From Tina:
I noticed my car was stolen this morning at 5:50 am. I last saw it at 6 pm last night.
It’s a 1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLS. Dark blue. Stick shift. Plate # APV8292. It’s the only car I’ve ever owned. I’ve had it for 20 years. I live in S. Delridge, next to the Police Station. It looks similar to this. Looks darker in cloudy weather. Looks similar even w/ door striping removed. Rear right light is busted; it’s a round crack.
Police report is 21-053409. Call 911 if you see it.
As a fellow stick shift driver, I’ve believed the manual transmission quite the theft deterrent – and clearly it’s not as much as I thought. I’m sorry for your loss and hassle!
Must be an old school auto thief. If not you’re going to need a new clutch if/when they find the car.
I thought having a manual was a deterrent too. I’ve only had a new clutch put in once and that was a little over 10 yrs ago.
Hooray for you for driving the same car for 20 years! And only needing a clutch once! I drive my cars for decades too – doesn’t make sense to ‘upgrade’ too often. Fingers crossed it is located in the same condition as it was taken.
I thought this as well, but my manual truck was stolen in January and according to my neighbor, he heard them stall it, and people who saw them driving it reported they were driving very slowly. Then when I found it, the clutch was shot. So guess they will steal cars now without even knowing how to drive stick.
Did you have any theft devises? Not asking in judgement asking to see what they may have gotten thru to steal it.
My car has an alarm, I’ve set it off a few times, when the door isn’t fully closed but the locks are set. I’m not sure if the alarm went off or not. If it did, I didn’t hear it; I went to bed about 8pm and was pretty tired. No club unfortunately.
This third generation (A3) Jetta does come from the factory with a standard engine immobilizer. ( I used to own one (also a 5-speed) way back when.) This car engine should not have been able to start without the key. But I’m not sure if the alarm needs to be set for the immobilizer to engage, or if maybe the thief used some kind of electronic defeater. In any case, I’m sorry your car was stolen and I hope you get it back in good form. PS: I’d be happy to help you get that tail light fixed. It’s not an expensive part.
Dear Tina, Hope your car is found intact. To be your only vehicle, and it’s gone. Wow. As a lifelong stick driver of 40+ years, total empathy here. I’ve always felt safe, thought that theives nowadays didn’t know how to drive a stick. Possibly they got it into first, then couldn’t shift and ditched it a few blocks away? Hope you find your baby.
Thank you for the empathy from all and its nice to hear there are fellow stick shift drivers around.
Damn, so you mean my truck (stick) is steal-able? I figured since no one wants to borrow it because of the stick no one would want to steal it either. I might need to start to lock it now.
I try to leave mine empty, I realize they’ll only figure that out after they’ve already done damage…. Maybe someone should sell wheel boots? I have fond memories of my Jetta3, hope she is reunited.
I am so sorry this happened to you. It’s a terrible situation to go through. My 1990 truck was stolen during broad daylight a couple weeks ago. It was a stick shift. Had it for decades. Neighbor’s car stolen during the day 2 weeks after mine. Criminals are using shaved keys.
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