How to Buy a Used Jetta

The Volkswagen Jetta is a vehicle model with traction. There are plenty of used Jettas on the market that you can purchase for a fraction of the price of a new one. The earlier models of the Jetta were not as stylish and functional as the newer models. The redesign of this compact sedan was introduced in the mid-1990s, making this a popular choice for car buyers in their 20s and 30s. After 2005, the Jetta was again redesigned into a mid-size car offering consumers considerably more space.

Instructions

1

Decide approximately which year you'd like your used Jetta to be. This makes a big difference when purchasing a Jetta because it's gone through several redesigns. The earliest models aren't as sleek or powerful, but they may be less expensive than newer models. Models from the mid-1990s until about 2004 are more powerful but still compact. Models made after 2004 are more conventional in design and considered mid-sized cars.

2

Visit local dealers that sell Volkswagen Jettas, and search for dealers online that will deliver the car to you. Make notes about each dealer's selection and prices. A list of car sales websites can be found in the Resources section.

3

Request more information from dealers for used Jettas you're considering purchasing. This information should include the vehicle's mileage, accident and ownership history and possible payment plans. They should be able to provide you with a vehicle history report.

4

Figure out your budget. This should include how much you can pay for a car and how much you can afford each month. There are many models of Jettas available, so you should be able to find one that fits your budget. Typically, your payment plan should be under four years. Avoid accepting a longer payment plan to decrease your monthly payments.

5

Understand the general cost guidelines for purchasing new cars. If you want to purchase a Jetta that's three to four years old, expect to pay about $10,000 to $18,000. Six to nine year old used vehicles range from $5,000 to $9,000, and models 10 years and older can be as inexpensive as $1,000 to $2,000. However, Jettas this old will probably be unreliable.

6

Consider the age and mileage of the Jetta carefully before purchasing it. Just because a car isn't that old, doesn't mean it will have low mileage. Generally speaking, 155,000 miles on a used car is considered very high. You should consider avoiding Jettas with very high mileage. No matter what kind of deal you can get, it won't be a good one if the car needs major repairs after a short period of time. The ideal age for a used Jetta is three to five years. This is old enough that you can find a deal but new enough that it's most likely still reliable.