"AM" (ap18961)
04/16/2015 at 23:22 • Filed to: None
5
19|
"AM" (ap18961)
04/16/2015 at 23:22 • Filed to: None | 5
| 19 |
I have now drove the car for exactly one week and like I said I would do, I'll go over my initial impressions.
Exterior Styling: 7/10
While not the best looking car in it's class by any means, I have grown quite fond of the Jetta for its simple yet somewhat elegant look. It doesn't try to look like some sports car and it also doesn't try to like a luxo-barge. I especially like that rather than having swoopy lines and creases it opts for a smooth and straightforward design. Also, I got my car in Toffee Brown which is a fantastic colour, anyone looking to buy a Jetta I recommend this colour. It has a lot of depth and tons of shine which looks quite nice. It also has a changes tones based on the lighting. For example, on a dark overcast day it will look dark brown but in the sun it looks a lot lighter, like a bronze.
Interior: 7/10
The interior of this car really isn't anything special. It's made of decent materials but I guess you don't buy this kind of car for the interior. It does feel a bit plain in comparison to cars such as the Cruze or Dart but isn't horrible by any means. The seats are soft and comfortable and the steering wheel is nice to grab onto. I have had no problems getting comfortable in this car and the sound system is good quality. If there was one thing I could change about the interior it would be the colour. I wish it was something other than black, it makes it feel very small and dark. This makes the transition from big SUV to small car a little more difficult to get used to but I'll survive.
Engine/Transmission:
Engine - 10/10 Transmission - 7/10
The TDI engine is very impressive. The amount of thrust that this car can produce is pretty satisfying for such a little engine. It's also very quiet when cruising which I find great, especially during my early morning commute. I did some good old fashion math and in my first tank of fuel I averaged 48.3mpg. At first I couldn't believe what I was seeing, I was amazed. Take into consideration that my previous DD was averaging between 17-18mpg so this was a big deal for me. As for the transmission, what can I say other than it's an automatic. It's the DSG transmission but it still isn't that engaging to drive or anything, a manual would be better suited for that kind of stuff. It is very smooth however and gear shifts do happen quick.
Suspension/Handling: 8/10
The Jetta is generally smooth while cruising around but large bumps will upset this little car. Around corners the car is precise and has near zero body roll. I will add that their is literally no feedback through the steering wheel which will suck the fun out of those twisty back roads. I know it's meant to be smooth and effortless but even my '03 Yukon provides lots of steering feedback. However, it takes almost no effort to turn the wheels in this car so it does what it's supposed to.
Overall: 8/10
As a whole, this car is fantastic and I think it will prove to be a great purchase in the long run. It's nothing special but it does what it's supposed to and it will get mind blowing mpgs which is a huge win in my book. And it's brown, what's not to love?
As a quick side note I would also like to add that I had a great experience at the VW dealership. The guys that I dealt with went out of their way to make everything easy. They also did everything in their power to make sure the car was near perfect. The front license plate mount had a crack in it so the mechanic took it upon himself to replace it with a new one. It was fully detailed and I couldn't find one speck of dirt. It was also given all new fluids, a new set of tires and a new key fob because the sales guy "didn't like how faded the trunk and lock buttons were."
Should this car last for a few years without any serious problems, VW will have found a new loyal customer.
PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
> AM
04/16/2015 at 23:34 |
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congratulations on the jetta! as a GLI guy, I'm always glad to see someone give one if my car's brethren a go
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AM
> PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
04/16/2015 at 23:37 |
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Thanks man! I've test driven a 2014 GLI and that is a fun little car. Very peppy and ready to be thrown around.
Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
> AM
04/16/2015 at 23:54 |
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Looking good mate :)
Looks like the same colour one of me mates got on his car.
Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
> AM
04/17/2015 at 00:05 |
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Pretty pretty shiny shiny. That fuel economy is nuts, too!
My sis-in-law dailies an '06, and the interior is very nice, and holding up very well.
AthomSfere
> AM
04/17/2015 at 00:10 |
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Interior 7/10? I actually find that odd, when I test drove the first year of the newer gen I think (08, or 09?) The interior was the only thing that stood out in its class and impressed me. The rest was meh (to me).
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AM
> AthomSfere
04/17/2015 at 00:30 |
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Mines a 2013 and the interior is a few years old. Others like the civic were refreshed for that year. It's comfortable and what not just not at the top anymore
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AM
> Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
04/17/2015 at 00:31 |
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Yup exact same colour! Just changes tones based on the lighting so my pictures are lighter
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AM
> Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
04/17/2015 at 00:34 |
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In that first photo it had just been detailed by the dealer, they invited me to view it to make sure it was cleaned to my liking! It's a very shiny colour. I have no doubts about the interior holding up, materials have been cheapened for this generation Jetta however.
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AthomSfere
> AM
04/17/2015 at 00:37 |
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Hm...
I got a "rental" 2015 Civic Ex a while back, and it was cool, but crummy at the same time. It just seemed to disconnected from what I really cared about and seemed like a step back from my 07 EX and 07 Si. That gen seemed to nail usefulness and space=aginess but the 08 ish Jetta seemed like it was a class above on luxury. It was very nice, too bad I hated the rest of the car (I didn't find it comfortable and the residual value of a Jetta paired with their uncertain reliability scared me off. I can't remember if I bought the Fit or Sonata instead.
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Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
> AM
04/17/2015 at 00:38 |
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Every vehicle I've ever owned has just been a bucket with 4 tires, so new cars always look so nice to me!
Is this a lease or did you buy it?
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PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
> AM
04/17/2015 at 01:00 |
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oh it definitely is! my '12 is an absolute dream to drive, and even better since it's got the stage 1 tune. It's a little beast in the straights and in the corners!
jkm7680
> AM
04/17/2015 at 07:29 |
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Glad you're enjoying it! Those wheels with the brown look excellent.
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AM
> AthomSfere
04/17/2015 at 13:49 |
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Honda and VW have done the same thing to these cars in terms of the interior. The previous gen Jetta had a fantastic interior, it was even listed as a sub-compact luxury car in Europe. However, VW wanted to sell more Jettas for cheaper prices so they toned down the interior a bit.
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AM
> Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
04/17/2015 at 13:54 |
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I made a $10k down payment plus paid any taxes. I'm financing the last $13k on the car but I hope to pay it off completely within the next year.
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AM
> PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
04/17/2015 at 13:56 |
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I heard those tunes were supposed to make the car pretty aweome!
I was actually considering going to purchase a set of the GLI rims for my summers and use the other ones for winter.
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AM
> jkm7680
04/17/2015 at 14:04 |
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I like these wheels to, look much better than the full silver ones. I was actually thinking of getting this set of wheels off the GLI:
I think it will really compliment the brown.
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PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
> AM
04/17/2015 at 20:57 |
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yes, it makes it amazing! I drop rubber on to the road in 2nd!
and that is a brilliant idea! I recommend pilot supersport tires with that! :D
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AM
> PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
04/17/2015 at 21:30 |
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I find the GLI has a pretty beefy exhaust note as well, especially with an upgraded exhaust system. Wish the TDI could sound that good.
Also, I was going to go with those tires, I already have a set of SuperSports on my Yukon and they’re fantastic. I’m loyal to Michelin!
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PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
> AM
04/18/2015 at 02:00 |
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I need an exhaust so bad.... borla is my choice
and yep! I rock pilot All Season 3's, because Seattle. still, really good rubber