Keep My 2011 VW Jetta?

[threeputtpar]

I see that you asked a question about the trans over on the Vortex and only received one response. The poster asked if your trans was the 09G or the AW trans, but they are actually the same thing. You can use any fluid that is G 055 025 A2 spec or 3309 spec or even T-IV spec, so there are many cost effective options. I'd suggest the Castrol IMV or Valvoline MaxLife.

Otherwise, keep the Jetta and drive it into the ground. The trans should be the only potential problem, but if you keep up on the fluid and filter changes it shouldn't be a problem. The valve body issues seem to be the exception and not the rule.

 

[BTLew81]

Good catch on the transmission fluid change. For the first change at 40k, I would stay with VW fluid to maintain the powertrain warr. After that, there are several options...Maxlife, Amsoil, etc.

The 2.5 is going to last. It specs VW 502 oil, which I use, but honestly, I think a proper weight blend would work just as well. I might experiment down the road. 2.5L with a 6.2 Quart sump...this thing is pretty easy on oil.

 

[lancerplayer]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

The negative reports I read about the 2011 model have made me paranoid about keeping the car long term. I am starting to believe those are the rare/extreme examples and for every 1 negative report there are numerous positive reports.

 

[cptbarkey]

in general i think of VW as a real life bear trap. you are walking along just fine in the woods in your VW and then suddenly you get stuck in the trap. i'll let you out, but please pay $2000 and move along until you find the next trap. wash/rinse/repeat.

if you have more OCD issues about reliability, move along to toyota or honda and sleep your way along and miss most of the traps.

 

[zzyzzx]

Originally Posted By: lancerplayer
Do I take the chance of higher cost of maintaining a European vehicle?


Isn't this car made in Mexico?
While it's still relatively new for that generation of Jetta, you already said that From my research, the 2.5L 5 cylinder engine is a proven and reliable engine and that's normally the most expensive part to repair, except for body damage, so I think you will be fine. Just keep it.

 

[Scum_Frog]

Although I'm not a big fan of the drop in quality in the Jetta Gen 6, the 2.5L, 5cyl's engine is proven. Keep it!