The 1986 Jetta came as a 2-door sedan or a 4-door sedan that had four different trims -- base, GL, GLI, and Wolfsburg GLI. The base and GL sedans featured a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder, 85-hp engine. The sportier GLI versions (Wolfsburg is the Germany factory where Jettas were produced) had the same engine retuned to reach 100-hp. All 2 and 4-door models were front-wheel drive and came with 5-speed manual transmission, with 3-speed automatic optional. A 1.6-liter, 52-hp diesel engine is also available.
The Jetta is a good starter family car, with room for four and a surprisingly large trunk, its biggest distinguishing feature from the Volkswagen Golf. Cloth seats are comfortable, though some owners say only for short trips. The 1986 Jetta is also a good city car as it handles nimbly in traffic and gets great gas mileage. All the abuse of city driving does not seem to take a toll on either the powertrain or engine of the 1986 Jetta, and most owners say they're sure their Jetta will outlive them.
Other high points about the 1986 Volkswagen Jetta include the GLI's peppy engine, the large trunk, and its reliability. Repairs are few and far between, it seems, and even when necessary, the parts are pretty cheap and easy to find. The only negative comments concern interior wear and tear and disappointment with the performance of the automatic transmission.
Right before this happened, the tranny made like a slight grinding noise. the tranny felt like it was slipping. I stopped the car and turned it off to look at the tranny. I saw nothing wrong on the outside that I could see. When I started my car back up it would not move in reverse nor drive.
I had a 1986 volkswagen jetta...car accident!! I loved that lil car. It was a dark grey, four door. Had tinted windows, heated seats, a cd player, nice rims, and a sun roof. I bought it from the original owner and the car was in great condition. He even had all of his receipts from the work done on the car. There was like a big zip-lick bag full. I have been offered $1500 for the car!!! Is that unreasonable?
My son called to say that he was at a gas station with his 1986 VW Jetta and could not open the door to his gasoline cap to fill the tank. He also said that the door locks had also failed in the closed or locked position. Fortunately, he could use his car key to unlock the driver's door but he still can not open or unlock the door to remove the gas cap and fill his gasoline tank. Are there any suggestions that you can give to repair the problem? My son also said that the small pump in the trunk of the car that drives the locking system does not come on. The hose(s) are attached to the air pump. I would really appreciate any help, suggestions or advise that you can provide. If worst comes to worst, is there any way to pry open the gas cap door without too much damage?Thanks in advance for any help you can provide. My email address is JBQuintas@aol.com
pedal goes to floor and car will not accelerate
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent