CD Article: Volkswagen Golf, Jetta and New Beetle, 1999-2005

[CD_Editor]

You may discuss our cover story of the day in this thread....
Used Vehicle Review:


The fourth generation of the VW Golf and Jetta, and the retro New Beetle which shared the same platform, are noted for their responsive handling, comfortable ride, and attractive styling in addition to the availability of four different powerplants, reports Senior Writer, Chris Chase. Despite some "reliability issues", used models are in high demand and have high resale values, he says.
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[Demosthenes X]

A used Jetta with the Turbo would be a very attractive used car buy, methinks...  yummy. 

[soj]

"Volkswagen's small car legacy is long in North America, having started back in the 1970s with the tiny Rabbit."  Sorry to be unkind but if you're going to write articles in the big league, do your homework!!  It might have behooved Chris to have asked his Mum, Dad or perhaps even Bill Vance (http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/bv/62-73vw1500-1600.htm) because if he had; he'd have discovered that VW's small car legacy in Canada dates to I believe 1954 with the introduction of the "real" Beetle.  I could be wrong it might even have been earlier, irrespective, someone should have been doing some mentoring within the senior ranks of Canadian Driver.     

[stickshift]

"Volkswagen's small car legacy is long in North America, having started back in the 1970s with the tiny Rabbit."  Sorry to be unkind but if you're going to write articles in the big league, do your homework!!  It might have behooved Chris to have asked his Mum, Dad or perhaps even Bill Vance (http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/bv/62-73vw1500-1600.htm) because if he had; he'd have discovered that VW's small car legacy in Canada dates to I believe 1954 with the introduction of the "real" Beetle.  I could be wrong it might even have been earlier, irrespective, someone should have been doing some mentoring within the senior ranks of Canadian Driver.     

Well, yes, but I should have clarified that further; I was referring to their history of small cars with water-cooled engines.

This minor-leaguer has edited the article (well, added two words to it) to reflect that. Check it out.

[mrthompson]

Punchbuggy Red!  No punchbacks!   

[soj]

"Volkswagen's small car legacy is long in North America, having started back in the 1970s with the tiny Rabbit."  Sorry to be unkind but if you're going to write articles in the big league, do your homework!!  It might have behooved Chris to have asked his Mum, Dad or perhaps even Bill Vance (http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/bv/62-73vw1500-1600.htm) because if he had; he'd have discovered that VW's small car legacy in Canada dates to I believe 1954 with the introduction of the "real" Beetle.  I could be wrong it might even have been earlier, irrespective, someone should have been doing some mentoring within the senior ranks of Canadian Driver.     

Well, yes, but I should have clarified that further; I was referring to their history of small cars with water-cooled engines.

This minor-leaguer has edited the article (well, added two words to it) to reflect that. Check it out.

I have no doubt that's what you meant but meaning and saying are two different things.  Nevertheless, good on you for clarifying.

[Fast Eddie]

If someone could suffer with the 2 point slow engine, this article is a recommendation for the City models.
I priced one out for a 4-year lease. For $300 (no down, incl PDI) one can get a city golf. Since the dealer throws in oil changes, there is no cost except for tires and brakes and the monthly payment. Where else can you get a car with the comfort, fit and finish, ESP, ABS, airbags galore, etc., for this monthly budget?
As long as you're not in a hurry when driving ...

[sirAQUAMAN64]

A good sleeper if you can find one is a 2001 Golf GLS 1.8T.

[ar_ken]

A good sleeper if you can find one is a 2001 Golf GLS 1.8T.

I agree. But they are soooo hard to come by.... 

(I'm assuming you are talking about the 4 door?)

I've always loved VW. So much fun to drive.... the people that doesn't like it for its "unreliability", should really be looking for/driving a Corolla (I'm sticking with my "If you have nothing, you have nothing to break" theory). At least VWs are not kitchen appliances... it's a car.

[stickshift]

"Volkswagen's small car legacy is long in North America, having started back in the 1970s with the tiny Rabbit."  Sorry to be unkind but if you're going to write articles in the big league, do your homework!!  It might have behooved Chris to have asked his Mum, Dad or perhaps even Bill Vance (http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/bv/62-73vw1500-1600.htm) because if he had; he'd have discovered that VW's small car legacy in Canada dates to I believe 1954 with the introduction of the "real" Beetle.  I could be wrong it might even have been earlier, irrespective, someone should have been doing some mentoring within the senior ranks of Canadian Driver.     

Well, yes, but I should have clarified that further; I was referring to their history of small cars with water-cooled engines.

This minor-leaguer has edited the article (well, added two words to it) to reflect that. Check it out.

I have no doubt that's what you meant but meaning and saying are two different things.  Nevertheless, good on you for clarifying.

You're absolutely right. The water-cooled qualification was in my head while I was writing the piece, but it never made it onto the page. Thanks for pointing it out. 

[RShepherd]

I can definitely agree with the Jetta IV's being great driving cars and can also testify to the fact that they can be reliable.  I've owned two: a 2002 Wagon and a 2004 Sedan.  Actually, I leased the sedan, but decided to purchase it three months ago when the lease expired because I drove a Jetta V from the dealership for three days and found my IV rode much more smoothly, had much more attractive styling, and due to a lower beltline and taller windows, had much better visibility.  My 2004 has the 2.0 (5M) as did the 2002 (4A) and, yes, it is not the most powerful engine on the market but it provides more than sufficient acceleration (particularly with the manual). I had a little trouble with the 2002 including three brake light switches and a failed transmission at 38,000 miles which was replaced under warranty.  The 2004 currently has 65,000 miles and it has been the most trouble-free car I've ever owned.  The battery was replaced under warranty, the brake light switch and seat heater had recalls and that's all that's gone wrong.  After I bought my 2002, I read that the 2.0 uses oil, but I've never added oil between 5,000 mile changes on either car. A long-time VW salesman told me that the 2003 and 2004 Jetta IV's are much more reliable than the earlier ones.

[Mitlov]

For the record, the coil pack problem has been fixed.  2004 models don't have coil pack issues, and the replacement  coil packs you get on previous models are no longer prone to failure.

A used Jetta with the Turbo would be a very attractive used car buy, methinks...  yummy. 

You bet it would.  Check my sig    At lunch today, he said we're looking at about 3 more weeks until the transaction goes through.

[Brigitte]

At lunch today, he said we're looking at about 3 more weeks until the transaction goes through.

Welcome to the dark side, Mitty...

What's next?  An iPod, or a Mac?   

[Mitlov]

Welcome to the dark side, Mitty...

What's next?  An iPod, or a Mac?   

I already have a Powerbook G4  

[mmret]

Welcome to the dark side, Mitty...

What's next?  An iPod, or a Mac?   

I already have a Powerbook G4  

Heretic.

 

[Mitlov]

http://www.penny-arcade.com

[mmret]

Oh now you are on.

[Mitlov]