Might buy a Jetta

FanOfFanboys

Looking at trading in my Sierra z71 Crew Cab for a 2014 Jetta turbo diesel. 

Any input or thoughts on those cars? Never owned a car before, just trucks/jeeps/SUVs

SkinnyV

2013 Passat Tdi owner here, 18k in and we have enjoyed it. TDI gets 45 mpg with moving traffic on the highways, traffic jams and stop n go gets 35mpg.

Jeremiah

DONT


DO


IT.

DMW

Funny, have a 2014 Jetta for a rental right now. Can't wait to return it tomorrow. You have to have your foot on the brake to start the engine. Not sure why that bugs me, but it does big time.

Eggcelsior

I have an Audi A3 TDI. The engine is fantastic for gas mileage and the torque makes it nice and lively. Plus, you can get it as a manual. I can't comment on the rest of the car, but you're making a good choice with the engine.

Griffin

We've got a 2010 Jetta, but its not diesel and it was the last year of that model before they switched over to a newer one I believe. I will say that we have had no problems with it so far, I think we've put 65k+ on it (the wife drives it so I don't know for sure). I have heard they are $$ when they break, but so far so good. It does get up and go and seems like its going faster than it actually is. Pretty fun little car to drive around in.

DieselkW

I owned a Jetta TDI, 2012 model. Got 50mpg with a tailwind at highway speeds. That car was the best car I ever owned until a drunk changed my mind.

I loved that car. 8 cents per mile to drive, I towed a 1500lb trailer when I moved, still got 30mpg.

It would have over 100k miles by now if that dumb ass drunk hadn't T-Boned my front right tire. 

By the way, I walked away with a few days of soreness thanks to airbags all around me deploying.  The engine turned itself off, the 4 way flashers came on automatically. The car saved my life, I'm convinced of it. Lost one day of work, biggest bruise was where the seat belt crossed my chest. 

I drive a 6 cylinder EOS now, don't think I'll ever drive a non-German car again. 

Be warned, diesels are different. You want to baby that fuel pump with a lubricant added to your fuel. Common rail engines operate at very high pressure to the rail and injectors. It's easy to screw up and put gasoline in the tank if you're used to buying gas and not diesel, sometimes it's the same pump island that dispenses either, and they don't always color code the handles correctly. 

Trust me, I've been working with big Caterpillar engines since 2000.

FanOfFanboys

DMW said:

Funny, have a 2014 Jetta for a rental right now. Can't wait to return it tomorrow. You have to have your foot on the brake to start the engine. Not sure why that bugs me, but it does big time.

I don't think I have ever started an automatic without my foot on the brake. Not saying they all require it, I just have done that since i started driving

FanOfFanboys

DieselkW said:

I owned a Jetta TDI, 2012 model. Got 50mpg with a tailwind at highway speeds. That car was the best car I ever owned until a drunk changed my mind.

I loved that car. 8 cents per mile to drive, I towed a 1500lb trailer when I moved, still got 30mpg.

It would have over 100k miles by now if that dumb ass drunk hadn't T-Boned my front right tire. 

By the way, I walked away with a few days of soreness thanks to airbags all around me deploying.  The engine turned itself off, the 4 way flashers came on automatically. The car saved my life, I'm convinced of it. Lost one day of work, biggest bruise was where the seat belt crossed my chest. 

I drive a 6 cylinder EOS now, don't think I'll ever drive a non-German car again. 

Be warned, diesels are different. You want to baby that fuel pump with a lubricant added to your fuel. Common rail engines operate at very high pressure to the rail and injectors. It's easy to screw up and put gasoline in the tank if you're used to buying gas and not diesel, sometimes it's the same pump island that dispenses either, and they don't always color code the handles correctly. 

Trust me, I've been working with big Caterpillar engines since 2000.

Great post, good info.

I am tired of getting 13.7 MPG with my truck since I drive over 20K miles a year. I only NEED a truck hand ful of times, I can rent one cheaper. Add in tires, high annual car tax, etc and the truck cost me a ton more money. 

FanOfFanboys

Griffin said:

We've got a 2010 Jetta, but its not diesel and it was the last year of that model before they switched over to a newer one I believe. I will say that we have had no problems with it so far, I think we've put 65k+ on it (the wife drives it so I don't know for sure). I have heard they are $$ when they break, but so far so good. It does get up and go and seems like its going faster than it actually is. Pretty fun little car to drive around in.

I enjoyed my test drive it, seems fun.

FanOfFanboys

Eggcelsior said:

I have an Audi A3 TDI. The engine is fantastic for gas mileage and the torque makes it nice and lively. Plus, you can get it as a manual. I can't comment on the rest of the car, but you're making a good choice with the engine.

The engine was def one of the things that attracted me to it first. 

Here is the one I am looking at. Heated seats, sunroof, back up camera, and Bluetooth. 

http://www.wrayvw.com/VehicleDetails/new-2014-Volkswagen-Jetta_Sedan-4dr_DSG_TDI_with_Premium_Sedan-Columbia-SC/2188746063

FanOfFanboys

SkinnyV said:

2013 Passat Tdi owner here, 18k in and we have enjoyed it. TDI gets 45 mpg with moving traffic on the highways, traffic jams and stop n go gets 35mpg.

I get 13.7. I would love to roughly triple my fuel economy. 

Mama Roneck

2011 Jetta Sportwagen TDI. nearly 60k miles on it. Fantastic car. I regularly get about 40mpg. I could probably do better, but I have a lead foot. 240 lb/ft of torque is a lot of fun in a car this size.

DieselkW

Here is the one I am looking at. Heated seats, sunroof, back up camera, and Bluetooth. 

http://www.wrayvw.com/VehicleDetails/new-2014-Volkswagen-Jetta_Sedan-4dr_DSG_TDI_with_Premium_Sedan-Columbia-SC/2188746063

You're not buying the manual transmission or the SportWagon?  

I would strongly urge you, if you can drive it, to buy the standard shift - the DSG is a good tranny, but was problematic back when I was researching my purchase in 2012. Maybe they've fixed it by now. You'll give up about 5mpg with an automatic.

Bluetooth is a must, especially if you have a zillion songs on your phone like me. The radio will switch to phone if you get or make a call. The Fender upgraded sound system is incredible.

See if they have a panoramic sunroof - it's a nice feature.

See if they have a Sport Wagon, you might like the extra cargo space.

Either way, enjoy the ride...

fence0407

Trading in your man card too? Just kidding - I should probably trade my truck in for something better on gas. A good friend of mine has a diesel Jetta and loves it. 

FanOfFanboys

fence0407 said:

Trading in your man card too? Just kidding - I should probably trade my truck in for something better on gas. A good friend of mine has a diesel Jetta and loves it. 

Ha! That is most certainly a concern. I just spend so much on gas for the handful of times I need a truck. Over 20K miles a year at 13.7MPG, plus car taxes over $600/year and cost of tires that size, this car will save so much money.

Eventually I will buy another Wrangler to use as weekend/nice weather vehicle for fun

Mama Roneck

+1 on JSW with the pano roof and 6 speed manual tranny. Much more fun to drive. Also, the wagon has a better rear suspension than the sedan. The wagon is basically a stretched Golf. OTOH the sedan has been built to price for the US market, so they replaced the multi link rear suspension with a less expensive alternative.

fence0407

FanOfFanboys said:

fence0407 said:

Trading in your man card too? Just kidding - I should probably trade my truck in for something better on gas. A good friend of mine has a diesel Jetta and loves it. 

Ha! That is most certainly a concern. I just spend so much on gas for the handful of times I need a truck. Over 20K miles a year at 13.7MPG, plus car taxes over $600/year and cost of tires that size, this car will save so much money.

Eventually I will buy another Wrangler to use as weekend/nice weather vehicle for fun

Completely understood! I hate the thought of giving up my truck, but I'd also like to retire before I turn 90!

FanOfFanboys

DieselkW said:

Here is the one I am looking at. Heated seats, sunroof, back up camera, and Bluetooth. 

http://www.wrayvw.com/VehicleDetails/new-2014-Volkswagen-Jetta_Sedan-4dr_DSG_TDI_with_Premium_Sedan-Columbia-SC/2188746063

You're not buying the manual transmission or the SportWagon?  

I would strongly urge you, if you can drive it, to buy the standard shift - the DSG is a good tranny, but was problematic back when I was researching my purchase in 2012. Maybe they've fixed it by now. You'll give up about 5mpg with an automatic.

Bluetooth is a must, especially if you have a zillion songs on your phone like me. The radio will switch to phone if you get or make a call. The Fender upgraded sound system is incredible.

See if they have a panoramic sunroof - it's a nice feature.

See if they have a Sport Wagon, you might like the extra cargo space.

Either way, enjoy the ride...

I drive for work a lot so bluetooth is #1 priority because I do a lot of calls while driving. I have sunroof on my truck I never use and wife has the panoramic on her 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee that never gets opened. 

This will have enough room for my daily needs and like price range and style of sedan over sportwagon. I would like the manual, my wrangler was one, but I do a lot of driving downtown too and it has a manual mode that got a lot fo great reviews from where I read about it. 

They just called me with a trade number and it is $1K lower than I wanted. So they said would call me back after checking on it. 

Skiddymarker

SIL received his hybrid Jetta in June, fresh off the boat or rail car, however they get here. Has about 2 months on it so he is still on the honeymoon, but he is very pleased. He is a dyed in the wool VW fan, previous was a Golf. 

DieselkW

I think I'm older than you, I've bought new cars and used cars and even traded a few - 

Advice on dealing with people who buy and sell cars for a living _ They are better at it than either of us. It's what they do....

Be willing to walk away, they are counting on you "loving" this car, and that you will allow yourself to be disadvantaged because you want it.

Find another one like it at a better advertised price, use the Internet, and use that price as a negotiating tool. Doesn't matter if it's a few years older - you make them think you're willing to buy a used one if they can't make you happy. Far away is actually good because you can drive your trade in and drive the VW back, make an adventure out of it with your wife and an overnight.

Tell them ABC car dealer in BumF*ck elsewhere will pay your asking price. Or go to your local CarMax and get a written offer for your truck. They overcharge for car sales, so they have very good trade in pricing. Wave that in their faces. (Plus you can buy the Jetta and give CarMax the trade in if you want)

FYI, I paid $21k for my 2012 on an advertised sticker price of $24k - If they're advertising the car you want at $24,500 - I know from first hand experience they'll drop to $21k - BEFORE your trade in is even discussed. The resale value of diesels is pretty good because they last so long.

I enjoy the process of buying a car. I've been around big engines almost my whole career. I know closing tactics and sales "tricks" appealing to your emotions. Don't let them get away with "Imagine this car in your garage".. B.S. - let them know you're willing to go elsewhere if they won't be reasonable. They'll sell this car to someone, keep that in mind, but you know they'll drop to $21k and then you can talk about the truck trade in .

Jeremiah

Sounds like your mind is made up. Just a word of caution though. You don't want to have to work on it. I've been working on cars for 20 years now, and most of my friends are mechanics of some sort. None of us own them, and do our best to avoid working on them. But hey, until it breaks down, it's a great car!

FanOfFanboys

Jeremiah said:

Sounds like your mind is made up. Just a word of caution though. You don't want to have to work on it. I've been working on cars for 20 years now, and most of my friends are mechanics of some sort. None of us own them, and do our best to avoid working on them. But hey, until it breaks down, it's a great car!

ha very true. I will probably sell before it gets to that point ha. 

SkinnyV

JSW is tiny we test drove it no way for us as I'm 6'4.
One thing about the TDI on the Passat Is that torque, man is it a difference maker and it blows up those mountains with ease.

Our Passat was also made in the USA, hope that doesn't come back to bite but that's goodstuff.

Eggcelsior

If 

SkinnyV said:

JSW is tiny we test drove it no way for us as I'm 6'4. One thing about the TDI on the Passat Is that torque, man is it a difference maker and it blows up those mountains with ease. Our Passat was also made in the USA, hope that doesn't come back to bite but that's goodstuff.

My parents have a JSW TDI that they love, but yeah, with it being an extended Golf it feels small. I'm 6'5 and feel cramped but my dad is 6'2 and doesn't have an issue. The weird part is that my A3 is basically a GTI with a diesel, so it is a Golf with better brakes, suspension, and other accouterments. I have no issue with space, but no one can sit behind me. My girl's carseats are becoming cumbersome(They can kick me in the head) so we are looking to get something a little bigger. I just don't know when. 

FanOfFanboys

DieselkW said:

I think I'm older than you, I've bought new cars and used cars and even traded a few - 

Advice on dealing with people who buy and sell cars for a living _ They are better at it than either of us. It's what they do....

Be willing to walk away, they are counting on you "loving" this car, and that you will allow yourself to be disadvantaged because you want it.

Find another one like it at a better advertised price, use the Internet, and use that price as a negotiating tool. Doesn't matter if it's a few years older - you make them think you're willing to buy a used one if they can't make you happy. Far away is actually good because you can drive your trade in and drive the VW back, make an adventure out of it with your wife and an overnight.

Tell them ABC car dealer in BumF*ck elsewhere will pay your asking price. Or go to your local CarMax and get a written offer for your truck. They overcharge for car sales, so they have very good trade in pricing. Wave that in their faces. (Plus you can buy the Jetta and give CarMax the trade in if you want)

FYI, I paid $21k for my 2012 on an advertised sticker price of $24k - If they're advertising the car you want at $24,500 - I know from first hand experience they'll drop to $21k - BEFORE your trade in is even discussed. The resale value of diesels is pretty good because they last so long.

I enjoy the process of buying a car. I've been around big engines almost my whole career. I know closing tactics and sales "tricks" appealing to your emotions. Don't let them get away with "Imagine this car in your garage".. B.S. - let them know you're willing to go elsewhere if they won't be reasonable. They'll sell this car to someone, keep that in mind, but you know they'll drop to $21k and then you can talk about the truck trade in .

All good advice. I sold cars for a living for a couple of years when I was younger. 

I checked with 6 other VW dealerships and compared same model/trim and this one is $3,280 off the sticker price. No rebates offered right now but they do have 0% interest for 60 months. 

The amount I told them i wanted on the truck trade is few hundred more than CarMax offered, though I did not tell them that. 

And they just called me and gave me what I requested on my trade. On to the next step. 

FanOfFanboys

SkinnyV said:

JSW is tiny we test drove it no way for us as I'm 6'4. One thing about the TDI on the Passat Is that torque, man is it a difference maker and it blows up those mountains with ease. Our Passat was also made in the USA, hope that doesn't come back to bite but that's goodstuff.

I am 5'7 ha so no height issues

DieselkW

Jeremiah said:

Sounds like your mind is made up. Just a word of caution though. You don't want to have to work on it. I've been working on cars for 20 years now, and most of my friends are mechanics of some sort. None of us own them, and do our best to avoid working on them. But hey, until it breaks down, it's a great car!

That is a consideration. If you don't do it yourself, it's expensive. At least a new car warranty covers everything that won't break and nothing that might. ;-)

Lit

I just went the other direction. Got me a 4 runner 2 days ago. So nice to have something bigger. I don't drive much though so fuel costs don't really matter.

Eggcelsior

The new e-drive engine from Volvo looks great too. Problem is, it's 10k more.

BigAlDaddy

I drive an F150 and my wife has the tdi sportwagon. We love it. Grat on gas and fun to drive.