Jetta GLI From An Owner’s Perspective

The Volkswagen Jetta is one of the best sedans on the market because of its elegant styling, attractive interior, state-of-the-art safety features, price, and the fact that you can still get a manual transmission. It also gets excellent fuel mileage and rides as smoothly as a boat on a calm day at the lake. Stepping up to the Jetta GLI offers customers even more without sacrificing what makes the base car so great, especially its reliability. 

An Owner And Her GLI

One owner in particular, Reba, purchased a 2019 Jetta GLI Autobahn in December 2019. She shopped around, looking at everything from Hyundai, Toyota, Honda, Ford, Kia, and several other brands, but she couldn’t find that “it” car for her until she got to Volkswagen. She test-drove brand new models of the GTI, Tiguan, and then the GLI. While she really liked all three of them, the GLI was the car she couldn’t stop thinking about. Where the GTI was a fun hatchback, Reba wanted something a little more “grown up,” as she said. 

Why The GLI?

“I really liked the GTI, but I was trading in a hatchback that I’d had for five years and wanted something with a little more interior space, especially in the back seat. Although what I REALLY wanted was the Golf R, even though it was another hatchback, I just wasn’t in the place in my life to spend that much on a car. The Tiguan was really nice, but I also still wanted to have a manual transmission. That’s when the GLI became the perfect car for me. It literally had everything I wanted and needed. The trunk was big, the back seat was very spacious, and I could still fold the seats down if I needed to. The 2019 GLI got the front brake rotors from the Golf R and the limited-slip differential from the GTI, so I felt like it was special and unique.”

I’m Sorry, Her GLI Has How Many Miles?!

Since buying her brand new, fully loaded 2019 GLI with a six-speed manual in Tornado Red with black leather, Reba has put more than 114,000 miles on it. She says her GLI has been reliable and has only ever needed routine maintenance. 

How Reliable Has Reba’s GLI Been?

“It’s been incredible. I’ve been averaging 32 mpg since day one, and I just had the brake rotors and pads changed for the first time recently, as well as the spark plugs. A few months ago I had my third set of tires put on, and I have had no actual reliability issues, knock on wood. We’ve really only done oil changes and air filters, you know, the standard maintenance items, and nothing out of the ordinary has come up or surprised us. She’s still just as comfortable to drive as when I first got her, and the manual is easy for me to shift whether I’m wearing heels or in sneakers, which is important, and it holds everything I need. Whether I’m going golfing with my colleagues, heading to the horse barn to take care of and ride my two horses, or when taking a trip, the GLI has not had any issues.” 

“In fact, the only “issues” I’ve ever had were when I got a nail in my tire once and then had the front passenger wheel bend so badly that I thought I blew a tire. I had just put new tires on my car and decided to freshen up the looks by getting some aftermarket wheels, which turned out to be a stupid mistake. I was driving down a back road one morning doing 50 mph and hit a really bad pothole. I thought I blew out my tire, but it was actually the cheap wheel that bent so badly that it allowed the seal between the wheel and tire to be broken. I couldn’t believe I didn’t wreck, honestly. But my GLI was so composed, it was the reason why nothing bad happened to me. You don’t really know how much a car is made to protect you until something goes wrong. I went and had the factory wheels put back on and nothing like that has happened since.”

Any Plans For A New Car?

When asked what her next car will be, Reba said that she has no plans to get rid of her GLI, which she believes is the perfect car for her needs. However, she did say she wouldn’t hesitate to buy another Volkswagen and wouldn’t mind getting another GLI. Apparently, her husband wants to take her 2019 GLI so she can get a brand-new one for herself.

Is There An Atlas In Her Future?

“My husband is always saying he wants to keep this GLI for himself when I’m done with it, but I feel like my car is a part of my daily life. It would feel weird not driving it. But, I do really like the subtle updates VW did to the new GLI. I don’t know, maybe one day I’ll get an Atlas. Until then, though, the GLI is as grown up as I want to be while still knowing I can have fun on some back roads.”

Reba told us that she looks forward to crossing the 200,000-mile mark and believes her car will easily do that and then some. 

At Bud Brown Volkswagen, we value our customers. You can find new Volkswagen inventory, including the VW ID.4, the all-new Atlas, as well as the GTI and Tiguan, plus an unmatched collection of used car and SUV inventory at our dealership. Are you interested in leasing or financing your next vehicle? The Finance Department at Bud Brown VW can help you find the right lease offer or finance solution that fits your budget. We cultivate relationships with many banks, lenders, and other financial organizations to provide great options for purchasing your new vehicle. In addition to the comprehensive factory warranty that comes with your new vehicle, we offer extended warranty and protection programs to safeguard your investment. Get the best deals and specials available to you on a VW. Our knowledgeable sales staff wants to help you find the perfect fit in a new Volkswagen or used car. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Bud Brown family and help you find your new car or used vehicle. Your support and customer service doesn’t stop after you sign your deal. The expert Service Department at Bud Brown Volkswagen is always ready to help with any repairs or maintenance you might need to keep your vehicle running perfectly. Our Express Service Lane will quickly get you back on the road when you need basic maintenance, like an oil change or tire rotation. Would you like to make your new car all your own with personalized upgrades? Our well-stocked Parts Department has all the authentic Volkswagen accessories you need for the best vehicle customization. Make your car, truck, or SUV uniquely yours to fit perfectly in your lifestyle. We are eager to help you on your car buying and vehicle ownership journey. Visit us today at Bud Brown VW!