MK4 jetta questions (Considering buying)

[RBE9]

I asked this question to mike and want to see others opinions too. So im helping a girl that im getting with, find a good reliable car. She likes the mk4 jettas wants a simple white or black sedan so mk4 would be perfect, needs to be auto though. So ive been looking around and wondering your thoughts about the MK4 jetta any problems I should know of? Best for Reliability? Which motor to get and and specifics I should know of? And any year problems that I should stay away from?
Thank you for the help.

Trying to keep my friends euro

[TornadoBurg]

VR6 GLI in black.....dont get 1.8t.... i did....its nice....but its not worth worth the maint. esp when VR sounds better and has about the same hp/tq. yes it heavier and sucks more gas.... but its worth the trade off.

[karl]

id prolly steer her towards a 2.0.

[RBE9]

So vr6 or 2.0t? Any year I should be afraid of Mike said steer clear of the mk4 autos...But she needs one. Thanks for the input

[TJLILMAN]

mk4 doesnt have 2.0t..

ive got a 2.0 jetta with 160,000 miles now and it runs like a champ. i have been very happy with it. i think its kind of luck of the draw tho.. ive heard lots of problems for all motors. ive actually got a friend with a 1.8t with 170,000 and it runs just fine too

[RBE9]

I hope I can find a good one well taken care of 2.0 then or vr6 but worried about auto.... If not maybe il find her a 325i or something not sure yet.

[no-id]

My gf has a 5 speed 2.0 MKIV Jetta, and it has been great, she has zero complaints. Always been very reliable car, i've driven it extensively with no complaints either. I think it's a good choice for someone who wants a stock VW to get from point A to point B. Stay up to date on the tune ups and it will run, run, and run some more!

[über Cool]

auto mk4 = BAD Juju...
why does she want an auto? teach her to drive stick its better for her in the long run anyways....

[soup]

definitely 2.0. it's very reliable as long as she keeps up with the maintenance. 140,000mi and still going strong.

[1965truckrod]

I think the 2.0 is a good motor just as others said, The maintenance is for the most part the least complicated out of the 4 engines available. If you can find one I'd say a TDi. Although they are few and far between I know they can be run into the ground just as much as the 2.0 8v.

I am sure that the average person would love to have a stick but for a girl and trust me no offense to the Euro loving ladies; but an auto is more suitable and more forgiveable with accidents and everyday life. Automatics only require a filter and oil change every so often and don't really have any issues so long as you are going to keep it stock.

As far as mileage is concerned on either the TDi or the 2.0 they can be around 100,000 miles and still be in their prime esp the TDi. The TDi I think you will enjoy not only because of the gas mileage which she will enjoy but also because of the gobs of stock torque it produces. Well thats my 2 cents plus my 2 Euro's.

Jesse