While the Volkswagen Jetta may have some historically strong selling points, the 2013 model is now getting fairly long in the tooth. So, let's take a closer look to determine if it has aged well.
Following the Jetta's significant redesign and price reduction in 2011, with the intent of making it more mainstream, the 2013 Jetta continued to offer one of the most spacious interiors in the small sedan segment of that time. Coupled with a comfortable drive and ample features, this Jetta can be a solid pick despite cutting back on some of the previous generation's overall premium look and feel.
Specific changes for the 2013 model year were minimal with some of the upper-level models getting several new features, while all models except the base came standard with four-wheel disc brakes. And a new hybrid model was introduced later in the model year.
That said, while the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is generally considered a reliable car, over time there have been some mechanical problems. And they often require more expensive parts and labor than many other brands.
2013 Volkswagen Jetta Reliability
The 2013 Volkswagen Jetta offers a comfortable ride, solid highway manners, and a choice of engines that appeal to a wide range of buyers. Its overall reliability is average, but the ownership experience depends heavily on which engine and transmission the vehicle is equipped with. Some powertrains have proven quite durable, while others require significantly more maintenance as mileage increases.
The naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder is the simplest and least expensive engine to own, although its performance is modest. The 2.5-liter five-cylinder is widely regarded as the most dependable gasoline engine offered in the 2013 Jetta, combining good power with an excellent reliability record. Turbocharged engines, including the 2.0-liter TDI diesel and 2.0-liter turbo gasoline models, can provide outstanding performance or fuel economy but generally involve higher repair costs as they age.
Transmission choice is equally important. Conventional automatic and manual transmissions generally have good durability when maintained properly. Models equipped with Volkswagen's DSG dual-clutch automatic require scheduled fluid and filter changes, while some other automatic transmissions benefit from preventative servicing even if the owner's manual describes them as "lifetime" units.
Overall, a well-maintained 2013 Jetta can easily exceed 200,000 miles. Service records, regular oil changes using the correct Volkswagen-approved oil, and evidence of scheduled maintenance are far more important than simply finding the lowest-mileage example.
- Overall reliability: Average to Above Average (depending on engine)
- Expected lifespan: 200,000 to 250,000+ miles with proper maintenance
- Best choice: 2.5-liter five-cylinder with documented maintenance records
- Watch for: Timing chain maintenance, cooling system leaks, DSG service history, and electrical problems
Bottom line: The 2013 Volkswagen Jetta can be an excellent used compact sedan when equipped with the right engine and a complete maintenance history. Buyers who prioritize reliability should focus on well-maintained 2.5-liter models and avoid neglected vehicles with incomplete service records.
- Why it's a good choice: Comfortable ride, solid highway performance, quality interior, and available fuel-efficient engines
- Biggest concern: Maintenance history is critical, particularly on turbocharged and DSG-equipped models
- Best version: 2.5-liter five-cylinder with conventional automatic or manual transmission
- Buy only if: The vehicle has documented maintenance records and passes a thorough pre-purchase inspection
A carefully maintained 2013 Jetta can provide many years of dependable service, but choosing the right engine and verifying its maintenance history are the keys to avoiding expensive repairs.
2013 Jetta Common Mechanical Problems
The 2013 Volkswagen Jetta has several common mechanical issues that buyers should understand before purchasing. Most are manageable if caught early, but deferred maintenance can quickly become expensive.
- Water pump and cooling system leaks: Water pumps, thermostat housings, and plastic coolant fittings may begin leaking as the vehicle ages. Check carefully for coolant residue around the engine and verify that the cooling system maintains proper operating temperature.
- Timing chain concerns (certain turbocharged engines): Some turbocharged gasoline engines have experienced timing chain or timing chain tensioner problems. Listen for rattling during cold starts and ask whether any timing chain work has been performed.
- Carbon buildup (direct-injection engines): Turbocharged direct-injection engines can accumulate carbon deposits on the intake valves, leading to rough idle, hesitation, and reduced performance. Periodic intake cleaning may be required.
- DSG transmission maintenance: Jettas equipped with the DSG dual-clutch transmission are generally reliable when serviced correctly, but they require fluid and filter changes at the recommended intervals. Skipping this maintenance can lead to costly repairs.
- Ignition coil and sensor failures: Ignition coils, mass airflow sensors, and oxygen sensors occasionally fail as mileage increases, causing rough running or check-engine lights.
- Suspension wear: Front control arm bushings, sway-bar links, and struts commonly wear after 100,000 miles, resulting in clunking noises and less precise handling.
- Electrical issues: Window regulators, door lock actuators, switches, and other electrical components may require repair as the vehicle gets older.
- Diesel emissions equipment (TDI models): Buyers considering a TDI should verify that all emissions-related updates have been completed and inspect the diesel emissions system for any warning lights or stored fault codes.
Fortunately, most of these problems develop gradually and are often identified during a careful inspection or test drive. Vehicles with detailed maintenance records are typically much more reliable than examples with little documented service history.
Buyer Tip: Before purchasing a 2013 Jetta, determine exactly which engine and transmission it has. Ask for maintenance records, verify that all scheduled services have been completed, and have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic familiar with Volkswagen vehicles. Spending a little more for a well-maintained example is often far less expensive than repairing a neglected one.
Relative Reliability: Also, if you'd like to see which are the most historically reliable cars, trucks, and SUVs, be sure to read our Most Reliable Vehicles Guide: Best Used Models & Years. This comprehensive guide highlights the top-rated models, best years to buy or avoid, common problems, potential maintenance costs, and more, and may help you make the right choice to meet your needs.
Price Negotiation Considerations
How Much Can You Actually Negotiate
If you'd like to get a realistic estimate of how much you can negotiate off prices today, be sure to see my Used Car Price Negotiation Guide.
(For "new" cars, see my "New" Car Price Negotiation Guide.)
Avoid An Unfair Trade-In Offer
A trade-in also significantly effects the bottom-line price. To get an accurate and fair price, it's important to learn how dealers really determine trade-in prices and exactly what car buyers can do to assure the proper offer. Please see my Fair Trade-In Value Guide.
Negotiating Tip:
It should be noted that creating an online competition among multiple dealers for your business remains perhaps the most effective way to get a better used car price. If you'd like to see my take on this strategy along with the step-by-step instructions, they can also be found in my Used Car Price Negotiation Guide.
2013 Jetta Pros
Smooth ride: The 2013 Jetta offers a "European" ride that feels solid and secure. It's ride quality should satisfy most drivers thanks also to a suspension that does a good job absorbing most road bumps and rough spots.
Spacious cabin: The interior dimensions are roomy and the back seat is particularly passenger-friendly with accommodations that offer 2 additional inches of legroom over the Chevy Cruze or Honda Civic, and 5 more than the Ford Focus. It's large enough to comfortably sit full-size adults, a fairly uncommon feature in a compact car.
Solid Build Quality: Volkswagen has a reputation for producing vehicles with a solid and well-built feel, and the 2013 Jetta was no exception. Owners often appreciated the car's overall construction quality.
Spacious trunk: It's nice to have a 15.5-cubic-foot trunk in a small sedan ... again one of the largest in its class.
Generous standard feature list: While losing some of its premium pizzaz in the 2011 makeover, most models still include a fairly generous list of standard features, while the upper models come with an upscale touchscreen interface and a premium Fender sound system.
Even the Jetta S comes standard with air-conditioning, keyless entry, power door locks and power/heated side mirrors.
Safety Features: The 2013 Jetta came equipped with various safety features, including multiple airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes, and traction control. It received good safety ratings in crash tests by the IIHS and NHTSA.
Manual Transmission Option: Many enthusiasts appreciated that the 2013 Jetta offered a manual transmission option for those who preferred a more engaging driving experience.
Sporty GLI model: The Jetta GLI has the handling and driver-feel of a sport sedan with an engine that is strong and responsive as well as one of the better electrically assisted steering systems.
Under the hood is a 200-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder that takes the GLI from 0 to 60 in a quick 7.8 seconds, while still providing solid fuel economy numbers of 22 mpg city and 33 mpg highway with the manual and 24 and 32, respectively, with the auto-manual.
The GLI also comes with red brake calipers, 17-inch alloy wheels, sport bumpers, tinted taillights and side skirts. The GLI Autobahn model adds heated seats, 18-inch alloys, a power sunroof and a premium sound system.
2013 Jetta Cons
Mechanical Issues: It's normal for vehicles to have mechanical problems over time. While not necessarily a deal breaker, issues for the 2013 Jetta have included stalling and rough running engines, keys getting stuck in the ignition and electrical problems, including issues with the power windows, door locks, and infotainment system.
And on diesel models, there's also been fuel pump failures.
Some mediocre interior materials: While the cabin's build quality is tight, the design is on the fairly bland side and the use of hard plastics doesn't help the ambience. The environment changes markedly by moving up to the SEL trim level.
Weak base engine: The base 2.0-liter engine is underpowered, producing a light 115 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque, which can result in uninspiring acceleration in some circumstances. Moving up to the 2.5-liter in the SE boosts output to a much more robust 170 horsepower and 177 lb-feet of torque.
In addition, the larger engine also surprisingly outperforms the smaller one in terms of fuel economy, with an automatic getting 24 city and 31 highway while the 2.0's automatic comes in at 23 city and 29 highway. And the 2.0's manual model just barely bests the 2.5's with 24 city/34 highway versus 23 city/33 highway.
Sluggish throttle with automatic: While the 2.5-liter is the better engine, it has a slight hesitation between applying the gas pedal and the actual engine reponse in the automatic and auto-manual transmission models. This isn't a big drawback, but can be a bit annoying until you get accustomed to it.
The 2013 Jetta Overall
The 2013 VW Jetta can make a solid choice in the compact sedan category due to its comfortable ride, roomy cabin and ample standard feature list. Like all cars, however, it has some quirks and negatives as well which each prospective buyer will need to weigh.
Therefore, it's very advisable to test-drive and get a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic to identify any potential issues with any model you are considering.
Other 2013 models to consider would include the Honda Civic, the Hyundai Elantra, the Subaru Impreza, the Mazda3, the Chevrolet Cruze and the Ford Focus.