Used 2010 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel Consumer Reviews
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Hidden Gem
I shopped for a mpg champ and looked at Hybrids. Ford was unable to get an Escape Hybrid that led me to Edmunds et al. I found the VW Sportwagen TDI. I liked the quality and the price so I bought it. It has the cargo space of an Escape with mileage exceeding its EPA and also for less money. Granted it is not an SUV but it is a nice car. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in cargo space and MPG. Also there is a $1300 tax credit they told me until June 30, 2010. Edmunds, Consumer Reports are right about this being a good alternative to a hybrid. I recently found Hybrid owners on the forums say their MPG drops with battery age by about 5-8 mpg on Escapes. So, my loss was gain.
Excellent vehicle in all respects
This vehicle is the perfect combination of fun & frugal. The build quality exceeds expectations for a vehicle of this price. The turbo diesel has adequate acceleration but not exciting. Still very fun to drive (I have the manual trans) and the turbo will punch you into the seat at around 2K RPM. The impressive mileage (35-40 in mixed driving) is just considering that it's actually a sporty, good-looking, fun to drive vehicle. Seats are very comfortable. Noticeably more firm. Go with the 17" wheels for a better driving experience. Great storage in the rear. More than many small-ish SUVs.
- SportWagen S PZEV WagonMSRP: $8,999101 mi away
- SportWagen SE PZEV WagonMSRP: $5,995103 mi away
- S PZEV SedanMSRP: $6,995107 mi away
I love this car
I already have 10,000 miles on the car. Absolutely no defects. I have about 70/30 highway/city split in miles. My average over the past 10,000 miles is 39.9 mpg. My best mpg was a trip up a mountain from 1000 ft to 5300 ft for 56 mpg round trip (44 mpg on the way up). The car keeps on getting better and better gas mileage. It is really fun to drive. I smile every time I fill up. It is remarkably faster than I would have expected, I can pass just about anyone. I love the handling. You definitely won't regret buying this car. It is for the guy who hates wimpy hybrids, but wants to save some gas.
Exceeding Expectations
Just bought my TDI Sportwagen last week. And even though it is still in the break-in period, it is getting great gas mileage. My commute is 50/50 city/hwy and I am averaging 39mpg. The interior is comfortable and well laid out. The touch screen radio and steering wheel controls make everything easy and keep my eyes on the road. Seats are firm and comfortable. Cargo area is roomy for a small car.
The Real Deal
Had the car for two weeks and put just over 1,500 miles on it. Snow in NE kept it in the garage a few days. Had one small glitch with sensor in the exhaust system, which was fixed right and on time. Since then she's been perfect. Ride is firm but supple. Seats are super supportive, great on long drives. Steering is fantastic. Engine and trans are THE BEST. Very torquey diesel and DSG really suits it well, a great combo. The negatives: heat in a diesel is a long wait; heated seats make up for that. Control knobs for heater are smooth/slippery to the touch. The pillar between front/rear window is huge. Takes some moving about to see around them. All in all a great long range cruiser!
2010 TDI at 10k
Here's the verdict after 10,000 miles with the 2010 TDI. I had high hopes for this car and it exceeded all my expectations. Mileage is excellent, performance is surprisingly good, turbo lag isn't too bad, handling is precise and predictable, and reliability has been perfect so far (no problems at all).
First impressions
Traded in my '04 Acura TL in search of better gas mileage. Mission accomplished - the Jetta gets 34 mpg on my commute that yielded 19-20 mpg in the TL. The Jetta TDI is fun to drive, I feel even more confident through the twisities than in the TL. There are many thoughtful details like ample storage in the door and glove box as well under the floor of the rear cargo area. The Ipod connector is delightful as well allowing full menus. Touch screen audio is well done. Surprised that I liked the 16" wheels over the 17s Bluetooth connection is "answer only" no voice command or interface for dialing. Found a work-around using the cell phone voice command (sad that a $50 cell trumps a $30K car).
So far so good
Traded in a mini van for this car. I am a true car nut (also drive a 2007 BMW m5) and I really enjoy driving this car. It has an amazing combination of low end power and fuel economy with great features. Fuel consumption is good but not great. I do about 40% city and 60% hwy and have yet to break 34 mpg. I am hoping down the road it improves.
TDI2FLY
This by far the most practical vehicle purchase Ive made. I think keeping things in perspective is essential when reviewing a vehicle. Yes, it is called a SportWagon but it does not mean, racetrack ready. It is a perfect vehicle for people with an active lifestyle. You want a more rigid suspension buy the Golf TDI and if you want even more practical sports car buy the GTI. For a wagon this car hits the nail right on the head.
rewarding vehicle
Over 600 miles in the first two weeks of ownership. Great car. Easy to enter and exit.Handles well,comfortable, great visibility,performance and economy.Got 42.5 mpg on the first tank. 600 plus miles per tank easy to obtain.Great trunk space.We got the black with cornsilk interior, sunroof,dsg tran,17 inch wheels,southern package,ipod adapter. I have owned at leats 40 cars and this is a good one. It rivals the several mercedes I have owned in the past.I also have a 2008 Accord v6 and a 05 Tahoe. Great combination of vehicles. If you are considering a Honda or a VW..go with the TDI. It makes the vehicle.
Diesel advantages
Bought the car for the wife but I can't stay out of it. Once you get used to the throttle it is quite peppy and responsive. I can fit in comfortably with some seat adjustments (6'1") 208. Performance is great along with mileage. I have installed AFE cold air intake and Banks performance exhaust which have improved response and mileage, no I am not a kid but the AARP age, just like to improve on a good base. Driving somewhat progressively using sport mode I manage 38 to 40 mpg and blow by hybrids. Best deal I got was $24,200 not inclusive of taxes and title. TDI Sportwagon 6AM, Southern kit, 17's, protection kit, Ipod adapt, body moldings, color White Gold metallic. Less than 2000 miles but happy.
Excellent Car
I bought a 2010 Jetta Sportwagen Diesel with 6 speed Std. Transmission in Nov. 2009. I was looking for a vehicle that a) Good for carrying a bicycle (my hobby) b) Good fuel economy c) Fun to drive. This car is very good on all counts and no problems so far.
great car w/poor reliability
After 3000 miles on my tdi sedan (diesel) I'm delighted w/this small car. Others have said the positive car qualities well, but also like others, I'm unhappy with poor reliability. My car next week goes back to the dealership to fix leaking exhaust, twice, and now must replace 2 oxygen sensors. Both problems say my car won't pass my state's rules. VW dealerships (2) have tried hard to help. I'm very frustrated, of course.
Happy new owner
There is no such thing as the perfect vehicle as every design is a compromise but the Jetta TDI is unique in that it gets terrific mileage while being fun to drive. The rush of turbo power from the diesel is very satisfying and the range makes filling up almost fun. For those with bluetooth issues try a different phone; address book works on some and not on others. Mine is Windows Mobile 6.5 and it works fine. It will pair with up to 7 phones and the most recent paired phone gets used first so pair the main drivers phone last. Steering wheel controls available on the TDI are great and cooled (large) glove box and AC plug in back seat are a nice touch.
Efficient and Fun
Loaded with extras, sunroof, excellent handling, great mileage, dealer incentives, bluetooth hands-free, ipod connection...what's not to love. Hopefully, reliability is not an issue.
Initial Impressions at 1,500 Miles
I bought our VW JSW TDI only two weeks ago. We live in AL but our local dealers were sticking to MSRP/Sticker. We saved $3,000 (including expenses) by flying to Houston and *driving* our new baby 750 miles back home. We were paying cash, so the savings was "real" to us, instead of just a few bucks per month. It also gave me some time to form some initial impressions. First, this thing HAULS! It *feels* much faster than it's reported 0- 60 times. It holds a 72 MPH "Cruise Control" (at 2300 RPM) up the steepest grades without dropping out of its tallest gear. Amazingly, the seats don't *look* that comfortable, but after 750 miles I realized that I had no butt, leg, or back fatigue. Out of space!!!
Love the car
I spent 2 years looking for a good commuter car. I bought the tdi sportwagen last month and it has exceeded expectations. I've been getting 39-45 mpg. My 6'4" husband fits nicely and there's still enough leg room in the back for two boys or not so tall adults. The storage in the back is great. Big enough for an 80 lb dog. Love the way the seats fold flat for transporting larger items.
No regrets
Traded an '04 Acura TL for the Sport Wagon in search of better gas mileage and flexibility of a wagon. I think this is one of the best engines out there, plenty of power, good mileage (34 mpg on a commute where the TL got 19) It handles as well or better than the TL. Purchased it with Navi, SMG, Ipod and panoramic sunroof. The Navi is not a great value as it doesn't include other technology upgrades like advanced Bluetooth. It is, however well integrated and displays turn-by-turn in the instrument cluster. Bluetooth is OK, but I miss using voice commands to dial the phone (The TL was better in this regard) It is answer- answer using steering wheel buttons.
Der Wagen ist Wunderbar! Muchas gracias!
Yes. it's a 2010 Jetta TDI SportWagen. Assembled in Mexico. And one of the hottest cars in North America. This is a diesel? For a wagon it's got pickup ... and even style. The Jetta TDI SportWagen has lot of little things you'd expect in cars that cost a heck of a lot more ... and are standard. A very comfortable, low-to-the-ground torquey drive. It hugs the corners on high-speed parkways .. and proves to be a nimble creature driving around the big city. It even did well in the recent last weekend of autumn 2009 snow here in the Northeast. The fit and finish is solid. Very quiet for a small car. Great audio system. A superb, well-engineered replacement for my hybrid Ford Escape.
9k Update
I've had the car for a little over 4 months and have 9k on it and I still love it. I average 45 mpg combined with 75% highway. I drive 27 mi to work and my highest comp mpg has been 51.7 mpg, coasting and 55-60 mph, typ is 48 mpg.Love the radio and the SmartCard insert.I have the panoramic roof which is great for continuing to watch a bird/plane you first see from the side windows.This car is fast off the line and when you punch it, excellent.Low road noise, great quality, great features and can fit two adults in back comfortably .I have been putting my kayaks on top and love that it is low, I can put my 55-60 lb'ers up by myself from the side .With the panoramic get the VW rack due to low clearance
TDI Convert!
I've owned this car for almost a month and have just over 1,000 miles and really love it. Very nice luxury interior and features without the luxury price tag. I got the 2010 TDI and the only options I got was the 17" Avignon wheels, which were reasonably priced at $450, and the rear spoiler for another $500 to give the TDI that sporty look. I'm getting over 40 mpg on the highway and got 48.1 mpg on a long road trip. I love the touch screen radio, blue tooth, steering wheel controls and the multi-function display. The V-Tex "leather" interior is nice and the other standard features such as heated seats and heated windshield fluid will be nice when it's cold. Overall it's a great car!!!!
Excited in St Louis
I have been buying US branded cars since the first one. I've had no discrimination against brands, Ford, Gm, Chrysler. All are good but none are making me as happy as this new Jetta TDI. It has great speed and pick-up with shifts that are unbelievably quick. I've never had any transmission shift so fast and smooth. I was surprised when hitting 70mph there was another gear. The interior is solid and very up scale. Vinyl or not the seats feel like their from a luxury car. I haven't had anyone even guess it's a diesel. The interior is quieter than a Cadillac I once had. The body is smaller than the Dodge Charger we traded in on it but there was no trade off in interior or trunk space. Buy It!!
So Far So Good
I have wanted a diesel for years. Finally ordered a no options car from local dealer. Order time was about 3 months. Had to break in on a long trip of 1600 miles but seems to have turned out OK. So far no problems. Only annoyance is squeaky brakes in the morning when I first start it up. Mileage has been exactly as advertised, at least according to the onboard mileage indicator. I like the manual transmission but it does give a little chatter into second gear until it gets warmed up, after that it shifts very smoothly. Side mirrors are smaller than I am used to but vision is otherwise pretty good. Fueling is somewhat messier than gas. Engine is very torquey!
Happy so far!
So far, very happy. Granted, I just bought it, so take this for what it is. LOVE the torque! Like the solid/stable feel on the road. My Civic was atrocious in winter and wet conditions, hence I got rid of it. The VW already feels 100% better - winter will be the big test tho. Did I mention that I LOVE the torque?? Interior is very nice. Comfy seats. Sparse on storage cubbyholes, but I can live with that. Less reason for me to put more crap in the car that I don't need. Nice and quiet on the road. Drives very smooth. Will be too easy to get a speeding ticket if I'm not careful, so I appreciate the speed warning (setting) feature! Plenty of power in this car! Great cargo space & stereo.
No regrets
I was looking for a hatchback.I checked several makes. I really liked the GTI. Then tried the TDI Golf. Fuel economy displaced the GTI fun factor. As I was dealing on a TDI Golf I tried the TDI Sportswagen. It just felt smoother than the Golf, so I bought a TDI JSW with DSG. No paddle shifting like on the GTI and TDI Golf, but the extra room, smoother ride and great handling made up the difference, no regrets. I have a MB AMG E55 and BMW 335 hardtop convert, so I have transport options. The JSW gets the most use. It is one of those cars you hop in and just go and go and go. It is getting 45 mpg using D and S and manually shifting when I want more involvement. Diesel $ still less than premium.
good piece of advice....
I had this car for little over a month, 1900miles. Great car....but, I am ready to replace it for regular gasoline. The dealership found already traces of regular gasoline in my fuel system, even I only fueled only 3 times with diesel. You will have hard time finding a good gas station that doesn't mix the cheaper regular gasoline into the more expensive diesel fuel. Be aware, this becomes your problem, warranty doesn't cover this fraud. Replacing fuel system could cost you $6,000.
Excellent vehicle but read fine print
Only had vehicle for 3 mon. but very happy. Performance is better than expected - quick and responsive. Tight & nimble handling. 40mpg(combined) - 48mpg(mostly highway). Very comfortable interior but back seat too small even for 3 small kids. Premium 8 radio with sat but no nav. Bluetooth package NOT AS ADVERTISED. Learned I have lower grade Bluetooth - it only receives calls - no phone book and can't place outgoing calls. The literature is very deceiving. Bluetooth a waste of money if you can't call out. You can place a call on your cell phone, but expect a ticket sooner or later. Even more difficult with manual tran. Too early for build quality and reliability but so far so good.
Great auto, 3rd world bluetooth
I have been following the TDI for a year and finally purchased one recently. Impressed with the zip-ability of the TDI and the DSG is the transmission from heaven (really, it is that good). The big surprise was to find my common Verizon cell phone will not connect to the VW bluetooth system. It works great in my Ford's Sync system but it is not on the short list of acceptable Verizon phones that work within VW. No where in the VW literature (that I can find) nor on the auto's window sticker state the Bluetooth's connectivity is so limited. Big disappointment, now I need to purchase dumber phones to work in both autos.
Hesitation
I am experiencing the hesitation too - to the point that I have almost been hit a few times. So now I wait and not try to cut in traffic.
Better than a Hybrid by far
I bought the TDI model in May 2010. Mileage is fantastic, at least 42 MPG depending on type of driving. The car is quiet, responsive, and quick "out of the gate." I believe diesel cars are the unsung heroes of the road.
Awesome Car for the Money
I bought this car 3 weeks ago and so far I've been very impressed by the performance and fuel economy of the TDI. I stopped buying VW cars because of the reliability issues in recent years, but hopefully that's all in the past. The car came fully equipped and the only extract I got was the bigger wheels, which make a big difference in handling.
VDub in Da' House...
The wife wanted to try something different this time, taking a detour from the domestic norm, and the Jetta sure didn't disappoint! Blue metallic graphite, 6-speed manual tranny, Sport and Protection package, 17" Goal wheels, and the Ipod media interface. Better gas mileage than previous car, $1300 tax credit... even the insurance was less! What's not to like? When my Honda finally "gives up the ghost", I would love to have one of these, myself!
30K
We picked up this vehicle on Oct. 1st 2009. It is our first VW and we love it. I have a long commute to work and needed a fuel efficient vehicle that will last 2-300,000 miles so we bought a diesel. I drive 90 miles round trip to work. 70% 65 mph up and down hills and 30% city driving. After 30,000 miles we are averaging 42.5 mpg. Winter driving and fuel blend owers the mpg's but the summer is great. Last 5 tanks have all been over 45 mpg and 600+ miles/tank. We've taken it on road trips to see family in Minneapolis and we get 52.1 on our trip. Our best tank was 50.7! So far there have been no problems and we are satisfied thus far.
Love the TDI
I have had the TDI for 3 weeks now. I looked at the A3 TDI, but it was $8,000 more and wasn't as well equipped. The Jetta has the same engine and transmission, so I didn't need the four rings. The Jetta is also much more spacious and has a bigger trunk. I love this car. It is fun to drive, well built and gets great mileage. I'm averaging 39mpg on mostly city driving. i bought this car as a third car. My BMW 530xi hasn't left the garage since.
Concerned owner
This is my first vw. I bought it because I thought I will keep the car for ever since I know diesel engines last forever. Also MPG is a huge plus. Shortly after I bought the car I started to see reports about HPFP failures and the way company is blaming them on contaminated fuel! These cars are in the market for only two years and they have less than 30- 40K mileage on them and they are failing! If US diesel fuel is so bad why VW introduced these new engine? Everybody is talking how clean these are but how good they would be if they fail after few thousand miles? The sad part is VW has not issues any answer why HPFP is failing. I bought this car to travel cross country and have fun not concern!
so far it is great
This TDI is great. The road dynamics are excellent and the build quality is truly remarkable for the price. It has not needed fuel yet and has over 500 miles on the odometer. The manual transmission is one of the best I have ever had, since I have never owned an automatic I am a very experienced with how a manual transaxel is supposed to feel. I test drove the DSG and althouth it seemed fine I was afraid it would be the only thing to eventually break since I keep a car for about 12 yrs on average. If you get a Jetta make sure you get the TDI It comes with most of the options. Love it
Perfect for Long Commutes
This car makes me look forward to my hour long commute twice a day! Great sound system. I love the firm feel of the steering and the way it hugs the road. I'm averaging 38 mpg with 2,000 miles in 60/40 hwy/city driving. Last night I hit 40 mpg for the first time. My husband was against the idea of a VW and wanted me to get a larger vehicle to accommodate his 6'3" frame. During the test drive, he couldn't believe how roomy it was, and he loved the fast acceleration. Looking forward to loading up the storage area with at least 6 flats of plants for spring planting. I traded in my beloved Honda Accord EX (loaded) for this car, and there have been no regrets!
So Far So Good
We did a lot of research when the dust settled it was down to the new Ford Focus, the Honda Civic Hybrid and the Insight. Why the Jetta TDI well it doesnt feel like a small car has a nice ride with lots of safety features that goes a long way on a tank of fuel. Just hope the dependability will be as good as the driving experience has a lot of punch that comes in handy when needed. Its not a luxury car but its nicely equipped youll not think of it as little car. Heritage VW of South AL didnt try all the dealer sells tricks nice to deal with, thank you.
Very nice and Economical
My typical around town mileage is about 35, on a trip to Maine it was 42 so it easily lives up to its mileage claims. Comfortable, accelerates well into traffic on entrance ramps and from stop signs, that's all I want I have a Jag XK8 for the stop light derby. The sound system is great, the glass roof makes the interior very nice and bright. The DSG transmission shifts remarkably smoothly, I can hear the engine change RPM but there is no noticeable "bump or pause" at shift points.
TDI
Bought solely for the TDI and it has been flawless. However maint issues, susp noise, glove box latch (4th I've seen), rear window leaks when lifted up via the wiper mount. Overall has been a good car, sat, CD, seats, and we love the sunroof. Mileage, best has been 42 hwy wo ac, 39 with, hoping for better, but it only has 9k miles. Free maint is good, but should cover more. Had to shop for a fair price so be careful, some dealers will bend you over the table. I would suggest highly an extended warranty, not feeling to safe. Sold my 08 TL Type S due to gas mpg and job change and wish I still had it due to the maint issues already on the VW.
Recurring Emissions Problem
In theory, I absolutely LOVE this car - - it's sleek & maneuverable, with refined interior, great features package, excellent power and mileage (45+), BUT...the "Check Engine" light has come on for the THIRD time, and it only has 620 miles on it. VW has tried fixing it twice, but they now acknowledge there is no known fix at this time. Unless they iron it out this time, I'm invoking Lemon Law and taking my money back.
An Excellent Wagon
I was surprised by how good the DSG transmission is! I normally prefer a manual gearbox on small cars - but the DSG is superb. The interior is very clean and well designed, I like the access panel in the rear seat for carrying long objects. The extra torque from the diesel is also a lot of fun. I'm trying to see just how economical I can be on my commute (80% freeway) my best so far is 42 mpg.
Diesels Rule Hybrids Drool
Ok, not a long range review, I only have 1200 miles on it, but so far love it. I have been averaging 42 mpg on my 27 mile one way commute, mostly country highway miles. Heated seats are great on the cold mornings, I don't mind the long time for heat to come out the vents, but after 3-4 miles the interior begins to heat up nicely. Inside layout is very good, but it is a smaller car so not that much room to store things. I like the panoramic roof and the radio system. The computer display is functional and I love to play the game of mpg. I've wanted a TDI for 10 years and finally talked the wife into it. From a green standpoint of "oil well to wheels" a diesel is more efficient than a hybrid.
tdi fun to drive
Did a lot of checking on many cars such as focus,civic and camery. After driving all of them so glad I went with the Tdi jetta. Has more pick up handles better then all the rest on the list and I am getting 42mpg going to and from work and one third of that is in the city.Inside the sound system is great. Love the seating and trunk space is great. You will love this car
it's a no brainer
Have 2800 miles on the car and no problems. Drives like a rocket in some RPM ranges and like a donkey in other RPM ranges. You have to get to know this engine, which is a jewell, and that makes it very interesting. Best of all i am averaging 42 miles per gallon and tank up every 2 weeks on a 14.5 gallong tank getting 600 miles per tank. Diesel is at about $2.90 per gallon so that equates to about $38 bucks every two weeks. I drive 50 miles per day plus the usual errands. Love that diesel "Purr" when in heigh gears, it tells me I am in low compsumptionn mode. Blue Tooth is great even without navigation syst. Fit and finnish on paar with Audi, inside and out. Stereo wonderfull.
My favorite car
The diesel is fantastic. Average mileage 41 in 3600 miles of driving. Everything about the car is fantastic. My last car was a late model BMW. I will never go back. VW design is fantastic and build quality and reliability are very good. Tons of features for the money. My favorite car.
Never thought I'd love a wagon :)
2010 Jetta Sportwagen TDI - Candy White, Black Interior, 6-speed. My wife wanted something with room and good gas mileage(not easy to find, as you may already know). I wanted something fun to drive. BAM! VW has the perfect solution. We've only got a little over 1K miles, but this car is great and grows on me more every day. 6-speed is a blast to drive, does not feel like a station wagon at all. Plenty of room for us, our daughter w/ car seat, 2 dogs and luggage on last road trip. What a great feeling to look down and see that you're cruising along at 75+ mph and getting 42+ mpg!! We plan on keeping this car for a LONG time...thanks VW!
Love My TDI!
Got my Jetta TDI a couple of weeks ago. I can't stop smiling when driving it and I can't stop looking up more info on what others say about their love for the TDI. Wanted a Sportswagen but the great deal I got on the sedan was unbeatable - 0% financing for 66 months fro VW Credit. Thoroughly enjoyed my experience with Emich VW in Denver. My wife and two sons love going on drives with me. Hoping winter driving in it goes well, but have heard good reports (used to driving 4wheeldrives). Thank you VW for all of the fun, safety, performance, MPGs! My 3rd VW in 26 years. Can't beat the enjoyment of all of my v-dubs.
good and bad
I love the car but the check engine light has been on 4 times they had the car for 3 weeks on one of the trips back to the dealer and put over 1000 miles on test drives????? So far it has been ok we will see.
Fun, efficient, solid.
Well, only a few weeks in my Jetta TDI, but so far I love it. With the manual 6-speed it is fun to drive, especially between 2d and 5th gear, but even in 6th at 70mph on the highway, there is plenty of "go" to move around in traffic. And my first three tanks of diesel I am AVERAGING 41.5 mpg (I drive about70/30 hwy/city). And with the seats down, yesterday I put my daughters bike in the trunk without taking any wheels off, so what's not to like.....