2014 Volkswagen Jetta Pros and Cons at TrueDelta: Owner Pros and Cons by cybear

Powertrain performance

Driving a diesel has been an interesting experience. It is slightly slower to respond vs a gasser, but it is wonderous on the highway when you need to pass or accelerate on an on ramp onto interstate. Accelerating from 50 to 80 is effortless for this car.

Fuel economy

I am averaging 39mpg with mixed driving. It would be higher but it is a fun car and it is difficult to maintain discipline for an entire tank of fuel. 500 miles is a long way to drive conservative lol. My economy keeps rising as the engine breaks in which can be up to 60000 miles. I love that it is as efficient as a hybrid, but does it at 80mph and doesnt feel gutless.

Handling

This car stock handles like a dream. Ive had chevy, ford, nissan, dodge vehicles but this one performs way better. the steering is responsive and smooth. the suspension gives just enough road information to make the driving fun but not annoying. a real dream to drive.

Materials & workmanship

The fit and finish on this car is the best Ive ever owned. I didnt realize how badly put together my nissan was until I looked at it again after buying this car. the parts are completely symetrical. no gap difference from left to right. the gaps on the dash are so tight together you can hardly see them.

Cargo capacity

The trunk on this car is cavernous! When I test drove the car and salesperson popped the trunk i gasped! I had to step back and look from the side again. I just could not believe the trunk space was that big in a compact. Then he folded down the rear seats LOL! You can laydown lengthwise and not hit foot or head!

Dealer practices

Dealerships vary greatly. Some are excellent at sales but little else. Some are in it to maximize profit above everything. I have personally seen parts depts. at some dealerships with 300% mark ups above MSRP on parts. Do your homework!

Feature availability

Unfortunately VW doesnt feel it can sell a diesel unless it appoints its base model with a lot of features and accesories as though it were a high trim level gas vehicle. Your options are further hampered by only 2 package groupings above the base TDI. Color choices are limitedalso. VW feels they can only sell silver and white cars for some inexplicible reason.

This is a fun car to drive but one can get into a LOVE/HATE relationship with it also. If you dont like to do maintenance pick something else. If you like to turn your own wrenches this car is fun to work on. The fuel economy is nice, but it gets 40+ and is fun! Hybrids are more complicated and many are gutless. Gas economy cars rarely get their fuel economy unless you drive timid and slow. This car is tuned for the autobahn and it is exhillerating to go 70mph and still achieve 40+mpg! Plus the torque means you can accelerate to speed easily while entering the interstate. If you prefer fast 0-60 times get gas, if you like fast 60-120 times get diesel :)