From: squiec@rs6417.ecs.rpi.edu (Craig L. Squier)
Subject: Re: Purchasing used VW
Organization: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 1992 14:48:22 GMT

In article <1dstokINN7ct@usenet.INS.CWRU.Edu> aas7@po.CWRU.Edu (Andrew A. Spencer) writes:
>
>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 $$$)
>>     3)Engine more complicated(just as reliable)
>i do not really know about this all..but would like to comment on myne..i 
>have the 85 jetta..i (nach) assumed that it would be much more complex as 
>far as the motor and controls..but it really is not..the only thing that is
>seems to have that the pre85's didn't is the O2 sensor..(but i'm not sure
>whether or not the <85's did)...otherwise, it appears to be pretty much
>the same(FI is on the other side..but otherwise..)
>
The A1 chassis does have a O2 sensor but I was talking about simple problem
 diagnostics with the Bosch KE-Jetronic. Its quite different than the 
 K-Jetronic....
>>     4)More expensive to buy(newer)
>>     5)More prone to break-ins(buy Armor-Guards)
>>     6)Heftier( new suspension set-up decreases the effect of the extra weight
>>                but I noticed a big difference right away)
>>     7)SELF-TERMINATING TRANSMISSION:
>>         On many of the 5-speed 020 gearboxes in this period, a circlip was
>>       left off the trans shaft by the factory (to save$$$) 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
The person that wanted the info wanted to compare cars that were basically
 going to remain stock. I don't think that she wanted a project car.
 There is a BIG difference between a car I would buy for a project(engine
 or otherwise) and a car I would buy for my girlfriend to drive around in...
What I think she was looking for was just buying points on the two types
 of cars(to stay stock) and what to look for....
-Craig
No flame intended, I just wanted to clarify myself.... :)


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