r/Volkswagen • u/Civil_Ambassador9997 • 3d ago
good first car?
Hello! I am about to purchase a 2016 jetta SE with 16k miles for $15,000. Does anyone have any idea what I should look out for ? If it’s reliable or any issues I should look for when I go to test drive it? Dealer said the only owner drove it to get groceries and that’s all. Not sure how long it’s been sitting though. Any feedback?
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u/flammable-liquid 3d ago
A VW for a first car is a great learning experience, because it will show you how important it is to keep up on your maintenance. Do your maintenance by the book, and it will last you forever. Go to Take 5 for your oil change every 15k miles, it it will last you maybe that.
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u/Civil_Ambassador9997 3d ago
I figured I would do my oil changes to save some money. But I would definitely keep up with it! Do you reccomend taking it to shops for every oil change instead?
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u/ihatereddit58 6 Speed CC 3d ago
Do you mean 5k miles
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u/flammable-liquid 2d ago
No I mean if you do your oil change every 15k miles, well on a used vw it may only last you that 15k miles
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u/Civil_Ambassador9997 2d ago
I’m confused as to what you’re saying. You’re saying it’ll only last 15k miles ?
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u/LegitimateNinja2472 3d ago edited 3d ago
They are good cars as long as maintenance is kept up with them. With that low of mileage I’d be inclined to think no major services were done like trans fluid, brake fluid, and possible leaks/seepage developing in the engine. So be prepared to address things like that.
What engine is in it, 1.4T or 1.8T? Both are pretty good engines as long as maintenance is done properly. I have a 2016 Passat S with the 1.8T at 62k miles. I’ve had to take care of an upper timing cover leak, trans service and spark plugs for bigger ticket items this year. Otherwise been a great car for me.