I bought a 1996 Jetta GLX VR6 in the Fall of 2002. It looked so beautiful with Perfect black paint and black leather interior.

Mine was used and had 104,000 miles on it but I was buying it from a VW Dealership and it had passed a 200 point dealership inspection so I thought it was in good shape.

I paid $5000.00 cash for it and drove it home with a big smile on my face! I was SO HAPPY with this car and the way it drove.

The next morning I woke up, excited to drive my "new" VW Jetta to work. I start then engine, put it in Drive and give it gas. Nothing happens... I rev the engine a little and the car suddenly LERCHES forward with a screetch of the tires.

After the car warmed up, it shifted fine. This problem continued for the next 2 years. When the car is cold it will hesitate when you step on the gas and will not go into gear. Then it will suddenly JUMP into gear and learch forward.

The Transmission in mine was an automatic and it's a Sealed system. This means there is no way possible to check or add transmission fluid yourself. You HAVE to take it to the VW Dealer and pay $100 for them to plug the trans up to a computer and check the fluid level. Part of the regular maintenance is to Flush and Change the transmission fluid EVERY 12,000 miles. This service cost $220.00 at the dealer and they are the ONLY place you can have it done due to the special way the Transmission is made.

In addition to the above problem, I had a LOT of electrical problems, ABS problems, Electric windows FALLING INTO THE DOORS. etc. Engine check light came on many many times for misfires, various electrical problems, the car had many mechanical issues. VW is Very expensive to fix, few people can work on the modern VWs build after 1993 because VW made the engine/transmission in such a way that only the dealership can work on it with special tools. The dealership is very expensive and the parts are also very espensive.

I found out that with the VR6 engine you have to change the timing belt at 130,000 miles. To change it, they have to REMOVE the engine and transmission from the car. The cost of this service is around $2000.00 with labor.

I sold this car in the fall of 2004. I had spent about 3000 on repairs, overall, a VW Jetta is a very high maintenance car that will cost you a fortune in repairs.

You might as well buy a Porsche if you going to buy a VW because the maintenance cost will be about the same anyway.


Amount Paid (US$): 5000
Condition: Used
Model Year: 1996
Model and Options: GLX VR6