VW Jetta diesel long-term ownership review: 13 years & 1.47 lakh km

The Jetta is one well-built car, to say, even VW does not make cars like this anymore.

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Beginning

This is a long-term ownership review of my 2010 Volkswagen Jetta

Selection

It was back then in 2010 when I was in school and we decided to get a sedan amidst having the good old Innova 2.5 G. The decision of Jetta was made by Dad and it was Jetta Comfortline 2.0 TDi manual.

Living with the Jetta

The Jetta has been part of the family for a good 13 years, had travelled to a lot of places in the car and I have enjoyed the ride so much. Till 2016 I was only chauffeured in the car. After that, I got my hands on this beautiful and well-built German machine. The lovely car even though it has mixed likings over the looks department I personally like it.

Altogether the car has run more than 145000 kms almost trouble-free, just the regular maintenance. I remember once the abs sensor was replaced. Other than that I call this one a reliable car just like our Rapid.

Maybe I can call myself lucky because the majority of the cars in our garage are Germans and none of them have caused any trouble to date.

Also to be mentioned we never abuse any of our cars, mostly highway cruising only.

Ok, let me introduce the Jetta to all of you!!

Front

The front looks like a typical Volkswagen and houses dual barrel headlamps with auto on/off function, and manual levelling though. The fog lamp is not much effective!!

Side Profile

The car looks long from this angle and is my favourite viewpoint of the car!! Gets chrome treatment around the windows, glad that the fit and finish are excellent and haven't worn out even after years. Overall the paint quality of the car is amazing, the car still glows. No Teflon or any kind of treatment done to date.

Rear

The rear of the car looks better than the front IMO!! The round taillamps look cool during nighttime!!

The Dashboard

The player houses a 6 CD changer and aux connectivity, but no Bluetooth though!!

The Steering

Gets the latest version steering of the face-lift Jetta.

The Meter Console

The usual Vw setup, notice zero errors. The long red needles feel good and the background illuminates automatically when needed!! MID houses trip information, digital speed, alternative speed mph, fuel efficiency, drive time, average speed, a clock and range!

The faithful Tdi

After almost 1.5 lakh kms the engine still pulls like anything and sounds very less while idling. The coolant is still pinkish in colour, I think the coolant rust is more common in the 1.6 and 1.5 TDi whereas the 2.0 TDi is less prone to that!! Laura with the 1,35,000 km mark still the coolant remains new, whereas the rapid's coolant got contaminated around 80k kms!!

The alloy

16-inch rims which go well with the car with 205/55 Tyres. Currently on Michelin primacy 3rd rubber!!

The Boot

A well spacious boot with practical holders and space, it can also be accessed from the rear seat.

The Front Seat

Well, bolstered leather seat, feels comfortable has electrical adjustment only for lumbar support, and has this for the passenger seat as well. Gets seat heating as well, wish It got cooled seats!!

Rear Seat

Best suited for 2 adults, comfortable. The quality of the leather is something which can't be explained, no wrinkles to date

Rear Ac Console

Ac adjusters broke a long time ago, and also house cup holders.

Cabin Lights

Dual lights illuminate well and also give a red ambient light during nighttime. Comes with a sunglass holder and interior monitoring function/motion sensor.

Glove Box

Opens/closes with hydraulic effect, also finishes in soft carpet material so no niggles can be heard.

Center Storage space/cupholders

Can be closed when not in use.

Armrest

A big armrest with height and reach adjust, also houses a small storage space below, also houses an aux port.

Door Pads

A well-built door pad with a leather finish and 2 speakers per door, a total of 8 speakers and 2 tweeters. Just look at the leather treatment no wear and tear just excellent quality. The ORVM is practical, gets electric adjustments and can be retracted electrically!!

Driving Experience

The car has been a breeze to drive in the city as well as the highways. The car feels rock solid at 3-digit speeds and breaking is great which helps build confidence at speeds.

The 2.0 TDi has good torque and since it's manual, I feel more power in this than the Laura AT IMO!!

The suspension and the car altogether feel planted, it just glides over small undulations without any feel inside, which I haven't experienced in any other cars of this segment!!

Features

The car is packed with a good list of features including 8 airbags, abs, EBD, traction control, hill hold assist yes hill hold for a manual car!! All 4 disc brakes, auto-dimming rearview mirrors. 6cd changer with aux, cruise control, Rain sensing wipers, coming home and leaving home light guidance!!

Maintenance

The car never gave much trouble in the maintenance department, just regular services of 15000kms or yearly once. The car is maintained at ASC to date. Abs sensor gave up one time in one of the wheels.

The clutch and front suspension have been replaced and the timing belt kit has all been changed at the 1 lakh km mark. The headlamp was cleaned at 1 lakh kms. No issues in the car to date.

The interior lights and door pad lights have fused out and have to be changed!! The windshield is due for replacement, no cracks but a lot of scratches quite normal for a 13-year-old car!! So far no failures in the electrical department as well as mechanical!!

Pros

• Solid build quality as in its like built for life.
• Excellent Driveability
• Quality of the interior is top-notch the fit and finish are perfect, no niggles or rattles to date.
• Still feels premium.
• Excellent insulation.

Cons

• The absence of parking sensors is a headache, especially during urban commutes. Can install an aftermarket unit though.
• The unavailability of some spares and the cost of spares is high.
• The ac vents are weak which is common in a Volkswagen and broke in no time.
• Future availability of oe spare parts is a question mark!!

Conclusion

The Jetta is one well-built car, to say even VW does not make cars like this anymore. Solidly built, safe, lot of features, etc. It has been a faithful companion to the family and never lets us down anywhere. The car is due for a Fitness test in 2 years!!

Thank you all !! Everyone stays happy and healthy!!

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