I Just Found the Worst New Car Ever Made

Summary

The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta offers aTranscript summary generation fun, zippy driving experience with its 1.4-liter turbo engine and 8-speed DSG transmission, but it comes with some significant caveats. While it’s an affordable choice with great fuel efficiency, the timing belt used in the engine could lead to expensive repairs if it fails. The car’s suspension is a bit lacking, especially in the rear, making for an uncomfortable ride over bumps. Despite these drawbacks, the Jetta is a solid, affordable option for those seeking a modern car with decent tech and performance, but buyers should be cautious about long-term maintenance costs.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta is a fun, zippy car to drive with a 1.4L turbocharged engine producing 147 horsepower.
• 🚗 The car’s handling is sharp, and it offers a smooth driving experience with its 8-speed DSG transmission.
• ⚙️ The Jetta has electronic power steering that is incredibly light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver.
• 💸 The base model of the Jetta starts at around $19,000, with the luxury edition priced at $28,000.
• 🔧 The Jetta uses a timing belt rather than a timing chain, which could lead to costly repairs if it fails.
• ⏳ The timing belt is claimed to be 'lifetime,' but it’s an interference engine, so if it breaks, it could ruin the engine.
• 🛠️ Replacing the timing belt is expensive, with labor costs often exceeding $1,000 due to the complexity of the engine.
• 🚗 The interior of the Jetta is sleek and modern, featuring a digital display and a convenient navigation system in the driver’s line of sight.
• ⚙️ The car has a smooth and quiet ride, but the rear suspension is not as refined as the front, especially when going over bumps.
• ⛽ The Jetta offers excellent fuel efficiency, making it great for long-distance drives without frequent refueling.
• 🔨 While the car is solid and fun to drive, long-term ownership could be costly due to the timing belt and potential repairs after the warranty expires.

Q & A

What is the engine type of the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta?

The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta features a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine with gasoline direct injection, producing 147 horsepower.

What are the differences between the base model and the luxury version of the Jetta?

The base model of the Jetta costs around $19,000 and is cheaper than the Toyota Corolla by about $700, while the luxury version is priced at $28,000. Both versions, however, share the same engine.

What is the transmission type in the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta?

The Jetta comes equipped with an 8-speed DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) transmission, which provides smooth gear shifts and better fuel efficiency.

What are the potential risks of the timing belt in the Jetta's engine?

The Jetta's 1.4-liter turbocharged engine uses a timing belt instead of a timing chain, which is generally a more complex and expensive repair. If the belt breaks on this interference engine, it could cause severe engine damage, potentially leading to the engine’s failure.

Why did Volkswagen switch from a timing chain to a timing belt in this engine?

Volkswagen switched to a timing belt in the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine because of past issues with timing chain failures in earlier models. However, the timing belt is still a costly repair if it breaks.

How much does it cost to replace the timing belt in the Jetta?

Replacing the timing belt in the Jetta is a labor-intensive process, with mechanics charging over $1,000 for the job, despite the belt itself costing around $183.

How does the 2020 Jetta compare in terms of handling and steering?

The 2020 Jetta has excellent handling, with particularly responsive and light electronic power steering. It is described as one of the easiest and most responsive cars to steer.

What are the pros and cons of the rear suspension in the Jetta?

The front suspension of the Jetta is praised for its good damping, while the rear suspension is criticized for being rough and clunky, especially when driving over speed bumps.

How does the Jetta perform in terms of fuel economy?

The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta is very fuel-efficient. The reviewer notes that after driving over 120 miles, the gas gauge barely moved, showing its exceptional fuel economy.

What is the durability of the Jetta's engine design for long-term ownership?

While the 1.4-liter turbo engine is fun to drive, the review expresses concern for long-term ownership, especially beyond the warranty period. The timing belt design raises questions about the engine’s durability over 100,000 miles, particularly for owners planning to keep the car for a long time.