Bought a new Jetta Friday.
 

been looking for a car to replace my Tahoe. I have changed jobs and now drive about 700 miles a week so the Tahoe had to go. I would have preferred to buy another used Mercedes but in my part of the country, people automatically assume that you are making too much money if you drive one...not a good thing in sales. I looked at the Asian imports but they were all too boring for my taste. The Jetta handles really well and has a a definite European style suspension...a little harder ride and firmer seats.
I was looking at used initially but soon decided to go new for the warranty.I looked at three different dealers an played them against each other. Bought a 09 SE (gas model) with upgraded electronics, foul weather-rubber matts and Bluetooth for $19,360.00 OUT THE DOOR!! Black with charcole Grey leather. Smokin deal and I am enjoying the car so far.
The reliability reputation for VW's did scare me a little but I have two relatives and a few friend with late model VW's and all have had great service. An uncle has over 100K on a 96 with zero issues.
It dawned on me when I pulled into the garage that we now are a three German car family. Sucker for punishment I guess.

Ben:

I have owned numerous water-cooled VW's (I currently own a 2008 GTi) and I have NEVER had issues with them. Several have been driven over 100,000 miles.

I appreciate Honda and Toyota for what they are, but if you want to own a reasonably priced sedan or hatch that actually handles and feels sporty, VW has the Japanese cars covered IMO. Moreover, the interiors in the VW's are almost Audi like these days. They absolutely are a step above the Japanese competition.

Finally, the 2.0 FSi motors can easily return 30 mpg yet one has the torque and hp of a much larger V6 or even V8.

Good luck with your VW Ben.

Mike

We love our 06 jetta 5 cyl......best car we've ever bought....even if the 6sp tranny died at 40k....:)

Photos pleaseSmileWavy

My mom had an 01 bug and an 06 jetta wagon. Both TDIs. They both had several little electronics issues but they both ran like tops. I think dad would buy another in a heartbeat. Both just had that feel.

I loved my 99 turbo Beetle....until it got to around 40k and started falling apart. One problem after another.

Bought an '09 jetta wagon TDI DSG this spring. 6K trouble fee mile so far...avg 38mpg combined, 42-44mpg at 75mph and A/C. DSG can be confused if, when slowing, an acceleration is briskly initiated b/w gears.

my 01 jetta 1.8t was a very relabale car, minimum maintenance. i
t fell apart aroud 210000 when i got rear ended.
if not, I'd still be driving it.
got an audi to replace it.

i had an 06 gti that was broadsided...now have a 4dr dsg gti....
the bad rep is mostly due to poor dealership service than anything else.