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Re: 2003 Jetta GL... 115hp.. any good? (mattsvt)

My dad's got the 2.0L. Reliable. Feels peppier than 115hp. But my dad drives the speed limit....all the time
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It's nickname around here is 2.slow so that should tell you something.
Sorry can't comment on how it compares to the Lancer, though.
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
Re: 2003 Jetta GL... 115hp.. any good? (Gateway337CT)

It's not his choice. He's actually in a strange position.
He just bought this 2002 Lancer. It doesn't even have 5k miles on it and some guy hit him. The car is repaired and looks brand new. He somehow managed to get a dealership to give him like 14k trade-in value. His parents want to get him a safer car (dont ask me) and are willing to spend the extra 3k to upgrade to a Jetta. Something like that.
 
Re: 2003 Jetta GL... 115hp.. any good? (mattsvt)

quote:[HR][/HR]It's not his choice. He's actually in a strange position.
He just bought this 2002 Lancer. It doesn't even have 5k miles on it and some guy hit him. The car is repaired and looks brand new. He somehow managed to get a dealership to give him like 14k trade-in value. His parents want to get him a safer car (dont ask me) and are willing to spend the extra 3k to upgrade to a Jetta. Something like that. [HR][/HR]​
Talk the dealer down. He can get a 1.8T for 17K.
 
Re: 2003 Jetta GL... 115hp.. any good? (Gateway337CT)

quote:[HR][/HR]It's not his choice. He's actually in a strange position.
He just bought this 2002 Lancer. It doesn't even have 5k miles on it and some guy hit him. The car is repaired and looks brand new. He somehow managed to get a dealership to give him like 14k trade-in value. His parents want to get him a safer car (dont ask me) and are willing to spend the extra 3k to upgrade to a Jetta. Something like that.
Talk the dealer down. He can get a 1.8T for 17K. [HR][/HR]​
Umm...I wouldn't. Dealer might take the offer off. $14k for a one accident Lancer sounds like the dealer is already sweetening the pot. IMO if he liked the Lancer he'll be just fine with the Jetta. Good luck
DD
 
Re: 2003 Jetta GL... 115hp.. any good? (mattsvt)

quote:[HR][/HR]I've heard of problems with Jettas... what are they so he will know. [HR][/HR]​
There are 2 main problems with the Jetta that I've seen here on the Vortex.
1. Faulty window regulators. VWoA and VWoC have issued statements recognizing this and I think have recitified the problem.
2. Faulty ignition coil packs, which don't affect the 2.0L engine.
Some minor problems that I see complaints about around here are minor little squeeks and rattles (which my dad's car does not have) and bad customer service at VWoA and VWoC. My dad has experienced the bad customer service, but I have not.
If it's safety you're looking for, the Jetta is miles ahead of the competition, IMO
 
Re: 2003 Jetta GL... 115hp.. any good? (CDNGolfer)

other problems include maf sensors that aren't the strongest (they are $48 and take about 3 minutes to replace....I did mine at 90k miles) also the 2.0 tends to use oil, so be sure to check it. Other then that some minor rattles might be a problem. Drivewise, they are fairly bulletproof http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif
 
Re: 2003 Jetta GL... 115hp.. any good? (vw_ev73)

quote:[HR][/HR]screw the 1.8TooPopular, I recommend either the 2.0 or the TDI. http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif
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[HR][/HR]​
I think it is more popular because it is better, not because it is hip. If you friend is happy with his Lancer, he will be thrilled with a Jetta. He can always get a faster car down the road.
 
Re: 2003 Jetta GL... 115hp.. any good? (STL Silver Bullit)

quote:[HR][/HR]screw the 1.8TooPopular, I recommend either the 2.0 or the TDI. http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif
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I think it is more popular because it is better, not because it is hip. If you friend is happy with his Lancer, he will be thrilled with a Jetta. He can always get a faster car down the road.[HR][/HR]​
actually I don't think it is more popular, and if it were it would be because more cars are sent with it as opposed to people wanting it.
 
Re: 2003 Jetta GL... 115hp.. any good? (STL Silver Bullit)

There's nothing special about the 1.8T. I have "experienced" that engine and the VR6, TDI or 2.0 is a much more rational choice. I guess if you are that set on getting your turbo whine, then go for it, but otherwise...
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Re: 2003 Jetta GL... 115hp.. any good? (vw_ev73)

True, there is nothing particularly special about the 1.8, but having formerly owned an '01 2.0 Jetta, I can attest that powertrain is thoroughly frustrating. It may seem like a rational choice to save a few $$, but when you're running 4-5k rpm at normal highway speeds for extended periods of time you will be asking yourself why you didn't spend another thousand or so...Beleive me, I've been there. Good luck
 
Re: 2003 Jetta GL... 115hp.. any good? (intonation)

its a good engine and will run forever if well taken car of, BUT.... its slow, very slow. i'd cough up the extra money for a vr6, you won't regret it.
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Re: 2003 Jetta GL... 115hp.. any good? (vw_ev73)

quote:[HR][/HR]There's nothing special about the 1.8T.
[HR][/HR]​
In stock form, maybe...
 
Re: 2003 Jetta GL... 115hp.. any good? (eggman95)

quote:[HR][/HR]its a good engine and will run forever if well taken car of, BUT.... its slow, very slow. i'd cough up the extra money for a vr6, you won't regret it.
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[HR][/HR]​

Oh, I can tell you now, it is VERY worth it! http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif
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Re: 2003 Jetta GL... 115hp.. any good? (fitch)

Good deal. If he is getting 14k trade on a Lancer, he'll almost surely have to pay full sticker, as the dealers generally up the trade value OR discount the car, rarely both. I'd see if there weren't any 2002 models still hiding out, too. They'd be more willing to discount them as well. Also seems like they are usually eager to move four door Golfs if your friend is interested, although they seem hard to find with manual trannies around here anyway. There are a lot of good cars in this class, and imo, the Lancer isn't one of them. The Jetta is better in nearly every respect (again imo), not to mention the rest of the pack, Imprezas, Foci, Proteges, Civics, etc.
If this were 1952, and VW were Chevrolet, the 2.0 would be the Stovebolt six. Glamorous, no, damned near indestructible, yes. And although no monster, 2.0 VW's are hardly slow. To me, it's a much more rewarding engine than some of the Japanese 4-pots claiming higher hp, but still can't manage to generate any sort of tug at the back of the neck when provoked (not all of them though).
 
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