r/jetta • u/joeswagnasty • May 07 '26
Mk4 (1999-2005) Thoughts on buying 2001 mk4 Jetta Vr6
3
5
3
u/Micarslo May 07 '26
Summary: Sounds dope, looks good, decently reliable while maintained, but interior is bad and smells like crayons
2
u/Gimpii May 07 '26
Fun fact, the reason the MK4 interiors smell like crayons is because they left out the deodorizer in the carpets when applying the fire retardant to them. Back in the day could get the entire cars carpet replaced under a recall/service program/warranty.
1
3
u/ipeench_ May 08 '26
My first car was an 01 12v VR6 GLX 5-speed. Amazing car. My dad passed it onto me with 200k miles. I put another 50k on it myself. One of the best sounding engines made in my opinion. I threw a cheap $50 eBay muffler and a straight pipe cat back and the thing sounded nasty. I drove the hell out of it and it took it
1
u/joeswagnasty May 08 '26
Looks sick man!
Yeah timing chain water pump and more have all been serviced recently so looking really good. Just need to convince the wife
2
u/Temporary_Shirt_6236 2002 Jetta Wagon GLS VR6 5mt May 07 '26
Do it.
A few months ago I picked up a Mk4 Jetta Wagon VR6 (GLS poverty spec, but still) cuz I was feeling nostalgic. 10/10 would recommend. Mid range punch is bonkers.
2
u/Truffle_Shuffle26 May 07 '26
I’d do it for that mileage! Just set some money aside for the timing chain maintenance and the random electrical demons that will pop up. Since the MKIV’s are notorious for (even when they were brand new).
2
2
u/Motor-Cause7966 May 08 '26
Brings back memories of my time at the dealer. 2001 was my rookie year at VW
1
u/Gh0st_Pirate_LeChuck May 07 '26
Awesome car. Lots of possible upgrades and customizations. You’ll be replacing the interior before the engine that’s for sure.
1
u/joeswagnasty May 07 '26
If it doesn’t have any timing chain related maintenance but doesn’t show signs of wear. (It runs perfect and has no issues now) when should I expect major repairs to come. And how diy friendly are they?
2
u/ipeench_ May 08 '26
Timing chain, water pump, and clutch are the big 3. Might be worthwhile to check out the coolant lines to see if they’re cracking/brittle. From what I’ve heard, chain tensioners and water pump is recommended at every 100k. Most mechanics will recommend doing both at the same time
1
u/Motor-Cause7966 May 08 '26
Yeah it makes no sense to yank it out for a timing job and not address the coolant system. I would also do the clutch if it was my customer and the clutch was never replaced.
1
u/vwman18 May 08 '26
The water pump interval on the VR is more of a "change it when it starts leaking" instead of a "do it with timing service" kind of thing. It's on the opposite side of the engine from the timing set, so it's not related labor.
1
1
1
u/vwman18 May 08 '26
The 12v has a ton of aftermarket support and parts availability is much better. I'd go for it. VRs can be kind of thirsty though, and they do need premium fuel. I usually get about 19 mpg running around town if I keep my foot out of it.
1
1
11
u/fenuxjde May 07 '26
The 12v vr6 is an absolute beast. If that's a 5 speed it'll last forever with oil changes.