2001 Jetta turns off after 5 seconds

DO NOT trust the seller on this That is a give-me-your-money-and get-out-of here answer.

Thought so... Any hints on what could be the problem?

If it really is an anti-theft, chip key recognition or anything like that, you need to have it fixed at a dealer or a good German car specialist-shop. ALARM? Baloney

I just noticed that I formulated my question in a quite ambiguous way: I meant the car starts and turn off after 5 sec.

What you need is an OBDII scan. Now, I know, since it won't run to get to a parts place, you might want to invest $50 on a scanner, the $50 are not the best, but will point you in the right direction. But from what I am hearing, you are about to be a real victim if you hand this person a dime. The whole thing stinks. sorry, that's how I feel

Oh, I understood.

Thanks guys, I appreciate it. It's my first car and I have a very low budget 800€ (~1,000$) and I really want to keep it till it completely breaks or eventually upgrade it in the future. The guy is asking 1,200$ but I thought 950$ would be enough for it. Looks like it's a junk yard, but who knows. Here's the link to the add: http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/5178 578674.html

If it was running right, that is a good price. Almost TOO good (It won't link ?). That could be because if you are not in the US, and I get that idea from the Euro sign) But cragislist is notorious for scams, I don't care where you are. Look for another car.

Borrowed from another thread: If the car starts but immediately stalls it's an immobilizer issue, will have a picture of a padlock and key if it's flashing then there is an issue.unfortunately if it is the immobilizer you are going to a VW dealer to get it taken care of.all communication issues are done on a secure line going right to VW AG

Other thing: I believe someone tried to upgrade it or something because the steering wheel is not original.

There is an oxymoron in that ad, if the engine was in perfect condition there would not be a problem with immobilizer. I don't know man, I hate to say run away but there is just something that doesn't sit right. You might get it fixed for $150... just so unpredictable.

Ohh.. yep, somebody messed with the steering wheel trying to be cool and that opens a can of worms that might not go back in.

The air-bag is gone for one thing......

Do not by the car. End of story

Well I guess I am not as good as thought because I got it because I thought it was only a spark plug that I thought was the only thing was wrong but then I found out that the fuel pumpdidn't . work now i so t starts and it stops it don't rwork