TheSamba.com :: View topic - How could you tell what version Jetta you own?

Tue May 23, 2006 11:18 am

I just bought a 2000 Jetta 4D GL, 2.0liter engine 5 speed. I've been searching online for performance parts, suspension, turbo kits, exhaust, intake etc... for it. but i find a lot of website saying these items are for version 2, 3, 4. How do i know what version is my Jetta?

I'm also looking for a good place to take my Jetta to get a full check up. I want to make sure everything is perfect running order, i'm planing a Vegas trip in about a month, i'm going to get my alignment done, and i already did the oil change, and next i'm going to change my spark pluges, but i want to take it to either a VW dealer or another specialist to check everthing. Any recommendations? i live in La Puente, CA. Zip 91745. Thanks

Tue May 23, 2006 11:39 am

Those numbers are chassis designations. A1, A2, A3, A4 & A5. It might also say "Mark", with those numbers. Your 00 should be an A4. or MK4. Think body style changes.

MK1 -1975 to 1984

MK2 - 1985 to 1992

MK3 - 1993 to 1998

MK4 - 1998 to 2005

Roughly.

Tue May 23, 2006 11:51 am

Kirk - Pretty good coverage, but there are just two corrections I need to add:

*The Mk3(A3) to Mk4(A4) change actually happened in mid-year '99 here in the US; I worked in parts at a dealer when it happened. It is possible to have a '99 Mk3 and a '99 Mk4.

*The Mk4 went up through 2004, so the Spyderbug's 2000 Jetta is definitely a Mk4. If memory serves correctly, the engine code for the 2000 2.0 is 'AEG.'

Tue May 23, 2006 11:57 am

Sweet, so mine is probably MK4 (jetta IV)? that AEG that you mentioned could i find it on the engine somewhere to identify it?

Thats a nice pic a chick "I wish" i could have. lol

Tue May 23, 2006 12:39 pm

plasticman1432 wrote: Kirk - Pretty good coverage, but there are just two corrections I need to add:

*The Mk3(A3) to Mk4(A4) change actually happened in mid-year '99 here in the US; I worked in parts at a dealer when it happened. It is possible to have a '99 Mk3 and a '99 Mk4.

*The Mk4 went up through 2004, so the Spyderbug's 2000 Jetta is definitely a Mk4. If memory serves correctly, the engine code for the 2000 2.0 is 'AEG.'

Ah. You are correct my fine sir. I knew I had omitted something, and that mid year change was it. :) And I meant A4. Wonder why I typed 5? IDIOT. :)

Tue May 23, 2006 12:51 pm

SpyderBug wrote: Sweet, so mine is probably MK4 (jetta IV)? that AEG that you mentioned could i find it on the engine somewhere to identify it?

The first three digits of the engine block's serial number is usually the code(three letters, beginning with 'A')....but that might be very hard to find. Look under the trunk mat for the 'build sheet' sticker, and there should be a smaller version of it in the maintenance manual; the salesperson at the dealership should have placed it in there upon delivery, and shown it to the original owner(not sure if that was you or not). That sticker also contains: paint code, interior color code, and transmission code...all of which may come in handy someday.

Kirk - No biggie at all. The Mk3-Mk4 change was a very confusing thing, especially for us in the parts business. The change happened in Europe at least half a year earlier.

Tue May 23, 2006 1:03 pm

I dug for a few pics; maybe these can help out too.

Jetta Mk1(-'84):

Jetta Mk2('85-92):

Jetta Mk3('93-mid '99):

Jetta Mk4(mid '99-'04):

Jetta Mk5('05-):

Tue May 23, 2006 2:23 pm

sweet, thanks for the clarrificatoin, yea mine is definitely a MK4. Unfortunately i'm not the OG owner, I didn't even get the owners manual, i've been meaning to go to the VW dealer to order one.

i bought mine from a used car dealer, you know the shady kind. But i think i lucked out, and these guys that i bought it from fell asleep on this little bad boy. its in perfect condition and got runs great. I just want to do all the major maintanance to it so i could start "fresh" for a lack of words. Cuz i dont know how much did the previous owner kept up on it and i dont want any surprises down the rode. i already got the Haynes manual and have been reading that.

You guys dont know of any Jetta websites that i could order performance parts from?

Tue May 23, 2006 6:34 pm

SpyderBug wrote: i already got the Haynes manual and have been reading that.

You guys dont know of any Jetta websites that i could order performance parts from?

Get a Bentley manual; it's the one VW approves of. Haynes isn't bad.....I'd take that one over a Chilton's any day.

Good sources for VW parts, both OE and performance?
* www.parts4vws.com
* www.techtonicstuning.com

Wed May 24, 2006 6:41 am

plasticman1432 wrote: Kirk - Pretty good coverage, but there are just two corrections I need to add:

*The Mk3(A3) to Mk4(A4) change actually happened in mid-year '99 here in the US; I worked in parts at a dealer when it happened. It is possible to have a '99 Mk3 and a '99 Mk4.

*The Mk4 went up through 2004, so the Spyderbug's 2000 Jetta is definitely a Mk4. If memory serves correctly, the engine code for the 2000 2.0 is 'AEG.'

minor correction on the A4 -- the switch to the A5 happened in 2005; you could buy a 2005 A4 Jetta (like mine) or a 2005 A5 Jetta...

Wed May 24, 2006 1:15 pm

Good to clarify it, thanks. I haven't been near a dealership since my wife bought her '02 Jetta, so I was a little cloudy on that change. 8)