Volkswagen's most RELIABLE Car... and it's mine!

After doing car videos for over a year, I have now decided to finally review MY car: A 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 SE. It was a very important car for VW in the US because it had a lower price tag and more American-friendly features. Some of these were good and some not so much. But combine this with one of VW's most reliable 5-Cylinder motors in the company's history and you have a vehicle that not only sold well in its day, but is also still incredibly present on today's roads.

[@lukef.4612]

Here in Germany there are even more reliable VW engines. such as the 1.9 tdi (4cyl) with even lower consumption and less maintenance. If you find a 1.9 tdi (diesel) in America, buy it immediately!

[@ariongovender6049]

we have polos with that same engine here in south africa, huge cult following and crazy reliable!

[@Felix-tp8ch]

I have a b7 passat 2.0.tdi with 240.000 km. I drove it for 120.000km with the same oil and over half a year with less than half the needed engine coolant. In 14 years, never had ANY issue with the car except when i raced over speed bump and even then only a crack in the control arm bushing rubber. Absolutely tremendous vehicle. Would recommend 7/7

[@abhijeetaanand2334]

How about 1.0 tsi?

[@lukef.4612]

@@abhijeetaanand2334 the TSI engines are not the best engines…. Buy a 2l diesel or if you really want a gas car, buy the 2l tsi.

[@abhijeetaanand2334]

@@lukef.4612 thanks for your reply

[@ralphbernard3908]

My wife bought her 2016 Jetta S new in 2016. It has the 1.4 TSI engine with the 6 speed auto transmission. We change the oil every 5000 miles. Her car has been totally trouble free. Spark plugs were changed at 40,000 miles. The battery was replaced at about 46,000 miles along with a new set of tires. It has been a great car so far.

[@Luisgtm95]

I bought from a friend his 2018 that he bought new with the 2.5 here in Mexico we were fortunate to get the 2.5 all the way until the last production year of the Mk6 (also unfortunate enough to only get the 2.0 for the base model all the way until 2018), its done so far 114k kilometers (about 70k miles), it has had nothing gone wrong, neither when he had it or the last year and a half we´ve had it, only basic maintainance and wear parts, and not even that many, original shocks are still good (its impressive for mexican roads for those to last this long) it doesn´t do any kind of squeak or rattle that gives away its age and no leaks of any kind, another friend has got the exact same car, year, color, trim and everything, just a bit more kilometers and same story, nothing gone wrong in 6 years, only maintainance. Good realiable VWs do exist

[@bundickbabe]

How many km/l you get out of it? I've been knew they are reliable but I need to know how good they do in consumption

[@IamJay02]

6 years? Lol that's it?

[@BillyMcginn]

​@@IamJay02 I wish you guys got Ford falcons over there. My 01 has literally never broken down and they commonly do over a million km with the 4L straight six

[@IamJay02]

@@BillyMcginn Me too lol seems like everyone else gets better cars than us.

[@BillyMcginn]

@@IamJay02 Australia just took the old American falcon and kept working on it. We even kept the straight six from the 60s and just kept building on it. That's why it's so reliable. Huge engine making low power, only like 210 HP in non turbo models and about 370hp in the turbo ones

[@starmember132]

I own the ‘13 SE with same 2.5 engine. Mines SE but has sunroof, fog lights and all the features you showed in this video. I absolutely love the car. The jettas still running strong at 136k miles. Great sounding engine and in my case, get somewhat good gas mileage. After all these years, I’ve replaced: Throttle body, crankshaft position sensor, and purge valve. That’s it; no electrical problems, transmission still shifts somewhat at point. Only repairs I’ve done so far this year are the purge valve, crankshaft sensor and the gear selector cable bushing. Definitely the most reliable sedan I’ve ever owned.

[@zymxz]

keep her bro i miss my 2013 passat 2.5 so bad it was my baby. fun car low maintence and holy shit my gas mileage was more then double what my new car is on the same size gas tank

[@starmember132]

@@zymxz I bet you miss your passat. Better interior than the Jetta, only downside is that is a tad heavier so I bet less mpg and a bit heaver feeling, but nevertheless Id prefer a passat over any Jetta, it just feels more premium. What car you got now?

[@zymxz]

@@starmember132 2016 Toyota Avalon xle 56k miles Yeah I loved the passat it was my first car and I got it with around 90k miles only had to do a few things change out plugs and ignition coils, purge valve, PCV diaphragm idk if that was the right name but something like that. Planned on keeping the car forever as a daily but some kid pulled out in front of me and it total it completely crushed the front end, engine was done zo or I woulda kept it 😭 Don’t get me wrong I love my new car but man my passat was sexy and holy shit talk ab gas mileage I’d get 450-500 miles per tank driving around town and I was not super easy on her. One long trip I saw it say over 1k miles until empty was actually insane. My new mileage on the same size tank is 250-275 just depending how I drive it is quite a bit quicker so it makes sense.

[@markspears8253]

My 2.5 SE has original clutch, exhaust, radiator, alternator at 249,000 miles.

[@starmember132]

@@markspears8253these cars are bulletproof if well taken care of.

[@georgefeliz7875]

Have mine for about seven years now - it's bullet proof! Great car!

[@dtwd9043]

You wont regret it. I’ve had one as a daily for 10 years. Fun power, amazing reliability (mine has 235k on it now) and still runs beautifully 🤌🏼 planning on buying another 2.5 but in wagon form soon 💪🏼

[@arthurdwestside]

I just got a 2013 2.5 SE 6 months ago and I love it! It’s so fun to drive !

[@deionhughes6867]

You didn't mention the 2.0L turbo-diesel engine.. lol personally that was one of my favorites! Also @16:25 you were mentioning drum brakes but your vehicle has 4 wheel disc brakes, maybe I misunderstood and you were referring to the base models using drums in the rear.

[@zumik83]

Says drum brake while looking at disc brakes :))).

[@piyushhbeats]

He mismentioned it as drums in the rear, but we heard it correctly using drums in the ear.

[@sschwen8050]

I had a 2014 SE that I sold to my son who proceeded to total it. Fantastic car that had a ton of amenities for the price. As long as you kept up the maintenance it would never let you down. Jetta reliability is great if you take care of it but unfortunately many people do not. My wife now drives a 2020 SEL that is absolutely loaded for $27K.

[@1968jpy]

I just recently purchased a new 2024 SEL Jetta with a 1.5 liter turbo charged 4 cylinder engine. I really hope my car holds up and is reliable as your car . I’m loving it so far .

[@IamCooper-rk5bn]

I learned to drive on a 01 Beetle, my first car was a 01 Jetta, my second car was a 09 Jetta and now own a 23 Tiguan. Never had any issues with any of them.

[@gabrieldetwiler7078]

My first car was a MK6 2011 Jetta 2.5 SE with the convience package with the moonroof. It was tempest blue with the titan black interior. Otherwise literally the wheels and everything were the same as yours. It was no doubt the most reliable car I’ve ever owned. I really should’ve kept it. The 2.5 5 cylinder engine was bullet proof, and tbh the cheap plastic was great because it was durable and easy to clean 😂. It was slow, but I was gonna fix that somewhat by getting the IE stage 1 ECU and TCU tune with an intake and catback exhaust. I got rid of it as an 18 year old because I got scared of the little electrical issues. But knowing how money works now, I should’ve kept it and fixed it because car payments suck. Jokes on me, when I sold it at 172k, the owner who bought it still had it to this day. 230k miles and it’s still running. I got an Alltrack after that and while I loved it, it was a lemon for several reasons. I currently drive a 19 Jetta GLI dsg. Love that car so much, but the payment sucks. It will never be my Jetta 2.5

[@luisarsuaga7637]

Just curious, what issues you had with the Alltrack? I have a 2015 Golf and it has been kinda of a lemon too.

[@Mk5.maniac]

2012 2.5 SE was my first car! I can confirm it’s dead reliable, 07k is one of vws best. My R32 is fighting to be more reliable right now, about to hit 200k, not a light on the dash, I’ve taken it across the country multiple times. It seems their old school engines that are N/A Are really good

[@husky6372]

i honestly love the look of the Jetta and i always have

[@VPMore]

The key is to take care of them such as changing oils on time and keeping the car clean overall.

[@diegoramirez6319]

I had a 2011 2.5 SE Automatic and a 2012 SE 2.5 manual, both were very reliable and I sure regret selling them

[@ergosteur]

If you want to get automatic headlights, you actually can get an aftermarket replacement headlight switch that includes a light sensor that plugs right in, then just need to do a quick bit of coding. Got it on my mk5 2.5 Rabbit.

[@bvilla8440]

Love VWs! I had a 2014 VW Passat SEL Premium for 7 years! Drove it over 100k miles with no issues, just regular maintenance. I traded it for a Audi A4 that I love as well but the Passat seats were more comfortable. I still miss that car today.

[@Lisbonese]

I’ve had a 2014 S manual and a 2017 SE manual and absolutely loved them. Great car for sure!

[@Usser12331]

I got a 2011 Jetta se with 220k original motor and trans, never let me stranded since ownership

[@LaytonKnightt]

Mine looks identical to yours from the outside-mine is a 2012 2.5 SE with the sunroof, but black on black, 114k miles. I absolutely love how reliable it’s been and it actually drives really nicely for a daily. It’s not fast but it’s pleasant to cruise around town and on the freeway. If it got totaled, I’d scoop up another one, but with a manual. After twelve years, every single thing on it still works well. The only problem I’ve had is the headliner, but I’m going to have it professionally repaired.

[@fakenorwegian4743]

I loved the Mark 5 body. The recent refresh of the Mark 7 looks a lot like the Mark 6. Now the Mark 6's will look new again.

[@srmackin]

Bought my 2012 2.5 SE manual brand new. 12 years later, 140K miles and the original clutch, still a solid daily driver.

[@WhenItsHalfPastFive]

really well designed too. Doesn't look bad at all

[@louislalobstah]

Great vid. I drive a 2014 VW Jetta 1.8T SE w/connectivity package and just surpassed 100K miles this week. Yesterday I went to my VW dealer and got some repair work done (one of the rear springs had cracked & control arm bushings in front were separating) It was expensive to fix but compared to buying a new one was worth it for me right now. Considering upgrading to the RCD-330 head unit. Your videos have inspired me!

[@alinborzos-cf5mo]

the 1.8T is more reliable than the 2.5, europeans love the 1.8T but have a pretty bad impression of the 2.5 and you'd rarely find one on the european market

[@louislalobstah]

@@alinborzos-cf5mo That's interesting, I remember when I bought it hearing something like that too. Been happy with it 🙂

[@djkenny1202]

The 2.5 and ABA 2.0 are the best. I have the ABA in my 01 Cabrio. Jetta just 5 years ago was discounted to 13-15 grand. . 170 hp is plenty! My 15 Scion XB manual has 154 and is beyond adequate.

[@jonlosito2004]

My old neighbor has a 2002 Volkswagen Jetta TDI (5 speed manual) wagon with over 280k miles. He commutes that thing to his work every 5 days, and he also takes it on long road trips too! And he even takes good care of it as well! That thing is super reliable and still going!!

[@charleshines5700]

I had a vehicle with the 2.5 and aside from minor transmission issues they are great. The 2.5 in the Jetta has no turbo to fail and cause problems and they use a timing chain *NOT* a belt which is something that could cause the destruction of your engine if it breaks. I had a Jetta and a Passat with it (Passats had the 2.5 in 2 model years) and the Passat is the most similar car there is to the Jetta really.

[@zumik83]

Chain or belt, when it breaks = engine bye bye. By the way, the chain won't break probably, the plastic guides will do that more often than the belts. Why do you think they reverted back to belts in the MK 7 and 8 ???

[@bryangomez2876]

I have a 2017 VW Jetta SE used. I bought it 3 years ago, it’s only at 55k miles and absolutely no problems at all. These German cars will last if you give them proper maintenance.

[@luisarsuaga7637]

True for most cars, but with VW, the probability of having an unreliable car is higher with this brand than others. I've owned 2 VWs now, and with proper care and proper maintenance, out of all my friends, I'm the only one that always seems to have problems (my friends don't drive VWs 😅). VWs haven't really been reliable to me. The only exception was a 2005 2.5 Jetta that my mom had. Even though it was the best of all our VWs, It wasn't problem free.

[@dantesinfernopurgatory7826]

Invest in coolant PH test strips (I purchased mine via Amazon) and testing the coolant every 3-6 months or so (while cold) will take all of the guesswork of determining when to change the coolant. Remember - there is no such animal as "lifetime" fluids of any type. Coolant becomes acidic over time, and will eventually reach acidity levels to start eating away at the plastic and aluminum cooling system components. In addition to changing the coolant, transmission service should be done every 50K, brake fluid changes every 50k (fluid absorbs moisture over time which can potentially rust the metal brake lines. 5k oil change intervals (clean oil is vital to engines equipped with timing chains). Performing those maintenance steps will ensure that the engine maintains its bulletproof operation.

[@MugatuJag]

So reliable, I think they look good but bland. Thankfully, there are so many aftermarket options to make the headlights look awesome, beautiful LED tail lights. They have a fully functioning, digital dash retrofit…. I have a 2009 2.5 and working on that thing is so easy, ignition coil, spark plugs, etc. etc. Yes the cover is kind of a bitch to get off. I use high-quality euros spec 502 oil, I only have 76,000 miles but it’ll last forever.. They also sound fantastic with a nice cold air intake.

[@THQNetwork]

I don’t have the 2.5 mk6 but rather a 1.4t mk7 and it’s been nothing but reliable so far. No issues just simple maintenance and it’s already sitting at 138k miles. For a 2019 first-year it’s doing pretty good!

[@randallmart92]

I got the 2012 Golf 2.5L and its amazing 👏 basic but this engine and transmission is solid! Not the fastest but she can keep pace with most cars out their. 87k miles and no issues whatsoever! Plus the engine sounds great with the stock exhaust. Gonna upgrade the exhaust system and add some small body mods eventually 👍

[@BabyV1069]

and also the B7 Passat was built in Chattanooga Tennessee

[@jaidensky5738]

Just putting in my 0.02 as a fellow owner 5:50 The seats do have bolstering, BUT they are rather wide (made for americans,) so for someone as skinny as I am, there is a really significant amount of free space and it ends up feeling like bench seats. 6:15 My 2014 does have the extending armrest! 6:35 I will die on the hill that my 2014's sunglass holder is better, it has a pop-out design and its extremely easy, intuitive, and fast to get them and put them away while looking ahead, better than dealing with a narrow passage. 8:15 That panel was technically replaced in the 2014, not 2015 (facelift) 11:47 2014 was the year IRS was re-introduced 13:15 My 2014 has the functionality built-in to the right stalk, I presume that was the year it was introduced 14:10 In 2014 they switched to electric power steering. the hydro rack feel isn't really that great, but with the EPS you may as well not be connected to the front wheels at all 16:20 You have disc brakes... Drum brakes were installed on the torsion beam (pre-2014) base "S" models, I believe. Brake feel isn't really great, but it's an econobox overall, its a good daily, less good fun car 👍

[@emotionz3]

Which engines got electro hydraulic power steering in 2014? The 2014 2.0 SOHC and 2.5 examples I have are both hydraulic power steering, and the 2.0 had whistling from the pump around 60k. I had suspected previous owner used improper fluid but it was pentosin and turned out to just be a faulty pump. As much as I like the feel of hydraulic steering, half the vehicles I’ve owned have had power steering issues and it gets old fast. So glad our new 2018 is electro hydraulic.

[@aircraft2]

The one with the tdi diesel engine is by far the most reliable out of all these but good luck finding one they're rarer than most sports cars nowadays and the ones you do find they jack the prices sky high.

[@thatcarguy1UZ]

The correct answer is always go for the manual transmission. The only possible exception is if it's a full-size luxury car, think Lexus LS, BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Mercedes S-Class, or if we are going to go a little bit older, Lincoln town car, Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham, etc.

[@vwestlife]

The top-of-the-line SEL trim level did have a soft-touch dashboard, and the later Mk6 Jettas got various upgrades such as rear disc brakes, rear independent suspension, an extending and height-adjustable center armrest, and separate gauges for the fuel and engine temperature instead of just digital readouts. But as you mentioned, it did lose the locking glovebox. And yours actually does have rear disc brakes! Only the lower trim levels got rear drums.

[@starmember132]

My jetta is the 13 SE version and the armrest comes forward. Maybe the guy in the video had his armrest damaged. Mine also comes with rear disc brakes.

[@MugatuJag]

The top-of-the-line SELMK6 when it debuted, it did get the independent suspension in the back as well. that’s the one I would definitely go with especially considering the prices these days there’s not much of a difference if you can find one.

[@enoch327]

Simple and elegant. What more could you ask for? I bought a 2006 Tacoma. It has AC and a radio and it automatic. It has run great for 18 years. Folks, bells and whistles break. Simple and reliable is the way to go for me.

[@bryceno5385]

I have a 2016 VW Jetta Sport 1.8t and it has been nothing but reliable. I got it at 38k miles in 2019 as a CPO, It currently has 128k miles and still running like the day I bought it! It has everything I need in a car. All I’ve done since I’ve owned it was regular maintenance and the 120k miles service maintenance. Never had any issues.

[@THQNetwork]

That’s proof that VW knows how to properly engineer a turbo engine while still making them reliable. That’s all these German cars really need, proper up to date maintenance.

[@luisarsuaga7637]

I envy you, I got a 2015 Golf SE that has the exact same power train, and it has been horrible. I purchased it practically new with 9,000 miles on 2016 and since I've had it, it always had some sort of wierd issue that no one knows how to fix and the dealer won't do anything about it. With this car I've had all sort of leaks you could image, batteries wont last for more than 2 years, engine mounts won't last more than 30k miles, all shocks failed prematurely, water pump failed 2 times, had for the longest time an oil pressure issue that I had to fix it outside of warranty because no knew how to fix it, ac failed arround 40,000 miles, the car has an intermittent rough idle for no apparent reason, the transmission has always been jerky and dealer said it was working to spec. I've kept spending money on repairs, hoping that someday it would stop for a while, but It just had one problem after another. Now the car has, 96,000 miles, the trans is slipping, and the only reason I still have it is because the car is paid off, and I cannot afford a new car right now. But I really wished I had opted for a more reliable car like a Toyota or a Honda.

[@bryceno5385]

@@luisarsuaga7637 wow I’m sorry to hear about the bad luck you’ve had with yours. I’m grateful I got lucky with mine. Since this comment posted my car now rolled over 130k miles. I’ve definitely heard horror stories about VWs past 100k miles or just in general tho

[@luisarsuaga7637]

@bryceno5385 I'm glad to know that your Jetta is treating you well. When they are working well, they can truly be very enjoyable cars.

[@Chumbucketsecret]

My 14 tdi has 350k km on the dash. Bought in 2017. Paid 10,500. Worth every dollar.

[@PlasticRocket2]

I was shopping for one of these with a 5 speed manual but didnt get it in time. The 5 cyl sounds great and has a good amount of torque.

[@ILikeCheeseOnBees]

I had this as my 2nd car after totaling my first 2014 Jetta S brand new 2 months after I got it at 18 years old 😅 my 2012 Jetta 2.5 SE was in manual too!

[@lenajk2004]

hell yeah, i have a Golf of the exact same spec and it’s an amazing little hatchback

[@midnightcs1482]

i drive a 2015 2.0 w 220k miles as a company car. my commute consists of twisty coastal roads and its fun tossing it.

[@lukavujosevic8774]

Bro this is my dream car. Idk why prbably because it just looks so good. My family used to own a 2015 Nisaan Xtrail, but we sold it bcs it is a endless money pit and unreliable. So we bought a 2008 VW passat Sedan, and it is awsome! Because of it i started to love VW. The poor car can handle our trips to the country side better than the Nissan suv! The passat is so reliable and cheap to own. I came across this car and because it is cheap here in EU and i alr know to drive and i like the VW sedan i hope to get this car in the near future!

[@benjaminhadcock4287]

I've had 3 Mk6 Jetta Sedans, an '11 SEL w/ a 5-Speed, '13 TDI DSG, and '14 GLI Manual. Still have the '14 GLI and do roughly 500 miles a week, not missing a beat at 140k miles and counting (tuned since 5k miles). The armrests did extend, not sure if it was MY or trim specific though.

[@mushy213]

only 82k miles?! this thing is a beaut and so are you

[@camilogsr]

As an owner of 2008 5 speed MT 2.5 MK5 Jetta (Bora in my market) I can tell that it's by far the best and most reliable and cheaper car that i've ever owned. it has 16 years 93000 miles on it,but it runs and it sounds perfect. I know the GLI 6 speed 2.0 T is faster but i can travel relax knowing that i have probably the most reliable VW engine in the modern era.(170 hp 240 NM). Great Video!

[@starmember132]

Yours still a baby, mine is sitting at 136k miles and this year only crankshaft position sensor and shifter cable bushing has been replaced.

[@sage-sl7nt]

Just picked up a 2012 SE 2.5 that’s exactly like yours, down to the last detail except for the interior color. Best car I’ve ever owned so far.

[@EastDallasKicks]

Don't abuse the car at lights or you'll face the music. My trans is dying from younger me's dumb decisions

[@starmember132]

@@EastDallasKickswhats your trans failure symptoms?

[@EastDallasKicks]

@@starmember132 PRNDS light comes on for awhile. Hard shifts

[@starmember132]

@@EastDallasKicks How come all the gears on screen light up? You have a mk5 Jetta? Only issue I’ve commonly seen with mk6 transmissions are the main gear you’re in, disappearing. Or a wrench constantly flashing.

[@EastDallasKicks]

@@starmember132 No I have a 2.5l mk5 rabbits/golf. The mk5 and 6 2.5l Golf and Jetta are the same thing. The trans is the same 09g the motors are mostly the same as well. My issue is common, PRNDS is usually a trans communication fault I believe but due to the hard shifting and previous owner not servicing it I'm going to assume the trans is dying

[@jeffbauer3425]

Didn't your, headliner ever come down ? (2016 Jetta manual 5. in south Florida) I just used the Push buttons headliner kit from Amazon. Glad you are enjoying your Jetta , still . And you have less miles than mine ( 92,647) and so far, no major problems. Valves cleaned at 70,000 . Fun car . And mine is very sharp .

[@michaelfreeman1964]

Why clean the valves on a non-DI car? Sounds like a make money project for the dealer. If they didn't remove the intake manifold you can accomplish the same thing with a can of Seafoam.

[@jeffbauer3425]

My 2016 is, a DI engine . To keep the valves clean , I should have used a valve cleaner at every 15 -20,000 miles but I didn't .😑

[@dvdvideo1234]

I have the independent suspension 2016 one. Very good car !

[@BabyV1069]

Tbh because it’s just a Jetta people will probably think it’s just an NPC car until they find out it has a 5 cyl then they’re like WHAT😂

[@gianbueno6984]

it's scary how americans call this car small

[@samlung2724]

It's classified as a compact car.

[@starmember132]

@@gianbueno6984 you gotta consider the average american. Tall and fat. This why these cars are considered small. Most americans prefer trucks or minivans.

[@rubensantos2713]

@@starmember132I’m crying 😭💀 well jettas are European 😬

[@mtae5]

You're laughing. There are Americans who literally wouldn't even fit in that car, and you're laughing.

[@crash-view]

It’s small tho. Idk what u on. Do you daily a smart for 2

[@robertcarbajal4913]

I had a 2.5 Golf and that car was so reliable. Sadly got into an accident and totaled it last year

[@Pentium3ddem]

that's a luxury car in Argentina. VW entry car for latin america was the GOL / Voyague at that time.

[@TheBlackHeroDog]

Same here in Brazil. I have a 2010 Mk5 Jetta and it's considered until today an expensive car to maintain. It's "cheap" to buy compared to the newer ones but they consider as a high cost in maintenance

[@UnusSedLeo-w5l]

Rented a brand new 2.5SE during our first US-trip in 2013. Loved the car! Well equipped, not the best MPG, yet we had a great time in it, exploring the States.

[@ironguy6482]

Damn I'm jealous of you guys. The only engine option in my market is the 1.4tsi

[@rileyhance318]

I usually flush my transmission fluid every 30k miles or so. Its like 400 bucks at the vw dealer and my transmission is still smooth at 110k

[@AndrewCDiprose]

good on you.

[@Notpeppita]

I have a golf of the same generation 2012 2.5 I love it

[@Alfadragon17]

I remember when I had my 2012 VW Passat 2.5 SE 5 spd manual with a 103k miles. Bought that car in 2018 with 53k miles and drive it almost problem free. I loved that car! I miss that car! I slightly regret trading it in for my 2015 Challenger Scat Pack 6 spd manual 33k miles. And no, it's not because the gas mileage. I miss that as well but I miss the comfy ride, the feather light clutch, the leg room for EVERYONE (I'm 350 lbs) and still my larger friend's were comfy behind me. That car was excellent and I've wanted MY Passat back 😢!

[@idonotknowwhyyoutubeletsyo5893]

Seems like VW for the US market is completely different from what we have here in the EU. Seems like a mix of VW and the Škoda brand with the features. That would make sense as Škoda contributes to engineering of VW group vehicles. Engines(2L and smaller, the rest is Audi), infotainment systems and accessories("simply clever" accessories like the trunk dividers, window ice scrapers hidden in the fuel doors, door lights, removable LED flashlight stored in the trunk and in-door umbrella holes with Škoda branded umbrellas). The complicated engines or the bigger engines are purely German engineering. The smaller turbocharged ones are co-developed with Škoda.

[@williamslater-o5b]

I hope they're better than the 2022 model. My son bought one brand new. It only has 30,000 miles on it, and the cylinder head gasket has to be replaced. It happened in so many of them, Volkswagen has the gasket on back order.

[@louisfivaz6519]

On paper in Canada I have Jetta Se 2.5 - but the body on my 2011 is a wagon. Marketing can be funny like that.

[@damilolaakanni]

I like this car, but electrical issues with my MK4 (Golf, not Jetta, but same platform) scared me away from VW for now. I replaced the MK4 with a 2012 Toyota Matrix, and it has been reliable.

[@daryl252000ify]

I have 210,000 miles on my 2009 Jetta SE 2.5L

[@viccourageous]

Any major expenses?

[@daryl252000ify]

@@viccourageous let's see, I have a small leak in my A/C unit that occurred maybe two years ago, requiring me to refill it once a year. Cost me $100 at dealer, and $60 if I use a side mechanic. Otherwise the dealership wants to replace everything and that's $2,100 for the entire unit. So it's cheaper to just refill once a year. The manufacturer recommended maintenance schedule in the owners manual stops at 230,000 miles. I'm intending to either transfer the car to my niece in the next year or two, or trade the vehicle in for a new daily driver. So I'm not able to justify replacing the entire A/C unit. The only reason I'm trading in, is because I have no idea what the maintenance schedule would be as the owners manual ends at 230,000 miles, and I don't want to be at the mercy of the dealership for what they say needs to be done. Yet, for someone who is getting their first car, it would be a great option. For the entire lifespan of the vehicle according to the manufacturer of 230,000 miles, I would say no (I'm not concerned about a small leak at the end of its lifespan). If I was intending to keep the car another 8 to 10 years, then I would say the A/C unit up to this point would be the most expensive "major" repair. Keep in mind I have my vehicles maintained at the dealership 99% of the time. I've only been to a side shop twice. Once for a flat tire, and once to have the A/C unit refilled. Sorry for long response, but wanted to give you an accurate depiction. Also, door lock stopped working on two doors (not at same time), about $600 each. Maybe 3 or 4 years from each other. Also needed to replace a spark plug under warranty just before the warranty ended at 100,000. It would have been $700 (an entire tune up was done, replacing all spark plugs).

[@playerx240]

i have an easy fix for you for those folding rear seats. Get yourself a stick long enough to push it in, and then just use that to push the seats down.

[@jeffsers624]

I don't like that back seat release thing. In my Taurus, you just pulled them down. I miss my Taurus.

[@kolinbuckley3517]

I had a 2012 vw Passat 2.5 SE and loved it but it was not reliable. Well, the engine and transmission never had problems but it was other things constantly breaking and it was expensive as heck.

[@starmember132]

6:26 Yes you can bring the armrest forward. I always get annoyed with it because when I try to get comfortable in my seat I use my elbow to get into position and always bring the armrest forward. Maybe yours need a little cleaning and grease

[@amiltonfcjunior]

An awesome car, unfortunately here in Brazil they are not cheap even after time passed by. But definitely a reliable car, much more than the EA888 2.0T engines out there!

[@andyk6796]

I owned a 2014 SE which did not have automatic headlights either. The dashboard gauges were backlit when the car was running during the day. It had a light sensor which would shut off those gauge lights when it was dark, prompting you turn on the headlights so you could see the gauges at night. So... if there was a light sensor that could do that, why not use it to turn on headlights automatically at night???

[@gregholman2930]

I purchased a 2014 Kia Optima SX (4 banger) 8 months ago with 95K miles for $10k, has leather, flat bottom steering wheel, alot of options for the $$$. Like the VW reliability issues are questionable, some say the Optima has a reputation fro burning too much oil, but I haven't had to add any since I've owned it & it has 101, 600 miles.

[@starmember132]

By that time KIA was dog 💩. Youre just lucky and it’s mainteinance was probably on point. The 2.5 engine on this Jetta is one of the most reliable engine on the VAG group.

[@thatcarguy1UZ]

I don't really understand all the hate on drum brakes for the rear of a front-wheel drive vehicle that does the vast majority of its stopping on the front brakes. It's simplifies the parking brake mechanism and drum brakes are very reliable. If this was a performance car then I would agree that you should have disc brakes in the rear. But for a non-performance front-wheel drive car that by its nature will be relatively nose-heavy and will transfer even more weight to the front wheels during braking, drum brakes in the rear are perfectly adequate and will perform just as well as rear disc brakes for any driving situation that a non-performance car will encounter on the street.

[@garretthaffner5129]

I own a 15 S with the technology package. Absolute rock of a car. The 2.0 NA under that thing is bulletproof. Love my Jetta.

[@tempest8522]

I own the same thing it’s bulletproof

[@NadoMIA1337]

My 2012 SE has been going strong sitting around 120k miles. I have put this thing through hell with 3 accidents mainly body. It’s still going strong and I do not want to get rid of it but it may be time to upgrade 😢

[@chriscole9621]

The 1.4 turbo is very reliable. 200k on my friends and its on its original timing belt

[@alexace5584]

I miss old VW everyday.

[@JoshScott-v7j]

There were also hybrid and Tdi you engines in that generation Jetta. The hybrids are rare though.

[@alexstan5358]

Lol! I have 2.0 8valves with 400.000km on it, not a sign of leak or anything like that, still has oem clutch. These are million kilometres vehicles. Forget about Corolla . VW tdi and gas 1.6/2.0/1.8turbo20 valves and 2.5 5cyl are runners forever😊

[@davidbias2509]

I had a 2012 2.slow that other then replacing the coil pack every 50k I put 189k miles on and had just bought the entire timing belt kit for when an old lady hit me and totaled it. Still have the timing belt kit on a shelf in my garage lol

[@hondagang5966]

Tbh the 2.0 non turbo is just as reliable my buddy has one with 390k miles on it still going strong

[@calebbryan8600]

Those are 100% disc brakes my guy, not drum. Other than that, decent video.

[@gvidobarscausks9272]

VW is like German Toyota, may be less reliable, but they have that German Quality, and you feel it when driving and owning a VW

[@HForceClan]

The entire car: 😑 The side mirrors: 😎

[@my_negative_world]

Funny enough in Europe the Jetta was a basic car indeed, but not as reliable since it was fitted with the infamous EA211 TSI or downsized turbocharged petrol engines. They were famous for being very average on performance and had a couple of pretty big issues. These days the new TSI's are decent. Also VW did make a load of good and even sublime engines along the way, with the workhorse 1.9 TDI known for being literally bulletproof or the even more bulletproof but less known 1.9 SDI which would basically run on anything with the word "oil" in it, also up to this day in europe VW offers I think their very last naturally aspirated engine 3 cylinder 1.0 MPI which are also very highly regarded for its longevity, simple construction and gas mileage. It had a very good run and was offered along the years in the smallest VW cars like the Lupo, Fox, Fabia, Ibiza, Up! and others.

[@23Amadeus92]

build quality of VW cars made in Mexico is actually among the highest in the whole VW Group.

[@keny46]

Your car doesn't have drum brakes bud you can clearly see the rotors in the front/back you have disc brakes all around. Dont forget to do your dsg services every 40k btw

[@Peaches-N-Mango]

The 2.5 in the Jetta didn't come with a DSG in North America.

[@keny46]

@@Peaches-N-Mango good to know thought all autos in mk6 were dsgs

[@drasselll3243]

If you've got some good mechanic skills, you can swap your 5-speed manual to the later and better 6-speed manual which is also stronger and more reliable.

[@EverythingAwesomeTech]

How much MPG can this get on average?

[@Guacalishious]

The Vw Alh TDI is their most reliable engine by far, common for them to go 500k miles no problem

[@matthunt8375]

I'm surprised at how the Jetta is overshadowed by the GTI. I own a 17 Jetta gli. It's probably the best car I've ever owned. One of the best manual transmissions I've ever driven. Fuel economy is great. More features than I could ever want. I plan on running it into the ground.

[@JoseMariaMx1]

Assambled in Puebla, México... I still have mine😂😂 (great car)

[@allanyamaha]

Basic transportation? haha In Brazil (where i live) this is the "dream car" for most people. 42 minimum wages... so sad 😏

[@dn8226]

had the 2015 base model (i think it was 2.0 or smaller) and while it was reliable -ISH for the 30k miles i owned it for it had its fair share of unique problems and it was annoying to work on

[@Michael-he2js]

I have the same generation. While it's a good car & fun to drive, I don't think it's as great as this video makes it seem. Generic oil filter throws oil pressure light, AC is cool, but can't maintain the cabin Temps & intermittently goes out starting at 20k. Driver door fit has been poor since about 30k miles. Despite regular wash & wax, the roof paint is coming off. Padding for arm rest are visual, but doesn't have enough padding

[@bruhhhhmoment4848]

I got a 2017 se with the 1.4 tsi, I think vw should do more of i5 or i6 or v6 bc their whole line up is just i4s rn

[@goga.games18]

I'm choosing between this or mazda 3 which one should I go for?

[@alinborzos-cf5mo]

go for the VW, especially if you find a 2.0 TDI, much more reliable than any VW petrol engine.

[@goga.games18]

@@alinborzos-cf5mo i don't want diesel TBH i want to get Toyota but even used models are roo expensive so i want to go for petrol JETTA or Mazda 3 which have normal prices compared, only thing i want is reliability.

[@MrInternFTL]

@@goga.games18Mazda 3s are pretty meh

[@hallebeatty2111]

Does this same thing apply with Passat basically?

[@topspot9417]

Heard their transmissions have a lot of issues?