Jetta=terrible value
April-9th-2003, 03:17 PM
#17
Protege Enthusiast
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Kanata, Ontario
Posts: 146
Originally posted by mtbfreak40
i duno why you guys are bringing up price. i got quoted almost the exact price for a 2003 1.8T jetta as i paid for my 2002 loaded ES protege
i duno why you guys are bringing up price. i got quoted almost the exact price for a 2003 1.8T jetta as i paid for my 2002 loaded ES protege
Anyways, my comparison was based on their 2.0 not the sweet 1.8T which is hardly in the same league as our 2.0. Their 1.8T is an absolute dream for tuners. Our 2.0 is just about tweeked to the max...
I would have bought the 1.8T, but I could not justify the price...the P5 is a better value. Period.
April-9th-2003, 03:22 PM
#18
Protege Enthusiast
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Montreal, Canada
Posts: 51
I don't see how you got quoted the same price for a Jetta 1.8T as a Protege. My brother got a pretty good deal on his 1.8T wolfburg eddition at about 20K USD. At that price, you can get the MSP Protege. So either you got shafted with your Protege or the VW dealer is giving you are really good deal, or both.
I also find Jettas are highly over rated. You are paying a premium just to have a trunk. VW used to have the Golf 1.8T with 4 doors that was 1000s cheaper than a similarly equiped Jetta. Personally, I think the Golf looks better than the Jetta.
I also find Jettas are highly over rated. You are paying a premium just to have a trunk. VW used to have the Golf 1.8T with 4 doors that was 1000s cheaper than a similarly equiped Jetta. Personally, I think the Golf looks better than the Jetta.
April-9th-2003, 03:30 PM
#19
WiCky=))
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Canada
Posts: 883
My friend has a 2001 Jetta 1.8T, which he bought for a good price back then. The prices have increased signifcantly since then, and you their bang for buck has dropped a bit.
Anyways the 1.8T is a very well built engine. Quiet and refined, with no turbo lag. It feels like a small displacement V6, and it has amazing tuning potential.
The interior and fit and finish are very nice and the car feels very solid. Much more so than the Protege.
The back seat is a little small, but the front have very good side boostering, and then there are additional goodies worth the premium like adjustable heated seats, and a kick *** sound system.
I don't know about the handling of it, although the handling won't be as good as the Proteges, the ride is well damped and firm, and less harsh than the Protege. This controls body roll well in the car, but I think the upper body weight contributes to more roll than with a Japanese car, but hey it feels like a vault.
For the money back in 2001, they're worth their premiums.
Anyways the 1.8T is a very well built engine. Quiet and refined, with no turbo lag. It feels like a small displacement V6, and it has amazing tuning potential.
The interior and fit and finish are very nice and the car feels very solid. Much more so than the Protege.
The back seat is a little small, but the front have very good side boostering, and then there are additional goodies worth the premium like adjustable heated seats, and a kick *** sound system.
I don't know about the handling of it, although the handling won't be as good as the Proteges, the ride is well damped and firm, and less harsh than the Protege. This controls body roll well in the car, but I think the upper body weight contributes to more roll than with a Japanese car, but hey it feels like a vault.
For the money back in 2001, they're worth their premiums.
April-9th-2003, 05:05 PM
#22
Protege Progasm
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: MD
Posts: 2,456
Originally posted by JoeT
For the record, no Jetta driver has ever waved "thank you" after I slowed down to let them merge, so I don't let them in anymore. This has to do with the holier-than-thou, wannabe-yuppie-dickweed Jetta culture (North Jersey). Makes you think.
For the record, no Jetta driver has ever waved "thank you" after I slowed down to let them merge, so I don't let them in anymore. This has to do with the holier-than-thou, wannabe-yuppie-dickweed Jetta culture (North Jersey). Makes you think.
If ppl don't wave at ME when I let them in front, I just go one with my life. SO WHAT, if they don't wave. It's not giving me an extra life or an extra dollar in my pocket. That is so petty to expect someone to thank you for everything.
Last edited by redrims; April-9th-2003 at 05:10 PM.
April-9th-2003, 05:45 PM
#23
Protege Enthusiast
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: nj
Posts: 170
i dont drive vw but i work on them every day and in same shop we got nissan and mazda.vw cars are nice but they have stupid problems that u dont see on other cars.vw thakes forever to update part that brakes sometimes 3 years.im happy that vw's brake becuse it pays mine bills and pays for mine upgraes.
April-9th-2003, 06:34 PM
#24
Demands Perfection
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 344
Jetta
I was a passenger in the back of a 2001 Jetta during an extended road trip about a month ago.
In terms of interior component construction and feel, VW has for a long time now built excellent, attractive, high quality interiors. I believe they do the best job in the industry right now. Unlike the Protege, nearly all of the major controls in the Jetta are lit at night. A nice touch.
In addition to that, the Jetta is a civilized, quiet, comfortable riding car. It easily beats the Protege, which, frankly, isn't a very difficult thing to do given Protege's noisy, rough ride. The Jetta is exceptional in that regard; among the class leaders.
That said, the back seat in a Jetta is cramped and uncomfortable (at least for those over 6 ft. like me). I found my trip irritating and difficult, as there was no room to get comfortable in that inhospitable, lousy place.
For all the characteristics regarding the Jetta however, the worst part is this car's longstanding, consistent record of **** reliability; a VW tradition. The only decent car VW has made in recent years regarding reliability is the Passat, and even then it's only average, currently. The Jetta has never been a reliable car, and even if it was perfect in every other way I'd never waste my hard earned money or time on a car that promises to root you in the reliability department. I don't care how cool a car is widely considered, if it doesn't measure up to my expectations regarding reliable operation, then that manufacturer can go screw itself.
Hence, overall, VW can go screw itself.
In terms of interior component construction and feel, VW has for a long time now built excellent, attractive, high quality interiors. I believe they do the best job in the industry right now. Unlike the Protege, nearly all of the major controls in the Jetta are lit at night. A nice touch.
In addition to that, the Jetta is a civilized, quiet, comfortable riding car. It easily beats the Protege, which, frankly, isn't a very difficult thing to do given Protege's noisy, rough ride. The Jetta is exceptional in that regard; among the class leaders.
That said, the back seat in a Jetta is cramped and uncomfortable (at least for those over 6 ft. like me). I found my trip irritating and difficult, as there was no room to get comfortable in that inhospitable, lousy place.
For all the characteristics regarding the Jetta however, the worst part is this car's longstanding, consistent record of **** reliability; a VW tradition. The only decent car VW has made in recent years regarding reliability is the Passat, and even then it's only average, currently. The Jetta has never been a reliable car, and even if it was perfect in every other way I'd never waste my hard earned money or time on a car that promises to root you in the reliability department. I don't care how cool a car is widely considered, if it doesn't measure up to my expectations regarding reliable operation, then that manufacturer can go screw itself.
Hence, overall, VW can go screw itself.
April-9th-2003, 08:01 PM
#25
Protege Enthusiast
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: PA
Posts: 379
aight, im done posting in this thread, its not even worth arguing about. i'll be rolling german soon and thats all i care about. i guess i just like euro tuning so much better and nothing compares to german quality. all my friends have german cars and have no trouble with them, the service guys are mad cool unlike the jackasses at my mazda dealership. my jetta will be tuned much like my boys audi: http://www.autophiles.com/body/impor...hp?list=3&l=29
and for all the guys that brought up styling, no protege can compare to this. aight im out, peace
and for all the guys that brought up styling, no protege can compare to this. aight im out, peace
April-10th-2003, 01:12 AM
#26
Protege Enthusiast
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: GA
Posts: 460
Re: Jetta
Originally posted by ProtegeMaster
For all the characteristics regarding the Jetta however, the worst part is this car's longstanding, consistent record of **** reliability; a VW tradition.
For all the characteristics regarding the Jetta however, the worst part is this car's longstanding, consistent record of **** reliability; a VW tradition.
EVERYBODY I have ever known to have a VW has had a LOT of problems with it, and that is quite a few people, not just a couple.
Remember when there were 600,000 Rabbits all over the road back in the 80's? I mean, they were everywhere!
How many are still on the road today? None that I ever see. Thier all in junk yards where they belong.
Theres quite a few jap cars from that long ago still rolling strong.
My wife is from germany, and when I was car shopping recently, I was considering VW simply because i thought their quality had improved and was impressed with other things that were built in germany, but my father-in-law recommended to stay away from them, even today, and he is living in Germany, where VW is by far the most popular car on the road.
Last edited by Mach 1; April-10th-2003 at 01:18 AM.
April-10th-2003, 01:29 AM
#27
Protege Anarchist
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 708
let's naively think the protege's price is the same as the jetta and buy a jetta because it's "german"! 
Originally posted by mtbfreak40
aight, im done posting in this thread, its not even worth arguing about. i'll be rolling german soon and thats all i care about. i guess i just like euro tuning so much better and nothing compares to german quality. all my friends have german cars and have no trouble with them, the service guys are mad cool unlike the jackasses at my mazda dealership. my jetta will be tuned much like my boys audi: http://www.autophiles.com/body/impor...hp?list=3&l=29
and for all the guys that brought up styling, no protege can compare to this. aight im out, peace
aight, im done posting in this thread, its not even worth arguing about. i'll be rolling german soon and thats all i care about. i guess i just like euro tuning so much better and nothing compares to german quality. all my friends have german cars and have no trouble with them, the service guys are mad cool unlike the jackasses at my mazda dealership. my jetta will be tuned much like my boys audi: http://www.autophiles.com/body/impor...hp?list=3&l=29
and for all the guys that brought up styling, no protege can compare to this. aight im out, peace
April-10th-2003, 05:41 AM
#28
formerly chastan
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: California, USA
Posts: 2,350
Re: Re: Jetta
Originally posted by Mach 1
Ill second that motion.
EVERYBODY I have ever known to have a VW has had a LOT of problems with it, and that is quite a few people, not just a couple.
Remember when there were 600,000 Rabbits all over the road back in the 80's? I mean, they were everywhere!
How many are still on the road today? None that I ever see. Thier all in junk yards where they belong.
Theres quite a few jap[anese] cars from that long ago still rolling strong.
My wife is from germany, and when I was car shopping recently, I was considering VW simply because i thought their quality had improved and was impressed with other things that were built in germany, but my father-in-law recommended to stay away from them, even today, and he is living in Germany, where VW is by far the most popular car on the road.
Ill second that motion.
EVERYBODY I have ever known to have a VW has had a LOT of problems with it, and that is quite a few people, not just a couple.
Remember when there were 600,000 Rabbits all over the road back in the 80's? I mean, they were everywhere!
How many are still on the road today? None that I ever see. Thier all in junk yards where they belong.
Theres quite a few jap[anese] cars from that long ago still rolling strong.
My wife is from germany, and when I was car shopping recently, I was considering VW simply because i thought their quality had improved and was impressed with other things that were built in germany, but my father-in-law recommended to stay away from them, even today, and he is living in Germany, where VW is by far the most popular car on the road.
)I mean I'd understand it if it wasn't so expensive...
People think VW is upscale...I can hardly ever think of it that way, I mean, think about the name...
Or maybe this is just all cause when I was little my mom drove down the Alps in a beetle with no brakes
. I could understand getting down with those air cooled suckers though 
April-10th-2003, 07:36 AM
#29
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: PA
Posts: 2,339
Two of my good friends have VWs, one is a certified VW nut. He has a '94-'96ish Jetta, and he has had a few maintenence issues. My other friend has a '88ish GTI, beautifly styled car but it's such a POS. The interior has a nice fit & finish, but that's about it. The engine is a DOG, something is definately wrong with it, I thought GTIs were supposed to be quick? Literally there isn't a month that goes by that he doesn't have to put another $100 or $200 into it.
But, everyone has their horror stories about different car manufacturers, so whatever.
I can't believe some people are getting so upset over this debate. You know, some people don't like my protege and 323, but I don't own them because other people like them. If they don't, that's too bad for them. Especially those civic owners, why are they always sleeping on my mazdas?
The only VW I'd consider buying is a GTI 1.8T, they have awesome potential! If I were looking for more of a sedan car, large or small, I would look somewhere else. Why? Just personal preference, nothing personal. Why do people get offended at other's personal preference? VWs, I hear, are excellent cars, but they're just not my cup 'o tea.
But, everyone has their horror stories about different car manufacturers, so whatever.
I can't believe some people are getting so upset over this debate. You know, some people don't like my protege and 323, but I don't own them because other people like them. If they don't, that's too bad for them. Especially those civic owners, why are they always sleeping on my mazdas?
The only VW I'd consider buying is a GTI 1.8T, they have awesome potential! If I were looking for more of a sedan car, large or small, I would look somewhere else. Why? Just personal preference, nothing personal. Why do people get offended at other's personal preference? VWs, I hear, are excellent cars, but they're just not my cup 'o tea.
April-10th-2003, 09:03 AM
#30
Protege Enthusiast
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: toronto,canada
Posts: 146
i looked/drove the vw before buying my pro5.
i have to admit that the jetta was on my list...
here's what i found:
the interior is nice with blue lights and there's this high quality feel inside. the exterior look is nice too with clean lines and this cute look but...
i was really surprised how small and cramped the interior was ,the protege feels much more spacious. the car seems ok on the outside but it seems so much smaller on the inside.
but the biggest dissapointment was that it doesnt handle as well and doesnt have that nimble sporty feeling.
the price (here in canada)was also much higher then my pro5.
also my friend has a '00 jetta and is constantly complaining of electrical problems :lights dont work,doors dont open etc.
the build quality seems to be well below mazda's and that it's made in mexico is really worrisome.
i think the protege is a much better car in all aspects especially in reliabilty. i needed a car that i can trust and will not leave me stranded on the side of the road, a car that handles really well and is a great looker.
i have to admit that the jetta was on my list...
here's what i found:
the interior is nice with blue lights and there's this high quality feel inside. the exterior look is nice too with clean lines and this cute look but...
i was really surprised how small and cramped the interior was ,the protege feels much more spacious. the car seems ok on the outside but it seems so much smaller on the inside.
but the biggest dissapointment was that it doesnt handle as well and doesnt have that nimble sporty feeling.
the price (here in canada)was also much higher then my pro5.
also my friend has a '00 jetta and is constantly complaining of electrical problems :lights dont work,doors dont open etc.
the build quality seems to be well below mazda's and that it's made in mexico is really worrisome.
i think the protege is a much better car in all aspects especially in reliabilty. i needed a car that i can trust and will not leave me stranded on the side of the road, a car that handles really well and is a great looker.