[epmathis]

Hi all!
Today, I test drove a 2002 Jetta with the 1.8 turbo and five speed. I was blown away by the power, finish quality, and overall solidity. The only gripes I had were minor: The shifter was a little vague and the handling was a little soft. Other than that, I'm ready to sign on the dotted line!
I have only one concern: Rear seat comfort. I'm single, but I take 3 members of the family on a 3.5 hour trip to Orlando about once every couple of months. We don't carry much luggage, but I'm a little worried about rear seat comfort. Would the Jetta be liveable for two rear seat passengers who are around 5'10" tall?
Thanks!
Eric

 

[SAPJetta]

Re: Prospective New Jetta Owner! (epmathis)

Do it!

And welcome to the black hole.....I mean Vortex.


[Modified by SAPJetta, 4:47 PM 2-7-2002]

 

[mjd]

Re: Prospective New Jetta Owner! (SAPJetta)

PROSPECTIVE! SELECTAH!

 

[jaydub]

Re: Prospective New Jetta Owner! (mjd)

i've had no complaints on trips which were about an hour in length from my rear seat passengers, but my rear seat in my Civic accomodated my mother in law for a 5 hour trip and it was smaller.
personally I think you'd be very pleased. it also has a nice size trunk.

 

[craig20v]

Re: Prospective New Jetta Owner! (jaydub)

did you get the Wagon?

 

[Spiro SU]

Re: Prospective New Jetta Owner! (craig20v)

The rear seat is adequate. Just don't push it over 4 hours. It's not that adequate. Anyone around 5'10" won't be too happy.

 

[rmbalisa]

Re: Prospective New Jetta Owner! (Spiro SU)

Heh, you can always stick em in the trunk if they keep complainin!

 

[epmathis]

Re: Prospective New Jetta Owner! (craig20v)

Wow! That was quick! Thanks for the help, guys!

I originally ordered the galactic blue or blue lagoon sedan with the black cloth interior, but my dealership could not find a 5 speed in those colors. My third choice is black/black GLS, but there's going to be a 2-4 week wait.

I can't believe how scarce 5 speeds are!
Again, thanks for the quick and helpful responses, and I'm looking forward to sharing my experiences with all of you!

Regards,
Eric

 

[rbenjami]

Re: Prospective New Jetta Owner! (rmbalisa)

The back seat's comfort level depends on how far back the FRONT seats are. It makes a BIG difference in this car. BTW I just bought the car you are considering. I have had no complaints from those who use my back seat. Of course, he is only 7 months old and hasn't yet learned to complain (at least so that I have a clue what he is complaining about!)

 

[epmathis]

Re: Prospective New Jetta Owner! (rmbalisa)

You know, the trunk would be a good place to stick pesky relatives, but I heard the new models have emergency trunk releases in them

Eric

 

[landrumdh]

Re: Prospective New Jetta Owner! (epmathis)

welcome to the black hole, errr Vortex.
Ok here is what I've found with my golf. If your front passanger pulls the seat up somewhat you can get enough leg room for the rear passanger. But they may want to switch seats 1/2 way

I say bring along some friends / family and give it a try. That's what I did with my golf and we could fit myself, my dad and my younger bro (in HS) and we all fit nice and comfy after some adjustments.
You think your wait is long. If you want a TDI engine your generally looking at a 3month wait!! I'd bet most of the TDI owners here waited atleast 1 month to 3 months for their cars!
You will love your car, don't let the wait bother you to much. Your dealer gets weekly updates on the status of the car just bug them weekly. I called mine 1-2 times per week for 3 months!


[Modified by landrumdh, 8:33 PM 2-7-2002]