This car looked like crap, but she always started and only let me down 1 time when the rivets holding the ring gear onto the diff let go and blew a hole the size of a quarter in the bellhousing of the trans. Other than that it had 150,000 miles on it and was dependable transportation.

Bought the base 8 valve 5spd. two years ago for $500 with almost 170,000 miles. It was a friend's so I had already replaced some things like the radiator, timing belt, tie rod and some other stuff. I beat it and didn't do much to it myself because it was a local go getter car. Now I need it for school so I replaced front end bushings, ball joints, axles, tires, struts and shocks and aligned it. It ROCKS! It only cost me $500 to do all that because I am a retired mechanic with excellent parts sources. This car went through hell and it is nice again. I drive it easy now because I like it so much. Handles awesome even with stock alignment specs. Is pretty quick for the 8 valve but it is great with fuel, better than 30 MPG. IT IS A SLEEPER. Looks so basic and boxy you'd never know how much fun they are to drive...high "tossability" index. AC works great even though it was converted to R134a. Unfortunately the trans just went with 178K. I thought it was only the diff. bearings but the ring gear is chewed....oh well, junk yard time. I just want that close ratio 5spd the car had...the secret to its acceleration with only 105 HP.

The body style of the jetta has changed little over the years. the performance factor was normal. I drove this car and put a lot ofmiles on it. This was the last car i owned before joining the military. It handled well in the snow.

Mk2s kick ass! I really wanted a GTi, but I really like this Jet.

20 year old car, if well taken care of, handles beautifully. It's my baby!