This is similar to another post by someone else i.e., loud engine noise at start-up then calming down. I bought this Jetta new in July 2005 with 12 miles on the ODM. After a few weeks I noticed the loud noise and took it back to Chaplins VW, Bellevue WA and was told this is normal. Here we are almost 10 years later and the noise is still there but now I'm told this is the catalytic converter which was recalled several years ago. I was never notified by VW of America in fact, I've never received a recall from them for anything and I still live at the same address.

Update from Feb 10, 2015: took the catalytic problem to Pignataro VW, Everett, WA and they replaced all the ignition coils under a VW recall I ws never notifed for by VW of America, as for the catalytic converter problem the found no problem with the oise, they too said its normal. I ran the car through the state missions test and it passed. Problems solved except I still wonder why VW of America never notifies ownerss of anysa recalls.