Any 2006 and up Jetta owners?

[steveinaz]

I'm looking pretty hard at the 08/09 VW Jetta (S trim) as it seems pretty well equipped for the price--and I've owned a GTi in the past and really was satisfied with it.

Any thoughts from you Jetta owners? I'm especially interested in hearing how the 2.5L5 performs with an automatic trans....(though I currently have a 5-peed manual, so it is an option). Also, is it comfortable on long trips?

[heiney9]

I'm looking pretty hard at the 08/09 VW Jetta (S trim) as it seems pretty well equipped for the price--and I've owned a GTi in the past and really was satisfied with it.

Any thoughts from you Jetta owners? I'm especially interested in hearing how the 2.5L5 performs with an automatic trans....(though I currently have a 5-peed manual, so it is an option). Also, is it comfortable on long trips?

Steve,

I have been a VW owner almost exclusively my entire driving life. I use this site as a great resource, but take everything you read with a grain of salt as many people like to complain more than they like to praise.

www.vwvortex.com

Go to the forums---then technical--the 2.5L forum. They will also have aJetta forum for your platform which would be Golf/Jetta V.

There is some great info and some jackass info but it's the most comprehensive site I've found for VW owners.

H9

[steveinaz]

Thanks man! What are you driving now?

[heiney9]

I will state that from what I've read the gas mileage is very average for the 2.5L 5 cylinder motor. So if you are looking for economical this ain't it. They are very well appointed, quality fit and finish and the material used are top of their class.

H9

[heiney9]

Thanks man! What are you driving now?

1997 GTi VR6 with some mild mods. Love the car, but not the gas mileage. :D

[steveinaz]

Not too concerned with mileage, the 21/29 rating is fine; looking moreso for a mid-size that's comfortable. Ever since I bought a new Gti in 1986, I have missed it, dearly.

[heiney9]

Not too concerned with mileage, the 21/29 rating is fine; looking moreso for a mid-size that's comfortable. Ever since I bought a new Gti in 1986, I have missed it, dearly.

They are definitely nice cars, but they tend to be more on the luxury side than on the sporty side. The sporty Jetta is the GLi w/ the 2.0Fsi Turbo engine. I like to think the Jetta is best in class for a lot of things. I'd take it over an Altima or a Camry or Accord any day of the week, but I am biased.

To be fair I've had very little time in a MK V Golf or Jetta.

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

My friend has a Jetta, nice little car.

if only they made it or the A4 in RWD....

[avelanchefan]

Steve,

Personally I would get the GLI model. I have a New Bettle convertible with the 2.5L engine and I see no difference in gas milage from my GTI that has the 2.0 Turbo FSI. They both average about 26mpg combined City/Highway.

With the extra performance the Turbo engine has, plus the dsg tranny, for the extra 2000 dollars.

And FYI, the Jetta Wolfsburg has the 2.0 Turbo, with the DSG tranny also. Even though it will say triptronic tranny, I am almost positive it is the DSG.

[cmy330go]

I bought the wife an 06 (really 07) Jetta TDI last summer. We've been really happy with it. It's my first VW, and to be honest I seriously prefer driving it over the Lexus cars I've owned. It really feels a lot like my last BMW just not as fast. There isn't another car in it's class that I would rather have.

I would heavily recommend trying out the new Diesel Jetta that's due out this month. It's only rated at 140HP, but has a hefty 236 lb-ft or torque and they are claiming better than 50mpg.

[avelanchefan]

I bought the wife an 06 (really 07) Jetta TDI last summer. We've been really happy with it. It's my first VW, and to be honest I seriously prefer driving it over the Lexus cars I've owned. It really feels a lot like my last BMW just not as fast. There isn't another car in it's class that I would rather have.

I would heavily recommend trying out the new Diesel Jetta that's due out this month. It's only rated at 140HP, but has a hefty 236 lb-ft or torque and they are claiming better than 50mpg.

Only problem with the new TDI's is that their will only be 12000 delivered to the US this year, that makes for some very slim pickings, considering there are over 600 dealerships. Here in tucson there is a wiating list for them.

[heiney9]

Only problem with the new TDI's is that their will only be 12000 delivered to the US this year, that makes for some very slim pickings, considering there are over 600 dealerships. Here in tucson there is a wiating list for them.

My brother has an '05 Audi S4 with the V8 and he's seriously considering a new Jetta TDI. But, you're right they are going to be slim pickings and the VW dealership in town has already given him a huge run around and they are going to be marking it up about $2500 over sticker, as well as a huge waiting list.

H9

[billbillw]

I'd get a GLI with the turbo 2.0 and a 6 speed tranny. That way, you will still have GTI level performance and reasonably good fuel economy. IMHO, the GLI looks much better too.

[steveinaz]

Steve,

Personally I would get the GLI model. I have a New Bettle convertible with the 2.5L engine and I see no difference in gas milage from my GTI that has the 2.0 Turbo FSI. They both average about 26mpg combined City/Highway.

With the extra performance the Turbo engine has, plus the dsg tranny, for the extra 2000 dollars.

And FYI, the Jetta Wolfsburg has the 2.0 Turbo, with the DSG tranny also. Even though it will say triptronic tranny, I am almost positive it is the DSG.

I'm looking at the GLI as well, but I'm really wanting a little more room versus performance. I have been driving compacts for the last---24 years!

Thanks for all the info fellas, appreciate it!

[billbillw]

I'm looking at the GLI as well, but I'm really wanting a little more room versus performance. I have been driving compacts for the last---24 years!

Thanks for all the info fellas, appreciate it!

GLI=Jetta. Same size dude. Its got about as much room as my B5 Passat.

[steveinaz]

Oh, I thought the GLi was the tame version of the GTi...I'm all screwed up.

[heiney9]

Oh, I thought the GLi was the tame version of the GTi...I'm all screwed up.

Nope, it's the Jetta version of the GTi. You get lower stance, sportier suspension, wheel/tire upgrade, sporty interior appointments, sportier engine, very nice Recaro seats with huge bolsters. Usually has a few more options as standard.

This year the GLi only comes with the 2.0FSI Turbo. The only VW to get the VR6 motor is the Golf R32 (a step up from the GTi with a price tag to go with it) and Passat.

H9

[steveinaz]

I'm trying to keep the ceiling at $18,500 (before t-t-l), which will be much less after my trade-in. I've gotten quite accustomed to my low $239 car payment, and I'm just not the car enthusiast I used to be.

[steveinaz]

If I was buying what I really wanted, it would be a Jeep Wrangler Sahara. I just can't justify the price tag for what you're getting in return. Can I afford it? Sure.

[heiney9]

I'm trying to keep the ceiling at $18,500 (before t-t-l), which will be much less after my trade-in. I've gotten quite accustomed to my low $239 car payment, and I'm just not the car enthusiast I used to be.

The standard (non-GLi) Jetta is just as nice a car, just not quite as sporty. If you can find one with all the stuff you want in your $$$ range, go for it.

I haven't had a car payment in quite some time and I don't look forward to it if/when the time comes again. I tend to buy older (7-9 years) cream puffs and then drive them until the doors fall off. My current GTi VR6 only has 93K on it, it's just a baby!! for a 1997.

H9

[avelanchefan]

Steve here is a Wolfie in Tucson ---->click "Tucson Wolfsburg" If you want the manual it is 1100 dollars cheaper. You don't get all the GTI amenities but you still get the turbo'd engine.

[steveinaz]

That's what I'm lookin at--my Suzuki Forenza will be paid off in about 4 months, and she only has 28,000 on her. I'm not in any hurry, but the suzi is not comfortable on long drives (poor ergonomics/seats).

I was originally looking at the Chevy Impala--but I'm keeping all options open.

[steveinaz]

Thanks Sean--I kind of prefer a manual tranny, especially with a 4 or 5 banger.

[billbillw]

So, are you only looking new? You might start seeing '06 GLI come off from 2 or 3 year leases. Those are usually low mileage babied cars.

[steveinaz]

Bill--if it's under 22,000 miles I might consider it. I looked at a few "certified used" vw's locally (Tucson), and the price was only about $1200 less than new--no way, I'd go new in this case.

[billbillw]

Not 26,000 miles?
< jk >
Yeah, for that little price difference, definitely go new. I'd think you could work them down on the price with the economy the way it is.

[heiney9]

Steve,

Just an FYI, in case you were thinking about picking up an '08 "fifth" generation Jetta. The first part of the article is about the "sixth" generation Golf but it goes on to explain when production ends for the the 5th generation and the gap before the 6th generation is introduced in the US for both models.

http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/publi...cle_2395.shtml

H9

[billbillw]

Steve,

Just an FYI, in case you were thinking about picking up an '08 "fifth" generation Jetta. The first part of the article is about the "sixth" generation Golf but it goes on to explain when production ends for the the 5th generation and the gap before the 6th generation is introduced in the US for both models.

http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/publi...cle_2395.shtml

H9

Good find there. Interesting. That means pricing on the '08 models will probably not be slashed at the end of model year like usual.

[avelanchefan]

Yeah I saw that article too Heiney, and I was wondering why there were no slash in pricing. But VW has been showing very strong sales this year despite other companies like Toyata and GM/Chevy/Ford are down.

Steve,

I have debated showing you this other company because of your location, BUT if you are willing to take a day trip you may want to check out LeSueur Automotive in Phoenix. I know it is a bit of a drive, but their prices are insanely fair (in my eyes, maybe I am wrong?) They are family owned, and family operated. Everybody in that store is part of the LeSueur family. They are also a sponser on the VW Vortex for the Southwest region. I know that I will personally do business with them with my next VW purchase. And everyone that I have heard of that has gone their has been treated fairly, and would do return business with them.

You can take a look here ----> USED Audi and VW

[steveinaz]

Thanks Sean, that could be a good excuse to go to Cabela's...LOL

As far as 08 pricing, the Jetta seems like a pretty damn good deal when compared with everyone else; Nissan, Chevy, Pontiac, Dodge, Mazda, etc. The Mazda3 is very close to the Jetta value-wise, but smaller interior and engine.

The VW Jetta is looking real good--