Mk IV Jetta Weaknesses?

[dandi]

Hi, long-time VAGer here, looking for some info on weak points of the Mk IV Jetta. I'm looking for a car for my 17 year-old son, and the prices for '99 - '00 Jettas seem to be pretty reasonable. Based on my past experience with VW ('86 and '95 Jettas, both of which went 100k plus miles with no issues) and Audi (current ride is '04 A4 1.8T quattro 6-speed), I know they are good, solid cars. But a redesign can change things, so I am looking for info on weak areas to look for -

- any particular areas that are rust-prone?
- mechanically, I know the 2.0 liter is boring but reliable. How about the auto
trans? I've only had manuals in my VWs.
- any other mechanical weaknesses? A/C? Electricals?

Thanks in advance.... Dan D

[Gotian]

the auto tranny is a bit weak and you'd be better off getting a manual, the only problem with that though since you said for your 17 year old is that he is going to race it with the manual and that manual is not made for punishment. The one that would be able to handle the beating would be the 1.8t's but then you'd be giving your son more power.