Problems or issues with mark IV VW Jettas

[Ikarus1]

I am looking for issues specifically with the VR6 Mark IV Jettas. I have found a car for my son to replace the one that was totalled. 2003 Jetta GLX VR6 Auto.Looks to be solid; original AZ car for first 100K miles, sold to dealer in NC, 2 previous owners for last 60K miles.

So far its had new tires installed, brakes, AC&cooling, CV axles, alternator and battery. Which is why the previous owner is dumping it. At the price, in the condition its in, its a pretty good value.

Im a member at VWvortex but I just value most of your opinions more.

 

[Ikarus1]

oh yeah, got new plugs and coils too.

 

[Short Fuse]

Obviously you like VW's but it is starting to hit the kind of mileage that a lot of little and big things start to go wrong with them. I see a lot of them start to fail around this time. I have a 2006 passat on my rack right now that needs a new oil pump assy. The dealer wants over $1700 for the part whole sale. Do yourself a favor and get another brand of car. Just a mechanics opinion.

 

[Mad Dawg]

The first car that my wife and I bought when we were first married (I was still in college, wife just graduated with her Masters) was a '92 VW Jetta GL, bought new. From day one, we could not let the engine get above 4k RPMs without having an oil burning smell come into the cabin. Stay under 4k, no smell. Dealership could not find the issue. About 50k miles later, the motor developed a mysterious and significant miss. 3 dealerships could not find the problem after throwing all kinds of parts at it thinking it was one thing or another. We dumped the car, taking a loss, and bought a Honda Accord and vowed to never buy another VW product. Like Short Fuse suggested, look elsewhere for something other than a VW.

 

[Ikarus1]

Last 2 Hondas Ive had dropped the transmission at less than 150K. Nevermind the timing belt fiasco that I posted about.
So...yeah about that.

I know parts can be expensive. I also know this generation of car is popular (tons of parts online). We also do most if not most if not all of our own maint and repair.

I also know what $3500 buys in a used 03 Honda....fart cans and blue exhaust.
And every illegal immigrant in CLT is buying and driving one with 300K miles.

So besides "buy a Honda"[emoji846] who has actually advice about this actual generation (Mark IV)of Jetta? Specifically with the VR6 engine.