Volkswagen Repair: Jetta overheating, degrees celsius, liter engines

Question
I just test drove a used 2000 Jetta with the 2.0 engine. The temperature guage was running at 195 degrees when driving. Is this normal for this car? It seems high.

Answer
Hi John;
Yes this is normal.  The operating temperature of these cars is just about 90-95 degrees Celsius.  That happens to be in that ballpark.  Was the A/C on?  Was the defroster on?  That runs the A/C compressor, and pushes refrigerant through the condenser as well, which serves to increase the operating temperature by a few degrees.  Most Jetta's with 2.0 liter engines, or any of the offered engines have a temperature in the engine control module(ECT) that turns the fan on at between 90, and 100 degrees Celsius.  That would be between 190, and 212 degrees Fahrenheit.  Sorry to be so long winded.  The answer is a simple YES.  Good luck, John.  Hope this helps you with your decision.