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Jetta vs Civic vs TDI vs GTI

22 messages,  Last post on Dec 26, 2007 at 10:19 AM

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#16 of 22 Re: Jetta vs Civic vs TDI vs GTI [andreg] by climbonboard Dec 05, 2007 (10:30 am)
Replying to: andreg (Aug 03, 2007 10:02 pm) Two things I didn't see addressed in the ensuing discussion in this thread are:   1) What happened to your Lexus IS350 that had you regretting your choice of getting a first model year IS350? (Perhaps that answer is best suited for another thread...)   2) About your question on the discrepancy between European and American mpiles per gallon on the Jetta TDI. The gas mileage reported on European models is higher as they measure based on imperial gallons (which are approx. 4.546 litres) while we measure using American gallons (which are around 3.785 litres). See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_the_imperial_and_US_customary_measure- ment_systems for more details.   So, 53 mpg in imperial gallons (often called driving the "European cycle") is equivalent to just over 44 American gallons.   Cheers and good luck in your search! Eido Cohen Replies to this message: andreg (Dec 05, 2007 10:19 pm) climbonboard (Dec 06, 2007 4:44 pm) andreg (Dec 06, 2007 9:26 pm)
#17 of 22 Re: Jetta vs Civic vs TDI vs GTI [climbonboard] by andreg Dec 05, 2007 (10:19 pm)
Replying to: climbonboard (Dec 05, 2007 10:30 am) Thanks for the reply. I actually have bought an '08 Jetta since I posted the original post. So far I'd have to say I'm pretty happy with it. I bought the SEL and am averaging 25-26 mpg. That calculation, by the way, is based on doing it manually as the computer is consistently 1-3 mpg off. I just took it to VW for a few minor issues and unfortunately that was something they couldn't fix. It's really such an easy calculation that it's disappointing it can't be fixed. You'd think that since the car knows how much gas is left in the tank, since it can tell you how many more miles you have left in the tank, that it could then calculate miles driven / gallons consumed. Oh well...   To answer your question about my IS350...it's basically a rule I have for "any" car. I waited for the 2nd or 3rd before I bought a Mini, and I was glad I did that since there were a lot of issues with the 1st year, such as the car mysteriously turning off while driving down the freeway! Yikes. My biggest complaint though with my IS was road noise. Even though I upgraded to the Mark Levinson sound system, and cranked it often, I constantly heard the tires. I called Lexus Customer Care and was told that indeed this was intentional. They wanted it to have more of a sporty sound/feel, and I guess this was their "poor" attempt at how to achieve it. They even said the IS250 had more sound insulation. I have no idea if they fixed this or not in the '07 or '08, but I suspect not. The reason I suspect not is that I just read a review of the LS460h and it was given poor ratings due to road noise. I guess Lexus is just trying to save some money, but it's a bad move. The other thing I didn't like about my IS, that has nothing to do with it being in its first year, is that it's expensive to service. First of all, you have to take it in every 5k miles. That's inconvenient. Next, an "oil change" will set you back $120. On my 25k service I was told I needed front brake pads. Between the brake pads and the 25k service, I walked out of the dealer $600 poorer. That's just too much money. In contrast, my BMW's I've owned, and currently own, require service about every 18k miles - and it's completely free. Why did I ever buy the IS??? Replies to this message: climbonboard (Dec 06, 2007 4:44 pm) andreg (Dec 06, 2007 9:26 pm)
#18 of 22 Re: Jetta vs Civic vs TDI vs GTI [andreg] by climbonboard Dec 06, 2007 (4:44 pm)
Replying to: andreg (Dec 05, 2007 10:19 pm) Andre G., Thanks for the detailed reply!   Enjoy your new ride! I've crossed shopped almost every vehicle under $25,000 (optioned out) and the Jetta seems like the best bang for the buck (other than potential reliability issues). I'm probably going to lease one as to ameliorate the headache of reliability issues somewhat.   I'm curious as to why you got the SEL; it doesn't seem to me like the best "bang for the buck" vs. the Jetta SE... BTW: Did the find a difference in the drive quality between the 205-55 16" tires (on the SE) and the 225-45 17" tires (on the SEL)? Do you find the seats to be comfortable with the leatherette? And, how do you like the quality of the Monsoon stereo system? BTW: What was your purchase price (before tax and TTL) and what options did you get?   I just saw your previous post... Were they able to take care of your speaker issue and the under-body drip on your Jetta? What was the origin of the drip? How was like working with the VW service dept. at your dealership? Were they straightforward, arrogant, evasive...? How long did you wait, did you get a loaner, etc.?   I hear what you're saying about first-model year issues. I was considering the 2008 Nissan Rogue, but then realized that it's not been tested by the IIHS (I take the NHTSA ratings with a grain of salt), and very little consumer review. Even if I get it on a 2 year lease, it might be a major headache if it has "hidden" problems. So, I appreciate your insight on the IS350.   Best,   Eido Cohen Replies to this message: andreg (Dec 06, 2007 9:26 pm)
#19 of 22 Re: Jetta vs Civic vs TDI vs GTI [climbonboard] by andreg Dec 06, 2007 (9:26 pm)
Replying to: climbonboard (Dec 06, 2007 4:44 pm) I agree with you about the SEL not being the best bang for the buck. If you're solely interested in that, get a SE manual. $20k sticker for that car is pretty amazing. I opted for the SEL for 1 option only - the multi-function steering wheel. I'm so used to controlling the radio with the steering wheel controls that it was almost a no-brainer. But I did hesitate about the $2k difference between the SE and SEL. Ultimately, I'm glad I got the SEL. Not only do I like the multi-function steering wheel, but I think you get access to a few more controls with the multi-function that you otherwise might not have - but I'm not positive about that. Some of those features I'm referring to is the option to control both mirrors at the same time (instead of having to adjust each mirror separately, and programming the door locks so 1 or all open when you press the unlock on the key fob. But more than that, I like to be able to control, including mute, the stereo. I just wish the telephone button worked! Why does Canada get it but we don't? I don't get that one... I also REALLY like Sirius. I never listen to FM anymore. And I honestly think the stereo/speakers sound really good. Keep in mind that I came from a 300 watt 13 speaker Mark Levinson in my Lexus. I don't think the Jetta's is that much worse honestly. I too was a little concerned about the 17" vs 16" ride. I think if you drive them both back-to-back you'll feel the 17's are a little stiffer. But now I don't feel it - and the wheels/tires are really nice looking. I think it's worth the sacrifice in ride quality, but I don't feel any sacrifice now. Also, keep in mind I was coming from 18" on my IS and my wife also has 18" on her X3. I do like the leatherette seats a lot, especially with kids. Take a look at a Jetta, or any car, with cloth seats and look at all the fuzzballs on the seats. You won't find any with leatherette. And nobody does leatherette like the Germans. I had it in my first 3-series and was constantly amazed at it. Same with the Jetta. I think my purchase price was 23,600 if I remember correctly.   The "oil" leak disappeared after I powerwashed the bottom of my car. Must not have been oil eh? The only thing I can think of that it might have been were ashes. I live in SoCal and there were a ton of ashes around here after the wildfires in October. I just took it in this week to get the speaker fixed and they couldn't reproduce it. Ahhh, why does that always happen. It is intermittent, but I'd been hearing it a lot prior to taking it in. I'm sure it will happen again soon, and I'll drive straight to the dealer and let them hear it if I'm close to it.   Overall I'd have to say I was pretty unimpressed with the VW service. I waited several minutes before someone greeted me. They were pleasant when they greeted me, but it's not the same as at BMW or Lexus. But I'm not stupid either; I fully realize I'm in a $24k car and not a $45k car, so my expectations are slightly lowered. Then they didn't fix one thing I took it in for though. Granted all were minor nits, but I'm extremely picky. If VW has plans on selling as many cars as they do in the coming years, pick up any of the latest car rags to read about their plans, they need to become a little better at their service. One of my nits is that there is a lot of the transport tape on the roof of my car. It basically looks like a lot of tiny white specs. They scrape off with a fingernail, but I have better stuff to do with my time. They didn't get it off, so now I have to take it back in and let a detail person do it. Note to self: don't take delivery of a new car when it's nighttime. How many times have I told myself that? And no, no loaner. It's a VW, not a Lexus. Of course, I was indirectly paying for that Lexus loaner wasn't I?   I could have shopped around and probably got an Accord in LA/Orange County for the same lease price as my Jetta, but the first year thing was in the back of my mind. My thought was get the Jetta, which by all accounts is a great little car, and let the Accord work their problems out. Or, let the BMW 135 work it problems out too. Who knows, maybe in 2 years the BMW 123d will be here? I know, keep dreaming.   Good luck with your decision. By the way, I got the Electric Blue color and am very happy with it. I even got a compliment at the gas station last week about how nice it looks.   Andre
#20 of 22 Jetta Wolfsburg by rmorin2 Dec 09, 2007 (8:08 am)
My daughter, age 27, is leasing an 07 Jetta Wolfsburg DSG. She loves the car, traded an 02 Golf GLS auto. Jetta is a much nicer car. Ride is good, room is excellent, leatherette seats she really likes as she has a big dog. Trunkroom is amazing. She can fit her folded up dog carrier in the trunk without lowering the back seats and it is a huge carrier. In fact, I am so impressed with the VW that I am going to buy either a GTI or an R32 to replace my 05 MINI Cooper S Cabrio.
#21 of 22 I own a 2006 Civic by boyd82 Dec 25, 2007 (9:27 pm)
I love our Civic. It has been completely reliable, MPG are great, and it's a sharp looking car. Our new Jetta, if reliability holds, beats the Civic, IMO, on every creature comfort front, however: seats, interior layout, gauges, and a host of little details that are missing on the comparably priced Civic LX. In addition, braking and acceleration are considerably better on the VW. Replies to this message: thegraduate (Dec 26, 2007 10:19 am)
#22 of 22 Re: I own a 2006 Civic [boyd82] by thegraduate Dec 26, 2007 (10:19 am)
Replying to: boyd82 (Dec 25, 2007 9:27 pm) Of course you know that things like seat comfort, interior layout, and gauges are very subjective. I do find the Jetta to be a nice vehicle, but the engine, weight, and poor fuel economy were a turn off for me. My Accord was quicker, sounded better accelerating, roomier, as fun to drive (personal opinion of course ) and cost about the same as a Jetta when I was shopping a couple of years ago. Getting better fuel economy than the compact Jetta in my midsize Accord was a bonus (VW has since improved the 2.5L to have more power and better economy, but it still isn't as good as my Accord's). I'd have a hard time stepping back to a Civic OR a Jetta from my Accord, but at least the Civic has great mileage and a low price.   I really want to like VW (I think their cars as a whole look great and are feature packed), but knowing too many reliability nightmares put me off from them.   Birmingham's VW dealer is VERY well-known for being worthless in customer service, so that helps cross VW off my list for now, as well.

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