Buy a 2004 Jetta GLI 1.8T 6spd?
I was very close to buying one of these for $23,250.00 when I stumbled across this board. Are the new VW’s really that bad, or as some say, is it mainly related to the older MkIV models? I think the car looks beautiful and the turbo sounds very cool. I can lease a bmw 325i for the same price for 3 years (20k residual) or get a WRX for a bit more.
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dgarcia Said,
June 28, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
Buy a 2004 Jetta GLI 1.8T 6spd? – I’ve heard they gotten better, but I still think there’s alot of improvement needed. I traded a 91 735IL for my 01 1.8T Wolfsburg and have regretted not just leasing a BMW. They’re only expensive to maintain if you use the dealer. I used an independent and got 205K out of my old BMW. I also think the resale value on the Jetta’s is way overstated. I will admit that when my car is running correctly it’s a blast to drive and very economical as I get 32mpg highway driving. But still there’s the reliability issue. The BMW will out run and out last the Jetta anyday.
Cpt Redbeard Said,
June 28, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
Buy a 2004 Jetta GLI 1.8T 6spd? – I have to admit, I prefer the BMW german engineer over VW, almost as much as porsche, but there is still that kid in me which longs for the old 911 Turbo!
297 Said,
June 28, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
Buy a 2004 Jetta GLI 1.8T 6spd? – A 325i is not worth it. If you’re getting a BMW, 330 or higher would be my recommendation. The 325 and its ilk have a bad reputation.
A 2004 Jetta should be an excellent purchase. The MkIV platform introduced a number of electric and electronic changes to the VW lines; drive-by-wire, multiple engine management sensors, etc. This resulted in a complicated system that went through a series of revisions as the models hit the road. A faulty batch of coilpacks from Bosch was discovered by VW after a number of cars began to fail (here you must ask yourself who was responsible for QC, though it is without question that VW is responsible for fixing the problem free of charge). The plastic window regulators were replaced with aluminum, and so on and so forth.
A 2004 MkIV is good value for the money, and worth more in terms of performance and comfort than a 325i, in my opinion. If you can spring for the extra cash, going with a 330 is an excellent move as well.
I would avoid the WRX unless you really like the idea of a pocket racer… but seeing as you were looking at a Jetta and not a GTI/Golf, I would say you will be disappointed with the tacky interior of the WRX, as well as its noisy cabin.
justin Said,
June 28, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
Buy a 2004 Jetta GLI 1.8T 6spd? – Thanks for the good info everyone. The 325i has a beautiful interior and with the sport package, sunroof, xenons and leatherette (actually nice fake leather) interior, for $325/mo it’s a bargain and still very sporty. The WRX does have sort of a civic-esque interior, but it sure is a blast to drive, and feels solid. Very smooth and very fast for a car only 1k more than the jetta. It also has a better reliability rating, and in the Pacific Nw, Good resale. None of them looks as Badass as the Limited edition Jetta GLI in the Blue though…. paultakeda, I always see your posts being pro vw, are you a vw affiliate, or just a happy consumer who wants his voice heard….
297 Said,
June 28, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
Buy a 2004 Jetta GLI 1.8T 6spd? – The 325 is a nice car, but the performance just isn’t there, for a BMW. I would pick the Jetta 1.8T luxury package over a 325. That said, I’d go for a 330 over a Jetta.
I’m a car enthusiast who has loyalties to the VW Beetle, as the first car I ever owned was a 1969 Beetle.
I also admire VWs continued attempts to advance technology, leading to the development of the 1.8T engine (this and the S2000 engine are the only 4-bangers consistently in Ward’s top 10 list), the VR-6, the W-series engines, and recently, the FSI (fuel stratified) engine.
I’m not too happy about their recent trend towards luxuriating their models. I don’t mind the Phaeton and the Touareg, but I believe the Golf and Jetta should stay under $20,000 and perhaps introduce the economodels like the Lupo and Polo to the US.
All in all, I’ve followed the development of VW technology and have more than a passing knowledge of the current platform. I try to be as helpful as possible giving people advice on their VWs because I do love my car (2001 New Beetle) and try to find a productive solution to their problems and not just have them cry out in anger and frustration.
justin Said,
June 28, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
Buy a 2004 Jetta GLI 1.8T 6spd? – paultakeda, it’s interesting you mention the s2000 as that, unfortunately is the car I am giving up for a 4 door car. I was hoping to retain some sportiness and still have 4 doors (baby on the way). This is why I was looking at the jetta GLI 1.8T 6 spd. The one I am looking at has 169 miles (alot of test drives apparently). I am just afraid of dropping $24000 for a car and have it breakdown and rattle and give me problems. This is precisely why I have never owned a domestic car. After owning several new honda/acura/nissan products, I thought I would try a vw. MSN does state that there are reliability problems with previous jetta models, and autoweb states that it is below average in reliability and owner happiness with build/quality. This all steers me more towards getting that boy racer WRX.
297 Said,
June 28, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
Buy a 2004 Jetta GLI 1.8T 6spd? – The WRX is a nice car. It’s performance is quite lovely, but ride comfort isn’t going to match the Jetta.
Most consumer reports are based on owners of the earlier MkIV model.
If you liked the Jetta the best in terms of peppy performance, ride comfort, etc. then by all means get the Jetta. BMWs and Subarus have their own share of bad dealership stories and faulty parts. The Jetta, like these other cars, is not a lemon by virtue of the company or the platform.
You have a 12-month period during which most lemon-type problems will make themselves known and you can then either replace the parts under warranty, of if dire enough, exchange the car.
PassatVR6 Said,
June 29, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
Buy a 2004 Jetta GLI 1.8T 6spd? – The WRX will have more performance than any german car under 35k. That is, if you’re reffering to the STI model.
297 Said,
June 29, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
Buy a 2004 Jetta GLI 1.8T 6spd? – Which he was not.
And while we’re at it, a SRT-4 is the best back for performance buck out there, the MINI will run circles around all of them, the RX-8 is a far sexier looking car better in the twisties, and the WRX looks like a pig while the Jetta screams elegance and style.
What’s your point?
justin Said,
June 29, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
Buy a 2004 Jetta GLI 1.8T 6spd? – paul, I have to say, you make all good points. I am not particularily fond of the overall styling of the wrx. I drove an Accord coupe today, and although it is so bland and frumpy looking, that things is very fast with v6/6mt and the shifter kicks butt! It feels like the same 6spd out of my s2000. If the suspension were tighter, it would be up there with a bmw in driving fun.
297 Said,
June 29, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
Buy a 2004 Jetta GLI 1.8T 6spd? – Considering it’s an Accord, it may very well the same shifter as the S2000!
An Accord Coupe is a nice vehicle, but I thought you were looking for a 4-door? Otherwise, keep the S2000.
Morgan Said,
June 29, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
Buy a 2004 Jetta GLI 1.8T 6spd? – I used to sell Subaru’s in particular the WRX. Fun as hell to drive, but if you’re looking for something that is practical at the same time; baby seats and bucket seats don’t mesh very easily. That’s why I bought a Jetta before my Passat.
justin Said,
June 29, 2004 @ 12:00 pm
Buy a 2004 Jetta GLI 1.8T 6spd? – Well, at least 4 seats. Mine won’t be the primary baby carrier, my wife’s car will. I will just need to be able to put the baby in my car occasionally. I can’t imagine being stuck with a 3yr lease on an Accord though. The VW may have much worse resale, but at least you can get out of a purchase alot easier than a lease.