Thinking about the Jetta

Yep: go with the TDI & a 5-speed, & enjoy your 45-50MPG.

Otherwise, not much to say.

Might be the best car for the money ($20-25K, right?) out there.

I posted on another thread here that it compares very well with the Lexus IS 300, which is ten grand more.

Excellent car for the money. It doesn't quite have the long term reliability the hondas/toyotas have, but they're built much more solid, safer, and alot more fun to drive. Definitely worth it in my book.

VW TDI


It doesn't have the long term reliability????? Sitting in my driveway is a1996 Passat TDI with 244,000 miles on it and is ready to drive to either coast. Doesn't even burn an appreciable amount of oil. No motor work.
OK, OK, it's a Passat. However, the 1986 Jetta TDI we traded in had 280,000 on it with no motor work.

And, parked in the garage, anxious for warmer weather, is a pristine, almost showroom comdition, 1995 white-on-white, VW Cabrio with 95,000 miles. (gas engine Golf)

I saw that movie 'Return of the Jetta'. It wasn't bad, but those Ewoks were really annoying.

It's ok billy...don't take it personal. I just pointed out they don't quite have the reputation some of the Japanese "measuring sticks" do, honda/toyota.
Not a deal breaker in my opinion, I'm a fan of German cars.

On re-reading my post: I did take your remarks about longevity of cars personally didn't I? Thanks for pointing it out. I'll try to avoid that in the future.

Took me a while to realise what you're talking about here - VW call it the Bora in Europe. Had a TDI 115 for a couple of years - 60k, 48mpg, 130mph (Germany...), reliable, good overtaking on B-roads thanks to the torque, and enough space for my needs.

I'd go for a TDI with the 150bhp engine.