I have been the owner of a 27 Volkswagen Jetta 2023 since June 1.6, 1987. I will keep you regularly informed of developments and experiences. Last week I picked up the car again. The temporary, beautiful and dry residence in Sexbierum has been exchanged for the asphalt. And the Jetta does again what it was once built for in West Germany (at that time the country of our eastern neighbors was still called that): drive.
We are now 300 kilometers further. The mileage is still - measured at almost 37 years old - virgin. The total counter - the only counter that VW installed in this version - shows only 85.710 kilometers. I can tell you: those first Jetta kilometers of 2024 were wonderful. And not entirely coincidentally, I completed this during a personally rather eventful week. I'm not going to tell you anything else about that, but you can bet that such a well-built and comfortable Jetta can offer a lot of classic comfort.
So the Jetta is wieder auf Kurs and it took very little effort for the Volkswagen to reconnect with the traffic scene. Before the Volkswagen moved into its winter home, it was given a service. Filters, coolant and oil were replaced. And before the Jetta was put into storage, I filled the fuel tank three-quarters full. Of course with E5 (98) petrol. This way the car could get back on the road fresh. Not for a moment did I have the idea that the Volkswagen had been in standby mode for more than three months, because the engine immediately picked up nicely. As if I had driven the Volkswagen every day during the MRB transitional arrangement.
It moves so easily with traffic, the Jetta. And at the same time you notice that there is a light-year difference compared to the coordination of real modern transport. It drives differently, it feels different. Quiet and familiar. And at the same time, I am amazed every time when you press the accelerator pedal at 100 kilometers per hour in the fourth and final gear. Then the engine with its 72 DIN horsepower is quite eager, and you can easily accelerate to 120/130 kilometers per hour. This is useful when overtaking. And it is nice to slowly lower the car back to a speed of 95 to 100 kilometers per hour.
Things are on the agenda. The bumpers must be permanently black, and we have now rolled out a plan for this. I am also considering installing a Blaupunkt DAB+ radio (in retro outfit). The old one is of course original, and was installed by EVAM in Vleuten before delivery. The Dinitrol company can soon look forward to some financial support (summer project). And I will also tackle the rims, or have them done. And there are a few more points. I am replacing the carburetor preheating, and the dashboard lighting controller must also be free of malfunctions, just like the high beam indicator.
But first enjoy. I take the Jetta out one or two days a week. For a short ride, for a commute. Whatever it may be: the Jetta will provide a lot of fun again. Maybe he will also go to Oerol on Terschelling. Or to a major music festival in Germany. We will see.
Bystanders are gradually recognizing his originality, his highly original state catches the eye. “You don't often see a Jetta like this from that time, and even in a two-door version.” In all modesty: that recognition and the smile are beautiful. “Back to basics, and he always does it. That's all you need." This statement also came up last week. Wonderful, right? And it is exactly that fact that made me buy this Volkswagen from Gerard Kramer Klassiekers in Wolvega last year. I was there like the chickens.
After hibernation I know why again. He's a hit. Right in the middle. You can like cars. Feeling a great love for it. The Jetta proves to me why that is the case. Because he is the way he is. Because he delivers what you expect from him. He needs no pretenses, but organically presents his self-confidence. He does what he promises you. He is completely reliable. And certainly the latter is no longer self-evident today - in all facets of life.
More Jetta? Read this article, among others.
"early days", when this Jetta was still just a golf with a butt, and not a classic, someone came to us who had the same model, but in light gray.
But even then it was a rare appearance on the streets of the Netherlands.
That sedan model has never been a complete success at Volkswagen (in this part of the world).
Nice Mk2 Jetta - yes, those EA827 engines had and generally have little work on the light car and the 1600 in "my" Golf CL from 1990 (it did have the trip meter and a clock where the rev counter is on the GL and higher) felt best at 140 in five. Wow, that car had to endure a lot as a lease car, but it held up well and according to the RDW it was only dismantled in 2010... that must have been quite a mileage because when I returned it in October 1993 it had over 160000 km on the odometer.
It could be that the Jetta has gray bumpers from the factory.
Also on my Golf 1 and they also have a Chrome trim.