90% Hwy driving up to 80 MPH - to buy or not to buy?

[tofusionornot]

Wow, I want to thank each and every one of you for your responses. I really appreciate it and there is a lot of good information.

 

So I was leaning towards a Diesel before I just saw ROB281's post...

 

But when it comes to Diesels, there is nothing out right now that catches my eye like the new Fusion did...and honestly I would prefer a coupe right now (still fairly young, no family). Anyone have any intel on Diesel coupes and when to expect them in the US?

[ROB281]

Wow, I want to thank each and every one of you for your responses. I really appreciate it and there is a lot of good information.

 

So I was leaning towards a Diesel before I just saw ROB281's post...

 

But when it comes to Diesels, there is nothing out right now that catches my eye like the new Fusion did...and honestly I would prefer a coupe right now (still fairly young, no family). Anyone have any intel on Diesel coupes and when to expect them in the US?

 

Jetta TDI Hatch with a 5 speed manual rated for 40+

 

I know this because I was sold on one till the Aston Martin looks of the Fusion caught my affection

Edited May 1, 2013 by ROB281

[acdii]

I saw a late model Jetta, not sure what year, but its a later model with the rounded tail lights. On the lip of the right rear wheel well were two huge blotches of rust forming under the paint. I cant recall seeing rust on any cars that are 07 and newer.

[GrySql]

I dont know if its still the same with the new TDI, but when you hit 90K you MUST do the scheduled maintenance, or face dire consequences of a broken motor, and its not cheap since they have to replace a few components in addition to the timing belt.

My brother has a 2009 TDI Jetta Wagon with 92k miles on it and hadn't done the 90k scheduled maintenance. So far it had been trouble free, until yesterday.

 

Yesterday afternoon he got rear ended by a contractor's Chevy Silverado pickup on a freeway overpass on-ramp, car got airborne and pushed over on to the 20' high roadside embankment, went cross country down through the shrubs and sprinklers and ended in a steaming pile at the bottom.

All the safety features worked and he climbed out without help, in many cases like this the adrenaline keeps the pain at bay until later.

Car was towed, police/ambulance released him, wife came and picked him up.

However, today he is very sore and bruised but glad to be alive & breathing when he recalls what happened.

The Jetta is totaled, frame is jackknifed.

 

So, with all that happening to him he calls me this morning and we discuss it. At the end of the conversation, he wanted to know who I bought my FFH from.

His one complaint about the Jetta TDI was that it was noisy inside on the highway and after driving in my car he's interested in a quiet car, with more airbag's.

I suggested that he see his doctor first and worry about a replacement car later and after he thought about it a minute he agreed.

He's a tough guy but better to err on the safe side.

 

The point of all this is blah-blah is that these FFH's do make an impression to many of those that see or drive in them.

[corncobs]

Good to hear that he is apperently alright after a pretty horrific sounding accdient.

And like what you said; first of all it's important that he gets back to normal and than think about a car replacement.

[aaronj1159]

 

So, with all that happening to him he calls me this morning and we discuss it. At the end of the conversation, he wanted to know who I bought my FFH from.

His one complaint about the Jetta TDI was that it was noisy inside on the highway and after driving in my car he's interested in a quiet car, with more airbag's.

I suggested that he see his doctor first and worry about a replacement car later and after he thought about it a minute he agreed.

He's a tough guy but better to err on the safe side.

 

The point of all this is blah-blah is that these FFH's do make an impression to many of those that see or drive in them.

I'm glad he seems to be more or less okay. One thing VW does well is safety.

 

My Jetta (2006, not a TDi) was also really loud on the highway, so I understand that. I'm to the point now where the change in cabin noise is so big that little rattles from things in the glove box, center console, etc. are much more noticeable!

[rico567]

<snip> I suggest you consider the Diesels, but remember the ~20% premium for fuel. diesel used to be cheaper than gas but no more. Good luck with your decision.

 

It's only 20% at the bottom of the gas cycle. Around here, diesel's been stable at $3.95 for some time. If gas is $3.30 or so, then "20% premium" is valid. This week, diesel dropped to $3.90, an ULR is at $3.77. Where's the 20% now? There's some valid figure, but it's not that high, and to say it is amounts to cherry-picking.

[CombsAuthor]

Glad he's okay GrySql.