Entry #56: Joe's Lifted MK4 Wagon -

Many folks in the world would tell one another: “DO IT only if it makes sense…” But does everything really NEED to make sense? In the world where we are demanded to be sensible and do things that make sense, it’s always refreshing when we see something that break the boundaries… something out of the norm… something that doesn’t necessarily belong… The lifted TDI MK4 Jetta Wagon on this week’s blog technically doesn’t really make any sense at all… First, it’s lifted and sits aggressively on poking oversized All Terrain tires. Then you see the cut-up front bumper fitted with bull bar and oversized foglights. Go to the rear section and you would find a tractor style flap exhaust. And there is a LED light bar attached to its roof rack; complete with traction recovery boards. Secondly, you probably think that it’s ready to tackle many off-road adventures with all its gears and then you are reminded that North American MK4 Jetta Wagons are all FWD (I normally tell the haters that it stands for FUN-Wheel-Drive). Lastly, this wagon lives in Southern California where daily commutes are mostly done on freeways.

I’ve seen photos of many different lifted Volkswagen wagons over the years but this is actually my first time seeing one in the flesh; mainly because the ones I’ve seen in the past were located out of state. Joe; the owner, is more than happy to share his latest creation for the Avantturous readers to appreciate. He admitted that this car started out being in a rough shape when he got his hands on it. Being a shop foreman means he has the ability of turning this wagon’s fate around. For having acquired the car for only $ 500, it challenged Joe to build this wagon on the budget. Frugality means creativity is the key in getting this wagon back on the road while adding Joe’s own touches to it. Those yellow foglights only set him back $20 from ebay! The Jeep suspension used to lift the wagon was also on the cost effective side. Black Bassett steelies wrapped in 32” Toyo tires were chosen to complete its exterior appearance. Under the hood, it’s mechanically safe and sound now with recent camshaft replacement and upgraded new turbo. The only thing next in line is a tune to get that new turbo synced with the diesel engine and unlock its true FUN potential.

This lifted Jetta Wagon is a reminder that at times, we gotta do what the heart says and not what makes sense… Just go out there and have some fun… And for that reason, I immediately responded with “No, don’t wash it” when Joe contemplated to whether bringing a dirty wagon to the photo shoot or getting it washed prior. I wanted to photograph this wagon as to how Joe would use it on the daily: “with zero F given!” I believe the dirt, the scratches, the oil splatter, the peeling clear coat and the rugged overall appearance of this wagon really give it a character. As I would like to call it: “The Perfect Imperfect Car for the Imperfect World.”

Introduce Yourself

My name is Joe and I live in California. I am the shop foreman for Maserati of Newport Beach

WHY A WAGON?

I’ve ways been drawn to wagons. I found this one for $500 and it did not run..Rats ate the engine wiring. After a weekend of soldering she fired right up. The inside was absolutely filthy and I actually got sick twice trying to clean it up. The goal for this build was so that when family come and visit they would have a somewhat capable car to be able to go camping and exploring. And well.. I’m just having too much fun with it.

Did you consider a different WAGON instead of this one?

Not really. I just wanted another TDI and happened to find this wagon.

What was your original objective with your car and has that objective changed?

Make it somewhat capable offroad and do it on the cheap. Objective hasn’t changed.

What style would you say best describes your car?

Is ridiculous a style? It’s a lifter Jetta. Haha

Who assisted in the planning/building/modding of your car?

Got some inspiration for the TDI scumbag Facebook group.

What do you feel makes your car unique / special in your eyes?

The 32” Tires, tractor flap exhaust and the crazy offset wheels.

What is your favorite part/feature/function of the car?

The fact that it’s diesel, 5 speed and I can thrash it without feeling too bad.