Just traded my X5 in for a TDI

[redsubdivisions]

Well, today I made the decision to rid my X5 and get something smaller and much easier on gas. Because I work for Audi/VW now, I took advantage of the employee lease program and pulled the trigger on a 2013 Jetta TDI with the DSG. The X5 was continuously giving me one problem after another and the condition of it was not all that great (previous owner was a realtor and didn't take the best care of it).

With that said, I cannot complain. I pay $215 a month for it and it came decently loaded (Bluetooth, Aux, Satellite radio, Sound System). Not to mention 700 miles to a tank, which I'm sure nobody on here can disagree with. Lol

[Holland]

Very nice! I work sales at a VW dealer. Did you lease it?

[redsubdivisions]

Yes, I leased it. I was initially going to go after the Passat TDI, but went against it after driving the Jetta. Jetta felt more sporty and wasn't as big, so it was more maneuverable to me. Passat definitely had more options but I didn't mind having a regular TDI that didn't come loaded with everything possible.

[Holland]

They can be really fun to drive once you get past the lag.

[EclipseMTL]

I've always wondered how leasing works. Basically you bring in that signing fee, and pay monthly? Or is there something I don't understand? I've been debating a DD for awhile, and can't decide if its worth to lease or just to get a loan with 5k down or so.

[evandael]

Leasing can make sense if you get a good enough deal on it. Never put money down on a lease though.

Congrats on the new car, OP! I've warmed up to the MK6 Jetta.. am I correct in thinking that the new models have been upgraded with the IRS from the GLI (as opposed to the solid axle that the base models previously had).

[Nick_S]

$215 a month? Consider my jealous. Those are great cars.

[M-technik-3]

How many miles a year do they give you? That's the only reason I would not lease. It's like having a continuing car rental program and you never own the thing.

A TDi would be perfect for my gal since she commutes about 300 a week so filling up every two weeks vs once a week would be nice, but a car payment would negate the savings.

[redsubdivisions]

It's 10k a year, but I live 5 miles from work. Because I would like to go on a few extended driving trips, I don't think I will be hitting it each year. Plus I have plans to purchase it, so I guess it doesn't really matter in the end.

The car has a solid rear axle. The Passat's have IRS. I drove the Passat for this and although I loved the room and features, it was also close to $5k more on the sticker (which would have led to a higher lease payment).

[BobombETA]

Thinking about getting a TDI Jetta or Sportwagen in the Spring...

How do you feel about the overall quality of the interior finishes?

I've head VW has lowered the quality of the dash material going from the soft touch materials of past to a hard plastic.

That's one thing I've always liked about VW was their interior refinement.

[redsubdivisions]

The Sportwagen is technically a Golf wagon. it's marketed here as a Jetta for some reason, but if you look at the front headlamps, they are unmistakbly Golf ones.

The interior seems pretty solid. I think all German car manufacturers of the early 2000's suffered from the soft touch stuff. My E46 is showing signs of it and that's the only downfall.

Other than that, the one thing I am used to that the X5 and the E46 spoiled me was the OBC functions and how many miles left in the tank. Jetta doesn't have that function, so I guess I will have to do a trip count on this.

[M-technik-3]

It's 10k a year, but I live 5 miles from work. Because I would like to go on a few extended driving trips, I don't think I will be hitting it each year. Plus I have plans to purchase it, so I guess it doesn't really matter in the end.

The car has a solid rear axle. The Passat's have IRS. I drove the Passat for this and although I loved the room and features, it was also close to $5k more on the sticker (which would have led to a higher lease payment).

Solid rear axle like A1 and A2 chassis? wow no wonder why they are so cheap to buy these days.

5 miles? counter productive for a diesel use isn't that? Thing is barely gonna be on temperature before you shut it off again.

[Holland]

The Sportwagen is technically a Golf wagon. it's marketed here as a Jetta for some reason, but if you look at the front headlamps, they are unmistakbly Golf ones.

The interior seems pretty solid. I think all German car manufacturers of the early 2000's suffered from the soft touch stuff. My E46 is showing signs of it and that's the only downfall.

Other than that, the one thing I am used to that the X5 and the E46 spoiled me was the OBC functions and how many miles left in the tank. Jetta doesn't have that function, so I guess I will have to do a trip count on this.

Sportwagen is a Jetta chassis with a golf nose. It shares the longer wheelbase with the Jetta.

[Stanley Rockafella]

A TDi would be perfect for my gal since she commutes about 300 a week so filling up every two weeks vs once a week would be nice, but a car payment would negate the savings.

So many ppl. dont' consider this

5 miles? counter productive for a diesel use isn't that? Thing is barely gonna be on temperature before you shut it off again.

A cheap beater Civic /'rolla/Focus would be more cost effective IMHO.


It's all up to what you want ultimately

[mrcheezle19]

What did they give you for your x5?