2007 Jetta V for my teenager?

[joncarter]

Thanks for all the input folks.

[A1an]

Assuming you are looking at a 2.5, the risk you run into for the 06/07 would be the infamous timing chain problem. This doesn't affect all cars but keep in mind it is possible you may end up being unlucky. If you can stretch the budget you may try to go with an 08.

Have you thought about a Rabbit? I did a quick search in my area and saw a few three door 08 Rabbits come in at your budget.

[alexj87]

Assuming you are looking at a 2.5, the risk you run into for the 06/07 would be the infamous timing chain problem. This doesn't affect all cars but keep in mind it is possible you may end up being unlucky. If you can stretch the budget you may try to go with an 08.

Have you thought about a Rabbit? I did a quick search in my area and saw a few three door 08 Rabbits come in at your budget.

get em a 2.0t

[kevin FaKiN spLits]

Just make sure to purchase bags and rs for it.

[RobbS]

get em a 2.0t

This. It's a more "fun" platform for a grandma car like ours. Just keep up on maintenance.

[joncarter]

Thanks for all the input folks.

[alexj87]

the 2.0t is not too much.

dont get your kid a 2.5 they'll never forgive you.

plus the auto trans with the 2.0t (DSG) is much better than the auto on the 2.5

[RobbS]

the 2.0t is not too much.

dont get your kid a 2.5 they'll never forgive you.

plus the auto trans with the 2.0t (DSG) is much better than the auto on the 2.5

It really isn't. And the DSG is a world better in the reliability world.

[Muad Dub]

Theyre 16 and its their first car, they dont need a 2.0T. The 2.5 is a very reliable engine (other than problem mentioned above), much more so than the fsi 2.0t. And bags and rs' is a joke on how most mkV's seem to be on air ride and have bbs rs wheels

sent from work, because who actually works?

[kevin FaKiN spLits]

The post 08-09 2.5 Jetta is fine. If you want to go for reliability, pick up a used TDI, DSG, mkv jetta... Gonna pay more than 10k tho.. Actually I'm not sure what reliable mkv your gonna find for 10k.. I bought a second 08 Rabbit in January or so, had 19k miles on it, paid 14k for it.

Imo get a 2.5 auto jetta. 2.5 is a better motor than a FSI.

[alexj87]

The 2.5 is a very reliable engine (other than problem mentioned above), much more so than the fsi 2.0t.

what's your angle?

stop poisoning your buddys car search with your opinions

[RobbS]

There's 2.0t's with over 200,000mi now. I'd say that's longevity.

[kevin FaKiN spLits]

There's 2.0t's with over 200,000mi now. I'd say that's longevity.

You say that like it is an accomplishment!

[bgalex]

Get him the 2.0T 08 Jetta. I had doubts when getting a Jetta, but once I drove the 2.0T its just amazing. The stuff that you can do with it as well to make it even funner... It's awesome It is a fun car to drive with a great transmission that he will not be disappointed.

[kueckerdj09]

Its his first car, doesn't need to be a 2.0t. He'll be able to get himself in enough trouble as it is with a 2.5. There's still enough modifications you can look at down the road if you want. But for a Point A- Point B first car, you will be fine with a 2.5.

My 2006 2.5 has 130k on it and hasn't had any issues. Just a matter of good routine maintenance and care.

Just my 0.02

[alexj87]

mpg: 2.0t > 2.5

plus you can get things like HIDs, you want your kid to see at night

[danielstdi]

Whatever engine you choose, the Jetta is a great first car. Safe, reliable, and very drive able. I drive a '10 Jetta TDI and love it. I always feel safe and you just can't beat German engineering.


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[nrm5110]

I'm totally happy with my 06 with 2.0t great runner and I have a 2 year old who loves "daddy's car" lol

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[Wolfsburg007]

My 2007 jetta 2.5 has no timing chain issues. That was fixed at tail end of 06

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[A1an]

2.5 is more than enough for a first time driver. Plus consider the cost of insurance. Keep it as slow and underpowered as possible. Also consider the attention you need to give the FSI to keep it happy.

My 2007 jetta 2.5 has no timing chain issues. That was fixed at tail end of 06

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Not really. After digging through the 2.5 forum there seem to be quite a few 2007 2.5 owners reporting the failure. Safe bet is 08+ when it is known the problem was completely fixed. But there are plenty of 06-07 guys with lots of miles on their 2.5 with zero issues. It was hit or miss.

[speeddownzone]

have something that won't require excessive maintenance costs over the next 4-5 years.!

ok and your looking at a vw.

Have you looked into a 03-05 civic? I had a 03 for a long time and never had to change anything other and oil.(synthetic every 10k miles)

Plus he those not need a turboed car he is 16. Unless he is a douch he will be happy with any car he gets.

[nrm5110]

Get him a minivan my first car was a jeep with the old I6 I miss that indestructible bastard

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[BODH1]

At 16, he doesn't need a German car.

Buy him/her a used Honda/acura/or Toyota for under 10K.

Sit back and let the low maintenance cost do the talking.

[joncarter]

Thanks for all the input folks.

[RobbS]

was thinking something more along the lines of a small x-over SUV like a RAV4 or CRV

I'm glad you didn't do this. Inexperienced drivers take lives in big vehicles.

[onevrsix]

You could luck out with the 2006-2007; my uncle bought a 2006 with 140k miles on it; all service records in the glove box and none related to the chain. My 2001 jetta VR6 (also chain driven and plagued by the stretching chains and guides breaking) lasted to 150k. really depends on the previous owners and their driving styles and habbits. If you can find a private seller who's maintained the car since day one you could be in good shape and considering 2006-2007's are probably about now being paid off by their original owners you have a good chance.

[ABAcabby]

I thought there would be a great deal of concensus on this!

We had not really even looked at a VW (was thinking something more along the lines of a small x-over SUV like a RAV4 or CRV to get a decent field of view as the drive sits up fairly high) until "the friend" started looking at Passats, and of course the whole family loves my new Passat so here we are. I do realize that in general a used VW is going to cost more to maintain than a used Honda or Toyota, but it's an option. Anyhoo, after the feeback here I think it will have to be an '08 or newer for my piece of mind on the mx costs regarding the possible timing chain issue, but whether that car is within the budget is in doubt. It was so much easier when they couldn't drive!!!

the 2.5l engine is arguably one of Volkswagens most reliable motors. It's plenty fun to drive, with a lot of low end torque... it's more than any 16 year old really should have, as they'll most likely end up wrapping it around a telephone poll anyway (statistically speaking of course).

I would opt for an 08 or later model though. All the kinks had been worked out by then. If you do happen to go for the 2.0t, stick with an 08 or later model as well (when they switched to the TSI as opposed to the FSI). There were a lot of minor interior improvements as well, but mainly do it for the decrease in cost in future maintenance.

I just sold my 2.5 jetta (im moving to australia), but it lasted me 65k without a single mechanical issue. It never even saw a check engine light. The only thing that went wrong was a jammed cd player and the passenger side rear door lock mechanism malfunctioned. It was a damn good car (i've gone through 5 now, in the last 13 years) and would be perfect for a new driver.

Get him a manual though, it's a dying breed, but every kid should know how to drive one (in addition to it being much less problematic mechanically), just like he should know how to put a tie on (even when clip on's are so much easier).

[ABAcabby]

You could luck out with the 2006-2007; my uncle bought a 2006 with 140k miles on it; all service records in the glove box and none related to the chain. My 2001 jetta VR6 (also chain driven and plagued by the stretching chains and guides breaking) lasted to 150k. really depends on the previous owners and their driving styles and habbits. If you can find a private seller who's maintained the car since day one you could be in good shape and considering 2006-2007's are probably about now being paid off by their original owners you have a good chance.

is 140k miles considered "good" these days?
every car i've owned had at least 190k before it was done (minus the jetta i sold too early to find out).

[daslegit]

I have a 09 2.5 and its been good thus far.

Whats the mileage people get with a 2.0t? Im getting 26-27mpg on regular fuel (87)

[ColumbusC]

The stuff that you can do with it as well to make it even funner[img]http://www.***********/6d.jpg[/img][img]http://www.***********/d.jpg[/img]

[BsickPassat]

Looking for a reliable, used car for my upcoming 16-year old and in their constant searching online for something have bookmarked a few Jettas. We want to keep it under 10K, and have something that won't require excessive maintenance costs over the next 4-5 years. At that price, it looks like we could get a 2006/2007 Jetta with ~70 - 90k. Is this car going to work for us? Would love to hear your thoughts on safety, drivability, and costs. I just bought a new Passat so suddenly they think they need a VW too!

VW plus solid reliability?

Sorry... passion for VW's means you deal with their reliability issues....

How about a Nissan Versa sedan? A basic 1.6S is the most barebones car you can buy.

MKV Jetta would be safer in an accident though

[Seppdelaney]

The 2.0 FSI is a fantastic engine. The 2.0 TSI is even better. The 2.5 is damn near bullet proof. A Jetta is a damn nice first car! (Or a damn nice 3rd car, in my eyes.) I might think about making him pay for some of it- to make sure he takes care of it too.

The 2.5 should make him happy- if it doesn't, you've raised a DB. It has plenty of get up and go for a teenager and plenty of mods he can do to build his confidence in working on his own cars.

Of course, if I were him, I'd look for a 2.0T, because it's awesome, but I learned to drive on a 1992 Ford Tempo that shook and lost bolts at 70 mph and I understand the need to not let a 16 year old have a turbo charged car.

[A1an]

Volkswagens have the reputation of being maintenance whores but I have found that to be the opposite with our Rabbit. We have put 101k on it since purchasing it new and really haven't done anything outside the normal maintenance schedule which isn't much different from any other make I have owned. Also, OEM replacement parts aren't that terribly expensive if you shop smart online.

[Sammyscenepoints]

Just make sure to purchase bags and rs for it.

But really,
I'd say go for a 4 door Rabbit. They can fit all their stuff when they go off to college.
Plus I love my 2.5, good power to make them happy, but not too much for a 16 year old.

[Marek K]

A 16-year-old kid does not need a small first car with a 200-HP turbo engine.

They may want it, but they don't need it. And I'd never get one for my kid.

Everyone talks about the 2.5's timing chain issue. If I remember correctly, it wasn't so much an issue. It was that the earlier 2.5 engines had a timing belt, and the later ones went to a timing chain. No?