash risk posed to vehicles traveling behind the subject vehicle. Correction: Dealers will install a replacement diesel pump kit.
Transport Canada Recall Number: 2004075; Units affected: 65,548
1999-2002 Jetta: On certain vehicles, the brake lamp switch may malfunction. If this happens, the brake lamps could become inoperative; or the lamps could come on and stay on, even though the vehicle is parked. Correction: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake lamp switch.
Transport Canada Recall Number: 2003184; Units affected: 25,931
1998-2002 New Beetle: On certain vehicles, the brake lamp switch may malfunction. If this happens, the brake lamps could become inoperative; or the lamps could come on and stay on, even though the vehicle is parked. Correction: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake lamp switch.
Transport Canada Recall Number: 2006122; Units affected: 91,082
1999-2002 Jetta and New Beetle: On certain vehicles, the brake lamp switch may malfunction. If this happens, the brake lamps could become inoperative; or could come on and stay on, even though the vehicle is parked. Correction: Dealers will replace the brake lamp switch with a newly revised version. This action includes vehicles previously affected by Transport Canada recall 03-184 and 04-075. The switch installed during this prior repair may not function properly. Note: parts available December 2006.
Transport Canada Recall Number: 1999021; Units affected: 4,583
1999 Jetta: On certain vehicles, a sound absorbing mat attached to the inside of the B-pillar side trim panel could have been improperly installed. The surface and edges of the mat could have been damaged during the assembly process. It could ignite when exposed to the exhaust gas of the seat belt pre-tensioner in the event of a severe front or side collision resulting in a vehicle fire Correction: Matting materials will be removed from inside the B-pillar on both sides of the vehicle.
Transport Canada Recall Number: 2002028; Units affected: 18,615
2001-2002 Golf, Jetta and New Beetle: On certain passenger vehicles short circuits can occur within the electronic control unit of the anti-lock braking system (ABS). This can result in a fire. Correction: Dealers will replace the ABS control unit.
Transport Canada Recall Number: 1998101; Units affected: 1,515
1998 New Beetle: Electrical wiring may chafe against the battery tray during normal vehicle operation. If damage occurs, the fuel pump could malfunction, causing the vehicle to stall without warning. In some instances chafing could also result in a wiring fire in the engine compartment. Correction: a modified battery tray will be installed and wiring will be properly routed and secured.
Transport Canada Recall Number: 2003313; Units affected: 375
2004 New Beetle: On certain vehicles, the tire information label incorrectly identifies the vehicle as a five-passenger instead of a four-passenger vehicle. Correction: Volkswagen will send a new label to owners of affected vehicles.
Used Vehicle Review: VW Golf, 1999-2003
By Jeremy Cato
This past February Volkswagen AG mishandled an issue with faulty ignition coils and that gave the latest generation Volkswagen Golf something of an undeserved black eye. VW voluntarily recalled some 850,000 VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda cars globally – primarily 2001 and 2002 model cars with four-cylinder, turbocharged 1.8-litre engines – because the insulation material of the coils led to the plastic becoming brittle, which in turn could result in spark plug failure. This has proven to be a particular issue in cold climates.
The greatest challenge for VW has been to get enough replacement parts from the tiny German company (Bremi Auto-Elektrik) which supplies the coils. With not enough parts immediately on hand, some owners have had to wait for repairs. Waiting is not popular in our time-starved 21st-century world.
Coil issues aside, there is much to like about the Golf which was last completely restyled and re-engineered for the 1999 model year. (An all-new Golf is going on sale in Europe this fall and will come to North America next year.)
The Golf has a high-quality feel for a car in its price class. The handling is nimble, the ride comfortable and quiet. Pop the hood or dig around under the rear hatch and you’ll find a compact that is very nicely finished.
These features were reflected in a new survey of thousands of owners by the research firm Strategic Vision. The Golf finished first in the 2003 Total Quality Awards, with a score of 885 – compared to the compact segment average of 864. The research firm J.D. Power and Associates rates the Golf slightly above average for overall quality. However, Consumer Reports in its latest 2003 auto issue does not recommend the Golf, saying “reliability has fallen off.”
What this column’s research has found since the 1999 model arrived is a handful of Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) pointing to a few service issues and just two safety recalls of note (see Buyer’s Alerts). So based on the total picture, looking at all the quality and pricing research available, I’d argue that a used Golf should prove to be a pretty decent car.
Certainly nearly-new Golfs seem to be holding their value well. As always with a used car, a mechanical inspection is a must.
The 99-and-newer Golfs (two- and four-door hatchback) are nice looking automobiles, less boxy than their predecessors. In driving, the Golf feels tight. Part of that is because of the sturdy chassis and part is also the result of the thick, durable materials VW has used – not to mention the thin, precise gaps between body panels. When test driving a used Golf, expect a ride free of squeaks, rattles and groans. The critical element there is a very solid body structure, one very well engineered.
During its run, the most recent version of the Golf has been offered with a 1.9-litre I4 TDI diesel (90 hp but 155 foot-pounds of torque), a 2.0-litre gas engine (115-122 hp), a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder (150-180 hp) and even a 172-200 horsepower V6.
If fuel economy is vitally important, the TDI is very, very good – state-of-the-art for diesels in cars. If performance matters most, go for the V6.
Personally, I feel the V6-powered cars are the ones to have. This is a solid little engine, with lots of guts from the get-go. The base four-banger is another story. To be kind, it’s simply anaemic. As for the diesel, the astonishingly good fuel economy numbers are matched by very good torque output. I’m reluctant to recommend the turbo because it has more parts and there is always the potential for heat issues associated with turbocharging.
Regardless, all Golfs from this era come with four-wheel disc brakes for excellent stopping power, at least 15-inch wheels for good road grip, a telescoping steering column, height-adjustable driver and passenger seat and power door locks with remote entry.
In recent years most automakers have offered deep discounts and generous incentives on their products. VW hasn’t, and that means used car prices have held up quite well. So you’ll be hard-pressed to find a great used bargain out there. On the other hand, anything you buy will hold onto its value relatively well.
Jeremy Cato is an award-winning print and broadcast journalist. He is a columnist and feature writer for the Globe & Mail newspaper and his articles are syndicated to a variety of other publications. Jeremy is also a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).
Used Vehicle Review: VW Golf/Jetta/New Beetle, 1999-2005
2004 Volkswagen Jetta TDI PD. Click image to enlarge |
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Manufacturer’s web site
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By Chris Chase
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Volkswagen’s water-cooled small car legacy is long in North America, having started back in the 1970s with the tiny Rabbit. Needless to say, the Rabbit – which became the Golf in about 1985 and was recently rechristened the Rabbit for 2007 – has come a long way, and it brought a few friends with it.
The GTI started out as a performance variant of the Rabbit, while the Jetta was basically a Rabbit with a trunk, comparisons that carry on to this day. What’s changed is the cars’ target markets: where early models competed with Civics and Corollas, VW started to move these cars upmarket in the 1990s. When the fourth-generation versions – referred to as MK4 (say “mark four”) – debuted late in that decade, they had essentially become compact cars that carried many of the hallmarks of much more expensive European cars.
The drive was wonderful, with responsive handling, even in basic versions, and a comfortable ride. The look was lovely too, inside and out. Interior space was good as well, though the rear seat in the Golf and Jetta seemed tighter than in previous versions.
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. Click image to enlarge |
Then there’s the New Beetle, the ultimate retromobile that joined the MK4 Golf and Jetta for 1999, though it arrived in showrooms a few months earlier than those cars. Its throwback styling, coupled with the same on-road feel as its platform mates, made it a big hit and certainly caused countless sore arms (red punchbuggy, no punchbacks!).
If the price-tags attached to the MK4 models were unconventional for the compact segment, so was the variety available in the powertrain department. Base models carried on with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder that powered third-generation cars. Dubbed the “two-point-slow” by VW enthusiasts, this motor produced a rather average 115 horsepower throughout the MK4’s model run.
Another carryover motor was the VR6 engine that made its debut in the third-generation GTI and top-line Jetta and was found in the corresponding fourth-gen cars. In the MK4, the VR6 began as a 12-valve engine making 174 horsepower; in 2003, it got a 24-valve cylinder head and 26 more horsepower, for an even 200.
New for the MK4s was a turbocharged, 20-valve, 1.8-litre four-cylinder (called the 1.8T) that had first shown up in the 1998 Passat. In the MK4 cars, it showed up first in the New Beetle in 2000, then found its way into the GTI and Jetta in late 2000 or 2001. This motor made 150 horsepower to start but output grew to 180 hp in 2002, which put it into the awkward position of having more horsepower than the more-expensive VR6, until that motor got its own power increase the following year (see above). Confusing the issue is the fact that the New Beetle only ever got the 150-hp version of the 1.8T. According to the VW know-it-alls at VWVortex.com, the difference in power output is linked to a smaller turbo, lower-flow fuel rail and smaller intercooler used in the New Beetle.
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLI; photo by Laurance Yap. Click image to enlarge |
Rounding out the engine selections was the 1.9-litre TDI (short for Turbo Direct Injection) diesel engine. It made 90 horsepower (and 155 lb-ft of torque) up to 2003, and changes upped output to 100 horsepower and 177 lb-ft in 2004.
If you want more details than you could even imagine asking for on any of these engines, we’d suggest going to the VWVortex.com MK4 FAQ . Scroll way down and you’ll find all kinds of information on all four motors. Read all the stuff before the engine info and you’ll learn all sorts of stuff about the other parts of the cars, too. All of them. Yup, VW enthusiasts are obsessed.
2005 Volkswagen Jetta TDI wagon; photo by Greg Wilson. Click image to enlarge |
With so many different engines, fuel consumption figures are all over the place, so we’ll just give you an idea of what to expect from each motor. Generally speaking, the 2.0-litre is the least thirsty, though the 1.8T’s small displacement lends it to frugality too. Be aware, though, that the 1.8T requires premium fuel, which makes it a more expensive engine to run. The extra power can be addictive, and a heavier foot means higher fuel bills. Consumption for both motors, according to Natural Resources Canada, is around 10 L/100 km in the city and 7 to 7.5 L/100 km on the highway.
The VR6 is the thirstiest engine, rated at about 11.5 L/100 km in the city and about 7.5 L/100 km on the highway. Early VR6s (the 12-valve, 174-hp versions) were fine with drinking regular unleaded, but the more powerful 200-horse versions (2003 and later) need premium.
The TDI is the most frugal engine choice by a long shot. NRCan ratings are between about 5.5 and 7 L/100 km in the city and a shade less than 5 L/100 km on the highway. As always, real-world numbers will vary with driving style and transmission choice.
Consumer Reports paints a sorry picture of these cars, reliability-wise. The overall used car verdict ranges from average to well below average, depending on engine choice, with TDI-equipped models faring best of all.
2005 Volkswagen Jetta TDI wagon; photo by Greg Wilson. Click image to enlarge |
Among the most common problems with fourth-generation Jettas/Golfs/New Beetles are bad engine ignition coil packs, mass air flow sensors and oxygen sensors. These issues can be linked to these cars’ poor showing in CR’s broad “fuel system” category, which covers things like a check engine light coming on, engine control components and the fuel delivery system.
CR’s reports of transmission issues could be linked to a couple of things. In six-cylinder and turbocharged four-cylinder cars, I’d suspect some of the trouble could be attributed to broken clutches in cars with manual transmissions. Brake light switches are a common failure point, and while this doesn’t sound like a transmission issue, cars with automatic transmissions, rely on the brake light switch to allow the car to be shifted out of park.
Window regulators – the mechanism that moves the door glass up and down – are notoriously bad in these cars. Some owners swear it’s a matter of when – not if – they’ll fail. Symptoms of impending problems are clunking or grinding sounds when the windows are operating, followed by erratic operation. The final clue that something is wrong, apparently, is that the glass suddenly falls into the door and won’t come back up.
2004 Volkswagen Golf TDI (top); 2005 Volkswagen GTI VR6. Click image to enlarge |
Interior squeaks and rattles/fit and finish issues are also common. Check this thread to learn how to fix a broken glove box.
Bad seat heater elements that burn through the upholstery and attempt to burn the seat’s occupant are common; click here to see just how common.
CR also points out engine cooling system problems with most motors, save the TDI diesel, though the publication attributes some degree of engine trouble to all Jetta/Golf/New Beetle models.
Feel like geeking out? Check out these threads at VWVortex.com: This one is a comprehensive FAQ, and this one is a troubleshooting thread.
All MK4-based cars got side airbags as standard equipment, and crash safety tends to be good. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the Golf five stars for driver and front passenger protection in frontal impacts from 2000 through to 2006 models, and four stars for front and rear seat occupant protection in side impacts. Those ratings apply to the Jetta, too. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) mostly agrees. It gave the Golf, Jetta and New Beetle a “good” rating in its frontal offset crash test. The IIHS didn’t test the Golf or Jetta for side impact crashworthiness, but they did test the New Beetle (2004 and newer versions), which got a poor rating despite the presence of side airbags. The IIHS cited a high likelihood of torso and pelvis injury to the driver in a side impact.
2004 Volkswagen Golf TDI. Click image to enlarge |
Canadian Black Book lists average prices for a Jetta (the most common model of the three being discussed here) as ranging from $
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