Electric Cars

Volkswagen's compact sedan, the Jetta, finds itself in a precarious position as its sales figures continue to drop. Once a reliable alternative in a competitive segment that includes popular models such as the Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, and Honda Civic, the Jetta's market performance is now a cause for concern. Following the discontinuation of other sedan models like the Passat and Arteon, the Jetta remains Volkswagen's only sedan offering. However, recent third-quarter sales data for 2025 reveal a substantial downturn for the model, indicating a challenging period for the German automaker's passenger car division.

The current generation of the Jetta, which debuted in early 2018, is showing its age against a backdrop of rapidly evolving automotive technology and consumer preferences. While Volkswagen's SUV sales have seen an increase, the Jetta's performance contrasts sharply. In the third quarter of 2025, Jetta sales plummeted by 42% compared to the same period in 2024, with only 11,287 units sold. This decline contributes to an overall 41% decrease in sales for VW's passenger cars, which also include the Golf GTI and Golf R. Despite minor enhancements for the 2026 model year, such as a sunroof on the SE trim and an upgraded sound system for SEL models, these changes appear insufficient to invigorate sales. The lack of a hybrid or all-wheel-drive option further disadvantages the Jetta in a market increasingly prioritizing fuel efficiency and versatile performance.

Compared to its primary competitors, the Jetta significantly lags behind. Honda has sold 185,225 Civics, and Toyota has moved 179,983 Corollas in the first three quarters of the year, both figures including hatchback variants not offered by the Jetta. Even Korean rivals like the Hyundai Elantra and Kia K4/Forte have substantially outsold the Jetta, demonstrating the depth of its sales challenge. Volkswagen attributes the delay in introducing a new Jetta generation to economic factors such as high interest rates and rising production costs, aiming to keep the model accessible to price-sensitive buyers. However, with profits facing pressure from new tariffs and sales continuing their downward trend, the long-term viability of the Jetta in its current form is becoming increasingly questionable, necessitating a strategic reevaluation for the brand.

The automotive industry is dynamic, constantly evolving with technological advancements and shifting consumer demands. Volkswagen's Jetta faces an uphill battle, highlighting the critical need for innovation and adaptation to remain competitive. This situation underscores the importance for manufacturers to consistently refresh their product lines, integrate advanced features like hybrid powertrains and all-wheel drive, and respond proactively to market trends. Ultimately, the success of a vehicle depends on its ability to meet contemporary consumer expectations and offer compelling value in a crowded marketplace.

This article chronicles a personal journey into car detailing, showcasing the remarkable transformation of a 1986 Nissan 300ZX using a range of Meguiar's products. The author, an enthusiastic amateur, embarks on this endeavor to prepare their classic Z for a car show, illustrating that professional-grade results are attainable even for those without extensive detailing experience. The process highlights the efficacy of each product, from tackling stubborn brake dust to revitalizing faded interior components, demonstrating how a systematic approach can breathe new life into a beloved vehicle. The comprehensive detailing effort culminates in a gleaming exterior and a refreshed interior, proving the value of quality car care products for enthusiasts of all skill levels.

The detailing process involved a thorough overhaul of both the vehicle's exterior and interior. The application of Meguiar's Ultimate All-Wheel Cleaner effectively removed accumulated brake dust and grime, preparing the wheels for their renewed shine. Following this, the Smooth Surface Clay Kit and Cleaner Wax were used to meticulously clean and protect the car's paintwork, addressing imperfections and enhancing its overall luster. For the interior, the Quik Interior Detailer Cleaner revitalized worn surfaces, while the Hyper Dressing provided a striking finish to unpainted exterior elements like tires and trim. Finally, the versatile Citrus Power Cleaner Plus proved its worth in tackling tough grease and stains, offering a glimpse into its potential for deeper cleaning projects. The combined efforts resulted in a show-ready classic car that exceeded the author's expectations.

Bringing Back the Brilliance: Exterior Transformation

Embarking on the revitalization of a 1986 Nissan 300ZX, the author, despite lacking professional detailing expertise, successfully prepared the classic vehicle for a car show using an array of Meguiar's products. This hands-on detailing project began with a thorough wash, followed by the meticulous application of specialized products to address years of accumulated dirt and neglect. The process not only enhanced the car's aesthetic appeal but also demonstrated the accessibility and effectiveness of high-quality car care items for enthusiastic car owners. The outcome was a visibly restored vehicle that radiated a fresh, show-ready luster, a testament to the power of dedicated car care.

The exterior detailing commenced with the Meguiar's Ultimate All-Wheel Cleaner, effectively dissolving stubborn brake dust, marked by its color-changing indicator. This was followed by a high-pressure wash using a Patoolio Pressure Washer, which efficiently rinsed away loosened contaminants. For the body, the Smooth Surface Clay Kit was employed to remove bonded contaminants, ensuring a perfectly smooth paint surface. Subsequently, the Cleaner Wax was applied, manually, to restore shine and provide protection, impressively concealing minor paint imperfections. The final exterior touch was the Hyper Dressing, which dramatically enhanced the appearance of tires and unpainted trim, giving the Z a refreshed and pristine look that belied its age, making it truly ready for display.

Rejuvenating the Interior and Engine: Beyond the Surface

Beyond the exterior's gleaming facade, the detailing efforts extended to the Nissan 300ZX's interior and, notably, a section of an auxiliary engine. The interior cleaning focused on areas showing signs of wear from decades of use, where the chosen products brought a subtle yet significant improvement. The effectiveness of the all-purpose cleaner was also put to the test on a heavily soiled engine component, yielding impressive results that suggested broader applications for the product. This comprehensive approach to detailing underscored the versatility of the care package in addressing various aspects of vehicle restoration, from visible surfaces to more challenging areas.

Inside the vehicle, the Meguiar's Quik Interior Detailer Cleaner revitalized faded and cracked door panels and the center console, enhancing their sheen and color without claiming to mend physical damage. While the dashboard and steering wheel were already in excellent condition, the product breathed new life into the worn elements, making them presentable for a car show. The powerful Citrus Power Cleaner Plus, an all-in-one grease and stain remover, was applied to a greasy section of a Datsun 620's engine. Despite the challenging location, the cleaner, combined with a wire brush and microfiber towel, effortlessly removed stubborn grime, leaving behind a gleaming, clean metal surface. This successful test prompted the author to consider a full engine bay detailing, further highlighting the product's impressive cleaning capabilities and ease of use.