Jetta GL 2.0L I-4

• Automatic transmission
• 58,000 miles

It's never fun to see the "check engine" light come on, especially when it's accompanied with a loud buzzing noise coming from the front of the car.

I brought my Jetta in to see what the problem was and the computer code said we had a faulty Mass Airflow Sensor. I had never even heard of such a thing, but found out it is a tool found in modern engines and is used to monitor the incoming air. This information helps the engine control unit (ECU) deliver a balanced amount of fuel and air to the engine. It is usually installed inside the intake air duct between the air filter and the engine.

I thought I might be able to get away with driving around with the faulty part, but found out a malfunctioning MAF can lead to stalling, misfiring, poor fuel economy or bad acceleration.

$100 for the part and $75 for the labor later I was on my way.

Until a few days later when the MAF sensor malfunctioned again. I brought it back to the same garage and they replaced the part and gave me half off the labor, how "kind".

A few days later the damn check engine light came on again. This time I brought it to a mechanic who specializes in VWs and he said was once this starts happening, it's a sign of things to come. His advice? Get rid of the car ASAP.

So I traded it in for a Subaru and never looked back.