Someone hit me! Tell me why I don't want a Jetta!

[sbxxxvipats]

(help) My wife and I were going to order the 05' Mazda3 Special Edition with everything for about 23,500, but just for comparison sake we went and drove the Jetta GLS with the 1.8T (Turbo) and the 5 speed automatic. And we liked it so we are torn now between the 2 cars. We have to order the Mazda in 7 days if we want it and there is only 1 of the Jetta's in the state of Colorado that we would buy. So we have to make a decision now.
The only reason I ask this question on this site, (other than the verbal beat down I will get), is because I would like an opinion even if it is bias. Thanks in advance and respond quickly!!! (help) :'(

 

[P5MoJo]

I would get the Jetta because it has more hp. I mean all you need is a chip and you'll have 230hp. Don't get the Mazda 3, it only has 160hp and I think VW is way more reliable and better than Mazda. The Jetta looks nicer than the Mazda 3. If I could trade my Protege 5 for a Jetta GLS 1.8T, I would without thinking about it. If anyone on this forum tells you otherwise then try comparing that to the Mazda 3 to see if it better or the same.

 

[Fred312b]

depending on who you talk to, reliability varies. consumer reports recommends the 3 and expects it to have excellent reliability, whereas i don't think they say the same for the jetta (i didn't even look at vw's when i was car shopping). but you should get the car you are happiest with- it's not us that will be driving (and paying for) it.

 

[Agent_xiii]

I currently work at a group of dealerships, one of them VW, and I see more Jettas in for transmission problems than any thing else we sell, except for maybe the porshe. and besides the jetta body style looks old... get the 3

 

[sbxxxvipats]

That great

Yes the Jetta has more HP and it a kick in the ass when that turbo kicks in, But it is an outdated body style, I think the 3 looks so much better in styling, but if you lived in the air starved colorado you might like the turbo engine in the mountains. The price @ 22k, the only thing the 3 has that the jetta doesn't is Navigation. So both cars are pretty much the same price. VW is know for their reliability in comparison the 3 has only been around a yr and problems are bound to pop up. What you guys think? I need to be swayed because I really like the 3 but I'm looking @ bang for the buck and the Jetta is right there.

 

[Mikey444]

Get the Jetta, and you will have a s*** load of problems, and they **** your wallet when you go in for service. Consumer reports has rated the Jetta 117% below the national average for reliability.

 

[mazdaspeedpower]

I say the 3, it's much more reliable, and is selling like friggin hotcakes..if I'm not right, 300thousand plus other buyers are...cause this car is hot, is sleek, sexy and reliable. I think it's the better choice, yes the Jetta has more HP. but what good is that when the tranny goes bye bye? Plus, later on, once you need to start replacing parts off warrenty...mazda's noticable cheaper(atleast it was last I checked)

 

[sbxxxvipats]

Well good god!

Hmmm....... So I'm researching both the 3 and the Jetta on various sites of the internet. Edmunds, Cars.com etc... So I go to Yahoo.com and for fun type in VW problems.. oooooh buddy! Talk about jackpot. Ding ding ding! Good god those Jetta's have some problems. I will be placing my order for the 05' Special Edition with all 4 options this week! Thanks for the help! I look forward to owning a very nice Mazda3 for a long time to come!

 

[cbcbd]

Yeah, I think if you are looking for reliability the 3 is the winner. My sister, her husband, and their friend all have jettas and all have had electrical problems.

 

[SpecM3]

Excellent choice, I owned a Jetta for 4 years (2000 model) and had electric problems, burned oil like crazy, windows falling, etc....

 

[jersey_emt]

Yes the Jetta has more HP and it a kick in the ass when that turbo kicks in, But it is an outdated body style, I think the 3 looks so much better in styling, but if you lived in the air starved colorado you might like the turbo engine in the mountains. The price @ 22k, the only thing the 3 has that the jetta doesn't is Navigation. So both cars are pretty much the same price. VW is know for their reliability in comparison the 3 has only been around a yr and problems are bound to pop up. What you guys think? I need to be swayed because I really like the 3 but I'm looking @ bang for the buck and the Jetta is right there.

VW is known for their reliability?

That's news to me. VW's (and Audis) are notorious for electrical issues.

 

[Gbourdon]

My GF traded in her GLS after about 4 months. It had a transmission problem and the car wouldnt start. Car was brand new.

 

[Screamin'3]

I owned a new '00 Golf GLS 1.8T. Basically the same car as the Jetta. We had to replace the O2 sensor twice in 6 months, front and rear passenger side window motors, power door lock solinoid, and various little trim parts just fell off. Loved the power and drivability, but it drove us nuts with all of the problems. We lucked out though, my wife totaled it. Now she drives an Elantra GT (not as fun but it keeps going, no worries yet) and my new 3.

 

[Agent_xiii]

ok as before I stated that I work for dealerships... so I started keeping track and in the past 2 days alone we have had 2 new transmissions and 3 count 'em 3 new engines delivered. now I know what you are saying, because I work there I only see the bad things that happen to the cars. We have 11 other dealerships in the complex and I dont see any of them getting this amount of large ticket replacement items. I work there could have gotten a large discount on a VW or any of the other cars in the complex, and still went with the 3...

 

[hworth18]

sbxxxvipats,
If you are torn, I would test drive each multiple times, do reasearch on reliabilty, and make your own "educated" decision.. Nothing sucks worse than regretting not getting the car you really wanted..
I will tell you this, I LOVE my 3.. It's a GREAT car and as of now (7,500 miles), I have had NO problems.. It is a terrific car for the price and I am VERY, VERY Happy with it.

 

[sbxxxvipats]

Hello Again! I know we made the right decision

We did drive both the cars in question multiple times. Even drove the 3.5SL Altima, and as of 4:36 MST We are leaving to go order the 05' Special Edition. We drove it agian last night and just realized we weren't compromising anything by getting the Mazda. Reliability, Sporty, Comfort, Convienence it's all there. But I thank you guys because I really thought that VW was a reliable brand name. Boy was I wrong. But I'm too gitty! I must go order it! Thanks AGAIN. I LOOK FORWARD TO MANY POSTS ABOUT THE CAR DOWN THE ROAD! (rockon) (drive)

 

[Mr. Win]

yea i just saw this thread and jettas have to be the worst... im constantly fixing my friends as if its not one thing after another... im glad you bought and mazda! enjoy!

 

[sbxxxvipats]

Wow!

How nerve racking is that buying a brand new not even built yet car coming from Japan. I can't wait to use the Navigation System and Zoom-Zoom everywhere. Again thanks a lot with all your help. 4 months couldn't pass by quick enough.

 

[leungwingkei]

Just because something is new and doesn't have a proven reliability record doesn't mean it won't be reliable.

 

[Pirana]

I had 2 Jettas (at the same time, 2.0L and the other VR6) both of them consumed about 1qt/month of oil. Both of them broke the cup holders ($90), one broke the mirror adjustment button ($53), couldnt clean the carpet, their floor carpet suck, both of them sounded like diesel for the first 3 minutes, I had to take both of them for recall twice, first for O2 sensors, and the other for replacement of 2 window tracks. Oh and the center console lid broke the latch....they suck!!! And I'am not distructive, their plastic is just brittle.