2012 Volkswagen Jetta S 2.0 Review, Walkaround, Exhaust, & Test Drive

[@bryanl.morrison552]

I was seriously considering buying this car until I learned that it doesn't include air conditioning. I live in Texas, and all I can say is that my great grandparents fought a war just so that I wouldn't have to burn to death in a German chamber. I will not let them down.

[@ThePattycake1313]

This car has it. The manual one doesnt.

[@reinaserna63]

Loved this. Not really. But. Dark humor😂

[@SierraBlair]

This is hilarious 😆

[@TheStarchild99]

I bought this Jetta s brand new in 2012 I now have 145,000 miles just changed my brakes for the first time! It is a 5 speed .Yes the car is slow but this motor will run a long time with proper maintenance.

[@perithepittie155]

TheStarchild99 my 2012 2.0 just threw a rod at 250k, so I found another engine for $600 bucks (only 3000 miles on it) and threw it in! Round two baby, let’s go!!!

[@TheQmoney60]

I do all maintenance, like spark plugs, filters, and regular oil changes, but did you ever change the transmission fluid?

[@mesairr]

Anyone run a turbo on these? Any aftermarket ecus?

[@CONVID-xy4ur]

Honestly I dont find the 2.0 slow. On 5th gear.my mk4 golf goes from 60mph-100mph all on 5th gear. Power on tap. I love the 2.slow,.I never thought it was slow. Specially when.it gets moving, cruises so good:) also I did 230,000 miles before selling, so yes its very reliable. Engine.isnt.as refine as modern engine, but has charecter. Wich I like better. Have a TDI now. But by no means did I ever thought it was slow

[@patricktodd8044]

I personally own this model Jetta currently with 47k miles and all I have to say is AMAZING CAR!!!

[@patricktodd8044]

Update: Still in love with the car 7 months later!! It’s at around 53k miles

[@simplytoya8203]

@@patricktodd8044 My 2008 SEL Jetta was totaled a month ago and I just bought this exact model with 92,000 miles for $6700. Best deal I could find, buyer’s market sucks for cars right now. Haven’t really driven this one yet but I miss my old one so much

[@patricktodd8044]

Update: Still love the car it’s at around 75k miles and amazing

[@bensimmonsburner4082]

Shit is like driving a lawn mower. 100Hp 👎🏾 but other than that deff good car 100k miles never had problems with it yet

[@magellanmax]

Marketing a car w/out AC is like selling one without FM radio. That's just lame.

[@elioneil]

I bought this car (2014 model) with 15K miles for less than $10K before financing charges. It's in near perfect condition. The car, in manual, is by no means fast but its not TERRIBLY slow. It's very comfortable. I'm averaging higher than average MPG believe it or not. This is a great starter car for me until I'm ready to spend more on a more expensive model. The terrible reviews are kind of dramatic. You're still getting a german built car.

[@carloselrey36]

Elijah Bell-Clarke I think you will get used to anything eventually when you compare this car to the class I don't think he is being dramatic

[@MrNewcaledonia]

Jettas are not very well built. I was stupid enough to buy two of them.

[@Cryostal]

@@MrNewcaledonia My Jetta is better built than my sister's Honda and brothers Toyota

[@MrNewcaledonia]

@@Cryostal yet mine caught fire and my fathers has a ton of electrical problems

[@CONVID-xy4ur]

Elijah, honestly I dont find that 2.0 that slow, had a mk4 golf with a 5spd and on 5th gear 60-100mph is all done on tap, no need to downshift. It isnt slow, it loves go run on the freeway:) I had all kind of cars, even a euro spec corrado vr6 2.9 and in the real world it all boils down to driving:) 2.slow.did 120mph, not exactly slow as they all keep saying. Its element is on highway and autobahn not city driving. Now driving a jetta tdi. My 2.0 did 230,000 miles before I sold it,.so it really runs forever. Just add oil time to time

[@ahoneyman]

My brother has one with the 5 speed manual. The rear seat is very roomy and it's easy to load child seats into it. The big trunk is also nice to have. The 2.0 is adequate if you don't mind shifting a bit and plan ahead. The numbish steering makes you think the handling is worse than it actually is. The balance is good, there isn't a lot of body roll, and the suspension holds up in bumpy corners.

[@PortsmouthCherokee]

Numbing steering? I've owned 20 Vws and this car has had the best out of them all my 2012 jetta steers tight as rails

[@GG-si7fw]

I know that this is an old review here in 2015 but when it comes to VW, less features make them more reliable.

[@gittsmoke]

but he jus said that this car is more reliable because of the less features ...

[@carloselrey36]

vAstroKiid Merks just because he said that does not make it true

[@mitch9521]

Scrapping the Euro garbage and getting a Toyota like a financially stable person makes them the most reliable.

[@thaney15]

I have a 13’ jetta base with a/c & 5 spd manual. I average around 27 in the city and almost 40 highway with the “old 2.0”. 115 horse power isn’t a lot but it works for me.

[@theredline]

You're right, the base model is a special order. You can only build an S online. VW essentially offers a base model to advertise a low starting price. As far as acceleration, it's really something you have to drive and feel for yourself. If you're used to driving slow cars it may feel adequate for you.

[@LamborghiniBrotha1]

LOL laughed when he said "We aint going anywhere in a hurry"

[@mydsmber05]

2.Slow! As slow as it is I kind of dig it. This engine has been around since the 80's and the only concession to modernity is balance shafts. That motor will be pulled out still running when the rest of the car goes to the crusher.

[@jamalmusa9736]

I was going to get this car but before I proceed, I just wanted to say that this is by far the worst review I've seen. Just because the car is slow doesn't mean that it's the worst. Compare it to the sales rate before bashing on this car. I've seen my friends drive it and they see no problem to it and I myself won't see a problem to it as well. The people who bash this car are those who don't own it or hear things that seem to be true to them.

[@shirshakbt]

A car without AC in the US? That's gonna sell like hot hot cakes!!

[@UATUNER]

shirshakbt www.autotrader.ca/newsfeatures/20180705/new-cars-that-don-t-come-with-air-conditioning-standard/

[@xnopyt13]

uatuner Canadian summers are cooler than American ones

[@Willy800-s9n]

Thank you for telling me?

[@Willy800-s9n]

To be honest I never to know more about the car. Things that, I don't know. I'm wondering is it like a batmobile.

[@Willy800-s9n]

It is a good car but, you are right the ac doesn't work.....

[@chuckyboy1217]

I started driving in May of 2019. I got a 2009 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport with 172k miles as my first car. So many little issues with it. Engine blew in August of 2022 at about 196k miles. I didn’t know anything about cars but I did know I wanted a black car, so I got this murdered out Jetta. It looked fast and the speedometer went to 160, so I assumed it was fast. But let me tell you it is THE slowest car I have ever driven. This car is in the same group as the 74hp Mitsubishi Mirage when it comes to acceleration. It’s THAT slow with about 11-11.5 seconds 0-60. I was getting GAPPED by 99% of the cars on the road flooring it when the light turned green. Finally this June, I sold it and got a single owner 2009 G37x sedan. The difference is astronomical. The 0-60 is half, and The G has almost 3x as much HP as the Jetta. I only put about 6000 miles on the car, but man it was painful. Maxed it out at 115 flooring it for a good 60 seconds. Accidentally hit 136 in the G because I’m so used to flooring such a weak car. Took me a minute and I was like oh SHIT this thing fast. Love my G so much man

[@SuperMrBentley]

What i can rescue from the jetta is that they are pretty safe cars, and i love the boxy look of this car. i really hate those eggshaped cars like ford escape

[@NiiCo415]

Buying one next month. Not buying it to smoke any others cars out there. I just need to get from point A to point B.

[@slantblant1]

I'm getting one Saturday. How are you liking yours.

[@NiiCo415]

I love it. Jared Neal

[@masonresendes2865]

+Dominar I'm planning on getting one too, is maintenance expensive?

[@MrHav1k]

Nothing wrong with that, but if you want that look into a Corolla. Same thing, but more reliable. VW reliability isn't as bad as people say, but Toyota can't be beat.

[@augustarellano197]

That's what I did today 3/23/17 and I like it. If you want it for what you said you want it. It's perfect.

[@joegolden8176]

Dude you are the only plain Jane Jetta s review on KZbin....there may be some amateurs vids out there but u are the only pro with a vid...I bought a base tsi last year. Got a deal and it will run circles around the s.... People do ur homework if u want a Jetta. A base se with 1.8t is almost the same money

[@CatonsvilleCentralRwy]

Unless they've seriously changed the 2.0, those epa numbers are bs...I got 43mpg average driving my MKIV Jetta wagon 2.0 to the beach this past summer (fully loaded with stuff) on mid-grade fuel, and never get less than low 30's in city driving...don't hate on the 2.0, it isn't fast (5 speed helps though), but it is absolutely bulletproof. 150K miles and it has never once not started.

[@CatonsvilleCentralRwy]

SoundgardenMan What's so great about it is that it's so simply constructed, in the spirit of the VWs of days gone by. I've heard you could take the whole engine apart and put it back together in a day. Mine's never had any issues, so I have absolutely no intention of tearing it apart to find out whether that's true or not. The engine even sounds like an old VW.

[@Stinkfoot1403]

I can attest to this. And the 5 speed definitely helps. I have a Mk6 with the 2.0 and 5 speed and average over 40 while commuting.

[@andrewbcastilloo]

Woody Ridenour I have a 2011, I normally get 40 MPG on the highway.

[@theredline]

You give and take on the features Jake, we respect that you prefer VW, nothing wrong with that. Sure the Focus has hand crank windows in the rear, but the overall interior is nicer and you get way more power and better MPG. The Civic DX is no more for 2013. The Jetta and Dart are the last compacts w/o A/C on the base models. Until VW drops this engine next year, we feel there are better choices for base models. We'd gladly recommend an SE trim Jetta though.

[@anthonymiller3661]

I dont get why people hate the 2.slow so much. Just got a 2015 5spd and it honestly isnt that bad. It would be nice to have the new 1.4 but it gets the job done and even got 37 mpg on highway. What more could you ask for in a car that was able to be bought brand new for 14k?

[@lordhelmit1499]

+ANTHONY MILLER exactly. i got a 2014 2.0 and yes it is even way slower than my previous 2003 eclipse gts but i didnt buy this jetta for it's hp or speed. i bought it because it looks very nice, runs very well, witht he 5 sp manual keeps up very well in traffic, nice and new, reliable, etc. It's such a great car.

[@delanobeek]

I picked up a 2013 jetta se w/ convenience and sunroof, 5 speed manual, candy white, cornsilk beige leatherette interior, certified preowned with 16,336 miles (additional 2yr/24k warranty), 170hp/177lbft torque. This is my first car ever at 26years old even though I had my license since 19. Great starter car that i bought, licensed and insured in my name (that alone makes me happy). I'm not even gonna lie ppl think it looks luxury car kinda like a baby audi. I think it's gorgeous.. Pulls like a bitch in second gear. Greaaaaat commuter car, with good pep, good on gas (half tank lasts me a week). Every day I drive it I smile. 😋

[@delanobeek]

Oh yeah, I paid $13,100...👌

[@lordhelmit1499]

One thing I do wish is it came with cruise control. I had to drive from North Carolina to Arkansas 14 hours and it was brutal lol

[@delanobeek]

What model do you have cuz mine comes with cruise control

[@theredline]

You can still find them on dealer lots. It's still June, you've got at least all summer to pick up a 2013 Forte.

[@PorscheCayenneLover]

Ouch! You know you have hit rock bottom when a pinche Prius outguns you at a stoplight LOL. Excellent review as always Sofyan!

[@garyshepard7881]

I have a 2012 Jetta S with a 2 L engine and a five speed stick. You are probably right about it being underpowered with an automatic transmission; however, with a stick shift it is very peppy. Oh, and I might add that the gas mileage is much improved with the stick shift. I have not done much highway driving, but around town I consistently get 32 miles per gallon and above.

[@xnopyt13]

I was shocked when I learned that up until 2014 the jetta still had a 8v four cylinder, I would have never thought that there would be a two valve engine in the 2010s

[@sladegerman]

And drum brakes

[@w140chris]

Thanks for the video! I thought there was something wrong with my car's brakes, but you cleared that up.

[@oleksigoriachek7428]

2.0 Is very reliable engine. Since it is old and proven German engine this cars with 5 manual run forever(300K). Not like your modern 1.8 TSI developing the ticking noise(before 60K), timing chain starch(before 100K), throwing a rod(before 150K), wearn high pressure pump. 2.0 maybe not the fastest, but certainly cheap and reliable.

[@BlakesCars2]

I would be happy to drive this Jetta!

[@123chunhou]

The 2.0 engine is also in the 1998-2004 vw beetle as the standard engine

[@pedrof830]

unless you live in Alaska or Siberia, a/c should be standards on ALL cars, it's a safety issue on those warm, humid, rainy days, when your windows all fog up real bad and you can't see crap out the window.

[@josephstandard6827]

This was very entertaining to watch, especially at around 7 minutes. I really appreciate your videos. I think the Jetta has come a long ways. It's funny to see how you politely said this car stinks.

[@cebastienlarochelle8182]

I’d buy this over a hyundai or a kia. The 2.slow proved to be reliable and the car is fun to drive. Just put a good set of wheels and tires and it should drive sportier.

[@dasmuven1911]

I think it’s funny how everyone starts bitching about how underpowered this 2.0 is, hell in Europe they offer a Petrol 1.6L with 95hp in this body style, the ABA 2.0 is the most reliable engine VW has ever made

[@xaviergrier3063]

The 2.slow is more lively in 5 speed configuration . I like my 2014 jetta ...

[@goldenchildxx4015]

2011 is 6speed DSG

[@rjm9690]

Ah yes...the two-point-slow. Was a nice motor in the Clinton-era when it came out in the 1993 Jetta, making the same hp ratings as it did in 2012. I had the "pleasure" of driving one as a rental car a couple years back when my Focus was in for one of its several transmission repairs (don't get me started). I merged on the highway and just prayed I could get up to the speed limit it was so slow. Thrashy little engine too. We'll just say I was glad to drive my '12 Focus after that, even with that crappy PowerShift transmission.

[@valentinolanier550]

You have the best reviews BIG #1FAN HERE

[@INGZV]

Solid and very reliable, what more do you need ?

[@Brian1jetfan]

Everything about this review is true. It's scary trying to get on a Parkway with a short entrance ramp. I can floor it and it won't move!

[@ACEcolorado1]

I remember that engine in my Grandmas 2001 and it sounds almost identical to this 2013. The 1999-2005 offered great driving dynamics and a high quality feeling interior I thought, but it is a slow car with the base engine.

[@brandonfriesen5389]

Sofyan you're used to fast GTI's and ST's. I love fast, practical cars especially hot hatches, but the 2.0 is a solid engine. Its extremely robust, reliable, and durable. Its good enough for acceleration. My grandma nearly bought one but she got a 2010 Fit Sport for a steal. And now she hates her Fit due to crappy reliability and quality so shes waiting for the payments to be done to buy a Jetta or Golf.

[@fredhooper1598]

Excellent, thorough, very helpful review. Many thanks!

[@Jakeman21642]

Wow this wasn't a biased review at all...go look at a 2012 civic DX with no radio or AC, or a focus with crank windows still in the backseat. For what you pay what you get is pretty good. I'd take it any day over a brand new luxury car my parents handed me, at least I could smile and know that I own something.

[@g29er]

The lack of any controls on the steering wheel is a deal breaker.

[@theredline]

Nope, the 2013 Kia Forte LX 5-speed starts at $15,400

[@Jesse-gv6df]

I own a 2012 Jetta S and just love it

[@ethensanborn8990]

Is there really no AC?

[@darreng4496]

I have owned the 2.0l 2012 vw Jetta 5 speed and it has been the most reliable car. The manual is by far faster and more fun then the automatic 👌

[@justind5742]

You didn't recommend the 2.0 because of the weak power output but neglected to talk about the bulletproof reliability of the TSI.

[@HolidayKirk]

I'm diggin the negative reviews, may I suggest the 2013 Mitsubishi Galant?

[@eloidor988]

I did get smoked by a Prius. I have this car, though I’m keeping it, I’m upgrading to a 2016 Audi A6 prestige with stage 2 APR chip, supercharger and exhaust.

[@ASPEDBUSDRIVER1]

No air conditioning is a deal breaker.

[@Justsomeguy1015]

What he didn't tell you guys is the aba engine is the most reliable engine that vw has ever made

[@corvette1568]

Well today a buddy of mine he sold his 2004 Infinti G35X Sedan he is looking for a car for under 7,000 dollars he says it has to be a Manual one of the cars that he is going to look at is a 2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLI that has the 2.8 V6 engine that is one of the cars that he is looking at i will let you know what he ends up geting

[@S1LLY_Y0SHI_L0V3R]

Nice Review Of 2012 Volkswagen Jetta S. 😀

[@gittsmoke]

I'm coming from a 98 crown vic so this car so this car would be great

[@WoZIMoo]

115hp was acceptable 20 years ago in the Gen III but nowadays the average 1.6 makes more power. Some people say the 2.0 is bulletproof but the one in my friend's Gen IV died. Honestly, I could never say anything from VW is bulletproof; we've owned 4 in the family and I've known many people with them causing headaches. I always found Volkswagen to be over-hyped and anyways I'll stick to me "Jap scrap."

[@CJBMAGGOT94]

Exactly. My Jetta MK3 with the 2.0l is actually pretty fun. Seriously bulletproof engine too!

[@theredline]

Don't be so quick to give that distinction to the Jetta, VW will be dropping the 2.5L and 2.0L engine next year and replacing it with their new 1.8L turbo engine.

[@racinginc.957]

I have this car and done a lot of things and added a lot of things to it to make it faster then the gli. it is a slow car but once I added the right parts which is hard by the way , i made a fast. so I have no problem with this car

[@carbsboost6470]

racing inc. What parts are those i have the same cbp engine code

[@aghanem96]

racing inc. yea can u let us know the parts

[@wishgxd]

what parts did you add

[@24Chazm]

You can get these in a manual trans. brand new for $15K with bluetooth. I don't know where you are getting your MPG information from, but I average 29-31 MPG in my 12' Jetta and regularly get 385-400 miles on a single tank of gas, which is pretty good when it takes less than 13 gallons to fill it (before the gas light comes on). I agree that the engine is pathetic, which is why I don't like the car, but with little down, my car payment is only $185/month, less than the avg. lease.

[@carbrickscity]

According to the Kia website they are selling the 2014 model for $15900. They don't sell the 2013 model anymore (Sedan)..

[@tonocancun]

What do you expect of a car that is too cheaper? For me. Is a good option because is practic

[@dhatchbernier]

OMG we get it, “the door panels are plastic!” You must have said that six times!

[@jal17utube]

inexpensive car, hopefully with less options less repairs in the future. I'll find out...

[@moisesojeda5647]

so what happened lol

[@jal17utube]

was good had it 4 yrs bought another but TSI engine

[@jimmythaelephant]

@@jal17utube you're the real MVP , replying 4 years later 👏

[@24Chazm]

Also, the car isn't German made. Look in the owner's manual, the overwhelming majority of the parts are from Mexico, where the models sold in the U.S are manufactured.

[@oscarguo9054]

Is the interior quality the same as the comfortline or the highline?

[@StreetersGarage]

Maybe, but the power train options is a part of the equation The biggest drawback is the selection of the interior materials. It's hard to say but, the base interior of the Hyundai's and KIA's are better than the Jetta. This is something that would have you beaten if you even uttered this 5 years ago.

[@Dish0803]

I wanted a Volkswagen once but I was scared because of the long term reliability.

[@vwestlife]

The base model Jettas with no A/C do exist and were sold. Here's a 2011 model: watch?v=6hgHyNrQW0s

[@White03T4RV82WD]

Wikipedia isn't always correct. The 2013 may be a compact but the 2012, which is what this year jetta is, is classified as a sub-compact. google it.

[@jaschlad]

The 5 speed performs much better than the automatic. It does lack power but it makes for a good highway mule.

[@ACEcolorado1]

its no rocket, but was a very refined engine at speed. The 1.8 Turbo was quick in the Jetta, A4 and Bettle

[@cvn292]

There are no LED daytime running lights on this specific car he's reviewing. What is he talking about?

[@theredline]

This car doesn't compete with the Jetta. The Versa is a B-segment sub-compact. This Jetta is a C-segment compact car.

[@LukeO-1234]

Can't wait for the 2016 1.4 turbo base engine

[@ApurtureSci]

+Luke Hoisington It should make for a good improvement over the 2.0. The 1.4 TSI is available in most small/midsize VW Group cars in Europe, I was surprised to see it's only just making it to the US. It's a good engine, lots of torque for the size and very economical. It's actually the most powerful gasoline engine you can get in the non-GTI Golf here in the UK. The Golf base engine here is the 1.2 TSI, which I doubt would sell well in the US - only 85 HP!

[@KelvinKeegan]

2:53 You totally have a dis-taste for cheap cars

[@caitlinmaeve8871]

The base automatic has air conditioning, power mirrors, and electric key fob. Weird that the manual doesn't.

[@123chunhou]

The cheapest starting price for compact is 2013 nissan sentra with a 6 speed manual at $15,990

[@franciscovlzqz17]

Don't worry this jetta will get better the next model year just like the 12 civic got better when it was a 13 civic.

[@auxmike]

The facelifted 2015 Jetta is 50x better looking. If you got the Technology package you enjoyed push button start , too.

[@ProBenja5]

In my country this car comes fully equipped but with this engine -.-

[@ДрагоДимитров-е7з]

where are u from

[@ДрагоДимитров-е7з]

the 2.0l 115 hp yea it hasnt too much power but its pretty reliable :)))

[@RealNameSecret]

You should review the 2014 Chevy Cruze Diesel. I would be interested in your opinion on that verses the Jetta TDI.

[@123chunhou]

I have a 2012 Sentra and it says when we bought it a compact sedan on the window sticker in which the versa is subcompact and the altima is midsize

[@HKN_RealReviews]

MK5 was the best generation. Looked the best, drove the best, and had a great interior quality. What a way to downgrade!

[@humblebee4611]

Mk5 was terrible. Round soccer mom styling

[@RenNakamura20]

I love the style of this car but my only complaint is, the mk5 had the 2.5 pretty much the main engine for those cars with pretty good power. So for the mk6 why couldn't they continue to use that 2.5 engine as the main engine vs using the old mk4 2.0 engine In the new model?

[@ultramagnus4374]

Cost cutting. With the 2.0 and all the other cuts he mentioned, they could advertise a sub-$16k starting price to undercut Sentra, Civic and Corolla. The premium entry market died with the 2008 market crash and entry luxury brands like VW and Volvo had to re-assess. Volvo moved upmarket and VW moved down

[@helivesonforever]

Please do a top of the line Silverado.

[@veronicalarranaga2948]

The tempature by the odometer is that the cars temperature???

[@MrTONYTONYM]

A little thing to keep in mind: All Golfs are assembled in Wolfsburg, Germany, so you can expect higher quality of material used compared to the Jetta, which is made in Mexico. And you can't expect a perfect car for this little money. Volkswagen build this car in a way so that people can afford it. If you want a nicer car, well pay more and get a Phaeton lol

[@123chunhou]

And the sentra at least has remote keyless entry, power windows locks and ac

[@celsovera91]

Find a previous mk5 jetta and do a review of it.

[@integraz32lover2]

Ive even seen some Jettas that come factory without a radio

[@klukash]

I don't understand why vw cheapened this car so much considering ford really got it with the new focus and Kia with the new forte

[@pauldunneska]

The 1.6 TDI with 7 speed DSG auto transmission in Skoda Octavia 2012/13 model is a much better bet, same Volkswagen technology not sure if in USA, but in Ireland its here.13/6/2013.Irish time 7:34am.

[@alexc2265]

9:48 Me rn 😂 The car does a not bad job

[@123chunhou]

I like this kind of review I hate the new one like the Acura ILX or Kia rio video

[@Nestle245]

you should review the passat

[@KillJONDead]

Scion Fr-s plz

[@mitch9521]

The last reliable VW.

[@pro17645]

yeah fr my vw jetta 2.0 got 300k miles lol

[@flat6fanatic]

Isn't the Nissan versa the cheapest car you can buy new?

[@05Forenza]

If VW can improve a few quality issues with the Jetta on their base version to compete with Kia combined with the 1.8T, oh it'll sell like hot cakes.

[@celsovera91]

At least volkswagen offers the free maintenance for 3 years. Why would a cheap car be so expensive to maintain compared to a honda. A couple years ago wanted an mk4 jetta and the reason I never bought it was because of the expensive maintenance