[racer]

I use a 2005.5 Jetta as my daily driver. For its intended purpose, its a fine car. Nealy 92K miles on it. 2.5l 5 cylinder. I get about 28mpg per tank (mostly highway commute, rated at 22/30). So far the car has needed rear brakes (at 80K miles) and oil/filter changes every 10K miles.

The new Jetta for 2011 is a bit larger a car, and as mentioned, has been de-contented somewhat (torsion beam rear axle, rear drum brakes vs the old cars multilink rear and discs) but looks nice enough. I'd avoid the new base motor (2.0L 4 cylinder with 115hp). The 2011 GOLF is also restyled, but IIRC, does NOT have the torsion beam axle/drum brakes and comes standard with the 2.5l 170hp motor.

I didn't see a price point in the OP.. but it sounds like you are talking Sub $20K?