Used 2010 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel Consumer Reviews
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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).
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.
- S SedanMSRP: $6,99590 mi away
- Limited Edition SedanMSRP: $4,995109 mi away
- SE SedanMSRP: $3,500137 mi away
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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
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!
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.....
Sport utility for people who love cars
Fantastic car. Was always a fan of VW quality and driving dynamics, though got spooked into Asian cars a few years ago due to reliability woes. This car, though, with its perfect combination of driving dynamics, utility, efficiency, build quality, and understated good looks called me with her siren song. Improving VW reliability of late, tax credit, and great price made it irresistible. Traded in a Honda Civic, which was bullet proof, though tired of driving an appliance. Feels great to be enjoying German driving experience again. Avg 32 mpg in town, 45 on the hwy.
Fun plus fuel efficient
Purchased a manual transmission tdi wagon in late august. Have owned a diesel rabbit back in the 70's, since then nothing but hondas and volvos. Vw has hit a home run with the jetta sportwagen. Fun to drive, great gearing, 40+ mpg since day one. Decided to purchase when vw finally had incentives on the diesel (1.9%) plus the tax credit. Hope it lasts like my hondas and volvos. So far no complaints, and pleasure to drive. Looking forward to how it handles snow this winter.
Fun & practical !
I've always been a big fan of VW. The Jetta TDI is great to drive, sporty, yet allows to pack loads of stuff for the family. Thought the fuel economy of the TDI would be a bit better - you'll have to do very conservative driving to do the 1200 km per tank they advertise! Biggest dissapointment: Comfort. I haven't been able to find a comfortable position for long driving, and my son is only 5'9" and he has no head clearance at the back. I think the seats in the Golf are much better. Overall, it is a great car (can't beat the VW handling...) for sporty driving. I just wished they'd come up with better seat configuration.
Hybrid & SUV killer
When my old XTerra wore out I started shoping for a replacement and couldn't find a small-medium SUV that I liked and the fuel mileage was bad in all of them. Then I stumbled accross the Jetta sportwagon TDI. I liked the specs and the looks were ok, but it was the test drive that sold me within the 1st minute. After 3 months and 4500 miles I haven't looked back once. The only problem is that my wife and I are always fighting for the Jetta. Her accord sits in the garge most of the time.
The right car after a long search.
I was looking for a car with good fuel efficiency, comfortable to travel home from Minneapolis to Bismarck, and room for bicycles in the summer and 210cm cross country skis in the winter. Crash safety was also very important. After narrowing it down to the Jetta and a Subaru Impreza, I chose the Jetta. The manual is a much more tricky than any I've ever used, but once you get the hang of it, it's not too bad. Expect to kill the engine now and again. There's tons of space in the trunk. It is better than hatchback versions of the Subaru and Mazda3 I drove in terms of space and ski/bike fit. The seats are very comfortable, and I fit well in the driver's area. Good visibility.
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.
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.
Excellent all-around car
After having driven this car for 1,000 miles, there have been no problems with the car so far. The TDI makes this car very fuel efficient, averaging over 48 mpg, while being able to zip past cars when the need arises. The interior feels and looks upscale while the price is very reasonable.
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.
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.
You gotta drive this car
being 42 yr old driver I have had several new and used cars in my lifetime to this point. By far this car is a blast to drive handles like my old 280 zx but gets 40+ miles to the gallon. acceleration,cornering and all around performance is top notch . Interior is well laid out the seat could be a slight touch larger but are comfortable more sporty than plush. All in all if the expected reliability is what its supposed to be I can see myself still driving this car in 7 years from now. And what I save a month on gasoline from not driving my pick up it is just about 3/4 of my car payment
Couldn't be happier
We bought this car mostly because of the efficiency and I like diesels much better than hybrids. From what I hear I'm glad we got a 2010 and not a 2011. With just over 9000 miles we could not be happier with this car. It handles nicely, is comfortable to drive on long trips (we have driven it back home to Montana twice from Iowa since we got it), has plenty of trunk space, and gets phenomenal fuel mileage. We average 43-45 on the highway when the temperatures are above freezing and 36-39 when below. The standard Sirius radio is nice and the interior noise level is great. The transmission takes a bit getting used to as it shifts down when decelerating and slows the car down unexpectedly
1.5+ year ownership. Would buy it again.
I purchased my Jetta TDi early January 2010 and at the time of writing this it is latter September 2011. Since purchasing the vehicle I have been using Fuelly.com to track my expenses and fuel usage from mile 1. Mixed city driving and average around 38 miles to gallon so I fuel up around once a month. Highway to DC 50+ mpg back roads to Ocean City loaded down with luggage and people 39 mpg. ISSUES: iPod cable (on third one and will replace this one on warranty). Bluetooth issue at purchase. Could not pair phone with it. Warranty replace. RCD10 media button came off on my finger more than likely do to interior temp was over 120 degrees F. Transmission did not engage once on a steep hill
Perky with a manual 6 speed
VW repaired the computer (smog problem) as promised! The Neftin VW Dealer in Thousand Oaks CA. has been outstanding with several items that cropped up. No charge with extra work & parts and the car runs like new ... got great torque with the 6 speed stick. Low profile 17" tires and the wagon is very sporty on the curves. Besides Porsche, one of the best drivers I have had after owning 50 plus cars! Great for around town and gas saver ... cruises at 80 mph in 5th gear. The manual transmission is a plus!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Really good car, but............
We love our car, but..... We have not reached 40 MPG yet and we live in a rural area (very little city driving) - maybe will improve with warmer weather. Our biggest complainant is that the "ERG filter gasket" has twice needed to be replaced. No big deal expect for inconvenience of two service appointments in the first 2000 miles. It's not a quick fix either and the part had to be ordered both times for a total of 4 trips to dealership. Our Service Manager stated that this has happened on other Jetta TDI wagons - So why not stock the part??? Otherwise a great car
Solid car with extraordinary mileage
What car gets better than the posted EPA averages in both city and hwy mileage? Jetta TDI, of course. I had a diesel Rabbit back in the late 70's but this car is light years ahead of that. Solid, peppy, quiet and fast. We constantly play "beat the mgps" and post our success to the web. You can get in the high 60's for mpgs if you go easy on the gas pedal but when you need acceleration even up a hill you got it.
Best Wagon for the Money
My wife and I looked at every car with a wagon or hatch rear end and this is the best car by far. We both loved the fit and feel of the interior. Exterior won't win any speed races, but is respectable none the less. For the record the bluetooth system works great and does stream from internet radio with an iphone. No diesel smell at all, and from the cabin you can't really tell it's a diesel engine by sound. Rear defroster is almost instantaneous. Love the feel of the steering on long trips, very solid feeling in the wind and no sort of wandering feel you get with a lighter car.
Hesitation
I just purchased a TDI jetta and love it. However, I have experienced the "hesitation " to the point I have almost been hit a few times. You are right in that you have to come to a complete stop for a few seconds then it seems to be ok, but not if you are in traffic and someone tells you to "go ahead" So now I just wait when I can and let the traffic go ahead
TDI Sportwagen not all it's spozed 2B
I bought the thing in a bit of a rush in June to get the tax break, though I had researched it. I bought a basic TDI wagon w/ no moon roof. Basic bluetooth only calls out as another reviewer commented. (Are you kidding me? LAME!) OK. Forget the bluetooth, can't be fixed or flashed. It needs to be replaced at better than a grand. Sigh. The car is fairly well built, looks good, rides ok, moves along well enough. It has a design flaw. This heavy (200 lbs more than the sedan) beast is PRONE TO STALLING. I have driven many manuals, but this is a problem. It has an ultra light flywheel. If it lugs, ECU shuts off at 850 revs! You must turn the key all the way off to restart (Danger!)
Ow, my back...
2010 Jetta TDI, silver. Car is well- built, handles like nothing else I've ever driven. Diesel performance is very good - although you have to get used to it. MPG is fantastic - >40 all the time, even in city driving. So, I'm selling it. Reason - I find the driver's seat amazingly uncomfortable. At 5'11", 205 lbs I don't fit into it, the surface is hard, and the seatback specifically resonates with the vibrations in both the engine and rear suspension - all the way up to the headrest. I've driven trucks and buses for almost 30 years, I've never been so uncomfortable. I don't know what I was thinking on the test drive. Shame on me...
TDI Sportwagen - sporty & great mileage
Have had TDI wagon for a few weeks and absolutely love it. Amazing combination of horsepower/torque and gas mileage. Really fun to drive. Terrific stereo. I bought the sunroof option and it brings a lot of light in, especially into the back seat. Auto options are terrific: can have economy in standard Drive, switch to sporty in S, and downshift manually with Tiptronic.
hybrid killer
Remarkable, comfortable, economical and extremely competent vehicle. We have over 4000 miles on it and always get about 41+mpg per tank. On individual trips the mileage will vary. Last week commuting to school my wife got 47.3 mpg on her 120 mile round trip. The car is very comfortable with typical supportive German seats. The car feels a lot like the older Mercedes we have owned in the past. So far there have been no maintenance issues at all. Very reliable and fun to drive. The trunk is huge and square shaped so packing is easy and convenient. There is nothing negative about this vehicle at all. For 26,116 dollars you can get one great ride and it does not have a 300 Pound toxic waste dump battery
MPG & Fun to Drive
Bought a White/tan Jetta TDI 4-door, w/DSG transmission, sunroof, 17" wheels & iPod int. kit. Paid $24,853 incl'g destination (& free matts!). Traded-in a (German-made) 2-seater convertible, 6 cyl, that took prem fuel. First fill-up (combined hwy/city driving) yielded 38mpg and price of fuel was $2.69. Thought I'd miss my 6cyl vehicle, but haven't noticed; great acceleration with this vehicle, plenty of room, and a great touch- screen radio! I've also owned an Audi A-4 and this is as nice/nicer and a lot cheaper & quicker.
New VW Household
My wife and I bought a 2009 Jetta SE last April and were very impressed. After much deliberation, I decided to give up my Infiniti M45 in exchange for a TDI Sportwagen. I find myself defending this move to my friends on a daily basis and truly believe it was a great move. Double the gas mileage, great stereo/navigation system with hard drive, and panoramic sunroof were the biggest selling features. The tax credit was a nice bonus too. It is not a hot rod, won't turn heads, and has some odd quirks, but is a really great car overall. I have averaged about 39 MPG over the first 2,000 miles. No problems to this point with either of our new VW's.
JettaTDI Bluetooth Issues
Any ideas what it may take for the dealer to eliminate the wind tunnel noise that folks hear when I call from my car? I'm guessing (ran my own tests!) -- the mike is too close to the air vents in the car. I'm concerned that they will want to take out the dashboard -- don't really want them to do this to a one month old car! Also the bluetooth won't pair with a 6-month old Verizon phone -- it's supposed to pair with up to 3 different phones!