New owner needs help

I just bought a 97 MK III Jetta GLS, 2.0. My first question concerns reliability and fuel economy. I travel about 500 miles a weekend plus another 1000 back and forth to work during the week. Are there any major items to look out for? What fuel mileage can I expect? The car has about 105,000 on it now, with mostly original parts.

My next question concerns upgrades. I'm not looking for a dedicated show or race car. Think 3 series BMW and you have the idea. Any suggestions?

Finally, what's the general consensus about this vehicle? Is it a good car? Does it take to upgrades well? Thanks.

Sell it, I have nothing but problems with my jetta, 100,000. I won't sell mine to some unsuspecting person out of guilt. I bought a new 325I last year, would over recomend a BMW, the only car I'll ever consider buying again.

Despite the heartache felt by our friend here, it's a reliable and easy car to own. Good fuel economy helps too. Parts for any european car are going to be expensive, and there will always be someone who got a lemon no matter what make and model you decide to buy. Think about it like this, there are still a lot of that exact model on the road today so it must not be all bad.

Is not a bad car at all, 105k for these babies are nothing. You can expect good fuel economy and reliability, remember....is an Euro: maintenance is the key. And you are about to be driving a real car.
Of course...if you have the money you always can get a beemer....
I own a 2001 vr6 and is an absolutely BLAST to drive, no problems so far, just fun when I hit the road. Welcome to the Dubworld!
Juan
01 Jetta Vr6
89 VW Cabriolet

Well put. You will hate the car if you get lazy and don't take care of it... believe me the car will notice and take vengance on your wallet with parts (european cars are very expensive when it comes to parts). That being said, if you take care of it it will love you back like a labrador. My 00 jetta VR6 has nearly 200,000 miles on it and I have had very little heartache to speak of. All cars have parts that wear out and break, but how many cars on the road have that many miles on the original engine, clutch, transmission, and even alternator!

The mk3s are good cars i th ink its 25 28 cuty highway respectavely. get a chip and exhaust i dont recomend cams, and it will turn into a spirited runner.

also onlyy the parrts for vr6 is expensive 2.0 is cheap, and the parts cost the same price as any jap. or even domestic car. the parts for my camaro, and silverdo cost more than the parts for my 97 2.0. just get your oil changes on time, change the coolant every 3 or 4 years, change the timing belt at 70k the water pump around 120k change your spark plugs every 35 or 40 k watch out for the valve cover leak youre about to get in about 35k more miles, (should be around $150) and this car will easily make it to 200k. and oh yea 20 bucks says your maf sensor wont make it to 150k (thats another 200 something buks)