From: aas7@po.CWRU.Edu (Andrew A. Spencer)
Newsgroups: rec.autos.vw
Subject: Re: Purchasing used VW
Date: 12 Nov 1992 06:31:48 GMT
Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH (USA)
Reply-To: aas7@po.CWRU.Edu (Andrew A. Spencer)
NNTP-Posting-Host: slc5.ins.cwru.edu


In a previous article, squiec@rs6416.ecs.rpi.edu (Craig L. Squier) says:

>In article <1992Nov11.215908.676@gmuvax2.gmu.edu> lcarr@gmuvax2.gmu.edu writes:
>>Hi.

>  You have to be specific in which model type you want. From 80-84 the
> Jetta was on the A1 chassis type( kinda like a Rabbit with a big trunk)
> From 85-on it was on the A2 chassis(likewise a Golf with a trunk).
> I liked my A1 Jetta better than any A2's that I've driven, but I'll be impartial and list the good/bad points by model.
>  A1 Jetta 1980-1984
>   GOOD:
>     1)Lotsa room for it's size, deep trunk(compared to what it looks like)
>     2)Easier engine to work on (before electronic engine management)
>     3)Cheaper to buy(older)
>     4)Cheaper to buy aftermarket soup-up parts for......your discretion.
>     5)Cool gas mileage(@25-32, diesels higher)
>     6)More squat(hence sportier appearance)(at least I think so...)
>     7)The GLI model is rare AND cool looking if you can find one(105hp)
>   BAD:
>     1)Since it's older its harder to find A good rust-free example.
>     2)Rust prone in some specific areas:a)Bottom of A-pillar
>                                         b)Hood &Engine Compartment
>                                         c)Trunk Lid
>     3)A little more cabin-crampage compared to its big brother
>         ( But its lighter making it a little more nimble)
>     4)Some electrical problems(Mainly the fuseboxes because of leaks through
>            the antenna and harness grommets in the firewall)
>     5)Less horsepower than Big Bro(Lighter though so it's not too noticeable)
>  A2 Jetta 1985-present
>   GOOD:
>     1) A little bigger sizewise
>     2) Big trunk like its predecessor
>     3)More hp available ( GLI too  @115-123hp)
>     4)MAny improvements over little brother(power accessories etc.)
>     5)Diesel models are REALLY reliable(also get @42-50mpg)(some with turbo)
>     6)More of them out there to buy 
>   BAD:
>     1)Generally more expensive to fix(newer more sophisticated parts etc.)
>     2)After market stuff too(also a little more $$$)
>     3)Engine more complicated(just as reliable)
i do not really know about this all..but would like to comment on myne..i 
have the 85 jetta..i (nach) assumed that it would be much more complex as 
far as the motor and controls..but it really is not..the only thing that is
seems to have that the pre85's didn't is the O2 sensor..(but i'm not sure
whether or not the <85's did)...otherwise, it appears to be pretty much
the same(FI is on the other side..but otherwise..)

>     4)More expensive to buy(newer)
>     5)More prone to break-ins(buy Armor-Guards)
>     6)Heftier( new suspension set-up decreases the effect of the extra weight
>                but I noticed a big difference right away)
>     7)SELF-TERMINATING TRANSMISSION:
>         On many of the 5-speed 020 gearboxes in this period, a circlip was
>       left off the trans shaft by the factory (to save$$$) which causes the
>       shaft to eventually wear thru the trans bell housing. This causes fluid
>       loss and eventual failure(big $$$). You wont know if you have a bad one
>       until this happens though :(. So its a risk. I dont remember if theres
>       a recall or not( anybody know this???)

this is (according to what i have read) only a problem in the "sport" models..
ie..the GLI's..and GTi's(golfs)..but not in the base model trannys...the
article i read said that VW refused to call it a foul up, as the trannies
sometimes make a good 120k before breaking down(though some don't get over 50k 
before it machines itself out!)all in all..this should not be  a big problem,
but something to plan for..just look up the known perpetrators, and if you 
find a car that is in the range, plan on taking the tranny apart and installing
the clip..no big deal, unless you get one that machines..then..it runs into some
$$ cuz the cases are al..and mus use special welding proceedures....also, the
long ratio boxes (again..the non "sport" models) seem to be unaffected.

>  This is about all I can think of. If I were looking, I'd be putting my $$$
>  on a nice clean '84 Jetta GLI. I had the chance but my fundage ran out.
>  The older GTIs were so cool, the GLI took it one groovy step further......
> -Craig S.
>HOPE THIS HELPS YOU OUT.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
depends on which style you like better. they both have thier merits as far
as chassis goes, but i think the A2 is better stock, but may cost a little 
more to upgrade...whatever...it all comes out about the same in the end..
as one needs parts the other doesn't...etc...just find what YOU like..and 
get one with a trashed motor(but rebuildable!)(yes..this is ME talking..if
i had the $$$$!!!) and get one of the factory 2.0 either 8 or 16 valve(whatever
came in the car..i think i might prefer the 8..but am still undecided..)
some sport(rally!) suspension...huge gummies!!ah..i wish..for now..i truly
enjoy tooling around in a fun and (resonably, since a couple mishaps) 
dependable car...it really is fun! and the trunk!!!!!!!
DREW

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