Diesel commuter car vs. gas commuter car

[kermit116]

Thanks for all the great tips. At this point I am more interested in a diesel vehicle than a hybrid based on research I've done and what I feel our family's needs will be in the future. It's good to hear that many people have been able to keep their VW TDI's going into the 200,000 mile range. I'm not opposed to keeping a car past 100,000 miles, but in my past experience all my gasoline cars start to need recurring repairs around the 80,000 to 100,000 mark, and in the past I've preferred to just move on to a new vehicle and get what I can out of my old high mileage car.

I am looking for something that is fun to drive (since I spend about 3-4 hours per day in my car just for my commute), and I'm thinking the VW TDIs might be a good option for a car that has good MPG, and is fun to drive.

Does anyone have an opinion on the Jetta vs the Beetle? I feel like the Beetle has a nicer interior, but I'm also thinking that the Jetta will be of more use on the rare occasions when I'll have family, friends, or co-workers riding with me. I've never had a sedan, and to be honest I'm a little reluctant to get one - no really good reason, I've just always had hatchbacks, station wagons, or SUVs.