With a driving experience, interior, and technology suite that gave owners a taste of the motoring high-life, the latest redesign of the VW Jetta hit Canadian roads in 2018 for the following model year.
Battling cars like the Chevy Cruze, Honda Civic, and Mazda 3, the new-for-2019 Jetta arrived as a small sedan with a big-car feel and tech, and a well-rounded driving experience that’s more upscale than its price led on.
Now riding on VW’s MQB architecture, the Jetta was roomier and stronger than its predecessor, and underwent a full array of tweaks and enhancements to help it deliver its most premium drive yet.
Owners and reviewers rate this machine highly for its driving dynamics, very spacious interior, good outward visibility, and a suite of features including a highly responsive touch-screen interface, available all-digital instrumentation, automatic lights and climate control, radar cruise, a Beats stereo system, and more.
Note that the 1.4 litre turbo four-cylinder is designed for mileage first, power second — with 147 horsepower, performance is adequate but rarely thrilling. It’s a very smooth and quiet engine that’s designed, beyond all else, to sip minimal fuel.
Check out the related links and stories for more reviews, news, specs, and other Volkswagen Jetta related information, and read on for 5 tips to help make sure you find the best used Jetta possible for your dollar.
2020 Volkswagen Jetta Execline Photo by Peter Bleakney /Driving
Tip 1: Transmission Noise
Some owners say the Jetta’s 8-speed automatic transmission can make unpleasant noises in certain driving conditions, including a metallic grinding, scraping, or rumbling sound. These sounds may be more apparent at low revs and in low-speed situations. On your test drive, quiet the Jetta’s cabin and accelerate at light to moderate throttle, at lower speeds, several times.
Be on the lookout for any unwanted sounds or feedback, which may seem to come from beneath your feet near the pedals. In some cases, owners report that a software update called 37L7 can be performed by dealers to address the issue, though unwanted noises and sensations from the Jetta’s transmission can be a sign of more serious trouble that could cost you money.
Test-driving shoppers are advised to pay close attention to the operation of the Jetta’s automatic transmission to avoid potential headaches, and to have the vehicle assessed professionally before their purchase if any concerns are noted.
Volkswagen Jetta vs Toyota Corolla Photo by Alex Reid /Driving
Tip 2: Recall Work
Like most cars, the Volkswagen Jetta was subject to a list of safety recalls which may or may not apply to the model you’re considering. One of these recalls involved a problem with rear suspension springs that could break, possibly slashing a nearby tire and causing a loss of control or an accident.
Recall work is performed free of charge by dealers to address latent safety defects. Some models are affected by recalls, and others are not.
Talk to a service advisor, or visit VW’s website, to see which (if any) recall work may be outstanding for the specific Jetta you’re considering.
2019 Volkswagen Jetta Execline Photo by Brian Harper /Driving
Tip 3: Modifications
Some Jetta owners have modified their cars with aftermarket engine, electronic, and suspension components to add more style, handling, and power; most have not. For decades, the Jetta has been a car popular among tuners and modifiers, millions of whom enjoy modified Jettas around the world on a daily basis.
Test-driving shoppers should note, however, that certain modifications can negatively affect ride quality, comfort, safety, and even the durability and longevity of the car’s powertrain — especially if the parts in question (or the quality of their installation) are sub-par.
Some modifications can cause damage and wear to vehicle parts and systems not covered by (or voiding) its warranty. For maximum peace of mind, the average used VW Jetta shopper should stick to a model that’s never been modified. If the used Jetta you’re considering has ever run non-factory engine parts or software, assume its remaining powertrain warranty is void.
2019 Volkswagen Jetta Execline Photo by Brian Harper /Driving
Tip 4: Trunk and Carpets
Plan to spend some time assessing the trunk of the used Jetta you’re considering. First, open the trunk from the remote, and confirm that the trunk lid opens fully. If that’s not the case, contact a dealer and ask about revised springs, which some owners have had installed as a fix to ensure the trunk opens fully at a button press, as intended.
Beneath the trunk floor, access the spare tire area, inspecting closely for signs of mould, moisture or standing water. Next, move throughout the Jetta’s cabin, checking all carpeted surfaces for signs of dampness or mildew.
Some owners have reported water leaks into the Jetta’s cabin, possibly caused by inadequate weather sealing; most have not. Buying a used Jetta with evidence of a water leak is not advised.
2019 Volkswagen Jetta Execline Photo by Brian Harper /Driving
Tip 5: Fluid Leaks and Oil Changes
Some owners have reported fluid leaks from their Jettas. Most have not.
A transmission leak gets a lot of discussion within the owner’s community, and may be caused by a faulty or poorly-installed seal. Most owners say this leak is easily detected and repaired, provided dealers have the required seals and parts in stock.
Other owners have complained of engine oil leaks, and other leaks associated with the transmission, engine and cooling system.
Though these problems are reported with relative rarity against total sales volumes, shoppers can protect themselves by having a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) performed as a final step before their purchase. This inspection can reveal numerous problems that could cost you money, and will spot engine oil and transmission fluid leaks in quick order.
Owners are also advised to check the Jetta’s engine oil after reading the proper procedure to do so in the owner’s manual. Monitor your Jetta’s oil level using this procedure regularly, topping off as needed. If the engine in your Jetta seems to be losing excessive amounts of oil between oil changes, report it to your local dealer for further investigation as soon as possible.
For best results, have oil changes completed at or before the recommended intervals, using only factory-approved oil and filters as outlined in the owner’s manual. Remember: the use of non-factory approved fluids and filters can be harmful to your engine, or its remaining warranty coverage.
2019 Volkswagen Jetta Execline Photo by Brian Harper /Driving
Final Thought
These tips are designed to help test-driving shoppers more easily identify possible trouble areas reported by some owners. An attentive test drive and shopping process that focuses on the areas above can help you find a first-class example of a second-hand Volkswagen Jetta.
Keyword: Used Guide: 2019+ Volkswagen Jetta