Buying Jetta?

[lostaggie]

I was thinking of buying a 2004 Jetta TDI but have heard some horrible reliability stories about certain Jettas, specifically about ones manufactured in Mexico City. My questions are:
1. Are they all manufactured in Mexico?
2. Can you tell by the VIN and How?
3. What can I do to try and avoid the VW lemons ?

I know that the some the older Jetta are awesome, but roughly the 1998s and newer are less so.

Any thoughts?

[boschmann]

If it's built in Mexico it will say so on the door sticker. I don't think there's a big quality difference between them & the German Built cars as all can have problems. Typically, the more options & complexity the more problems you get. Make sure you try every feature & make sure all the self check lights are functioning (ABS, air bag, engine).

[Mtgirl]

I just bought a 2001 TDI, and I was also hesitant. My ex said to buy a VW, and that it had to be a manual transmission. So, that's what I bought, and other than having to look for a gas station that sells diesel, I'm loving it!

[craig campbell]

Personally, I WOULD NOT BUY A VW UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES... but that's just me. Seriously, see my post under BATTERY REPLACEMENT. Yes, many of them seem to be not laden with problems, but if you have problems you are kind of tied to the VW dealer because of the diagnostic equipment. Plus, even they can't always solve the problem. There can be problems with ANY brand of vehicle, but this seems to be one where self-help is difficult and where independent shops are unwilling to buy the special diagnostic equipment. I think they are over designed and over priced, and the ergonomics aren't that great, either (but they're cute). If you're looking for something reliable, there are better deals, especially with the high rebates being offered on some of the other lesser brands. We bought a 2003 Mitsubishi Galant new last year, heavily rebated, and haven't had one problem at 23k miles. The ergonomics and performance are great. The newly redesigned Galant looks really sharp and the warranty is even better. I'm sure there are some bad Galants out there, but I can guarantee we didn't over pay for the car (unlike the Jetta) and are happy campers. If you want to over pay for a car, at least go for a Honda or Toyota.

[jeddunn]

FYI... THe Jetta sedan is manuf. in Mexico. The Wagon is built with the Passat and Passat Wagon in Germany.