The 2009 Jetta lasts around 200,000 miles with some brake and engine complaints. At $4,594 – 6,922, it’s an excellent value for shoppers looking for an entry-level German car.
Is the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta a Good Used Car?
- Yes, 2009 is a good year. Owner reviews like the peppy engine, compact size, and upscale interior for the price.
- Reliability ratings are average. Jettas from 2007–2010 are all okay, with engine problems showing up on the 2011
- Performance is average from the base engine, but the turbo motor is relatively quick.
- The Jetta is a reasonably safe car, getting 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests.
- Fuel economy is phenomenal at up to 32 MPG combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Jetta?
- Consumer Reports says the Jetta has an improved interior and performance, but below average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Jetta a 4.6/5 liking the strong engines, but disliking the smaller backseats.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Jetta 4.5/5 and enjoy the well-built interior, but don’t like the poor steering.
What Common Problems Does the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Have?
Problems found on the 2009 Jetta include brake system issues, stalling engines, and some electrical damage.
Brake system problems including ABS module failures are the most common problem, showing up at around 100,000 miles. Volkswagen addressed the problem with a recall in 2016 that replaced failed modules.
Stalling engines are mentioned by some owners at around 105,000 miles. The coil packs are a weak spot and fail sooner than on some brands. Replacing the coils is fairly affordable, at about $250.
Electrical issues leading to a melted fuse box show up on some cars at around 50,000 miles. Owners replace the fuse box and check for any grounding issues, costing around $600.
There are 7 serious recalls on the 2009 Jetta with the most important ones being for fuel lines, and brakes which increase the risk of injury.
How Long Will the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Last?
A properly maintained 2009 Jetta will last around 200,000 miles, similar to other compact cars including the Toyota Corolla from the same year. Repair Pal estimates regular ownership costs to be higher than rivals, at $637 per year.
Most Jetta models from 2009 will have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should be prepared to replace items including the power steering pump for $700, boost sensor costing $180, and blower motor resistor which costs $150.
Very reliable. With routine maintenance it has been a very good vehicle. Easy to maneuver in and out of parking spots and comfortable to ride in.
As I mentioned it has been a very reliable vehicle. It has only required routine maintenance, nothing extraordinary, in the time I have owned it. I would gladly buy a Volkswagen again and intend to.
It has problems now, but only because it is 10 years old. Some problems, yes. Definitely some problems. They are related to the age of the vehicle.
It is mostly reliable but is not good in the snow which is unfortunate because I live in New England where it snows often.
As previously stated, it is generally reliable. I have not done the upkeep as I should have. Now it needs knock sensors, brakes, and possibly shocks. Rest is cosmetic. I also need to address rust. But I live in New England.
It is very reliable. There have been a few electrical issues and fan issues. The doors do not always stay locked, and the fan broke.
I have not had any problems with my Jetta, I have kept up on all maintenance (oil changes tire checks and recently put new plugs and coils in it).
I've not had any problems with mine. It's very reliable and a low maintenance vehicle as well. I highly trust this automobile.
How Much Is the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Worth?
Blue book values range from $4,594 – 6,922, making the Jetta about $700 less than other compact cars including the Honda Civic or Mazda3. When new, the price range was $17,515 to $23,540. Depreciation is similar to rivals, losing about 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Jetta?
There are five models of the Jetta available. Technology was updated for 2009, with a complete redesign coming for the 2011 model.
S is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Velour Seating
- Cruise Control
- Keyless Entry
- 8-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System With 3.5mm AUX
SE is a step up adding:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Sunroof
- Leatherette Seating
- Leather Steering Wheel
- Upgraded 10-Speaker Stereo System With Satellite Radio
SEL is a popular choice which offers:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- 12-Way Power Driver’s Seat
- HomeLink Garage Door Opener
- Steering Wheel Mounted Stereo Controls
Wolfsburg Edition offers some upgrades including:
- Unique 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Upgraded Engine
- Black Exterior Trim
TDI is a fuel-efficient choice which has:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Diesel Engine
- No Sunroof
What Engines Come In the Jetta?
- The base engine is an average 2.5L-5-cylinder which makes 170 horsepower and gets up to 24 MPG combined.
- A step up is the powerful 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo, which makes 200 horsepower and gets up to 25 MPG combined. Performance is okay, taking about 8.3 seconds to go 0-60 MPH.
- For efficiency there is a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo diesel which makes 140 horsepower, but gets up to 32 MPG combined.
What Colors Does the Jetta Come In?
How Big Is the Jetta?
The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car available as a sedan and hatchback and is similar in size to a Mazda3 or Ford Focus. Passenger room is cramped in the back seats of the car, but the interior materials are higher quality than rivals.
Cargo space is excellent, offering 16 cubic feet of room in the trunk of the sedan, which will fit 4 suitcases. The hatchback has 32.8 cubic feet of room with the seats up, and increases to 66.9 when folded flat.
How Does the Jetta Compare to the Competition?
The Volkswagen Passat is a rival costing about $500 more. Passenger space is better in the Passat, but the Jetta is more fun to drive. We recommend the Passat since it’s a more practical vehicle in the same price range.
The Honda Civic is a competitor which costs about $700 more. Performance is better in the Civic, but the Jetta has a higher quality interior. We recommend the Jetta for 2009, but the competition is much closer in other years.
Do Owners Recommend the VW Jetta?
Yes, great gas mileage and comfortable car. Has been a very reliable vehicle and I enjoy driving it.
Yes it was a good vehicle in it is time. In fact it is a great vehicle when you consider price. Over this time it has only needed routine maintenance and still handles well.
Yes I say so. It is a good vehicle, yessir. Definitely a good vehicle. That is a good one. Vehicle is great! Good vehicle, yes good vehicle. I like it.
Overall yes it has been reliable vehicle however it recently has been very bad in the snow which I am not happy about.
It is a great vehicle. I love that it is a standard. It has had a recall and now needs some work done but it had always been reliable and fun to drive.
I think it is a good vehicle. It has lasted me a long time, and it has not needed very many repairs. It drives well, and it is comfortable.
I love my Jetta it has been a good car, runs great, has had a few recalls which were easily taken care of, gets good gas mileage 30 mpg in town 34 mpg on highway trip the sport gear makes it fun to drive, seats are comfortable making road trips fun as well.
It's a very reliable automobile in my opinion. It's a great gas saver. I trust it to get me anywhere. I've not been let down at all with this purchase. I definitely recommend to others.