Did you consider a Jetta TDI before going Prius?

[nthach]

Originally Posted by JSH

Where do people come up with this crazy stuff?

I buy the oil needed for my TDI at Walmart. VW's don't need special fluids that must be purchased at the dealer. However many VW's do have turbocharged engines that require the correct oil. Really all these means is that you have to select the correct oil off the shelf at Walmart or your local autoparts store. Turbocharged engines from any manufacturer don't do well when fed crappy oil from a quick change place..

The old TDIs, yes. Not the new TDIs including the previous PD engines - VW calls for Castrol SLX Professional in those which last time I was at Wally-World isn't on the shelf yet.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by nthach

The old TDIs, yes. Not the new TDIs including the previous PD engines - VW calls for Castrol SLX Professional in those which last time I was at Wally-World isn't on the shelf yet.

VW doesn't specify a specific brand of oil. While VW dealers have a contract with Castrol to use Castrol products other oils are acceptable as long as they meet VW spec 507.00. There are many oils from different manufacturers that will meet that VW spec.

Oils that meet VW 507.00 (From TDIclub.com)
http://pics.tdiclub.com/data/3005/309350700.pdf

BTW, Castrol SLX Professional does not meet VW Spec 507.00 required by VW. If you use a Castrol product you should be using Castrol SLX Professional LL03 (Gold bottle not black)

[Indyking]

Originally Posted by bwilson4web

At the request of persistent VW advocates, we looked and found:




The USA EPA finds the Jetta TDI is smaller, less efficient and more polluting than the NHW20 Prius and much worse than the ZVW30 (2010 Prius.) Worse, VW brags about Jetta TDI noise in stark contrast to the quiet quality of our Prius. It would be as if horse advocates bragged about the familiar manure smell to explain why the automobile is doomed to failure.

A couple of years ago, some Jetta advocates came to GreenHybrid claiming the EPA data was inaccurate and their Jetta diesels were competitive with the Prius. But they did not realize that the EPA data includes owner records for both vehicles:


Both the Jetta and Prius owners reported better mileage than the EPA numbers. Although the Jetta error is greater than the Prius, it is not enough to bring it up to the Prius average. Note, I cut off the upper and lower 5% of data to remove the 'out liars.'

So yes, the Jetta TDI advocates have presented their claims and upon any impartial examination, confirmed, absolutely nailed the Jetta TDI coffin closed and the EPA added the super glue. Worse, VW advertises Jetta noise, as if that is a plus. Pathetic, the Jetta is so 20th century ... so retro.

Bob Wilson

... And who said we're comparing the 2 cars in the current topic?

[LRKingII]

Originally Posted by Indyking

... And who said we're comparing the 2 cars in the current topic?

Does it hurt when reality slaps you up side the head?

[brad_rules_man]

Haha, you guys have helped me a lot too. I have had a Jetta TDI in the past. After the radio had wiring problems and was fixed, it was traded in. Recently I gave my 06 Prius to my parents for Christmas, and bought a BMW 330i. I have to tell you, initially it was an extremely fun car to drive. I really really wish I could justify two cars, but I just can't. I am beginning to get tired of shifting gears manually (I got the manual to be sporty, lol) and I find it is easier to get fatigued. I love the handling of the car, but don't like how low it is. I suffer frequent back problems, and sometimes it hurts. It is getting 30mpg though! (Takes premium tho..:/ ) Anyways... I am in talks with a local dealer about a loaded '10V. I am excited because it seems they made the car a bit more comfortable, which was one of my biggest gripes with the other. I am also getting really fed up with driving in general, and would like a car that makes it really easy to drive, and I'm loosing my concern on performance. I really like the idea of the adaptive cruise control, (didn't get that option on the BMW,) and the lane aid, ... WOW that just seals the deal. I also like the idea of LED lighting, but I wonder why they didn't make it turn around corners like my BMW. I just thought I would add that into this thread, and maybe get some opinions on if I'm making the right choice.

[Indyking]

Originally Posted by LRKingII

Does it hurt when reality slaps you up side the head?

poor thing....

[lindak]

I have a 9 year old Jetta (not diesel), so I am intimately acquainted with the pros and cons and several deep flaws of this car, at least in the older model. I am planning to replace it with a prius if I can deal with the poorly designed seats. I am not considering a Jetta TDI.

Honestly, guys? The prius is a bit of a disappointment. Even though I consider it to be the rational choice, it feels like a step down when I drive it. Don't get me wrong, I'm looking forward to walking away from my current maintenence headache. The prius is in many ways the better car. It's certainly the more sensible car. But I'm going to miss the more deeply satisfying VW.

[Indyking]

Originally Posted by lindak

I have a 9 year old Jetta (not diesel), so I am intimately acquainted with the pros and cons and several deep flaws of this car, at least in the older model. I am planning to replace it with a prius if I can deal with the poorly designed seats. I am not considering a Jetta TDI.

Honestly, guys? The prius is a bit of a disappointment. Even though I consider it to be the rational choice, it feels like a step down when I drive it. Don't get me wrong, I'm looking forward to walking away from my current maintenence headache. The prius is in many ways the better car. It's certainly the more sensible car. But I'm going to miss the more deeply satisfying VW.

I believe I understand what your talking about. I have clearly stated here that the Jetta, especialy the new TDI, was the car I wish I could drive during the next few years in my new commute needs. It's indeed a lot more focused in the real pleasure of drive than the Prius, no question! But boy, there are so many other things in consideration when selecting a car to buy, which made me get the Prius and I'm happy about my decision. Who knows, maybe I will fall in love to the Prius style...

[F8L]

Originally Posted by Indyking

I It's indeed a lot more focused in the real pleasure of drive than the Prius, no question!

What is the "real pleasure of the drive"?

[bwilson4web]

Let's see, May 2009 sales:

_2,780 - Honda Insight
_3,682 - Jetta TDI
10,091 - Prius

Apparently, a few other folks did too. June will be the first month where all three vehicles, including the 2010 Prius, will be fully available in the USA.

Bob Wilson