Wow ok that changes things. Gonna have to rethink my approach now.

Hey there! That noise at 40-50 mph would drive me nuts too. I totally get wanting a dash cam to try and catch something. I actually went through a bunch before landing on one I liked, and unfortunately, my experience wasn't all roses. I initially tried the Rexing V1P Pro (around $160 on Amazon), which a lot of people recommend. It was okay, but the video quality wasn't as good as expected, especially at night, and the rear camera was kinda grainy. Plus, it died on me after about 18 months.

For your budget and needs, especially given you're in SoCal (sun can be brutal on these things), I'd suggest looking into the Thinkware F200 Pro. I know it's edging the upper end of your budget (around $250-$300), but it's way more reliable. The video quality is noticeably better, and Thinkware has a good reputation for durability. I've had mine for almost two years now, and it's still going strong. I think the reliability is worth the extra cost.

Good luck chasing down that noise! Let me know if you have any other questions; happy to share what I've learned the hard way!

Hey! That's a tricky problem with the Jetta; those noises can be so frustrating. Instead of *just* a dashcam (though that's a good idea for general safety!), might want to consider a cheap OBD2 scanner that logs data while you drive. You can get them for around $20-$50 on Amazon. Paired with an app on your phone, it might pick up engine or transmission data spikes that correlate with the noise. It's not a guaranteed fix, but it could offer clues. Be careful with cheaper scanners; read reviews! I would suggest consulting a trusted mechanic before relying solely on scanner data. Let me know if you want some OBD2 scanner recommendations!

Hey! That vibration issue sounds super annoying, especially since your mechanic couldn't nail it down. While a dash cam is a solid idea for documentation, let's talk budget a bit. Instead of sinking a ton into a fancy front/rear setup *right now*, have you considered starting with a *really* good front cam first? You could snag something like the Vantrue N2 Pro (often on sale for around $150) which has excellent night vision.

My thought is, spend less on the camera initially, and put the saved cash towards a closer inspection of your Jetta's suspension and drivetrain. At 85k, it might be time for some preventative maintenance anyway. I recently replaced my own Jetta's sway bar links (cost about $80 for the parts, and a couple of hours of my time) and it made a HUGE difference in ride quality. Just a thought! Good luck figuring it out!