Did you consider a Jetta TDI before going Prius?

The old TDIs, yes. Not the new TDIs including the previous PD engines - VW calls for Castrol SLX Professional in those which last time I was at Wally-World isn't on the shelf yet.

 

VW doesn't specify a specific brand of oil. While VW dealers have a contract with Castrol to use Castrol products other oils are acceptable as long as they meet VW spec 507.00. There are many oils from different manufacturers that will meet that VW spec.

Oils that meet VW 507.00 (From TDIclub.com)
http://pics.tdiclub.com/data/3005/309350700.pdf

BTW, Castrol SLX Professional does not meet VW Spec 507.00 required by VW. If you use a Castrol product you should be using Castrol SLX Professional LL03 (Gold bottle not black)

 

... And who said we're comparing the 2 cars in the current topic?

 

Does it hurt when reality slaps you up side the head?

 

Haha, you guys have helped me a lot too. I have had a Jetta TDI in the past. After the radio had wiring problems and was fixed, it was traded in. Recently I gave my 06 Prius to my parents for Christmas, and bought a BMW 330i. I have to tell you, initially it was an extremely fun car to drive. I really really wish I could justify two cars, but I just can't. I am beginning to get tired of shifting gears manually (I got the manual to be sporty, lol) and I find it is easier to get fatigued. I love the handling of the car, but don't like how low it is. I suffer frequent back problems, and sometimes it hurts. It is getting 30mpg though! (Takes premium tho..:/ ) Anyways... I am in talks with a local dealer about a loaded '10V. I am excited because it seems they made the car a bit more comfortable, which was one of my biggest gripes with the other. I am also getting really fed up with driving in general, and would like a car that makes it really easy to drive, and I'm loosing my concern on performance. I really like the idea of the adaptive cruise control, (didn't get that option on the BMW,) and the lane aid, ... WOW that just seals the deal. I also like the idea of LED lighting, but I wonder why they didn't make it turn around corners like my BMW. I just thought I would add that into this thread, and maybe get some opinions on if I'm making the right choice.

 

poor thing....

 

I have a 9 year old Jetta (not diesel), so I am intimately acquainted with the pros and cons and several deep flaws of this car, at least in the older model. I am planning to replace it with a prius if I can deal with the poorly designed seats. I am not considering a Jetta TDI.

Honestly, guys? The prius is a bit of a disappointment. Even though I consider it to be the rational choice, it feels like a step down when I drive it. Don't get me wrong, I'm looking forward to walking away from my current maintenence headache. The prius is in many ways the better car. It's certainly the more sensible car. But I'm going to miss the more deeply satisfying VW.

 

I believe I understand what your talking about. I have clearly stated here that the Jetta, especialy the new TDI, was the car I wish I could drive during the next few years in my new commute needs. It's indeed a lot more focused in the real pleasure of drive than the Prius, no question! But boy, there are so many other things in consideration when selecting a car to buy, which made me get the Prius and I'm happy about my decision. Who knows, maybe I will fall in love to the Prius style...

 

What is the "real pleasure of the drive"?

 

Let's see, May 2009 sales:

_2,780 - Honda Insight
_3,682 - Jetta TDI
10,091 - Prius

Apparently, a few other folks did too. June will be the first month where all three vehicles, including the 2010 Prius, will be fully available in the USA.

Bob Wilson

 

I had a brand new 01 GTI 1.8t and I can't even count how many times I had to bring my car in to get something to fix during the warranty. And my A/C broke twice within the 3 years I was driving it. Now I am driving a BMW and about to trade it in for Prius 3. I am not going to get European car anymore.

 

I'm not sure if this was mentioned but you can drive in the HOV lane with the prius. In South Florida they charge for the I95 express lane. It is free with a hybrid. The VW does not get this special treatment.

 

Having owned a VW, and Audi TT and three BMW's and watching the evolution of the Europeans toward electronics I finally understand the difference in quality built and reliable. Nobody beats the Germans on nice interiors and cars that are bolted, screwed and welded together. But that doesn't make them reliable. Some people consider reliability as an important aspect in consideration of a car purchase. Go figure?

 

Bob, good point, but have you checked the numbers in Europe and Japan, which are 2 huge markets? And how about other parts of the world? I believe Brazil, for instance, is among the top 10 car markets in the world. Remember that Toyota rely a lot on US sales for total revenue... Don't be fooled by US numbers...

 

I guess pleasure of drive is very personal, and I don’t know or can’t remember if you have driven the new Jetta TDI, but I would bet my farm (if I had one) that the vast majority of people would be more pleased with high torque, quickly responsive acceleration, hydraulic handling (not electronic), etc… otherwise sports cars would all be hybrids... I guess there is no need for further comments, is there?

 

I think the the vast majority of the people here would be MORE pleased with a car that will last and is trouble free. The TDI doesn't have that "quick" of acceleration (other hybrids have it beat hands down like the altima and fusion hybrids). Most sports cars are high maintenance impractical replacements for something that is lacking in ones other areas.

 

You do realize my last vehicle had over 700rwhp right?

 

I agree, that's exactly why I ordered the Prius, because it's outstanding reliabilty, but not sure what that has to do with sporty driving? Should VW and Jetta have the Toyota reliablity and quality, don't take me wrong, but the Prius wouldn't have a chance in my list... Too bad!

 

Sorry you had to downgrade!