2002 Jetta 1.8T good deal?

[theshepherd1]

Hi all, I am trying to decided whether to go for a look at this car. From the pictures it definitely looks nice. And it has low miles, the price is reasonable too. But the transmission has some unidentified problem (delay when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear) and the AC doesn't work. Someone told me that I should stay away from this car...

Here is the link:
http://springfield.craigslist.org/cto/4589981976.html


Please give some advice/suggestions. Thank you!

[jerryg2112]

Time for a timing belt. Expensive job. I have a 99 Passat with a 1.8T. I didn't know the it was due for a timing belt when I bought it. $800 to $1000 job for shop or dealer. Big job to tackle yourself but you can do it for $300.

[theshepherd1]

Originally Posted by jerryg2112

Time for a timing belt. Expensive job. I have a 99 Passat with a 1.8T. I didn't know the it was due for a timing belt when I bought it. $800 to $1000 job for shop or dealer. Big job to tackle yourself but you can do it for $300.

I have no mechanical experience whatsoever... Sorry if I sound ignorant but is it the mileage or the issue with the tranny that makes it time for a new timing belt?

[jerryg2112]

Mileage.
http://pics.tdiclub.com/data/516/2002_All.pdf

[theshepherd1]

I see. So I should back off from this one... Thanks!

[65comet]

99 through 2004 VW should be recalling the cars with automatic transmissions. But the big problem is that there isn't a lasting solution. Because of this, any American that has heard of the issue is afraid to buy Volkswagen. And having interference engines that destroy themselves when a timing belt goes bad is just stupid on their part. Going through hell right now with a 2001 Beetle my dad bought with 1.8t and 01M automatic transmission. They put the same in the Jetta and Golfs then. If you see one cheap for those years, there is a reason. They are extremely expensive to repair and any used parts are probably as bad as what you already have.