Automotive Forums  Where Car Enthusiasts Go to Discuss Cars Online

Hey all,

I'm considering buying a 2002 Volkswagen Jetta Station Wagon as a second car for my wife to get around locally.  The car has 100,400 miles.  It is automatic transmission with a turbo engine (I don't know more than that at this point). The body and interior are in excellent shape with all electronics, including the AC, fully functional.

So here is the catch.  The seller informed me that the speed sensor needs to be changed, which is located within the transmission, requiring it to opened.  He told me that he got three estimates for the repair job, all priced between $300-$500.  The blue book value shows $5,000-$5,500 for the car.  The seller is asking $4,500.

So my questions are:

1. Is this something worth pursuing?  I know nothing about the durability of these cars (I've always owned Toyotas).
2. I am considering offering $3,000 (pretty low-ball, I know).  Any thoughts on this?  Is $4,500 what I should expect to pay?  He told he has had the car posted for sale for two months.  Is this a long time, and a potential sign to be concerned?

Thanks for any advice/input you can provide!!!  

Hello,
I think you should expect to pay between $4,000 and $4,500. $3,000 may be a little low. But also depends on how desperate the buyer is.
There is this company called King Autos that will get you a car from a dealer auction for a small fee. You just tell them what car you want (year, model, miles, etc) They will email you cars that you can get within your price range.
Not to discourage you from buying from this seller, but it's worth a shot.
Their website is currently down, but the # is 888-242-7234  

Hi,

My advice would be to RUN AS FAR AWAY FROM THAT CAR AS YOU CAN!!  I have owned a 2001 Volkwagen Jetta since 2003 and it has been nothing but heartache and wallet-ache.  I've had to replace the windows numerous times, the transmission has had bits of it breakdown, I've replace the O2 sensors with the possiblity of having to replace it again, random parts have fallen apart inside the car( armrest, lighter, cupholders, sound system goes in and out). My most recently found problem with volkswagen is that their oil dipsticks fall apart due to being made out of plastic (the covering) and located beside parts of the engine that get extremely hot.   The only thing that a Jetta has going for it is great handling and gas mileage.  I'm not the only one who has had these problems either.  I have numerous friends who had Jettas and were all too thrilled when they were able to get rid of them.  I paid 8,000 for my Jetta in 2003, since that time I have put between 2,000-3,000 in repairs ontop of regular maintenance.  And regular maintenance isn't cheap either. I have found that many places dont like to mess with volkswagens, even had one place not touch the oil pan at all.  So my overall recommendation would be to not buy the car.  It will run, but it may prove to be the biggest pain.  As far as the speed sensor needing to be replaced.. whenever the transmission has to be opened, the cost is bound to go very high.  Volkswagen has a unique (and frustrating) way of putting their cars together.  I dont know if I would trust his estimate of 300-500.. when I had to open my transmission, it cost me 1800.

Hope this was informative!