November 9, 2006

Used Vehicle Review:
VW Golf, Jetta and New Beetle, 1999 to 2005

2005 Volkswagen GTI VR6. Click image to enlarge

By Chris Chase
Discuss this story in the forum at CarTalkCanada

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 re-christened 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 GL. 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 (yellow 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-banger (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. 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. Yeah, VW enthusiasts are obsessed.

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 heavier 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.

2004 Volkswagen Jetta TDI. Click image to enlarge

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.

There are a number of trouble spots to be aware of with MK4 VWs. The most common ones tend to be electrical in nature: bad ignition coil packs, mass air flow sensors and power accessory controls show up a lot in queries on VW Internet forums. Rather than try to cover everything in detail here, go back to the aforementioned MK4 FAQ on VWVortex.com, where you'll most likely find all the answers you'll ever need.

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.

2005 Volkswagen Jetta TDI wagon. Click image to enlarge

Drivers familiar with Volkswagen's typical high resale values know what's coming next. Used Volkswagens are not cheap. According to Canadian Red Book, a basic 1999 Golf is worth more than $5,000, while a '99 Jetta carries a value of about $1,000 more. At the other end of the scale is a 2005 Jetta VR6, which is worth more than $25,000, more than most 2007 compacts cost brand new. Like we said, these cars aren't cheap, but they tend to give back generously to appreciative drivers. A 2002 Jetta VR6 sounds like a nice compromise: a torquey six-cylinder in a small car that doesn't ask for premium fuel, with a Red Book value of about $14,500. If practicality is key, try a Golf (less expensive) or a Jetta wagon (available from 2003 and more expensive). Here, we'd go for the TDI so we can have a super-economical cargo hauler. A 2003 Jetta wagon with the diesel is worth $16,750 and a 2004 Golf TDI four-door (2004 was the first year for the more powerful diesel engine) is worth $15,575. New Beetle prices tend to be similar to those of low-end and mid-level Jettas.

Normally, Canadian Red Book is an excellent barometer for how much a given used car will sell for, but VWs regularly sell for much more than their Red Book numbers, so take those with a grain of salt and don't be surprised if you have a hard time finding a Golf, Jetta or New Beetle for anything close to the numbers we've given you. Also, factor in that many used VWs will come with higher-than-average kilometres on the clock; these are driver's cars, after all.

2004 Volkswagen Golf TDI. Click image to enlarge

You may be leery of these cars because of their reliability issues. Many enthusiasts agree that these issues can be more than slightly inconvenient, but also say that the cars are so nice to drive that it's worth the hassle. We believe them. We have a hard time not recommending one of these cars to anyone who asks. Truth is, drivers who don't care - or hardly notice, for that matter - how a car drives should look elsewhere. A Corolla or even a Camry could be found for similar money and would be a better choice for these people. But if you love to drive and want a practical car with that uniquely German feel at a reasonable price, a used Golf, Jetta or New Beetle should be on your shopping list.

Pricing

Red Book Pricing (avg. retail) November 2006:

Year	Model	Price today	Price new
2005	Jetta GLS TDI	$21,450	$26,310
2004	Jetta GLS TDI	$18,800	$26,080
2003	Jetta GLS TDI	$16,450	$25,860
2002	Jetta GL TDI	$12,950	$23,450
2001	Jetta GL TDI	$10,500	$23,220
2000	Jetta GL TDI	$8,575	$23,100
1999	Jetta GL TDI	$7,425	$22,850

Online resources

There are numerous Volkswagen forums on the web. Here are a few of the more popular/easier-to-find examples. We'd list them all, but that'd take all day. A simple Google search will help you find others if none of these suits your fancy, though if that's the case, your fancy must be much different than ours.

www.vwvortex.com - This place is like Mecca for VW owners on the web. The forums here cover a variety of makes, as well as several general interest categories, but it all started with VW, and it's those sections that are busiest. The MK4 Golf and Jetta get a forum section to themselves, while the New Beetle and New Beetle Cabrio are split off into another of their own. This is the place to start for VW info of all kinds. Membership is free.

www.vwforum.com - This site can't claim the huge membership numbers or insane levels of traffic that the VWVortex gets, but it looks like a useful place for MK4 owners. As with the Vortex, the MK4 Golf and Jetta get a forum section, while the New Beetle is grouped together with the Passat and the Lupo and Polo, a couple of subcompact models sold overseas. Membership here is free, too.

www.VWfixx.com - Another place to get your VW - ahem - "fix." Also very busy, too. Again, the MK4 Golf and Jetta get a forum section, but here the New Beetle does too, though it doesn't get near as much traffic as other sections do. Definitely another place to check out, however. Check out the technical forums, which cover all of VW's many water cooled engines.

www.audi-forums.com - VW owners even get a place to hang out at this Audi forum, though it's one of the less popular sections here.

www.vwworld.com - And yet another VW home on the web. Again, the Golf and Jetta get their own section, as does the New Beetle.

www.tdiclub.com - Here's where dieselheads can go for discussion centred on VW's most recent oil burners. There's lots of talk about fuels and engine tech, including a forum just for biodiesel discussions. The Jetta, Golf and New Beetle TDI each get a forum section of their own, though these ones aren't generation specific. And check out the discussions about TDIFest; the 2007 edition is being held in Montreal on Labour Day weekend.

Related stories on CanadianDriver

• Test Drive: 1999 VW GTI GLX
• Test Drive: 1999 VW New Beetle 1.8T
• Test Drive: 2000 VW Jetta 1.8T
• Test Drive: 2001 VW New Beetle 1.8T
• Test Drive: 2002 VW Jetta 1.8T GLS
• Test Drive: 2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
• Test Drive: 2003 Volkswagen Golf CL
• Test Drive: 2003 Volkswagen GTI VR6
• Test Drive: 2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
• Test Drive: 2003 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Wagon
• Test Drive: 2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 2.0
• Test Drive: 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible
• Test Drive: 2004 Volkswagen Golf TDI GLS
• Test Drive: 2004 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Sport Edition
• Test Drive: 2004 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Wagon
• Test Drive: 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
• Test Drive: 2005 Volkswagen GTI VR6
• Test Drive: 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo convertible

Manufacturer's Website

• 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-Düse) 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 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.

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