I think my Jetta is giving me one final eff you before I trade it in. Just had to replace the ignition coil on it. I swear these cars can sense when they're being traded in. I've spent about 3k in repairs over this past year. Sorry, just venting. My MINI can't come soon enough.

 

Owning a Mini will not the expenses any less. I've spent 25 000 NOK, around 4 500$ on repairs in the first 5 months of owning a Mini. But then again, my Mini is ten times more fun to own, than the old car.

 

Too bad about your experience with a Jetta. IDK what MY it is, but there are TSBs for free replacement of defective coil packs for MY's around mine (2007). Overall, I've had no complaints and consider it a great DD.

The TSB is Voluntary Emissions Service Actions 28F3/P1: Ignition Coil Replacement. They're sent out based on VIN's, so I can't tell you what MY's are affected.

Good luck!

 

I know the MINIs aren't cheap, but the warranty will certainly help. Again, I was mostly just venting after getting a call from my mechanic.

Thanks, someguyfromMD. I looked it up and found this little piece. http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?4671825

Looks like they'll even refund if you already had it done. I will just have to check if my car qualifies. But I def appreciate the info!!

 

My 2000 ford escort zx2 gave me a big FU before i got rid of her. Blew a head gasket. Now she is in a junk yard. Thank god i love my mini

 

mmmm
I used to own a 2004 GLI Jetta ... great in every aspect ... but the services & reparations are expensive ...

right now I'm starting to drive a 2005 MCS ... got its 1st reparations... clogged inyectors, needs urgent new tires, 2 new light bulbs and welding in the Milltek exhaust system at 3 different points ....

still trying to lear mini automatic gearbox 'cause its very slow for 1st, 2nd & 3rd ....

anyways, hope it's gets better ...

 

The car was great for the first 3.5 years I owned it. Only needed brakes and tires during that time. But in the last 18 months its been

Catalytic Converter (X2, had to beg the mechanic to warranty it since it was the flex pipe that was tore and its warranty is only for 12 mos., they still had me pay for labor)
O2 Sensor
Ignition Coil
Thermostat
Alternator

You expect stuff to happen over the life of the car, but not all at once since it seems it has.

 

Sorry to say, but those are all perfectly normal things to have replaced on a 4-5 year old car. If you are into DIY, they can be changed for not very much.

When repairs start to happen, one has to decided whether or not they are going to repair the car or buy a new one. You have decided to buy a new one. It doesn't make the Jetta a bad car. I think highly of VW/Audi/Porsche in terms of quality. Sure they have their slight downfalls, like any manufacturer.

 

I never had to replace any of those things before when I had a Civic for 6yrs, Integra for 6yrs, and the TL for 9yrs and running now.

 

I agree with nykwan, most of that is premature breakdown IMO. For instance, BMW extended the warranty on E46 M3 ignition coils to 8yrs.-80K because of so many failures. I doubt that they would have extended the warranty to that extent if they did not expect them to last at least that long. The thermostat should definitely last longer than 4-5 years on average. When you combine that with the catalytic convertor going out twice within 5 years and the frequency at which these parts are breaking down, that does not sound like a normal situation to me.