2012 Jetta Sportwagen?

[supton]

Found this, 156k on the clock for $7,200. Other than the aftermarket rims, what are the red flags? I see that it's got the 2.5L, a manual trans (not sure I want that, it's been years), takes halogen headlights, no sunroof, and even comes with a trailer hitch. I think these cars suffer only from vacuum pumps and whatever the PO neglected? Looks like factory tires are low profile 205/55R16's, those seem tolerable on my Corolla (haven't lost one yet).

Seems high priced to me but that's the market, no? Guessing it has an aux jack on the stereo? Edmunds makes it sound like it's priced high but I'm not so sure.

Or is the pricing just wrong?

 

[supton]

Just thought of something--do these have those problematic dual mass flywheels?

 

[cammyfive79]

Not having the pano sunroof is a blessing - they all leaked from plugged up drain holes inevitably. That gen Sportwagen is a solidly built car though the TDIs are the ones that command a premium on the pre-owned market. IIRC, the 2.5L 5 cylinder was fairly stout if a bit underpowered compared to it's peers with turbo 4s.

 

[factorytuned2012]

if no mechanical problems i wouldnt go higher than 3700

 

[Rand]

Pricing <5k and get an inspection if possible.

 

[supton]

Doubt that I could get an inspection--it'd be whatever I could do on-site (what am I going to do, borrow the car for a week while I hope the garage I go to gets an opening?).

Had a sunroof in my prior Jetta, it leaked a few times, for no reason. Piano sunroofs don't interest me.

Had a souped up TDI years ago, nothing will compare.

Ok, I thought it might be overpriced. Doubt I could get them to go down a couple grand, won't waste my time.

Thanks.

 

[Nick1994]

What about getting one of @macarose cars delivered? He’s got a good fleet for sale

Craigslist Link

 

[chexxers]

girlfriends 2.5 in a jetta got 30 mpgs + decent power imo even with a conventional slushbox aka 5 spd, good luck!!

 

[supton]

What about getting one of @macarose cars delivered? He’s got a good fleet for sale

Craigslist Link

Thought of it a few times, tack on what, a grand for delivery? maybe two?

But I dither too much on it. I start to think about looking at a car, then remind myself of all the mistakes I've made in car shopping, and then wait for the thought to pass. Plus I hate the idea of buying a car sight unseen--I think this seller is trustworthy enough, but still, it's a high barrier to get over.

 

[macarose]

Thought of it a few times, tack on what, a grand for delivery? maybe two?

But I dither too much on it. I start to think about looking at a car, then remind myself of all the mistakes I've made in car shopping, and then wait for the thought to pass. Plus I hate the idea of buying a car sight unseen--I think this seller is trustworthy enough, but still, it's a high barrier to get over.

It usually cost me about a third of what it would cost the average individual to transport a vehicle.

Where are you located?

 

[supton]

It usually cost me about a third of what it would cost the average individual to transport a vehicle.

Where are you located?

03221 is close enough, Bradford NH.

 

[macarose]

03221 is close enough, Bradford NH.

Which one in my list of vehicles is your favorite?

 

[TomYoung]

I like the car, and know that five cylinder to be a mileage machine, with perhaps a slight deficit in fuel economy. This is a fairly spartan model, and looks to require a good detailing and paint correction. It has high mileage, and has been on the road for thirteen or fourteen years. The big downside is the asking price of at least twice fair value. As a buyer, I would be between $2500 and $3000 for this car.

Your suspicion is correct (price). The transmission is excellent. Good luck.

 

[supton]

I like the car, and know that five cylinder to be a mileage machine, with perhaps a slight deficit in fuel economy. This is a fairly spartan model, and looks to require a good detailing and paint correction. It has high mileage, and has been on the road for thirteen or fourteen years. The big downside is the asking price of at least twice fair value. As a buyer, I would be between $2500 and $3000 for this car.

Your suspicion is correct (price). The transmission is excellent. Good luck.

Why would it need detailing and paint correction? Seems like a vehicle to buy and drive, nothing fancy about it.

300k is the new 200k, car is only half worn, right? It may have some rust but it should only be surface at this time, VW should be ok on that (although I am seem to be patching holes around the ten year mark).

 

[supton]

Which one in my list of vehicles is your favorite?

None? I’d have to look and compare, as I don’t know much about any of them—I’m a typical Toyota shopper, I don’t cross shop much (if any).

 

[Trav]

Why would it need detailing and paint correction? Seems like a vehicle to buy and drive, nothing fancy about it.

300k is the new 200k, car is only half worn, right? It may have some rust but it should only be surface at this time, VW should be ok on that (although I am seem to be patching holes around the ten year mark).

The car is a bit of a unicorn, no sunroof, stick shift, 2.5 NA engine, all very desirable in these cars. This combo improves reliability many times over verses the 2.0T, no major timing chain issues, no waste gate issues, and no oil separator failures that blow the rear mail seal out, no DI just regular port injection.

This does have a dual mass flywheel but it is not a modular setup, you can replace it with a standard flywheel and plate and disc if the need arises. It also uses a regular old style Sanden A/C compressor with a clutch and although they have a valve that is a sore spot it is not common for them to blow and scatter metal through the system and is cheap to replace.

One sore spot on these is rear wheel alignment FWD models use a dead rear axle that require tapered shims behind the hubs to correct toe and camber, it is a very easy and inexpensive DIY job but you need exact measurements of how much it is out, make some calculations in minutes to degrees and fit the correct shim. I have done a lot of these over the years but not many alignment places have a clue.

You can throw the book away on this car, you cant drive a book. This car to the right person has some good value.
Rust with no sunroof is usually not and issue but check it out carefully, make sure the underbody shield is in place, if not it may need fans or a fan module (buy them used) sooner than later, make sure everything works including the A/C and window motors. If it is all okay I Would have no problem paying 6-6500 for this car in nice condition, it checks all the right boxes and it is a wagon.

 

[cammyfive79]

The car is a bit of a unicorn, not sunroof, stick shift, 2.5 NA engine, all very desirable in these cars. This combo improves reliability many times over verses the 2.0T, no major timing chain issues, no waste gate issues, and no oil separator failures that blow the rear mail seal out, no DI just regular port injection.

This does have a dual mass flywheel but it is not a modular setup, you can replace it with a standard flywheel and plate and disc if the need arises. It also uses a regular old style Sanden A/C compressor with a clutch and although they have a valve that is a sore spot it is not common for them to blow and scatter metal through the system and is cheap to replace.

One sore spot on these is rear wheel alignment FWD models use a dead rear axle that require tapered shims behind the hubs to correct toe and camber, it is a very easy and inexpensive DIY job but you need exact measurements of how much it is out, make some calculations in minutes to degrees and fit the correct shim. I have done a lot of these over the years but not many alignment places have a clue.

You can throw the book away on this car, you cant drive a book. This car to the right person has some good value.
Rust with no sunroof is usually not and issue but check it out carefully, make sure the underbody shield is in place, if not it may need fans or a fan module (buy them used) sooner than later, make sure everything works including the A/C and window motors. If it is all okay I Would have no problem paying 6-6500 for this car in nice condition, it checks all the right boxes and it is a wagon.

That's what many are missing - a manual transmission rust free enthusiast-y wagon is going to appeal to buyers who are really looking just for that.....not just a random old used car. If I were the seller and had listed this car for the $7200 and you text me offering me literally half that before even coming out to see it, I would just block you. No offense, of course, but it sounds like you need to look at a different car if you are trying to find something in that $3-4K price range.

 

[Trav]

That's what many are missing - a manual transmission rust free enthusiast-y wagon is going to appeal to buyers who are really looking just for that.....not just a random old used car. If I were the seller and had listed this car for the $7200 and you text me offering me literally half that before even coming out to see it, I would just block you. No offense, of course, but it sounds like you need to look at a different car if you are trying to find something in that $3-4K price range.

The other thing with this car with this drive train is it is really easy to work on and very DIY friendly, parts are also reasonably priced. If someone wants a dependable and reliable VW this is a great choice. If it was TDI add 2K to the price but finding that combo is asking too much, this is the next best thing.

 

[TomYoung]

Why would it need detailing and paint correction? Seems like a vehicle to buy and drive, nothing fancy about it.

300k is the new 200k, car is only half worn, right? It may have some rust but it should only be surface at this time, VW should be ok on that (although I am seem to be patching holes around the ten year mark).

Agreed that you can buy and drive without paint correction, although I was assuming that you like the car and are buying it to enjoy. Let's face facts: the vast majority of those buying high mileage VW's have at least some affinity for the brand; otherwise they would be out trying to score an easier-to-maintain, used Civic, Accord, CRV, Camry, Corolla.

It is true that 200K is the new 100K. It is not true that 300K is the new 200K. You may get the wrong idea from the outliers here on BITOG, but the number of daily drivers that make it to 300K is absolutely minuscule. Low single digits. Those that do tend to get excruciatingly detailed maintenance, which this car most assuredly has not had. Your notion of this car being "only half worn" is, I'm afraid, wishful thinking.

Please keep your eyes wide open on this particular vehicle, and try not to let emotions lead. I will reiterate that the asking price is outrageously high. Best of luck.

 

[edyvw]

My good friend has 2014 TDI, manual. He got it after racking 350,000mls on Prius. He does cross country trips, Ventura, CA, Delaware etc. has around 190,000mls now and still claim it is best car he had. He just had to replace front right bearing, which is biggest thing he had to do outside of timing belt replacement.
These are strong cars. @TiGeo is best example how much abuse this chassis can take.