Thoughts after several months?

[tooch]

Hey all,
Just wondering how you guys are finding your Jettas after several months of driving them?

I test drove a 147 TSI yesterday, and drive and handling wise it was great, but I can't say I was overly confident about the interior build quality. Some of the gaps between components, plastic quality etc don't seem as well finished as other VW cars. I've read on US forums some people having issues with headliners and C-Pillars and the like.

It ticks most of the boxes otherwise for me, and I think they look great.

Any feedback good or bad?

Thanks

[frozze]

Loving mine so far. Yes, the build quality is definitely below par (it is built in Mexico afterall) compared with the likes of Golf or Passat but for me, the good outweighs the cons. I have no issues with the headliners or C-Pillars but I did have the wastegate rattle (only on the 147TSI). The dealer fixed it without any problems.

I find myself constantly looking for excuses to drive the car.. even taking longer routes, especially my drive back from my missus via Albert Park.

I test drove all 3 variant, 118TSI - 103TDI and 147TSI, the 147TSI wins hands down.

Did you get an offer on the 147TSI?

[tooch]

Thanks mate

Didn't get an offer yet on a 147, but if I were looking for one, what sort of price should I be angling for? Possibly with a sunroof and maybe nav.

[frozze]

I paid just under $42k for mine with sunroof, sports pack and electric seats in candy white (less $500 for non metallic paint)

Satnav will add another $2500 (or $3500 if it's dealer fitted).

Have a browse through carsales.com.au to get a rough idea.. or check vw australia's website and get the recommended drive away price. You can add the satnav price and sunroof (about $1000 IIRC) to that base price of the 147TSI and get a rough idea.

[tooch]

That actually sounds pretty good! Which dealer did you go to?

And the sports pack just includes different wheels and tint right?

[frozze]

South Yarra.. it was the closest to me!

Yup, sports pack only include black wheels (same as the stock 147 TSI, just painted black) and yes, "tint" aka privacy glass aka coloured glass instead of actual tint and only on the rear passenger windows.. I had my whole car tinted after that, worth doing IMO.

Have a look at my 147TSI with sports pack and proper tints.

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/forums/f155/new-jetta-whos-got-63167-8.html#post751838

[tooch]

Looks nice man! The tint really sets it off.

I am thinking of a black or graphite one if we decide on the Jetta, would look magic with dark tint I think.

[anthony]

As a matter of interest tooch,what other cars are you considering ???

[tooch]

Hi mate, I've looked at a fair few cars:

-Lexus is250 (budget limited me to used ones, lovely car but SLOW)
-Accord Euro (build quality and features are second to none, but uninspiring to drive)
-Audi A4 (budget limits me to used ones, don't like the idea of CVT tranny)
-Skoda Octavia VRS (love it, 5 year warranty at the moment, still considering it against the Jetta, worried about resale on Skoda though)

There's probably more, but those are the main ones I've strongly considered

[anthony]

I had a 2007 Jetta,which I loved,but went for the Accord Euro.

A few things put me off the Jetta.
1.Boot door not carpeted,looks very plasticky.
2.Cup holders not covered,looking very cheap.
3.No coins holder.

Small things,but a downgrade IMHO from the Jetta 5.
Also,I had rattles,and nothing drives me more crazy.

According to www.vwvortex.com,this is still an issue.

The Euro was my first Honda after 4 VWs,and has been a very enjoyable purchase,the dealers have been great,the finish is second to none,and IMHO is brilliant value.

Check it out VERY carefully...

[tooch]

Thanks Anthony.
I was almost sold on the Accord Euro, but was totally disappointed in its performance. It looks awesome, it's built incredibly well, and features everything I could want in a car. But it bored me to sleep driving it . The engine lacks torque, and the auto tranny sucks the life out of the drive.

If it came with a 2.0T and a DSG it would be the absolute ideal car for me!

[frozze]

The Euro was the biggest contender for me when I was considering the Jetta. For about the same price with my Jetta, I could have gotten the Luxury Navi which had more equipment over the Jetta like the Bi-Xenon, Satnav, RVC, paddle shifters (all which were REALLY IMPORTANT to me when I was deciding on the new car - I WANTED to have all these new gadgets) etc. But in the end, it just didn't really excite me at all (the performance, drive, styling - didn't like the look on the MY12 styling). Sure the Jetta isn't as well equipped or built like the Euro but I'm loving it more and more each day. I find myself staring at it.. a lot... haha.

Good luck, coz you're gonna need it! They're both great cars IMO.

[spidermanyan]

bought new jetta 147, before purchased this car, i tried honda accord euro, subaru liberty. they all very nice and good quality cars, but won't made me excited about driving. the only one made me excited was subaru liberty GT, but its way over my budget. one of the reason made me purchasing this car was the price, my jetta got sunroof, Satnav,black pearl print and towbar for $42500. i guess its better value than Euro.

[frozze]

That's a really good price! Well done!

[ziggyboy]

bought new jetta 147, before purchased this car, i tried honda accord euro, subaru liberty. they all very nice and good quality cars, but won't made me excited about driving. the only one made me excited was subaru liberty GT, but its way over my budget. one of the reason made me purchasing this car was the price, my jetta got sunroof, Satnav,black pearl print and towbar for $42500. i guess its better value than Euro.

'Grats on the new car!

Car enthusiasts can argue endlessly about specs but at the end of the day, we'll go with who we fall for Fell in love with the Jetta and that's all that matters.