Used 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen Consumer Reviews
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So far so great
screenname420, 03/25/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
23 of 23 people found this review helpful
Bought car, went on 300 mile trip right out the dealer. Awesome time. The whole family loves it and we are already planning the next trip. I got the manual and I got the 86000 mile warrantee so I don't care about anything breaking down. Triple checked that dealer would cover HPFP failure.
Love this TDi
kerriet, 04/30/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
20 of 20 people found this review helpful
I purchased my SportWagen Tdi in February of 2012. I absolutely love this vehicle. It drives like a dream: handling is fantastic, mpg is off the charts (and it is still far from being broken in), creature comforts of the interior are wonderful. I really like the exterior styling. It's a sharp vehicle.
Took delivery today...
djvinmsn, 08/10/2011
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
56 of 59 people found this review helpful
My scores may be a little optimistic -- I just took delivery today of a Platinum Gray JSW TDI with automated DSG. No warts yet! Traded in a 2003 Audi A4 Avant -- amazed at how similar the two cars looked when parked next to each other at the dealership.
Love
taekwond00m, 12/09/2011
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen SE PZEV 4dr Wagon (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
24 of 25 people found this review helpful
First time VW owner and wondering why I waited so long. Previously dubbed as a "subaru girl" now converted after driving this fabulous ride! It's tight handling and peppy engine are amazing. Love the front wheel drive in this northern Minn climate. Great front, side and rear visibility -- especially with the back seats down. Amazingly smooth and quiet ride for a small car. I've owned 3 Subarus, 1 Jeep, and a Honda Civic. This SportWagen is by far my absolute favorite. Love it love it love it. p.s. I am a 5'4" female. Only drawback is the head rest on front seat -- because I'm short, makes me kinda hunch forward. Removed for now while thinking of an alternative. Great financing.
Perfect balance of performance, ecomony, and practicality!
bjudd4, 10/06/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI 4dr Wagon w/Sunroof, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
14 of 14 people found this review helpful
I took delivery of my '12 JSW TDI in Dec. 2011, and have put over 17k miles on it in less than a year! My other vehicle is a '07 VW GTI and although the TDI of course does not match it's performance, I have to say that as an automotive enthusiast I still very much enjoy driving the TDI with its generous amounts of torque. Driving it as I would drive any normal car (a little lead-footed...) I still consistently see 42mpg without a problem, and 45mpg+ if I am driving economy-minded. Had no prob starting in below zero temps in NY winter. My wife and I recently had a baby, and the car seat fits in the rear without a problem, and there is plenty of cargo room for luggage, stroller, etc.
One month of pure Fahrvergnugen " driving enjoyment"
bygrace, 08/12/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
As of today we have owned our 2012 Jetta Sportswagon TDI for one month. After owning large pick ups for most of my driving lifetime; I was skeptical about comfort. But it is not a concern at all. The seats & interior design make for a very comfortable ride; even long distance. My husband is 6'4" & about 230lbs & fits comfortably & says he has plenty of head & leg room. We both love the power of the turbo charged diesel. And the MPG is GREAT!!! We have not gotten less than 45 mpg & that was due to city driving & sitting still in a drive through for over 10 min. Otherwise, it has been getting between 47 & 55 mpg on the Highway. Haven't changed any driving habits either.
Best car I've ever owned & still great
joseph humphrey, 12/15/2015
updated 09/01/2021
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen SE 4dr Wagon (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
Ok, more modifications since last update. The ECU/TCU have been refreshed with performance software from Integrated Engineering. Engine now revs to 7200 RPM w/ HP of 185 vs.170 of stock, but big difference is torque. Now 213 ft/lb at 4200 RPM vs 190 for stock. Really gives the car a lot more punch. Downside is having to run premium grade fuel. Upgrade also includes a short ram air intake, GTI springs a Koni Sport Dampers. Koni sport is a bit over damped for the spring rate, the FSD would be a better choice. 77K mi. and no issues. This might be one of the best 'do it all cars' out there for a very reasonable sum. Looks good, above average interior quality, supurb front seat comfort, sporty handling and fairly quick when pushed. Overall, favorite car I've ever driven, and there's been a few. Accords, BMW3's, Audi A4s among them. Sure some of them were better at some things, but not as good in total. Don't understand why anyone who needs utility and doesn't go off road would choose an SUV or even worse...IMHO a crossover. So far no reliability issues in 1K mi. I realize that with German cars you have to be pretty fastidious with following maintenance. They are not 'drive and forget'. Ok, this is my follow up review after 14 months and now 63K on the clock I LOVE this car. Every time I see it or drive it it makes me smile, and what's better than that? Zero problems after 14 months, other than the inside hatch release is a bit wonky. (apparently a somewhat common issue, though cheap to fix) I think VW got a bad quality rep when they first started building cars in Mexico, but once they got to the MK5's (2009) I think they took care of that problem. I baby it when the engine is cold, but other than that, I drive it pretty hard, just because it's so much fun. As stated earlier, the fit and finish, especially of the interior are in a league with luxury cars. The much maligned Tiptronic transmission shifts just fine in manumatic or sport mode. In std D, it is programmed more toward economy. The front seats are super comfortable but firm and supportive for spirited driving. The ride is quite firm and maybe harsh for some, but this particular car as 18" wheels with performance tires. But the handling is superb, especially for what is essentially an econo box. Yeah, the rear seats are a bit tight, but is a compact car. But plenty of cargo room, although you can't haul a sheet of plywood....even half sheet as the hatch opening is too narrow. Yes, the maintenance cost are higher than a Japanese or US car but I can live with it. I did give it a poor review for expected resale value, as VW has taken a beating due to the TDI scandal, and most people in the US don't want a wagon anyway. It doesn't have all the latest tech, but it is a 2012. Yep, the sound system still blows and I wish VW had offered the 2.0T for all years, along with a limited slip diff. But, the 2.5 is supposed to be the most reliable engine and the tiptoe tranny doesn't require those expensive 40K flushes. I still haven't installed the sport suspension (just haven't had time) Even if I take a beating on resale (though I'll probably own this until it's completely worn out) I think this car is an outstanding value. Plus there simply is no other affordable US market wagon, that is a real car and not a fake SUV. However, after talking to some people on VWvortex, I do realize that those folks who live in snow country do want a high ground clearance/all wheel drive vehicle......hence the new Alltrak. (We get cold here, but not a lot of snow. Ok now I'm at 67K miles. Still not a single problem. I still love driving it. I am a fanatic about upkeep. I have done all the recommended fluid and filter flushes, inc tranny and brakes. I upgraded brakes to Optimal brand e-coated rotors and EBC Red (street/performance) pads, even though shop that installed said stock brakes were fine. I think the brake feel is much improved by the pads and the 'hat's on stock were rusty. The new ones look much nicer. I did not go with drilled or slotted as too expensive. This is a great car and hell of a bargain.
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Awesome Car!
rod_r, 07/15/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I have only had this car a week but so far it really has exceeded my expectations. It took a few weeks before one of my local dealers had a manual model but the wait was worth it. I drove one with a DSG transmission and it was fine but with the manual it is just a more engaging car to drive. The torque from this little turbo diesel is amazing. It pulled up a big hill in 4th gear at 1500rpm at 40mph with no problem. Great interior with lots of room. I am getting right at 40mpg with mixed driving. The car is not fast but it feels quick with great handling. It really is a "SPORT"wagen. This car feels like it could cost a lot more than $25,000.
great car, not so great service
kayakhow, 11/10/2011
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI 4dr Wagon w/Sunroof (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
Love the car, I get mileage that's better than advertised. I had a hitch installed with enthusiastic encouragement from the dealer , that's when the fun began. I had a brake light issue, and although I was told the wire harness was properly installed they did not honor the warranty and hosed me good for the repair which was a labor only repair. So avoid installing any after market equipment on the car, especially where towing is involved. If your car is out of warranty, go for it, there are techs out there who work cheaper than the VW shop. Basically, the service experience soured me a bit, thery treated me better at the Chevy dealer when I had the truck.
Love my new Jetta Sportwagen
leftcoastwolf, 02/22/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI 4dr Wagon w/Sunroof (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I just bought my second VW TDI Jetta. This car is larger and more refined than my 2003. The handling for the 2012 is first rate. The German engineering that went into this vehicle makes for a fantastic driver's car. The dealership has treated me well and answered all questions. This is the second car I've purchased from this dealership.
poor man's audi
joseph humphrey, 11/06/2015
updated 11/20/2023
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen S 4dr Wagon (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
Did the ECM/TCM reprograming from IE. Not really cheap if you have the auto trans and have to flash that, but man oh man does it work. Car is quicker by a second 0-60 than GTI of the era. A riot to drive. Downside, is requires high octane fuel which is really expensive now, but I don't drive many miles a week. New thought on suspension. The Koni Sports are over damped for these springs. The FSD or a Bilstein B8 would be better choice. Great car. Total sleeper now. Finally installed sport suspension. Factory VW DG springs with Koni sport dampers. If you do this....set rebound at full soft. The Koni's have higher base rate damping to work with the higher spring rate of the sport spring. Lowers car by 1" which looks great. More sporty and aggressive but doesn't look 'slammed'. Handling is on par with a GTI from the era (ie: before adaptive dampers) Ride is somewhat firmer but not harsh, but man is it fun on a twisty back road. 75K miles now and not a single issue. I have new plugs and coil packs to install, but that is preventative only. No squeaks or rattles. No rust anywhere. (even underneath) They built this right. Next upgrade will be eco/tcu tune from Integrated Engineering. There's a lot of potential in that lowly 2.5 engine. Engine tune is stupid fun. 0-60 in 6.8-6.9 which is better than stock GTI of the era. Downside beside besides initial cost is requires premium grade fuel.......which has become a bit pricey. Still, with all the abuse, not a singe thing has broken on this car. I've done nothing short of religious maintenance (which includes 5K oil changes on synthetic, not 10K as allowed) It's fun, it's practical, it's bulletproof. And I think it looks cool. Adding a factory Votex body kit in the spring. Best car I've ever owned.
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First Diesel - 3rd VW
a.j. minhas, 07/08/2015
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
About 3.5 years back, we bought our first VW, a gas-powered 2007 VW Passat Sportwagen. We loved it for it's roominess, the performance and handling. This was mid-size vehicle with a 2.0L Turbo coupled to a sprightly 6 speed sports automatic transmission. The car flew. Last year, I purchased a 2012 Golf 5 door hatchback to replace a 2006 Murano SUV, which didn't get that great a fuel mileage, but was very roomy and comfortable. I traded some of that comfort for 30+ mpg on the hgwy in my Golf. Our latest addition this April 2015 was a 2012 Jetta Sportwagen 2.0 TDI, on which we traded in our Passat Wagon. This TDI is phenomenal. On a recent 900 mile trip up North for a reunion, we were consistently getting over 40 mpg and we went 500 miles, with fuel to spare, between fuel stops. We drove non-stop 870 miles on the 12.5 hour trip back home to Florida. This is a very impressive car. In a few years, I am going to be getting a Golf TDI Sportwagen after I give my 2012 Golf Hatchback to my daughter when she gets her drivers license. I am sold on VW and I love the TDIs.
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Euro styling. So practical and yet fun 2 Drive.
Blue, 01/13/2018
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen S PZEV 4dr Wagon (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
This such a great SUV alternative that drives like a dream. Plastic underbelly when combined with low ground clearance must be noted. It’s a bad thing but easily remedied with a solid aftermarket add on such as the Panzer Plate. Interior is at the cusp of Euro simplicity and luxury. Dig this vehicle.
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Love the Jetta - Hate the electronics
trainsam, 08/27/2011
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
27 of 34 people found this review helpful
Car is a pleasure to drive. Love the mileage (43-60mpg between 75 and down to 55 respectively). Carries a ton for a small car. Even gets great mileage with luggage stored on top. No power train issues ever. JettaSportWagon is 20 months old now with 30k miles. Lock system just went wacky. Dealer can't even figure out why some locks lock sometimes and others at other times. Completely random behavior. Changed lock control module. No luck. Now dealer is calling in expert from somewhere else. In first two months had similar electronic hiccup with ATC system. Wish the electronics were more stable.
2nd TDI I own: Spirited Driver!
monkfarm, 09/09/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI 4dr Wagon w/Sunroof (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Wonderful car! This wonderful car has it all: great braking, comfortable seats in front, great handling, adequate power, smooth shifting, great fuel economy. This car is fun to drive, it accommodates my leadfoot with great fuel economy (usually 41 with mixed city hwy with air conditioning, wife: 44.) I don't feel bad about cruising the speed I want to drive because I'm not putting that much fuel in it. We have 3 dogs, and with luggage is fairly comfortable for long trips (210 miles to my folks.) The exterior design has grown on me. The back folds down into a smooth platform which the dogs love, and I carry supplies to my country home with ease. I love it!! 10,000 miles on it so far.
Dieses Auto ist groß
etaggart, 09/06/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI 4dr Wagon w/Sunroof, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I've had my TDI Sportwagen for about 3 months now. I went from a large SUV (Durango) to this wagon. I LOVE IT. I have owned SAABs in the past and appreciate the european feel to the interior. The Panoramic sunroof is AWESOME. Love the torque and power of the TDI and the DSG transmission is great. The DSG does take a bit to get used to and I can understand why the previous reviewer complained. The DSG "downshifts" when you are coming to a light much like you might in a manual. The "bucking" can be experienced when the engine is cold (1-2 min) and you hover your throttle between giving it fuel and not.. However, once you realize what the deal is you can avoid that situation totally!
Sunroof stains this car
monkfarm, 02/26/2015
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI 4dr Wagon w/Sunroof (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
9 of 11 people found this review helpful
I did not purchase the extended warranty on this auto, and I loved it until the sunroof stuck open, tilted on one side. I went to a dealer, and they really could not see what was wrong, but estimated $2048 to fix it, the headliner needs to be dropped, of course they gave us the worst case scenario, broken frame. I barely used the sunroof, but live in the woods, on a gravel rood, and it must have stuck from the dust and the spruce needles. The sensor for the window washing fluid also broke, even though I always put antifreeze window washer fluid in it. Especially if you buy the sunroof, plan on buying the warranty, these autos are expensive to fix! I will buy a different brand next time.
Sooo good
Ernestine Hoeflein, 09/06/2018
updated 03/09/2022
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen SE 4dr Wagon w/Sunroof (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
For the price it is a great car. After eight years it looks like it was just delivered. Still have it. Did get new tires.
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Sleek, comfortable, no problem gas wagon
CamperGal, 02/15/2020
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen S 4dr Wagon (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought the Jetta Sportwagon S with automatic transmission used, and it has been a dream! You can go into a sport drive for steep slopes, or you can go from automatic to manual with my model. It is the gas version and I had a difficult time finding one, because no one gets rid of them. Excellent safety reviews. The cargo space is phenomenal and with the back seats folded down flat you can sleep in the back looking up at the stars through hatch window!!! No problems with anything at over 100K miles and maintenance is very easy.
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great car
firstvw, 09/05/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI 4dr Wagon w/Sunroof (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have owned my jetta sportwagen TDI for 4 months and am very happy with it. Great combination of handling and fuel economy. I have averaged 40 mpg over the 4000 miles put on the car so far. I love not having to go to the gas station! Good performance--it hauls a$# when I hit the gas! I don't love the exterior design, but it was a reasonable compromise to get the fuel economy and performance.
Love this car
RJT, 02/01/2020
updated 02/06/2023
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Since May 2019 have put about 75000 miles on it. Only issue was new DPF which was covered under warranty. Absolutely love the car!!!!!!?? Ok. Update Feb 2023. 152k no problems👍👍
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A great automobile, but you can't keep it.
Allen Wasserman, 07/30/2016
updated 02/05/2017
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI 4dr Wagon w/Sunroof, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Automobile performs extremely well, but prepare yourself for disappointment when it is revealed that TDI's cannot meet U.S. air pollution standards. My wonderful automobile has recently been repurchased by Volkswagen. There was no hope that VW could improve the vehicle to meet U.S. air pollution standards.
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Great Road Car
teaton1, 02/14/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
11 of 20 people found this review helpful
Bought this new 9 months ago with plans on moving it to Central Europe. This is our highway car. Very comfortable and economical. Love the steering and 6 speed manual transmission. I am not a great diesel driver... I occasionally stall out in first gear. Not quite enough very low end torque. I stalled more so with an older Audi A6 than this VW. I love the brake assist on hills... comes standard even with the stick shift. The radio speakers are really bad. I would never have kept the Sirius radio anyway, but if I were a radio-phile this is not the radio to have. Our Honda Fit (for the city) has a great sound system for a little car. Overall this is an excellent buy.
Worst car ever owned
Nick, 06/06/2019
updated 06/07/2021
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI 4dr Wagon w/Sunroof (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
4 of 9 people found this review helpful
Owned for four months, in the shop thirty three days. Numerous electrical problems, poor service from VW dealership ( Glenwood Springs VW) and VW care. This will be my last VW.
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Jetta SW TDI, with Nav-NO Traffic Alert capability!
jituschi, 09/05/2011
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI 4dr Wagon w/Sunroof, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
28 of 76 people found this review helpful
Great wagon fun to drive, averaging close to 50 mpg with the TDI.
STAY AWAY
05/23/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
19 of 60 people found this review helpful
I purchased this vehicle about a month ago. Automatic Transmission. I commute 50 miles to work each way daily. I traded in a reliable and loved subaru for the TDI for fuel economy. BIG MISTAKE. It drives terribly. From the second day of ownership the car bucks terribly the first few miles of driving if it has sat for longer than a 4 hour period of time. Dealership says this is normal. Whiplash is not normal in a brand new car. Also, the fan stays on for extended periods of time after driving. Also told this was normal. Cooling is fine, but an hour for the fan to stay on? I dont buy it. My relationship with VW isnt off to a good start. I have a feeling I will be returning to Subaru, and soon!
MPG
geo02r1, 12/13/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen SE 4dr Wagon w/Sunroof (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
3 of 12 people found this review helpful
I purchased a 2012 VW sportwagon se 2.5 rather than a Nissan Frontier truck mostly for the MPG. Having owned a Toyota that had lower EPA MPG, I thought it was a good move. The car's EPA MPG is 23 city/31 Hwy. I expected 25-26 combined. I'm getting 18-19 driving conservatively. I went to the dealer thinking there was something wrong and was told it's fine. I contacted VW Corp. and was told it's the way I drive. WARNING VOLKSWAGON MPG IS FALSE !!!!!! I WISH I NEVER BUY A VOLKSWAGON
Diesels are Done
Bernard, 07/15/2016
updated 07/18/2023
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI 4dr Wagon w/Sunroof, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
1 of 11 people found this review helpful
The car is discontinued because VW was stupid!......Sold car back to the company
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I'm very pleased with the car
Jthosb, 10/10/2016
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen SE 4dr Wagon (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car has been very reliable and easy to drive. Only really wish the rear view mirrors were larger.
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