Graham Smith reviews the 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 VW Jetta as a used buy.
A three-box version of the Golf, the Jetta is best driven with a clutch pedal.
New
VW cashed in on the soaring popularity of the Golf by adding a bootlid and rear window in 2006 and calling the variant the Jetta. For all intents and purposes a Golf with a boot, it was essentially aimed at those who wanted more cargo security than a hatch.
The Jetta's underpinnings and drivelines were shared with the Golf. Even better, the boot was huge and with the split-fold rear seat it could be expanded to make it even more useful.
As in the Golf, the Jetta's cabin was comfortable and spacious, the seats presenting a good balance of support and comfort.
Three 2.0-litre engines were available in the first iteration. The base petrol engine was a good all-rounder with 110kW, there was a fuel-efficient turbo diesel and, for a more spirited drive, the petrol turbo produced 147kW.
The transmission options were both six-speeders, a manual and a DSG dual-clutch setup.
The Jetta had the same engaging driving dynamics that made the Golf such a joy to steer.
An update in 2009 added to the Jetta's appeal. Visually there was little to pick it from the previous model — those with a keen eye would pick the new alloy wheels and the addition of front and rear parking sensors.
The biggest change was under the bonnet. There were now two petrol engines and three diesels. Those wanting the former could choose from a new 1.4-litre that was both supercharged and turbocharged, for low-end zip and high-end performance, or a 2.0-litre turbo.
Catering for varying demands for performance, the diesels' outputs were 77kW, 118kW and 125kW.
Transmission options also widened with the addition of a seven-speed version of the DSG.
Given its close relationship with the Golf, the Jetta had the same engaging driving dynamics that made the Golf such a joy to steer.
Now
The troubles that VW has endured in recent times have been well documented and they should serve as a warning to anyone considering buying a second-hand Jetta.
Most notable of them has been the problems that have plagued that generation of the DSG auto.
It's best to opt for the manual versions if you can find one.
VW was slow to move when it became obvious that the DSG had problems, which made it even worse for owners who wanted them fixed.
Owners reported their vehicles would stop without warning, change gear erratically and roughly, as well as doing other odd things.
It was only after a huge outcry from owners that the company conducted a voluntary recall.
The troubles with the DSG and VW's slowness to respond to the issue soured the image of the cars in the eyes of owners and second-hand shoppers, and also damaged the reputation of the company.
As most buyers would have chosen the DSG, the majority of examples on the used market will be equipped with the potentially troublesome transmission.
If you really want the driving experience of the Jetta, it's best to opt for the manual versions if you can find one. If you must have the automatic, get it road-tested by someone with experience of the gearbox.
VW servicing can be expensive but you can save money by having it done by an independent specialist mechanic.
Volkswagen Jetta 2006: 2.0 FSI
| Engine Type | Inline 4, 2.0L |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Premium Unleaded Petrol |
| Fuel Efficiency | 8.6L/100km (combined) |
| Seating | 5 |
| Price From | $4,180 - $6,160 |
Verdict
Smithy says
DSG - 2 stars
Manual - 4 stars
Lots to like but not the troubled automatic transmission.
Owners say
Geoff Briggs: I enjoyed my 2010 Jetta 118 TSI for a year before we encountered major problems with the DSG, which would shudder when going in reverse. The gearbox computer was changed in the recall but 18 months later it started shuddering in first and second. This time the gearbox was replaced and it now seems OK. I've also had problems with a wheel bearing. All of this happened before the car had done 45,000km.
Scot Holbrow: I've owned a 2008 Jetta 2.0 TDI for about four years. I love its economy, the large boot and the classy interior. The highway fuel economy is amazing at about 5.0 L/100km, although it's a bit higher in stop-start traffic.
Peter Lee: I bought a Jetta 103 TDI manual so I have avoided the DSG hassles. Overall, it has been excellent and in more than 130,000m it has only required annual servicing. It's very comfortable, the boot is large and the fuel economy is amazing. The only problem I've had is with the roof lining, which sagged, but the response from VW was so appalling I paid to have a motor trimmer fix it.
Stuart Irvine: I've had a Jetta 103 TDI DSG for five years and have enjoyed driving it. I would recommend them.
At a glance
Price new: $35,290-$39,990
Price now:
2.0 FSI - $5500-$9000
2.0 TDI - $6000-$9500
2.0 Turbo - $7000-$10,000
118TSI - $7000-$11,500
103TDI - $7500-$12,500
147TSI - $8500-$14,000
103TDI - $9500-$12,500
77TDI - $7000-$11,000
125TDI - $10,000-$13,500
Safety: 5 stars
Engines: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 110kW/200Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo, 147kW/280Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo diesel, 103kW/320Nm and 125kW/350Nm; 1.4-litre 4-cyl twin-charge, 118kW/240Nm; 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo diesel, 77kW/250Nm
Transmissions: 6-speed man, 6-speed auto, 6 and 7-speed DSG; FWD
Thirst: 4.9L-8.0L/100km
Also consider
Mazda6 2006-11 - 4 stars - Benchmark in the class and should be high on your shopping list. Pay between $4500-$23,000.
Subaru Liberty 2006-11 - 4 stars - Good and solid, mostly trouble free with the benefit of all-wheel drive. Pay between $6000-$25,000.
Ford Mondeo 2007-11 - 3.5 stars - Neat driver but, as with the Jetta, be wary of the dual-clutch automatic. Pay between $4000-$16,500.
Coming up
Do you own or have you owned a Ford Mondeo? Share your experience with other CarsGuide readers by sending your comments to Graham Smith at grah.smith@bigpond.com or write to CarsGuide, PO Box 4245, Sydney, NSW 2010.
Click here to see more Volkswagen Jetta pricing and spec info.
Pricing Guides
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