Buying a new '98 Jetta GLX

meisner · 10-29-2003, 11:55 AM

Last night I went to look at a 1998 Jetta GLX VR6 that was in great shape. High mileage (130K miles), but it's all highway miles. It's got every option I think! ABS, traction, leather, heated seats & mirrors, ....everything! He wants $5500. After driving it, I was ready to purchase it.

Before I actually finalize the purchase, are there any things I should look for? He had ALL receipts for everything that was done on the car. The clutch felt fine, pick up was good, brakes seemed fine, under carriage looked fine. He was good about oil changes and keeping things 'right'. Had the recalls done, etc.

Also, which generation Jetta is this?

I am new to Volkswagen, so hopefully this car is a happy experience for us!

deltronone · 11-10-2003, 03:32 PM

jetta III

forget-mi-not · 11-10-2003, 04:03 PM

1. It is always possible that the car has been hit. You have to take a look at the car in the daylight. Try to see slight differences in color. Besides, look for overpaint in the front, especially where fenders and hood meet the windshield. This is a sign that the car has been painted, i.e. has been HIT (don't listen to whatever they say). Look under the hood. If the hood hasn't been painted, it MUST have original factory tags. Also it is very useful going to www.carfax.com and check the history of the car. Although from my experience it doesn't necesserily have a record of an accident. Carfax is help, but if the history of the car is clean, still don't trust it. Almost forgot: if the car was hit, it is NOT WORTH $5500. It is a max of a $4000 car.

2. Ask if the timing belt was replaced. If not - it is minus $300 off the price.

3. Check if the basic electrical stuff works. For example, power locks, windows, winshield wipers, all the lights outside and inside. If you find any mulfunction, demand a discount to fix it.

I hope, it will be help for you

meisner · 11-10-2003, 04:22 PM

I actually bought the car. So far I love it.

I did run a Carfax report...clean as a whistle. I also ran another VIN from a car that I know was junked many years ago (saw it in the junk yard even). Carfax said the vehicle had nothing bad logged against it. The title was not ever junked!

No signs of being in an accident at all.

This vehicle has a timing chain...not a belt. I called the dealer and they said this chain does not get replaced. It is meant to last the life of the vehicle. They didn't have it listed as a standard quotable item to give me a price.

The only issue was the front tires needed to be replaced. I could live with that!

Thanks for the replies!

Steve

HeirMuench · 11-11-2003, 03:44 PM

Yes the chain is made for the life of the vehicle. But when the engine is running, do you hear a whine that follows the engine RPM's? VR6 chains have chain guides that wear out a lot, I know this because I have replaced many of them. When they do wear out, you will begin to get a cam position sensor error.

jakeA · 11-13-2003, 09:30 AM

I have the same car/98 GLS VR6 black on black. I love the car. I have put some money in it (toys $4000. and repairs $1000). I've had it for 2 and 1/2 years now and love it. Solid car fast car and beautiful car. Like most VWs, they can be costly to fix if you don't do it yourself. Find a VW mechanic and make friends with him/her. Never go to dealer! Some things I don't mind doind and some things I would rather pay the money for some one else to do it. Good luck and have fun!

jakeA · 11-13-2003, 09:36 AM

I forgot, to list comon probs. Check engine light likes to stay on ( mine has been on for over a year now-had it checked 3 times and nothing is wrong), driver seat mounts like to come lose (tighten the bolts back-maybe use some lock tight), cruse controle likes to not work ( doesn't matter, I always range from 80 to 120 on long drives and no need for that dam thing unless your really feeling lazzy).

These Ads Open in New Window