MKV Jetta Turbo - what to look for

[Paxton]

Hi Guys,

I'm Andrew, and as I said in the Introduction forum, I'm looking very seriously at a MKV Jetta Turbo, to replace my EF Falcon.

I've got two on my mind, one is Black, with the lighter leather interior, and about 85,000 on the clock. The other is blue, with the black interior, and just over 60,000 on the clock.

I like, and have driven the black one, and will be going back tomorrow to drive it again. What I'm after is a little advice.
What do I look for when I'm back at the dealer tomorrow? I was really impressed with the drive. Going from an old Falcon to a relatively new VW Turbo is like a breath of fresh air. The Black one also has an aftermarket satnav head unit (Pioneer I think, not exactly sure).

It's been a while since I've even looked at a different car, let alone one I'm pretty sure I'm going to buy. What do I need to make sure is right before I sign on the dotted line?

[Creampuff]

can't help you mate, i have an '08 model and it is faultless....love the car, power, comfort, great on fuel....enjoy
!!

[Deadpool]

If it's the 2.0TFSI, you have several things to watch out for as do the Golf GTI people.

* PCV Valve Failing
* Diverter Valve Diaphragm Failing
Charcoal Canister Purge Valve Failing
* Coil Packs Failing
* Injectors Failing
Cam Follower
* Air Conditioning Compressor
* Mechatronics (if DSG)
Noisy timing belt tensioner pullies

I've experienced pretty much every one of these problems with my car so far and had them all fixed. The ones marked with a "*" are far more common than the others. They're great cars to have, but with every car, there's gonna be issues. If we all wanted bulletproof cars I'm sure we'd have move onto a Japanese one.

[snerlo]

Just check the service history mate and if you are really keen, you can even ring the dealer that was doing the services and ask them what was done and if there were any major issues. Make sure you get an RACQ/NRMA etc. check for extra piece of mind. Every single car on this planet will have some sort of issue. Hell, friends of ours had there brand spanking new Mercedes C class back at the dealer for a major fault about month after purchase. Just be prepared that it will cost more to fix than the falcon mate, but they are one hell of a great sleeper car, and they have the biggest boot going around. Bigger than my AU falcon. Join the turbo Jetta crew and enjoy driving it mate, you won't regret it.

[The One]

147KW Jetta's are equipped with the 6 speed DSG which has been proven to be a relatively faultless system, just ensure the oil and filter were changed every 60,000km as per service schedule and you should be ok. Only thing I've majorly noticed about these engines that happens 'frequently' is the tandem pump seal (on the head - gearbox side) leaks oil, it's just a simple replacement of the seal and you're good to go.

Mate no-one can tell you how good a car will be, at the end of the day it's all up to the previous owners and YOU to look after the car, you look after it, it will look after you, all the best these Jetta's are a gem to drive!

[Paxton]

Thanks guys. I'm seeing the dealer at lunch time tomorrow, so you will be the first to know (after my better half) what happens. Right now, it's a yes.

I'll have it at the NRMA within a month or so of picking it up, just so they can look it over. I guess the one benefit of having the car from a dealer is that I can use the warranty.

For those that have the 147TSI Jettas, what's the fuel consumption like if driven normally (not flogged, nor driven like a grandma?)

[ericcs]

also, if you give your VIN to any vw dealer, they can tell you it's warranty history!

[snerlo]

In mine, i normally hover around the 7 - 7.2L / 100km when sitting on 115km/hr out on the freeway. Around town it's no worse than approximately 10 but it wholy depends on the right foot. Enjoy it mate. They have alot going for them

[Paxton]

Didn't do it today - got rained in at Botany. I'll head over tomorrow instead. Still going to do it.

[Snowsled]

If it's the 2.0TFSI, you have several things to watch out for as do the Golf GTI people.

* PCV Valve Failing
* Diverter Valve Diaphragm Failing
Charcoal Canister Purge Valve Failing
* Coil Packs Failing
* Injectors Failing
Cam Follower
* Air Conditioning Compressor
* Mechatronics (if DSG)
Noisy timing belt tensioner pullies

I've experienced pretty much every one of these problems with my car so far and had them all fixed. The ones marked with a "*" are far more common than the others. They're great cars to have, but with every car, there's gonna be issues. If we all wanted bulletproof cars I'm sure we'd have move onto a Japanese one.

As much as I love turbo cars I'd rather have a NA engine because too many things can go wrong with turbos, although it's more fun to drive and easily tunable.