Never, ever by a VW 4 speed automatic. The 3 speed and 5 speeds are ok (well the 5 speeds aren't actually made by VW...)

I'm gunna disagree with Hatterasguy, the Mk3 Jettas were one of VWs finest models. Like the refinement from the W116 to the W126, the Mk3 Jetta is an improvement on the Mk2 from 1985. The main problems with them are the automatics (The 1993-early1997 ones are good for 60,000 miles, the later ones are good for 120,000), wires going to the doors breaking, rear springs wearing out, and rust rust rust. I don't think the mexican built cars got the same quality steel as the German built ones, so if it's been exposed to a lot of salt give the underside and thorough look over. On the 2.0 manual transmission cars the rubber bushings on the shifter linkage tend to wear out, the power window regulators like to go off track a lot too.

The 2.0 ABA with the 020 5 speed manual is a hard combo to beat for a daily driver. The availability of a computer interface to work with the engine and airbag computer is a huge plus. As others noted the cars are really built like legos, and parts are easy to swap around, the only exception I can think of is installing euro headlights which takes a little doing because the core support is a little different on the US models.

-Jason

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1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.