Last week we started a series of the Five Best Used Green Cars To Buy. We've already looked at two of the best-known green cars, the 2004-2009 Toyota Prius and the 2006-2011 Honda Civic Hybrid. Now it's the turn of a car known for its fuel, rather than its drivetrain--the Volkswagen Jetta TDI. Where hybrids major on low emissions, the assistance of electric motors and high city MPG, diesels tackle fuel efficiency in a different way. Higher energy density of the fuel and more thermal efficiency in combustion means you can essentially do more, with less fuel. That means plenty of torque, and great economy--two reasons for the Jetta TDI's popularity. Volkswagen has sold several generations of Jetta in the U.S, and TDI diesel models have become increasingly popular throughout that time. While the Jetta TDI briefly disappeared from the market in 2007 and 2008 due to emissions regulations, a redesign for 2009 cleaned up its act and the model has been popular ever since.
The Jetta TDI uses a 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder, and puts 140 horsepower to the front wheels. More significantly, it also puts 236 pounds-feet of torque through the wheels--and it's this torque that TDI owners have come to love. The Jetta TDI is different. With strong torque available from low revs thanks to the turbocharged diesel engine, it really punches through the gears, and even at freeway speeds it has plenty of shove for quick overtaking. It's also a lot more fun when you get to the corners, so even without considering economy the Jetta TDI has plenty of merits. When you aren't using all the available power, keeping the revs low to save fuel and relying on all that low-down torque means some impressive economy figures are possible--more than the EPA figures suggest. Some owners are even getting as much as 52 mpg. Unlike hybrids, which excel in the city, the Jetta TDI is at its best on the highway. Here, it's punchy, quiet--no traditional diesel "rattle" here--and very fuel-efficient indeed. For fans of automatics, the Jetta TDI is also available with Volkswagen's excellent dual-clutch DSG transmission.
It's slick, easy to use and adds 1 mpg to the car's highway rating. Like many vehicles, the Jetta TDI has been subject to a recall over the last few years. In this instance, all Volkswagen and Audi TDI models were recalled for a fuel leak issue. The NHTSA also had to investigate a series of Volkswagen diesels stalling due to a fuel pump issue. The issue will now have been dealt with, but it's worth checking with your Volkswagen dealer to make sure the car you're viewing has had any necessary work carried out. Otherwise, the Jetta TDI should prove fairly reliable. Volkswagen recommends servicing and oil changes every 10,000 miles, and changing it any earlier is really just a waste of money. These engines will do huge mileages--they're popular with taxi drivers in Europe, and it's not unknown for them to do hundreds of thousands of miles with only routine maintenance. All Jetta TDIs will still be under their 12-year, unlimited mileage corrosion warranty, and some will still be under the five year, 60,000-mile drivetrain warranty. 22,300 if buying a low-mileage car from a dealer, according to Kelley Blue Book. As far as fuel costs are concerned, you shouldn't pay too much. 4.09 per gallon. However, with most owners achieving comfortably better MPG, you can expect to spend less than this for the equivalent mileage. The Jetta TDI appeals to a different sort of buyer than the other green cars we've been covering in this series. It's more fun to drive for a start, which will immediately appeal to some buyers over others. However, if you regularly do longer highway journeys, a Jetta TDI is well worth considering. Highway economy is excellent--generally better than the EPA figures suggest--and you'll get to appreciate the torquey motor and strong performance.
No you cant. It isn't made for the US for it doesn't meet US emissions. It meets the European emissions because that's where its made for. The final authority would be the US Customs Service. If the car is "used" and you were living in Europe when you got it - they might let it in. Or - if you go to Europe for a month or so and drive it on an extended tour - they might let it in. If you live in a state with picky smog tests (NY, NJ, CA) you might have some trouble passing the smog test - you might have to go to the "special" smog test station. Changing the engine is most likelly not a possibility. The car will be viewed according to the model and serial number as built and what certifications were made by the manufacturer. Customs might give you a "waiver" since you are a private owner of the car and NOT in the business of importing and distributring cars.
You will have to ask them. It has no twin here so DOT is never gonna bite and let it in. The emissions, probably can be fixed due to the fact it has an engine drivetrain that is already certified and all the parts/computers are out there. Nah, the DOT is gonna bag you over all the "GLass" WTH is that about? Side Marker Lights are wrong - can't bring it in! They are evil. We haven't even discussed that it is not crash certified and you cannot fake that one. Which is better the VW Jetta or the Chevy cruze? Which is better the VW Jetta or the Chevy cruze? We have a truck and the gas is just killer. We have two kids under two and saving money is a priority now. We plan on getting a car in the next 6m - 1 yr. I really love both cars but we are having a hard time choosing one. Thanks for the help. Don't take buying advice from anybody here. Read a professional review. I wouldn't buy either. But I'd never buy a daewoo (cruze). Find some other options. Maybe something like a ford fusion. Jetta. I've at least sat in both. Cruze already felt flimsy and the guage cluster gets hard to look at after a while. The 2011 Jetta was much simpler and solid feeling, it also doesn't have chrome everywhere. Black, white, pink, or yellow convertible beetle? You look like you like pink in your avatar so go for it. You will defo stand out thats for sure.
