95 Jetta - experiences?

[Farbio]

so my lil sis needs a new car and my parents found a 95 jetta near me and want me to check it out for them. i can't say that i know vw's well. i did help a friend w/ an 87 a few times, and wouldn't go near another vw that old for quite awhile or alot of money anyways, it has 113k miles on it, what are some problem areas to look for besides the usual accidents, blowby, etc.? thanks in advance

btw, the price is 5400 which seems ok

 

[Dark4ng3l]

Volkwagons have anything from decent to poor reliability depending on model/year and luck. They are known especialy for their electrical problems. I'd say youre better off getting something decent(Nissan) or almost decent(honda,toyota).

 

[Farbio]

i know that most european cars tend to have electrical problems...that was the main fault w/ my volvo, but after 4 years of working on it, i think i had it mostly fixed, until someone decided to drive through it:disgust:

and i wish i could get her a honda or toyo or nissan, but she is set on a jetta and for some reason my parents are letting her get one (how come i couldn't get my dream car when i was her age?)

 

[Farbio]

anyone?

 

[RaWrulez]

my friend just bought a 95 jetta.. glx or whatever..... it is nice runs good and has 130k on it... but he likes it.... 6 Grand so..... i guess that is good.... what do i know about VWs though....

 

[ThisIsMatt]

<< I'd say youre better off getting something decent(Nissan) or almost decent(honda,toyota). >>

I think you have that backwards....


Farbio...glad you brought your sister into the picture, I thought you were going to say for yourself....dang girly cars

 

[Farbio]

lol thisismatt i do like the jettas, but for myself, i'd be going for a 95 gti or a 92-94 corrado for sure

 

[Bulldozer]

<< (how come i couldn't get my dream car when i was her age?) >>



Well, your dream car probably wasn't as lame as a Jetta.

I've got about 10 hours seat time in a fully loade '98 Jetta VR6, same body style as the '95 I believe. We will never own another Volkswagon. Too many repair bills over $1000. My opinion on the car: handles good, not very comfortable to sit in (maybe I just don't like their leather seats), and the car is disappointingly slow for a 6-cyl. Build quality isn't horrible but it has had the doortrim fall off as well as another body piece. Surprisingly large trunk.

 

[yakko]

<< Volkwagons have anything from decent to poor reliability depending on model/year and luck. They are known especialy for their electrical problems. I'd say youre better off getting something decent(Nissan) or almost decent(honda,toyota). >>

You know everytime someone asks about VWs on this board people keep popping up and talking about these electrical problems that VWs have. Now I have only owned 4 VWs and I used to be a VW mechanic so I probably don't know as much as they do but I never saw these electrical problems that keep getting mentioned by people who have probably never owned one or been a VW mechanic.

Get the car checked out by a VW mechanic and if he says it is ok buy it. They are reliable as has been proven by the abuse I put mine through with only a little more than normal maintinence.

 

[Stifko]

Thats my favorite generation of Golfs & Jettas. The miles seem kind of high, maybe you can offer $4500? Whats the book value on that ride? I'd get it, but I love VWs. Ask the folks in the A3 forums at VWVortex. They will help you more.

 

[LAUST]

I had a 93 for a short time that detonated in stock configuration even at the altitude I live at :disgust:

 

[azazyel]

Right now I have a 93 Sentra and I hate it!!! It is a complete POS even though it's "nicer" than my old car which was an 87 jetta. I would give anything to have that car back! It was quick, handeled well and I was able to feel the road much better that in any other car I have driven. I had complete confindence in that car...<sniff> I did have some problems with it but nothing more than any other car.

 

[Thegonagle]

By now, many people know my feelings about VWs, but they're irrelevant, so I?ll keep it to myself for now. Just realize the no car that has 113,000 miles is going to be trouble free. CV joints, exhaust, brakes, alternators, water pumps, tires, radiators, AC, tie-rod ends, ball joints, batteries, clutches, automatic transmissions, etc., are all subject to wear, and to keep the car on the road, some of these things will probably need to be replaced or repaired down the road. It needs to be inspected by a mechanic who can tell you about any imminent repairs and how much they might cost. Then you can adjust your offer according to what the car minus any repairs is worth to you.

 

[Vadatajs]

1995 Jetta

 

[Farbio]

thanks for the link vadatajs, that's pretty helpful

garfang - i know all about high mileage cars and the problems they can be. my first car was an 86 volvo 740 w/ 118k miles on it, which i had apart a lot, but learned most everything i know about cars from it. then i bought a 90 honda accord w/ 124k on it and have had no big problems in the 60k since (hell, its still got its original clutch) and i've gotten a 92 sentra w/ 86k on it, absolutely no problems and a 84 volvo 240 w/ 120k, which has been relatively trouble free. i think i have a pretty good idea of how to inspect the cars and figure value and what they're worth. thanks for the advice though, i do appreciate it

 

[moonsocket]

VWs rock...buy and love it

 

[CocaCola5]

If VW had 10yr maint. warantee on these models and it is tranferable it would be a nice deal since you'll still get covered for a used car.

 

[psteng19]

Not a 1995 Jetta but close.

Cousin's 1996 Passat GLS.
Rarely driven and kept in execllent condition.
but with only 30,000 miles on it, the instrument cluster, battery and alternator died and were expensive replacements.
I think they wanted $300 for a new cluster.

Oh, and 1 hubcap and right sidemarker stolen