Drive train
Ever since I took the AC compressor off of my 85 Volkswagen Jetta 1.6 diesel the belt keeps jumping off every time I start it
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1985 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Still basking in its popularity, and soon to be the best-selling Volkswagen in North America, the 1985 Volkswagen Jetta changed little from its second generation redesign for 1984.
Available as either a 2-door coupe or a 4-door sedan, the coupe came in three editions -- base, diesel, and Wolfsburg. The sedan also came in three editions. The base and GL Jetta featured a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder, 85-hp engine and 5-speed manual transmission. The snazzier GLI, seeking to appeal to a more performance-oriented driver, boosted that horsepower to 100-hp. A 3-speed auto tran was optional.
Great gas mileage and precision Volkswagen craftsmanship have maintained the Jetta's popularity, and the 1985 Jetta wins praise from drivers for its expert handling, solid feel behind the wheel, and a huge trunk. The seats and interior are plain, but comfortable. Though owners say it is easy to work on, parts can be hard to find and put a dent in your wallet. Other complaints mention the lack of fold-down rear seats and some road noise.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1985 Volkswagen Jetta
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by Anonymous
Nov 10, 2012
I owned this car when it was 5-6 years until it was about 12-13 years. It was certainly a nice car to drive. It was quick and handled like it was on rails. The interior was well designed ergonomically and for the most part put together well.
As for reliability there was little to none. Something was always breaking. AAA actually called me and said I only had one more uncharged tow left for the year twice. Also the paint was always bubbling and rusting. Overall I liked the car when it ran but then again that was the one thing it had the hardest time doing. I would not buy another because of the reliability.Nov 10, 2012
by Bryan M
Oct 17, 2010
first car i ever bought. this thing is a tank. i have taken it off road and beaten the hell out of it. real simple to work on as well. the 1.8 L engine puts out some good power for sizeOct 17, 2010
by Ian L
Sep 12, 2009
well for 250 bucks what do you want the frame is rotted out but the thing starts moves runs and brakes but it will make a winter beater if i ever get the money to put into it maybe if i get bored with a saw-zall it will end up being a warthog or some thing niftySep 12, 2009
User rating:
by Anonymous
Nov 10, 2012
I owned this car when it was 5-6 years until it was about 12-13 years. It was certainly a nice car to drive. It was quick and handled like it was on rails. The interior was well designed ergonomically and for the most part put together well.
As for reliability there was little to none. Something was always breaking. AAA actually called me and said I only had one more uncharged tow left for the year twice. Also the paint was always bubbling and rusting. Overall I liked the car when it ran but then again that was the one thing it had the hardest time doing. I would not buy another because of the reliability.Nov 10, 2012
by Bryan M
Oct 17, 2010
first car i ever bought. this thing is a tank. i have taken it off road and beaten the hell out of it. real simple to work on as well. the 1.8 L engine puts out some good power for sizeOct 17, 2010
by Ian L
Sep 12, 2009
well for 250 bucks what do you want the frame is rotted out but the thing starts moves runs and brakes but it will make a winter beater if i ever get the money to put into it maybe if i get bored with a saw-zall it will end up being a warthog or some thing niftySep 12, 2009
by Jacob T
Aug 03, 2009
i like everything except the rust,she'll max out roughly 125mph its not bad for 24 and 333000 miles its clean runs good i passed emissions with flying colors and car is an absolute blast to drive on back roads the car was manufactured in 05/85 same month and year i was born Aug 03, 2009
by Toby B
Apr 17, 2009
I like it cause i can fix her up and its my first gli .
the engine is a 1.8 8v 5spd made in germany 14inch stock rims all disc brakes 4 door black .
Mods going on the car engine rebuild , paint , seats and dash , headliner ,carpet ,pillars , emblems , new headlights with h7 hid kit , new turn singals , taillights ,dome light , rear plate light , h+r cup kit , 272 camshaft , autotech module , and many more .Apr 17, 2009
by Jon L
Mar 15, 2009
It gets 50mpg unless you really hammer on it which can bring you down to about 35. Parts are mad cheap I think about 100 bucks to buy almost a completely brand new breaking system. Completely eats up any frost heave you can find and sits fairly high of the ground compared to newer cars. Can really take abuse my friend Kevin was driving it and hit a guardrail at about 40 and only broke a piece of trim on the bumper. Loads of torque no HP (52), what do you expect from a 1985 300k diesel engine. If you really want to up the HP just get a turbo for it. You are very involved in driving when behind the wheel of this car. It is mad fun even if your only doing 40 down some back road. Anyone who loves to rally but is sick of getting speeding tickets this car is great for around town and backroads just cus of handling and size. Interstate this car tops out at about 70 so dont get your hopes up. I got it up to 85- 90 once but that was downhill. Mar 15, 2009
by Jeff P
Dec 11, 2008
This car was an awesome find. I bought the car for $318 tagged and drove to my work, repaired it in a day and a half and drove it home. I swapped some interior parts and suspension for a better ride. Handles like a go-cart!!!Dec 11, 2008
by Johann W
Aug 25, 2008
Great car. Love to drive it. Did a lot of work to make it stand out and look good,like the red calipers, 15 inch mags, golf 2 gti grill, free flow exhaust system, newly covered seats in black material and red stiching. Still needs the full front and rear bumpers.Aug 25, 2008
by Scott F
Dec 28, 2007
got me from a to bDec 28, 2007
by Anonymous
Dec 07, 2007
comfortable inside good acceleratoin but lacks top speed
got from brother and i like the carDec 07, 2007
What users have asked
Anybody have a 1985 Jetta for sale?
Anybody have a 1985 or so Jetta for sale?
71 views
HELP !!!!!
My jetta is overheating and i found that the hose that returns from the reservoir to the engine was blowing instead of sucking . Well me not knowing anything i put a hose to it and flushed water through it thinking that it would correct the flow . Well i flooded it with water and now my car wont even turn over . What did i do and how can i fix the problem ???? Or am i just screwed ???
175 views
I have the opportunity to buy a 85 jetta
I have the oppotunity to buy a 85 jetta with 85,000 original miles...They want 2,900...Is this too high? It looks flawless.What do I need to look at as far as wear and tear and what questions should I ask the seller. Its a four door and 5 speed and looks to be a standard(not deisel not turbo)
394 views
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1985 Volkswagen Jetta Pricing
Original MSRP
$8,295 to $8,670Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent