VW

• 2002 Volkswagen Jetta

VW

VW questions and answers

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Q: What was the first year that VW Bugs came with 3 point seat belts?
And I don't really mean as just a factory option. I want to find a VW Bug, but want one with 3 point seat belts. Figure if I just look at that year and newer I will find what I'm looking for a bit easier.

A: 1968,they also came with the high back seat.

Q: How long does it take for a VW golf Diesel engine to warm up?
On a VW golf 1.9 TDi. I wanted to know how long would it take for the diesel engine to warm up and be good to drive. I've heard it could take about 10 mins for the temp level to hit the middle mark. Some have stated you just wait idle for about a 1 min and then drive off until the temp hits the middle.

A: Letting the engine warm up is a waste of fuel; todays engines are designed to be driven right off the start, by doing this engine will come up to temperature faster than letting it idle. Making the engine work will warm up the engine much faster, save fuel and reduce emissions than letting it idle to try and reach normal temperature. I do agree it will take about 10 minutes or so of driving to bring the engine up to normal temperature or so; for best performance and longest life of the turbo and the motor, its best that other than light acceleration not be done until the engine is near normal temperature. From a cold dead start, it would take nearly 20 minutes or so at idle to come to the normal temp; driving the vehicle will cut the time by at least 50%, so that's how you save fuel and remember that at idle the vehicle is still putting out emissions, but going no where... So, I recommend just driving off as soon as you started the vehicle. Don't accelerate hard until the engine has at least gotten off the cold mark (if possible) and you'll find this is the best compromise between warm up time, fuel savings, longest life of the turbo and motor, and lower emissions. Hope this helps, a car nut.

Q: What is the difference between a regular VW Jetta and a Wolfsburg edition?
Looking into a 2003 VW Jetta Wolfsburg. What's the difference?

A: This was a special market model that followed a long line of previous one year models, created by the marketing people at VW USA to try and expand sales in any manner that they can. Previously, VW has had the Trek edition, other Wolfsburg editions and even lately, the California edition VW Jetta... In 2003, the Wolfsburg Jetta slotted in between the GL & GLS editions: had limited options, fairly well loaded for the price and even had a couple things not found in the GLS edition; sport front seats and 16" special wheels where part of the package. (GLS had 15" alloys as standard, but did have optional 17" wheels, but no sport seats ) So, you got the power package of the GLS, (windows, mirrors etc.) am/fm/cd/casette player, trunk net, etc. But, no power sunroof, no optional leather seating or leather wrapped steering wheel, which were the big differences, besides engines: the Wolfsburg had only the 1.8 turbo motor, the GLS had either the 2.0 liter NON turbo four or the 1.8 turbo motor. If you don't care about leather or sunroof or having the 1.8 turbo motor, then go for it. Its priced less than a GLS model, then and now and can be a good value used. Personally, the 1.8 motor has been a hot bed of problems if its not cared for correctly; USE THE CORRECT OIL! (special VW approved synthenic oil), run on premium fuel (Its required, NOT just recommended) and has had a history of sludge build up... The 2.0 NON turbo motor is weak, has so-so fuel economy, has a history of high oil consumption (1000 miles per quart of oil is not uncommon), but is long lived and very durable if the oil level is paid attention to. In addition, the 2.0 NON turbo motor is the cheapest to maintain; NO special oil, regular gas and cheaper parts. Hope this helps, a car nut.

Q: How much to replace wheels and tires on 2000 VW Golf?
I am looking at buying a used 2000 VW Golf, but the tires are more or less shot. They also have been modified to be low profile, and would like just basic wheels. How much would it cost for four new wheels, and four new tires, the cheapest base models?

A: www.tirerack.com and order yourself 15" wheels with 195/65r15 tires. You can also check www.vwvortex.com in the MK4 classifieds & 5x100 Wheel classifieds for used factory 15" wheels.

Q: What would be an original personalized license plate for a VW Beetle?
I am 16 on Sunday and my parents want to know what I want to put on my license plate and I am getting a VW Beetle. Any ideas?

A: MYFAST thats the original for ALL volkswagen.

Q: What is the yellow goo leaking from the doors on my 2000 VW Jetta?
When it gets hot outside, yellow grease starts leaking from the doors. I know other VW owners have the same problem because I have found complaints about it online, and I have seen other Jettas with the goo, but I can't seem to find any info on it. Anyone out there know what it is?

A: It is wax; its used to prevent rust and reduce noise. In the "old days" they used to put undercoating material in the doors and under the body to reduce noise and resist rust. Because of european rules redgarding hazardous materials, VW and other manufacturers use a wax bassed material to reduce noise and resist rust. They spray a lot of it into body cavities and inside the doors and other places and when it gets hot, it starts to "melt" or run and drip a bit. Its normal and eventually, the excess will "drip" away and not be a problem any longer. Just remove the excess and don't worry about it. Hope this helps, a car nut.

Q: How much is it going to cost to reseal my VW Citi Golf?
I have a 2001 vw citi golf. The problem is that whenever it rains, it leaks. EVERYWHERE! The windscreen, the windows, the door panels, even by the lighter output. Can anybody give me an estimate as to hom much its going to cost to seal everything?

A: 2001 Citi Golf? Where do you live? In SA? If you are in Cape Town, which I doubt cos it hasn't rained here for a while, then give me a shout.. But the windscreen is unlikely to be the main cause for the leak, although it could be a contributor.. I would want to see the car first so I would say get it to a good, reliable, honest mechanic. He should have it sealed in no time.. hedley.suckow@gmail.com

Q: How much does it cost to replace wheel bearings on a VW Golf?
I have a 98 VW Golf GTI VR6 and the FR wheel bearing is going bad. On long sweeping left turns it makes a really low rumbling sound. I called Midas and they said that it would cost about $575 to fix, that seemed over priced so I want to get an idea of how much it should cost.

A: Been a while since I worked on a vehicle that small as I work on trucks now but an old rule of thumb. If the bearing is less than 50 dollars it will be real expensive to install (pressed in). If the bearing is over 120 dollars it will probably bolt in easily. Check online at the local auto parts stores for your area and price the bearing first and that will get you pointed in the right direction They will get you coming or going.

Q: How difficult is replacing a VW clutch?
I've got a '90 VW Cabriolet with a clutch that has started slipping. I have access to a DIY shop with hydraulic lifts and every tool I'd ever need, but is this type of thing really worth doing myself to save a few hundred bucks?

A: This is a difficult job on any car. You really need to know what you are doing. But you can learn; just buy the book. Is it worth doing yourself?? Depends on how much you like to do this kind of stuff. I like working on cars myself. But if you don't, you probably won't like doing this one. As it is a big job. Stick with easier stuff first.

Q: How much did the classic VW beetles manufactured in Mexico sell for?
They recently quit manufacturing the old classic VW bugs that were made in Mexico.. does anyone know what they were charging for them in American dollars at the time?

A: during the production up until 2003 they were going for about $7,000. back in 1967 when they were manufactured in Germany they were priced at $1,640 new. thats about $10,521 today.

Q: How much do you think my VW Bug is worth?
I am planning to sell my 2000 New VW Beetle. It has 82,000 miles and is in fair condition. Some scratches but still runs reasonable well. It's automatic and has all up-graded features. Leather seats, seat warmer, sun/moon roof, ABS, etc.

A: In fair condition as a trade in value- $4900 To sell privately- $6300

Q: What specifically does the red BRAKE warning light mean in a 2002 VW Cabrio?
I don't have a manual for my 2002 VW Cabrio. The brake warning light just came on - The word BRAKE in red capital letters. Is this a brake fluid problem, a sensor problem, etc.? The parking brake isn't on, and it drives and brakes fine. Just had my brake pads changed in March of '08, so that shouldn't be the problem.

A: Brake warning lights come on when you are low on fluid. Also, in some vehicle them come on for a few seconds when the vehicle is started. It could also be a sensor problem. I would take it to a shop, and they will be able to plug into the computer and read what the computer says is wrong.

Q: How old do you have to be to get insurance for a VW camper?
I am thinking about going on a trip with my girlfriend and was wondering whether I would be able to get insurance for a VW camper at 17 and has anyone got the name of a company that they know will insure a 17 year old for one?

A: if you're old enough to purchase a vehicle, then you can (must) get insurance. of course, the younger you are, the more it costs... Normally, if you are under 18 any company will normally require a parent or guardian to sign with you on any purchase agreement or contract. Technically, a minor cannot legally enter into a contract...

Q: Is it possible to switch a VW Beetle (Old) from manual to automatic? How much would it cost?
I want to buy a VW Beetle, one of the ones from the late 60s and early 70s but I am a little worried about driving an automatic car. If it is possible I still don't think I would be able to pay a fortune to have it switched. Thanks

A: Tehnically, it is possible...so you could...but it would require enough custom work that Bill Gates would have to work out a payment play.

Q: What is the biggest engine I can fit into my '58 VW Type 1 without destroying the body?
I have a '58 VW Ragtop that I would like to turn into a fast little number, not really a dragster or anything crazy, but just something that would give a newer sports car a run for their money I don't want to have to cut the body or anything like that because it just seems like a shame.

A: best way is to build up a 1600 into something larger. a properly tuned 1915cc will run laps around a new tuner. i wouldnt go for an engine swap when you can build a fast reliable air cooled for a lot less money and get the same or more power from it.