Diesel commuter car vs. gas commuter car

[kermit116]

I'm looking into buying a new commuter car in the fall. I drive about 20,000 miles per year. I've been considering all sorts small cars, and now I'm starting to think about getting a small diesel. Right now I'm looking into either a VW Jetta TDI or the 2013 Beetle TDI.

I know that diesels tend to last longer, and it looks like both of these models get better MPG in the diesel version than the gasoline version. However, diesel in my area is about $0.20/gallon more expensive than regular 87 octane gasoline. That being said, if I got a turbo Beetle I'd probably have to pay the same amount as I would for diesel because I believe they recommend premium gas for the turbos.

I'm going to crunch all the numbers, but I'm looking for advice from others with car experience or others who have small a diesel car (especially any of the VW TDI models) as an everyday commuter car. I'm not looking for a large vehicle (we already have one of those for when we need something bigger). I'm just looking for a nice, fun, not too expensive commuter car that will last 80,000 to 100,000 miles (4-5 years of my commuting), will get good MPG, and will be reliable.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I'd be cautious of anything Volkswagon if you're planning to put 100,000 miles on it. Generally speaking, that's one of those brands everyone brags about initially, only to face major headaches later.

Diesel vs. gas is a tough one. Diesel is more expensive, and generally the cars that use it are as well. Do the math & see if the premium you're paying for the diesel engine & diesel fuel will pay off in mileage. Around here over the past year, diesel has been anywhere from the same price as gas to 86 cents per gallon higher. Right now, like your area, it's about 20 cents more. I love the idea of 45 MPG, but at what cost?

 

[maggiew]

I have a Jetta TDI and really like it. In my area, diesel and gasoline seem to fluctuate. Usually gasoline is less expensive, but sometimes the diesel is less expensive. I average about 40 MPG. In the summer when the gasoline price is higher due to the specially blended gasoline for summers in the city, my diesel is comparable or lower.

The only thing is make sure there are gas stations that sell diesel near you and along your commute. Not every station sells diesel. I usually never let my tank get less than 1/4 full in case I can't find a diesel station easily. I do use a "Gas Buddy" app on my phone that lists gas stations nearby, but I find it is not always 100% accurate.

Maggie

 

[friend2Figment]

In our area the resale value is much higher on a TDI than a gas, that is if you can find the TDI that is only 5 years old. So I would check into what kind of resale value it will hold. Normally a diesel will get more than 200,000 before people look to get rid of them, in the area I live in, so if you would only be looking at 5 years you should have some good value yet.

I would second the thought about making sure gas stations near your route sell diesel.

 

[MAH4546]

Diesel fuel isn't always more expensive. A few years ago, it was cheaper, and that will probably happen again.

 

[SGB13]

DH has a TDI jetta with 90,000 miles. His motor is just getting worn in well. It is only 3 years old. He gets 45 miles per gallon as an average. The best thing about the jetta is that it is large enough and comfortable enough to take on long trips. We drove ours to Disney with our family of 4. The bad part, we loved the diesel so much I traded my car in for a Toureg TDI last year. it was a little less economical, but I really love it.

 

[jsmith]

I drive a 2006 TDI Beetle-
Fantastic mileage-i get roughly 46 mpg. I drove about 20K a year the first 3 years i had it then moved closer to work. Its fun to drive, sports car suspension and has plenty of get up and go. And having said that-i would never purchase another one. The maintenance costs outweigh the savings on gas-generally maintance is expensive on VWs anyway and Beetles are notorious for electrical issues-mine has about every one that could happen-the engine is GREAT but fuses and electrical malfunctions are a huge issue. Right now its running great-and even with the price of diesel its cheaper to drive and pay maintenance than get a new car-but when it has to be replaced ill be looking somewhere other than VW.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

The maintenance costs outweigh the savings on gas-generally maintance is expensive on VWs anyway and Beetles are notorious for electrical issues-mine has about every one that could happen-the engine is GREAT but fuses and electrical malfunctions are a huge issue.

This seems to be the general complaint about VW's in general, not just Beetles - lots of electrical gremlins. Obviously, it won't happen to everyone, but it's more common than on other brands.

 

[tms295psu]

My father-in-law just sold his Jetta TDI with 190,000 miles on it, still in great running condition! Just needed some basic tune-up. They rarely drove it (after he retired from medical sales), MIL couldn't drive manual shift. He regrets getting rid of it!!!

 

[maggiew]

My Jetta TDI is an automatic not manual. Although it has some kind of special transmission (can't remember the name) where I can switch it to "sports" mode or "manual" mode. Although its not like a regular "H" style manual. You just pump the handle up each time you want to shift gears.

I originally bought this because I was going from a manual Nissan Altima (that I LOVED) and was hesitant to go to an automatic. But since we had teen girls who were going to be driving soon, I wanted an automatic. I will say that I rarely use the sports mode or the manual mode anymore. I did at first.

Maggie

 

[maggiew]

In our area the resale value is much higher on a TDI than a gas, that is if you can find the TDI that is only 5 years old. So I would check into what kind of resale value it will hold. Normally a diesel will get more than 200,000 before people look to get rid of them, in the area I live in, so if you would only be looking at 5 years you should have some good value yet.

I would second the thought about making sure gas stations near your route sell diesel.

I've had 3 offers from people to buy my car from me and offering to take over my loan. The dealer even called me up and asked if I was willing to sell it back to them and get something else. I guess the demand for them is very high that they can't get them in fast enough.

When I bought mine, it had only been on the lot a couple days. And they wouldn't negotiate on the price because they could easily sell it to someone else since demand was so high.

Maggie

 

[rock_doctor]

I did not have to read beyond the 20k miles a year. Yes, get a diesel. A properly maintained VW diesel and you keep as much junk out of the car as possible you can get shockingly good mileage.

 

[tlh0726]

Purchased the Jetta Sportswagen TDI last July.
LOVE IT!!
Best mpg thus far 54.3 On average around town short trips 39.5

 

[DawnM]

We are looking at getting a VW Golf TDI. We test drove it and loved it.

We have friends with older models who love theirs even 10 years later and have no complaints.

Dawn

 

[anabelle]

DH has a 2005 VW Jetta TDI. It has 88,000 miles on it. He averages about 42 mpg, but has got as high as 51. Diesel has typically been about 40 cents higher in the DC area, but since gas has shot up, it is about the same. But I am sure that it will go back up soon. A few years back, Oil companies figured out that Americans were switching to Diesel vehicles to save money and they started to raise their prices to balance the cost of operation gas vs. diesel. Before that, diesel was always cheaper. The car companies can only import so many diesel vehicles a year because they are limited due to emmision issues. So they do not want there to be a cost benefit. You would think with the drive to improve gas mileage nationally would cause them to reconsider, but emmisions is still very important. That is why the government is pushing Hybrid technology.

Anyway, you really have to run the numbers assuming it will be higher priced and decide for yourself.

FYI,
My husband has yet to have even one mechanical issue with his Jetta. I had a 2006 diesel Jeep and it was a lemon.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Diesel is also taxed higher than gas, so that is part of the price discrepancy. It is however way cheaper to MAKE than gas.

 

[mrodgers]

Wheel bearings are common to need replaced on VW cars. Just replaced mine. Wasn't too bad for cost when the shop you use charges by the hour worked rather than book hour. I've never had to replace wheel bearings before. I usually run my cars to near 200k mikes before the PA winter roads do them in from rust.

Rotor replacement is not a simple knock off the studs and replace. you have to pull them with.the bearings to replace. Never owned a car where the rotora weren't simply setting on the studs.

Other than that, LOVE my Jetta, but I have the 1.8L turbo, not the diesel

 

[maggiew]

DH has a 2005 VW Jetta TDI. It has 88,000 miles on it. He averages about 42 mpg, but has got as high as 51. Diesel has typically been about 40 cents higher in the DC area, but since gas has shot up, it is about the same. But I am sure that it will go back up soon. A few years back, Oil companies figured out that Americans were switching to Diesel vehicles to save money and they started to raise their prices to balance the cost of operation gas vs. diesel. Before that, diesel was always cheaper. The car companies can only import so many diesel vehicles a year because they are limited due to emmision issues. So they do not want there to be a cost benefit. You would think with the drive to improve gas mileage nationally would cause them to reconsider, but emmisions is still very important. That is why the government is pushing Hybrid technology.

Anyway, you really have to run the numbers assuming it will be higher priced and decide for yourself.

FYI,
My husband has yet to have even one mechanical issue with his Jetta. I had a 2006 diesel Jeep and it was a lemon.

The new Jetta TDIs use clean diesel technology and do not have the emissions issues that old diesel technology had. In face, the Jetta TDI was named the "Green Car of the Year" in 2009.

"The 2009 Jetta TDI breaks new ground in the field of clean diesels, achieving emissions certification in all 50 states without the use of special additives or extraordinary measures. It provides five passenger functionality with welcome levels of power and a satisfying driving experience. Importantly, it also achieves estimated highway fuel economy of 41 mpg with greatly reduced greenhouse gas emissions. That’s a rarified fuel economy number typically achieved by only the most efficient gasoline-electric hybrids. The clean diesel Jetta TDI matches this efficiency with a powerplant that’s more straightforward and affordable, allowing the Jetta TDI an affordable $21,990 price tag."

Maggie

 

[travisx4]

It seems like this has become a VW discussion but have you looked at the Toyota Prius? I bought a new one last year and I average over 50 mpg on regular gas. And for dependability you cannot beat a Toyota. Also free maintenance for the first two years.

 

[maggiew]

It seems like this has become a VW discussion but have you looked at the Toyota Prius? I bought a new one last year and I average over 50 mpg on regular gas. And for dependability you cannot beat a Toyota. Also free maintenance for the first two years.

That's because the OP said she was trying to decide between the VW Jetta or the Beetle.

Maggie