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Written by Joe
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Friday, 15 August 2008 21:20 |
Although it is considered a compact car, the Volkswagen Jetta can seat up to 7 adults. Jettas are usually four-door sedans or wagons. They come with front-wheel drive and a variety of engine options.
You can get your Jetta with one of the following 4-cylinder engines: a 2.0L with a horsepower of 115, a 1.9L with a horsepower of 90, or a 1.8 with a horsepower of 180. Another option is the 2.8L 6-cylinder, which has a horsepower of 201. With all these choices, you are sure to find an engine that fits your driving style.
Each engine, except for the 6-cylinder option, will need to have its timing belt changed out every so often. It is a good idea to get an extended warranty so that you can afford the repairs; they can be pricey for this car, as can individual car parts. You will most likely need to take your Jetta to a VW dealership or to an auto shop that is knowledgeable about the Volkswagen brand. The VW cars can cause a bit of trouble for the inexperienced mechanic.
The Volkswagen Jetta has excellent safety records. For an offset frontal crash, it was given five stars by IIHS. In another frontal crash test, driver and passenger safety ranked at the same level according to the NHTSA. There are driver and passenger airbags in the front and at the sides. You can even get backseat side airbags if you ask. Like the Golf, the Jetta boasts disc brakes, which are hard to find on compact cars.
The Jetta also offers a sophisticated interior that measures up to what you would expect from a Volkswagen. The driver’s area is very similar to that featured in the Golf, with simple controls and beautifully backlit dials. On the outside, you have a shiny chrome grille and alloy wheels. If you choose a sporting version of this car, you will no longer get cruise control. However, the foglights, lower suspension, and sporty front seats will more than make up for that difference.
However, if you are buying used, it is a good idea to look at all the plastic areas that may be broken or damaged. This includes the cupholder, the ashtray, and any electronic features. See if the radio works before buying the car, and find out if the seats can be adjusted easily. An expert mechanic should look at the car to help you decide if it is worth the price that is being asked, or if it is worth buying at all.
If you begin to hear too much noise when you drive over a bumpy stretch of street, your car may be having trouble with its suspension. For routine maintenance, you will need to have your car looked at by professionals at least once annually. Try to make sure the car is on the lift when the underside is inspected, as this is the only way to perform an adequate inspection of some components.
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