New Guy Here

[JerzeyLegend]

Hi. Name's Orlando. I'm a dyslexic grammar Nazi and computer geek. Weird right?

I have just acquired a 2000 Jetta. It cost me $1,500US.

Good:

1.) Mostly good body. Just saw a very tiny pinch of rust on the hood, like smaller than a fingernail (I'll check more tomorrow). Just a few small dents here and there, and usual body wear.

2.) VR6 (or so I was told) black leather seats. However the driver side slide adjustment doesn't work. I'm not sure the heat works on them either, I'll look more into it.

3.) Stereo pre-installed. Takes most of the work I have to do out.

4.) Transmission swapped. 160k on it (or so I was told).

5.) Nice decent wheels. Better than what I have had so far.

6.) HID kit already installed.



Bad:

1.) Transmission is in "safe mode" (i think). It won't shift out of 3rd. I got the turbine code in OBDII. I'm working on having someone fix it soon.

2.) 210,000 on body and engine.

3.) HID kit has no projectors. I worry about blinding people, but it seems they are pointed down, or they have shields on the bulbs. Also no high beams and HIDs are always on, unless I turn parklights on and then highbeams.

4.) Speaking of tranny, G38 wire harness is damaged.

5.) Stereo installed is crap, so are speakers, and I already blew out crap amp (Kicker KX250.2).

6.) Front tires need new rubber. Mis-matched tires.

7.) Driver window does not go all the way down.

8.) Keyfob is glued open, and it does not lock all the doors. Only the front passenger. I have to manually lock rear doors and driver door with key.

9.) Battery was too small (gonna get a yellowtop).

10.) Cat is busted. Not sure if muffler exist. Car is loud, but not terribly loud.

11.) AC needs recharging.



A lot of the bad is just stupid minor crap.

I hope to fix her up, get her looking good, and hopefully not be an embarrassment to the VW community. It's an auto, so please don't crack on me. I can sort of drive stick, but honestly I don't want to bother with having to change gear so much. If anything I kind of would like it to be the auto-stick that I see in some models.

So it has much potential. I already got some props from the local VW guys, but I'm embarrassed when I drive it. This is the nicest car I've owned, coming from a 1986 Civic, 1989 Acura Legend, and then a 1986 Cavalier.

I was part of the Acura Legend forums, and there was quite a bit of racism. I hope to not receive the same treatment here. Feel free to be blunt about my car, but please be aware of the weight your words may carry.

[GiveEmHell]

Sounds like you have a good plan,
My advice to you is to lurk, don't post a whole lot asking silly questions like most people do.
You can learn alot from the people here and all of the information posted.
The search button is your friend, and remember
Buy nice or buy it twice.

Good luck!

[Eeaazzzyyy]

Sounds like you have a good plan,
My advice to you is to lurk, don't post a whole lot asking silly questions like most people do.
You can learn alot from the people here and all of the information posted.
The search button is your friend, and remember
Buy nice or buy it twice.

Good luck!

This. And pictures of said vehicle please?

[known2ridenaked]

welcome to the vortex... not much racism here but if you car is black than it has to get to the back of the forum... lol just kidding.

[Blujett18T]

welcome. good luck

[Clean PG]

welcome to the forums and congrats on the car. sounds like you already know what needs to be worked on first, good luck with the project

[JerzeyLegend]

Picture time:









Thanks for the awesome welcome everybody!

[rbuicki]

you f*cked up by buying an automatic.

[TheColbster]

you f*cked up by buying an automatic.

so it begins...
OP sounds like you have a solid idea of what needs to be done. Good luck

[knot]

For $1500 that's not terrible I guess. As long as you have the extra cash to get all of that stuff fixed quickly. Otherwise you might find yourself hating the car for a while until you get it done. It's hard enough trying to ball on a budget and that's just because of maintenance.

But good luck. I like the green.

You should check out ntq's car. Although I think his is right hand drive now.

[JerzeyLegend]

Sorry about that crazy large picture, it was from imgur, and I couldn't find the edit button.

So... problem #1:

I'm getting code P0715 - Input turbine speed sensor circuit malfunction

So everyone (including here) seems to keep saying its the G68 and G38 combo. So I look for G38 since it's closest and easiest to get to and this is what i find:

Warning large image:


So I try and reconnect the wires, however it's still a problem, so I'm going to have the sensor changed.

[JerzeyLegend]

you f*cked up by buying an automatic.

Maybe, but as I said in my first post, I'd prefer to just drive the easy way first as I am not that confident in driving manual atm.

I was told sticks are easier on gas, wear and tear on the tranny, and much easier to fix, however I just got a new job, I needed a car quick and I didn't want a rust bucket. So I saw this and fell in love.

[jaysleeves]

welcome!
car needs a lot of work...good luck. post progress in this thread as you go, would be cool to see you turn it around.

[TheMel]

Maybe, but as I said in my first post, I'd prefer to just drive the easy way first as I am not that confident in driving manual atm.

I was told sticks are easier on gas, wear and tear on the tranny, and much easier to fix, however I just got a new job, I needed a car quick and I didn't want a rust bucket. So I saw this and fell in love.

You don't have to explain yourself, bud. Idgaf (nor do most people) if you've manual, automatic, jet engine, hamster wheel... fact is, you're giving it a good shot and you have a very good platform. I'd be willing to bet this car is going to be your lover and teacher

I like the color. I'd have jumped on it for $1,500. Have you any pics of the interior? Did the PO do anything to it? Any plans for it? From what I can see in your pictures it's good, clean black leather

I'm in

Edit:

...So I try and reconnect the wires, however it's still a problem, so I'm going to have the sensor changed.

Also, I'd suggest getting a new harness to get rid of those butt-splices. Electrical rigging is a no-no

[85_305]

I was part of the Acura Legend forums, and there was quite a bit of racism. .

White Power.


Also, do a "Rim Delete", clean the headlights, and a different grill. Nice car

[JerzeyLegend]

You don't have to explain yourself, bud. Idgaf (nor do most people) if you've manual, automatic, jet engine, hamster wheel... fact is, you're giving it a good shot and you have a very good platform. I'd be willing to bet this car is going to be your lover and teacher

I like the color. I'd have jumped on it for $1,500. Have you any pics of the interior? Did the PO do anything to it? Any plans for it? From what I can see in your pictures it's good, clean black leather

I'm in

Edit:


Also, I'd suggest getting a new harness to get rid of those butt-splices. Electrical rigging is a no-no

Does that harness have a particular part number?

[TheMel]

It should but the likes of which I'm not sure. Grab yourself a repair manual before you start any repairs (you can't rely on the internet for everything, trust me). Find what you need, get the exact name of the part and search for it. That always works

[Ryro]

welcome to the forum

new wheels, oem grille, coils, and some cleaning up, and this car could be looking good

[JerzeyLegend]

Found it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-PIN-WIRING-HARNESS-PLUG-1J0973722-AUDI-A4-A6-VW-BEETLE-GOLF-JETTA-PASSAT-88-/140735947043#ht_2128wt_1163

[JerzeyLegend]

So, nice new development.

Bolts holding the bottom tranny mount in have both snapped. Not even sure they were good in the first place.

Talked to my mechanic, he's really hooking me up, plus he has a parts Jetta on the lot.

[Deathader]

I see you are running HIDs in stock housings. That's a no-no.
These are the bulbs you want:
http://store.candlepower.com/bfcopo90hbpo1.html

You are also going to want to clean those lenses. Two budget-oriented options.
1) 3M or Turtle Wax headlight restoration kit. <$25
2) http://volxtuning.com/products-page/...dlight-lenses/ $90

For the wheels (not rims ) try to find a set of clean OEM wheels on Craigslist or a similar site. I would recommend long beaches.

Try to find an OEM grille as well. They can be had pretty cheaply at a junkyard. Paint it black but keep the emblem chrome.

Just my 0.02

[JerzeyLegend]

I see you are running HIDs in stock housings. That's a no-no.
These are the bulbs you want:
http://store.candlepower.com/bfcopo90hbpo1.html

You are also going to want to clean those lenses. Two budget-oriented options.
1) 3M or Turtle Wax headlight restoration kit. <$25
2) http://volxtuning.com/products-page/...dlight-lenses/ $90

For the wheels (not rims ) try to find a set of clean OEM wheels on Craigslist or a similar site. I would recommend long beaches.

Try to find an OEM grille as well. They can be had pretty cheaply at a junkyard. Paint it black but keep the emblem chrome.

Just my 0.02

How come no one likes my wheels? They look really good when they are clean and I've been getting lots of compliments on the overall look of the car. I may get some different ones eventually, but I'll keep these for now.

As far as lenses go, I'll keep them in for now, no one has been complaining about them, since they seem either pointed down or have those funky shields which keep them from blaring in oncoming driver's eyes.

These are the ones I want: https://t9k.me/1P6 maybe not those particular ones, but that style. I like the CCFL halos, look much better.

I also want to get these fogs: https://t9k.me/1P7

As far as the grill goes, I like the logo delete, but I may get something different.

Lastly I would like to lower it just a bit and give it a more agressive stance.

I didn't get this car to make it into a racer. I want something that looks good, I'm an 80's-90's baby and it was mostly about stylin' and profilin' back then.

I'll add small mods that will make it a little quicker to stroke my ego, but being an automatic there isn't much I can do anyway. A turbo kit for this car cost more than the car itself. I'm more interested in making it a little bit more showy so I can come hang out with you guys at meets and all.

Am I making sense? I guess you can call me a ricer, but without the rattle can job and fart cannon.

[JerzeyLegend]

I think I like this grill if I do one with a emblem: https://t9k.me/1P8

[i3rent]

How come no one likes my wheels? They look really good when they are clean and I've been getting lots of compliments on the overall look of the car. I may get some different ones eventually, but I'll keep these for now.

As far as lenses go, I'll keep them in for now, no one has been complaining about them, since they seem either pointed down or have those funky shields which keep them from blaring in oncoming driver's eyes.

These are the ones I want: https://t9k.me/1P6 maybe not those particular ones, but that style. I like the CCFL halos, look much better.

I also want to get these fogs: https://t9k.me/1P7

As far as the grill goes, I like the logo delete, but I may get something different.

Lastly I would like to lower it just a bit and give it a more agressive stance.

I didn't get this car to make it into a racer. I want something that looks good, I'm an 80's-90's baby and it was mostly about stylin' and profilin' back then.

I'll add small mods that will make it a little quicker to stroke my ego, but being an automatic there isn't much I can do anyway. A turbo kit for this car cost more than the car itself. I'm more interested in making it a little bit more showy so I can come hang out with you guys at meets and all.

Am I making sense? I guess you can call me a ricer, but without the rattle can job and fart cannon.

This whole post makes me

[mark6kevin]

i died seeing this

[JerzeyLegend]

This whole post makes me

I don't know what I can say that wouldn't make anyone unhappy.

It's an automatic. So I don't have much room for performance.

What would you suggest not does not include swapping my transmission for a manual?

[MechEngg]

Before you spend ANY money on modifications please read read read read the forums and see what you really like.

As for the HID's in your current headlights please take them out, you are currently blinding other drivers and putting less light down on the road for yourself, making very unsafe driving conditions for all parties on the road.
Also those headlights that you posted will have very very bad output for the money you pay. If you want to spend $300 on some lights i suggest that you look at making yourself a set and retrofit HID projectors into your current headlights.

[Ryro]

I don't know what I can say that wouldn't make anyone unhappy.

It's an automatic. So I don't have much room for performance.

What would you suggest not does not include swapping my transmission for a manual?

stick with oem headlights, maybe get some glass lenses, ultimo coilovers (cause theyre cheap and go low), maybe oem wheels like long beaches if you don't have much money, and there ya go looks nice for cheap

[JerzeyLegend]

Is it because my wheels are black. /racism

[Chauncey Wellington III]

HIDs need to be thrown out. Otherwise not a bad pickup for 1500.

[JerzeyLegend]

Ok. HIDs need to go, or projectors need to be put in.

I like the HIDs color, so I'll put projectors in.


Another question: Anyone on here in the Central PA area?

[CharlieJr22]

Welcome mate. We all start somewhere. Best of luck with it!

[iliaonabike]

Another question: Anyone on here in the Central PA area?

This guy is. Where you at?

[JerzeyLegend]

This guy is. Where you at?

Palmyra.

Next to Hershey, Lebanon, Harrisburg. You're about 2 hours away.