Top 5 Most Reliable VW Models 

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Just bought a Jetta 2.5. I think it’s the last generation when Vw didn’t cut corners. Fit and finish is outstanding and it’s certainly a tank. Loving it

Had a '09 Sportwagon 2.5 stick. Ran it for 8 years changed the oil, plugs and filters when needed. When I traded it, it had 204,000 miles and still pulled like a mule. Great motor! That car was a tough little bastard...

The most reliable VW engine of all times is 1.6D non-turbo 54hp, engine code JP. VW Construction Year: 1983-1991

Glad to see the Mk4 ALH on the list. I have 230k on mine and the engine is still going strong. Also, despite putting down automatics, the transmission is rock solid.

Please modify the title to TOP 5 MOST RELIABLE VW JETTA's. Its misleading.

440,000 miles on my 2000 jetta tdi!

#1 is spot on. I've owned so many now and a properly maintained ABA is simple to maintain, super reliable, get great mileage and parts are pennies. A short ratio 16v trans makes a world of difference in a mk3 too.

I've have the same 2.5 engine that is in my 2007 New Beetle. When I bought the car new I was a bit iffy with the engine and originally I wanted the 1.8t, but it was discontinued after 2005. I'm glad that I got the 2.5 because I heard so many issues with the 1.8t. My beetle only has 33,000 low miles from when I bought new with only 12 miles. I love my 2.5

Not surprised, remember the MK3 2.0 came with the 10yr /100K warranty, even the second owner got 5yr/50K. I had the '96 MK3 Jetta GLs 2.0, the first things to break was the locking system. First the key tumbler that was recalled followed by the vacuum operation of the locks. This design was a nightmare. Next were window regulators, but to the engines credit I had the coil go out at 150K miles, and I replaced the clutch at 175K. Timing belt was a breeze to do yourself as well. It was a great car....until I cartwheeled it, yes a sideways full 2 flips. I was unhurt except for some bruising, and the engine never stopped I had to turn it off.

2.slow getting some love! I had the AEG 2.0 and rebuilt it for my aunt, it never left met stranded. I now have a CBTA 2.5 jetta and I really enjoy it.

Have an ABA swap in my 82 rabbit pickup it sure brought some life to that old diesel truck. It’s a blast to drive gets 32 MPG 🙂🙂🙂

My Mk3 Jetta 2.0 Has been stupid reliable. Stupid easy to work on. And yes. Very slow. But thats fine as long as I have something to have some fun in

Have a 2.5 vw jetta with 341,000!

Had a 95 Golf III sport as my first car. Had it forever was slow but very reliable and fun to drive. Eventually upgraded cam, chipped the ECU, exhaust and intake 02A trans. planned to swap a 16v head never did. Had over 300k on it before I gave it away. Toward the end I was not easy on the car. even snapped timing belt, no damage to the engine. Simple, slow, strong, reliable, EASY to work on and maintain engine. Writing this makes me realize how good that car was.

I loved my 2004 Jetta wagon GLS has 2.slow engine with 5-sp manual. So easy to fix on most regular maintenance yourself. Anything else require to jack up the vehicle to fix like brakes/timing belt/cooling system. I would go to any local VW garage to get it done with fraction of the cost. Because of its wagon, it carries a lot of stuff. It helps me move 4 times in the last 6 yrs since I own it. It seats 5 adult but very tight space at the back. Good on gas, it has 179,000km on it. So reliable.

My 2002 VW Golf TDI has an auto transmission and has over 500,000 miles on it. The only problems I have had was with the EGR valve and carbon.

love my 94 golf. 300,000 miles and burns no oil

I'm not surprised at all that my common rail TDI didn't make the list. But I think they are one of the most long lasting engines VW has ever made, once repaired. They have fewer common problems than the previous 1.9 TDI's such as coking up, bad camshafts, VNT actuators, etc. However the common problem they do have is very expensive, with the HPFP failures. But those are rare.

Just bought my first VW

The powertrain of the MK3 2.0 8v is super solid, and despite its reputation for being slow, it does make a killer sound with a muffler delete. A lot of electrical and fuel related components tend to fail, but are easy to replace.

VW's are great cars. You must maintain them properly. There is no 20 oil change for a Volkswagen not if you want longevity. Mahle filter and some Liqi Moly (no not Mobil 1) goes a long way to keeping it running properly. Changing out your fluids on time and according to the maintenance requirements with the correct fluids. Timing belt changes at 65-75k miles! These are NOT ford's or Buick's just because they are similar in pricing. It's still the German experience just at a lower entry price point! Great cars!

I've owned both the 2.0 ABA and 2.5L and agree they are both solid engines. 2.0 is a non-interference engine so like mentioned if timing belt jumps or breaks the piston won't slam the valves. The only issue I remember having is the distributor getting moisture in it which caused some misfiring. Ignoring the rusting issues from PA rust belt the motor did well for 100,000+ miles of driving when I owned it (sold it at 237,000). 2.5L I have about 70,000 miles of ownership miles and have only needed to change plugs for preventative maintenance and clean the MAP sensor due to oil residue. COPs are said to be a common issue but haven't encountered it yet.

I love my mk 4 bora tdi 200,000 miles on . I've done trouble free 100,000 miles . Great engine. Servicing is the answer. Every 10,000 miles change oil . And a cam belt ( timing belt ) water pump every 70 ,000 miles . And I have no rust .

I had a MK5 Jetta 2.5 with 485,000km on it, small oil consumption but solid engine... then I hit a deer :( Even had OEM coils on it!

My mk4 2.0 is at 230k and still starts and goes whenever needed, same with my mk5 2.5l, same reliability as the 2.0 but with much more power

In Europe we prefere the 1.9 TDI engine (mk lV / V)

My Mk5 GTI was not the most reliable car I've ever had, but it is the most refined and fun car I've ever owned. 2007 with 160K miles.

I still have my 98 vw jetta with 2.0l and it has been a champion for many years it just hit 190k miles and only thing i ever had to change was clutch cable and clutch and breaks and a few other minor parts. But other than that its still a great car. So good choice on making it #1 on list

I bought a MK5 Jetta 2.5 for $500 5 years ago. I put 110,000 Kms on it and still driving it today with a total of 320,000 Kms, what a great car!. In fact, I like it so much that I bought a MK6 2.0 just a few days ago.

I have 2013 2.5L 5speed Passat , over 160k miles and zero issues , not even check engine light ever !

I have a 1993 1.8 ABS 8V.....280k km but still running good. thank you

I had a mk6 jetta 2.0 and that motor was crazy reliable ! The only things i purchased for that car was oil, 1 coilpack and sparkplug wires set and swaybar link. The only real drawbacks of that car was the engine power and the super bad sound system. The best things about it was its reliability, fuel economy and storage space.

I have a 01 Jetta Mk4 2.0 with 276,000 miles and keep moving as new... My Tonka car... VW all the way!!!👉💪👈

97 Jetta here. Indestructible 2.0. Love it.

I own a Vw Golf mk2 it's just perfect with my own customizing And tuning . You can't stop this car of you know how to fix it will never need a garage .

I got 2000 Golf 2.0 manual with 140000 miles, most solid car I've ever owned except maybe my 88 MB 190e.

I have a 08 beetle with a 2.5 and 5 Speed Manual. Got it with 200k kms. So far its been super reliable. Only issue i have is the horrible gas mileage.

I have a 2017 GTI with 14k miles. It will be interesting to see how it holds up over time but I must say it feels incredibly well made.

My MK4 Jetta 2.0 is at 140K miles and going strong.

Bought a new jetta gl in 1986 1.8L gas with a manual transmission. Scrapped it with 750000 kms on the same motor 15 years later which ran perfect as well as the transmission. Never once added a litre of oil to it. Used 10w30 in winter and 20w50 in summer just like manual stated. Manual also recommended oil change at 15000 kms but I changed it at 10000 kms. The last five years I stopped changing oil hoping motor would die and Would check oil once a year which always showed full. Thetes was barely any rust on it. The 1986 jetta with the 1.8 L was by far the best car I ever owned.

My 2000 VW Passat with the 1.8L Turbo gas engine is still going strong. Now over 200,000 km and almost 22 years old. This engine is solid. My VW specialist mechanic is recommending I stay away from any modern VW turbos, and instead look for the non-turbo 2.5L gas motor, used in the Golf up to 2013.

my dad has a golf mk4 1.9 tdi caravan and it runs like a champ my dad and also I drive it at 3 to 4k rpm most of the time and it still holds on strong it has 320k km around 200k miles

Your opinion on the 24v VR6 engine (in my 2003 MK4 GTI)? I've had the car for 15 years now, and have had no issues whatsoever. Then again, I only have 81K miles on it. Change the oil at the dealership once a year (Castrol synthetic). This engine keeps purring and puts a smile on my face! Love the 6-speed manual!

Came from Humble Mechanic RU-vid Channel.

that 1.9tdi engine i drive 2.3 milion kilometers, still runs on first touch on ignition (it lost some horses but still runs). Only thing is regular oil change and timing belt. They got problem with bosh pump electro ventil (fixed with direct connecting to position light works last 15 years without replacing it), and pipe from intercooler to turbo (fixed by duck tape and driving over 10 years like that). In 20 years as owner, it never left me on side of road. And fuel consumption is 4.4L/km open road, city 6.6L/km (on tank 75L +-5L i do 1.700km). looking to buy new car, and there is no more 1.9tdi :(

I got a 2010 Jetta 2.5 and it’s been very solid since I bought a last year. I have made plenty of road trips and I have an hour commute to work and it gets me where I need to go and I can have some fun as well

YES!!!! I had a 98 2.0 Jetta Manual. By far the most reliable VW Ive ever had. And Mom has a 5Cyl manual MK5 Jetta! Im not sure why the 2.5 gets such a bad rep. I think its a blast and reminds me of my early VR6 corrado in feel and sound

I had a Skoda Octavia 2.0 8V (Golf IV platform). The engine was comfortable to drive, but took a lot of oil. I believe it was the AZJ engine. Now an Audi A6 4B 3.0 V6 on LPG.

Enjoyed the video. My wife is still enjoying her 02 VR6.

but you never mention the 2.0 TDI 138BHP ENGINE IS PERFECT AND IN MY EXPERIENCE IS THE BEST ENGINE , ITS NEVER MISSED A BEAT, A GREAT ENGINE .....

Those 2.5L VWs can run for years!!! My family have one, and we had it since 2012. Bought it used with 33k miles. Im a young, new driver and inherited the car around 116k miles Unfortunately my ‘09 2.5L SE is a automatic with 121k miles on it. I plan to drive it until the wheels fall off. I’m curious, how long can it last with a automatic with my model?

Got an automatic 99’ vw cabrio and I love her

Love my mk4 TDI. Got a stage 1 upgrade. A whopping 150 hp lmao

2008 VW Rabbit. 2nd owner with 265K and no major issues every. Tires and brakes. 2.5 five cyclinder kills the reliability of my 99 Vw beetle and the added performance is amazing.

Man I seen the cleanest fucking Corrado today... I almost crashed my semi because it broke my neck. Never see corrado's in central Canada.

Love the 2.5 Rabbit but my manual transmission is failing for the second time at 119,000 Miles. It starts with a squeak in the clutch pedal, then it is hard then easy to push in. Crappy plastic part and crappy spring for a very expensive fix. I am so sad. Dealer doesn’t want to know me. Driven manual transmission for years. Never had this kind of lousy failure. But I really loved this car.

I bought my mk3 Jetta, 2.0 with a 5 sp, new in 1995. My first issue was in intermittent miss leading to an occasional stall while at idle. My dealer, obviously unable to diagnose, replaced the idle air motor, mass airflow sensor, and the ECU. It wasn't until I took it in for the A/C not working, that they replaced the coil wire, through a recall, that the miss was finally fixed. Then, 3 months into ownership, I heard a ticking noise while coasting in 5th gear. My dealer told me that it was a chipped tooth on the final drive. They "replaced" the gears and all seemed well. While returning home from a weekend visit, with the family, we were traveling at 55 mph, when the car jerked hard and instantly let out a smell of gear lube. I called VW roadside assistance and was told there were only two dealers that the car could go to, the one I bought it from and one 35 minutes north of my location. So, I left my wife and kids at her mom's, and rode with the tow truck an hour and a half home, dropped the car at the dealership, and drove my other car back to pick up my family and take them home. That's 5 hours of driving, on top of the wait for the truck to begin with, before crawling into bed at 2:30a.m and bring at work at 7! I get a call from the dealer, two days later, and was told that the final drive, the one that they had just replaced, exploded and broke through the housing and saturated the clutch disk. They then told me that they ordered a new trans from Germany and VW doesn't cover rentals. I blew a gasket! After giving them an earful for "fixing" my car so well, previously, that they paid for a rental. My A/C never worked, from the first time I tried using it. Come to find out, a rock got jammed between the condenser and the center support for the lower fascia and put a hole in it. My MK5 Jetta, 2.5 with a 5 speed, has been the epitome of reliable. I had a mil light for secondary air, under warranty, and that's it. I have 97k on it, driven it through 3 sets of tires, replaced pads, rotors, and rear calipers. The 6 disc CD changer crapped out, a common problem, and the Sat radio never worked, giving me an antenna code. I've driven from WI to GA and back, used it to Uber in Milwaukee, and drove it back and forth between WI and MI many times. I wouldn't hesitate to drive it anywhere.

i own the sdi(its like tdi without turbo) ...im hitting 190 000 miles . and still runs like new... absolutely most realible diesels along old mercedes.

My 1967 beetle. Never had an issue with the radiator, electronics, or automatic transmission.

man working in the shop at VW for the past year made me know everything you were going to say before you said it.. tdi customers never say no to anything maintenance related because they love their cars.. 2.5 motors; only problem ive ever seen is the vacuum pump leaking. as a matter of fact ive even had two different 2.5 Jettas get driven in by a customer that received service at an independent shop. the customer complained about heavy oil leaks in their drive ways lol they straight up drove in with no drain plugs, and no oil in the pan. after getting new drain plugs and torqued to spec They were still running with no knocks. Just topped off, test drove them and they ran great. vehicles with the 2.0 could literally be falling apart maintenance wise.. torn cv boots, busted struts, leaking rear main, etc etc and the car still runs like a champ. i think Vws are just mis-judged by their reputation on CELs constantly coming on but i rather have a CEL on for a sensitive sensor than a car just fail because it gave no warning. i love my 2016 mk7 its the best car ive owned so far. side note do you plan on doing a walk around on your mk7 anytime soon?

I had a Polo with the MK 4 Jetta engine I think. Super reliable. Had it for 12 years. 170 000km. Stolen a month ago in Johannesburg South Africa. Even the thieves love it. 😭😭. Not a day's trouble. Miss my baby

Nah Mk5 Golf 1.9 TDi 105hp is the most reliable car in the world🔥

ur right about #1 choice I had one for years and I don't even remember having a c.e.l. I had a neuspeed chip,1.5" drop,short shifter,wings west spoiler and some music,lots of music,boy I missed that car.i just might get me another lol

1995 vw Cabrio after hit the 300,000 Miles reset to zero now 27,000 and running strong great car one of the easiest car to work on

2013 Passat 2.5L I love this car. That engine feels different then any other car I've driven

I have a 2003 Jetta TDI 5 speed (MK4 ALH). I bought it new and it now has 140K+. 4 issues. Glow plugs burn out once a year. Not VW problem, that's the glow plugs. The temprature gauge stopped working consistently at about 40 or 50K. It's a common issue on most MK4 models regardless of the engine. The sending units are faulty. One minor issue is shut off valve on the EGR can stick in the closed position causing the engine not to start. It either needs to be cleaned, replaced or you need to get out and manualy open it. Not that big of a problem to me. The other problem and this is a big one, around 90K my intake was clogged with soot from the exhaust and needed to be cleaned out. There was little more than a pencil thin hole for air to get into the manifold and I could barely maintain highway speeds. Cleaned the manifold and good as new. Other than those issues, my Mk4 TDI has given me no trouble and I think is a very very reliable vehicle.

Had 3 different mk3 Jettas. All bulletproof, I worked those cars for all they had and not once did they ever leave me stranded broken down. Many parts I fixed myself in routine maintenance fairly simply. Now looking to get a 2013 2.5 golf hope my experience is just as good.

Oh yeah baby got a 2.0 golf mk4 270,000 kms 5 speed manual soliddddddddd running sweet and I got the diesal transmission swap in so the rpms are lowered on the highway

2012 Golf 5-cylinder 2.5L MT: 241,570 miles. That's 3000 miles past the moon 🌙

Late 70 early 80 non turbo diesel. 30 hp of screaming fury. My buddy has one with north of 600,000 miles. All he’s done is a injection pump reseal/rebuild and injector rebuild.

Generally the more the engine is being maintained the more reliable it should be. Of course with the risk of being wrong, I'd say: 2.5, 1.9 TDI and 1.8T.

Mk5 2.5 owner great car , better than the 2.0 for torque just enough to still be fun and not a slug

I have a 09' golf/rabbit 1.9tdi estate/station wagon here in the UK. it hasn't let me down in 2 years and it's old now, 10 years nearly.. it's the bxe 8V version I've been told they're good for 500,000 miles with regular services and common sense applied.

1.9sdi and 1.9tdi 66kw and 81kw. Just replace timing belt every 90 000km and these cars run forever. Here in the Czech Republic there are taxis with over a 1 million kms.

i have owned lots of diff vw!!! and not sure how or what you are refering as reliability!!!! but most will agree with me that the vr6 should had made its way to that top 5!!!! yes thirsty engine!!! and can be expensive on the break down!!!! but as far as maintenance vr6 engines have tooken nothing from me except coils once in a lifetime and chains!!!! once in a lifetime bulletproof!!!!!

Thank you! I just had to search a little more and found the answers I was looking for. Glad I subscribed and I am planning on making my way back to the VW family. This made me mis my MKIII Jetta Wolfsburg.

my 2007 MK5 GLI TFSI 180k still running like a champ!

i wish you included the PICTURES, and year of whatever volkswagen you were talking about.

The only issue I have had with my 2011 Jetta and my 2020 Jetta is the battery. Jetta batteries do not do well in hot climates. I live in central Florida and my experience with two different Jetta’s is the batteries are good for only two and a half years. Hot weather is actually harder on car batteries than cold weather.

I have a POLO 1.4 2001 and 300000km. And not a single breakdown...Not even a flat tire...

Mk6 Golf 2.5L 😍

I'm kinda surprised the 1.8t didn't make this list.

Dad has a 2010 golf 6 with 2.0 TDI and 140 horsepower

I'm happy my 1.8t made it to 250k before I sold it. I did no major work to it at all. Just routine maintenance

i live in the uk I own a mk4 golf 1.6 16v azd engine 5 speed not a bad car not fast by any means but drives nice and has 108,500 miles and not much has gone wrong just exhaust needed replaced and sub frame bushes but that's mainly due to the wet weather corroding rubbers and exhaust not much rust underneath and perfect underbody and exterior and interior has held together everything works as it should would recommend a mk4 golf/bora/jetta but get them with the pd130 engine its stronger and better pace then 1.6/1.8 (not including the turbo 1.8)

Really glad to hear that my MK5 2.5L Jetta is on this list; I just got it from someone who obviously didn't take care of it and it's practically falling apart lol

can't disagree about the mk3. i loved that car for its ease of maintenance and bomb proof reliability. only issue was the crappy plastic coil pack. and if not for the rust issues, I would still have one.

My ‘97 Jetta trek was bulletproof. Until it was rear ended.

Really useful info. Thanks for another great video!

I sold my really reliable 2008 BMW 528i Ive owned for 10 years for a 2012 VW Jetta Base 2.slow and I’m happy because it’s super easy to maintain and so far in the last 8 months owning it, no issues. With my BMW, I was always worried about the next fix, what would it be, how much would it cost. VW, no problem, I can afford it..lol

Loved the videos. And will continue to watch. I do have a question as to why the Passat missed the cut. Also does your videos not cover the Passat platform?

Had the exact thing with the timing belt happen to me in my 2.0 haha. Always had a timing chain vehicle, so the MK4 kinda threw me for surprise when it snapped. $500 later and she was back up and running, too bad they have sooooo many damn electrical issues!

2002 1.8 T, 230,000 miles and going strong, Engine or transmission have never needed work. was my first car and I beat the hell out of it for a few years. Still on original clutch too

The Golf 3 1,8 L engine is also extremly relaible and easy to maintain. Overall the Mark 3 is one of the most relaible VW's of all time. Sadly the car body is not as good galvanized as the Golf 2 and is more likely to rust but the engine is superb and the parts are really cheap. We drive an Golf 3 convertible with the 75 hp 1,8 L petrol engine and even the electronic works absolutely fine after 20 years, even the electric-roof. The biggest problem is the bleached out paint.

Most reliable is the Jetta 2 1.8 clx carburettor.. 1986 my dad has had it since, I drive it now

I just bought a 2003 golf, good to know ! Thank you!!

got a 2007 vw jetta 2.0 tdi.been great 6 speed dsg,no problems.done 230 k.maybe 7 speed dsg the problem.

I have a vw 2.0 8v bsx engine and i upgraded a few things to performance aftermarket parts. Its not so powerfull but with the engine mods the car is just fast enough to give it some funfactor. And the reliability is amazing! I got the car at 85k km's and i still drive it now at 165k km's and i have driving the shit out of it. And it still runs well without any powerloss. The only part i had to replace was an ignition coil last month. The only weak spot that i find are the cv joints which will need replacement for the third time soon..

aba's also have forged internals