The Jetta hit 40,000 miles recently, so I figured I would give you all a short update. The vehicle was purchased new in June of 2014. The 2014 model was a refresh year, with two significant mechanical updates. The brand new (for that year) 1.8 TSI engine which replaced the 2.5 liter 5 cylinder, and fully independent suspension. Previous models had a torsion beam. These were welcome updates since she (my wife) had a 2013 model previously that was totaled in an accident.
Let me start by saying, when my wife (girlfriend at the time) got her Jetta I told her that one day we would just trade it in for a Civic or something "more reliable". Back then to me VW was a brand that I would never think of purchasing since "everybody knows" VW's are just not reliable and have terrible resale value. Well, I suppose the resale part is still true
however, this car has really changed my opinion of VW. I have become quite the VW fan, almost purchasing a new 2018 Passat R-line recently.
Reliability of course is paramount in the automotive world, so let me update you on things that have needed to be replaced over the last 40K miles. Early on in ownership the ignition tumbler got sticky and had to be replaced under warranty, twice. I am not holding my breath that it won't happen again, unless the last one they installed was an updated part. During one of those dealer visits I mentioned the drivers door lock made a "squeak/screeching" noise when locking, they said they could not duplicate the problem. It has done that since almost new and now with 40K miles still operates as intended. Maybe it is just a noise and nothing more. The latest repair was also covered under warranty, I noticed the coolant reservoir level would drop right at, or below the minimum marker and would need to be topped off about once a year. This was mentioned to the dealer at least 2 other times, but they couldn't locate a leak until recently. They pressure tested the cooling system and found the water pump to be at fault, so that was replaced. Thankfully these 2 issues didn't cost us anything out of pocket, and I wouldn't consider them to be deal breakers or sway me away from the VW brand if and when we need to go car shopping.
All in all it has been a wonderful car delivering more interior volume than the competition, more power and torque, more fun to drive factor, superb gas mileage, and styling that won't look very dated even 10 years from now. Sadly the new 2019 Jetta seems to be having some teething issues, so a Golf may be in line for the wifes next vehicle if VW doesn't resolve the issues with the current production Jetta. Thanks for reading, and have a blessed day!
Let me start by saying, when my wife (girlfriend at the time) got her Jetta I told her that one day we would just trade it in for a Civic or something "more reliable". Back then to me VW was a brand that I would never think of purchasing since "everybody knows" VW's are just not reliable and have terrible resale value. Well, I suppose the resale part is still true
Reliability of course is paramount in the automotive world, so let me update you on things that have needed to be replaced over the last 40K miles. Early on in ownership the ignition tumbler got sticky and had to be replaced under warranty, twice. I am not holding my breath that it won't happen again, unless the last one they installed was an updated part. During one of those dealer visits I mentioned the drivers door lock made a "squeak/screeching" noise when locking, they said they could not duplicate the problem. It has done that since almost new and now with 40K miles still operates as intended. Maybe it is just a noise and nothing more. The latest repair was also covered under warranty, I noticed the coolant reservoir level would drop right at, or below the minimum marker and would need to be topped off about once a year. This was mentioned to the dealer at least 2 other times, but they couldn't locate a leak until recently. They pressure tested the cooling system and found the water pump to be at fault, so that was replaced. Thankfully these 2 issues didn't cost us anything out of pocket, and I wouldn't consider them to be deal breakers or sway me away from the VW brand if and when we need to go car shopping.
All in all it has been a wonderful car delivering more interior volume than the competition, more power and torque, more fun to drive factor, superb gas mileage, and styling that won't look very dated even 10 years from now. Sadly the new 2019 Jetta seems to be having some teething issues, so a Golf may be in line for the wifes next vehicle if VW doesn't resolve the issues with the current production Jetta. Thanks for reading, and have a blessed day!
