VW Jetta 1984-
  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Much cheaper to buy than Golf counterpart.

    Costs

    4 out of 5 4.0

    3rd party parts easy to come by at much less cost. Fuel economy excellent for performance car - sometimes upwards of 40mpg!

  • On the road

    Driving

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Superb. Involved and handles very well for sizable saloon. Refined ride and much quieter than Golf models - less rattles etc.

    Performance

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Excellent. 0-60 is achievable in less time than stated 7.9. A fast car. Be prepared to drive it well past 4000rpm to find the real guts - can feel a little tepid before this.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Basically sound car. A few minor problems with my car, fixed inexpensively. Condition reflected in price when bought, however reasonably cheap performance motoring. (It has done 133k miles).

    Image

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Lacks cult status of its sister car. Less grandaddy than other Jetta models; makes a different kind of statement.

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Seats are much better than non-GTi models. Nice velour trim not found in Golfs and much nicer rear bench. Steering is nicely weighted on open road, but find one with PAS for parking (mine doesn't have).

  • Security and Service

    Security

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Lack of alarm or immobiliser. Door handles are weak. At the very least, invest in some protective door plates.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Nothing that shouldn't be expected on a 12 year old car.

    Other

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes