2013 Jetta 118TSi Fuel Economy and Known Issues

[Blacknite]

Hi guys ,

I am inclined towards buying a 2013 used VW Jetta 118TSi model , VW says fuel economy while doing city driving is 7.7 , want to confirm if thats the case in real world or not. Also are there any known issues with this year's Jettas.

FYI - I have 16-17 grands that I can use to buy a new(read used) mid size/family car which I want to use for weekend uber purposes as well , Also I think I will keep it maximum for 3 years not more than that so would be nice to know depreciation on Jettas as well.

Any other suggestions would be appreciated .

Thanks !!

[tigger73]

Jetta 118TSI DSG has two of the least reliable engine/gearbox combos that VW has manufactured in recent times. Just do a little searching for 118TSI twin charge problems and you'll come across a lot of blown engines. Same with the 7 speed DQ200 DSG used in the lower power Golf/Polo/Jetta/Passat is not uncommon to have the odd issue.

If you like the Jetta either get a diesel or 147 (with GTI motor) as both have the stronger 6 speed DSG. These are a little bit harder to come by, however something like one of these:

2010 Volkswagen Jetta 147TSI Highline 1KM Auto MY10
2013 Volkswagen Jetta 103TDI Comfortline 1B Auto MY13.5

Alternatively you could also look at a Skoda Octavia - something like this one: 2011 Skoda Octavia 90TSI Manual MY11

[Blacknite]

Jetta 118TSI DSG has two of the least reliable engine/gearbox combos that VW has manufactured in recent times. Just do a little searching for 118TSI twin charge problems and you'll come acorss a lot of blown engines. Same with the 7 speed DQ200 DSG used in the lower power Golf/Polo/Jetta/Passat is not uncommon to have the odd issue.

If you like the Jetta either get a diesel or 147 (with GTI motor) as both have the stronger 6 speed DSG. These are a little bit harder to come by, however something like one of these:

2010 Volkswagen Jetta 147TSI Highline 1KM Auto MY10
2013 Volkswagen Jetta 103TDI Comfortline 1B Auto MY13.5

Alternatively you could also look at a Skoda Octavia - something like this one: 2011 Skoda Octavia 90TSI Manual MY11

Thanks mate . I am after an auto so Skoda manual is out for me and auto does not falls in my price range.
How is urban real world economy on 147TSi ?

Also not keen on Diesel , Dont like the grunt diesel engine makes.

[brad]

Worst engine
worst transmission

You won't achieve 7.7L/100 in proper suburban running - more like 8.5L - 9.5L / 100km (depends on driver, length of trips & traffic). If you do lots of motorway running you'll average about 6.5L/100.

Fuel economy will be important because you'll need as much spare cash as possible to fix the drivetrain.

Either buy the diesel or the 2.0 turbo or look at a Skoda Octavia 118tsi manual (better 1.8L engine) which will get similar economy.

Personally, I'd g & buy a used Honda Accord or a Camry Hibrid

[Blacknite]

Honda Accord is good one and I like it as well but economy is pretty poor on that as well , It gives you 10-11 for urban driving .
How is Camry Hybrid 2011/2012 models btw , They fall under my price range and most likely i can write some part of them under 20K tax rebate thingy as well.

I am after auto only btw

[brad]

My wife has brought Camry Hybrids home a few times. They appear to give 8L/100?

How many km do you do? I do 25k/yr and fuel use is the least of my concerns - it's only $2700p/a. Servicing costs & insurance costs are more important. Depreciation doesn't factor for me as the car is a keeper.

Keep in mind that all the VW product requires at least 95ron and you may as well bank on using 98ron.

[Blacknite]

Around 15 to 18Ks KMs , how much u paid for ur insurance n how much a 20K Cam Hybrid would depreciate in 3 years time .

[tigger73]

If you're looking for a Camry probably best to go look on whirlpool for answers to your questions.

I still think the diesel Jetta is a reasonable option. Decent fuel economy and interior is a step up from the base model Toyotas which are pretty grey-ville.

[nightphotographer]

Known issues? Hmmmm. We get about one a week with pistons destroyed. Haha.

[Blacknite]

Thanks guys , I will look around for Camry Hybrids.

[brad]

Around 15 to 18Ks KMs , how much u paid for ur insurance n how much a 20K Cam Hybrid would depreciate in 3 years time .

15k-18k pa isn't an exceptional amount of mileage. If you do 18k/pa and car A gets 7L/100 & car B gets 9L/100 then it's only $10/week difference. Have you spread-sheeted your expected motoring costs?

My insurance costs are irrelevant to your situation.

Look up Redbook for depreciation predictions but if you are buying a 2 year old car then depreciation won't be a huge issue unless you buy badly.

The Jetta diesels & 147tsi are really nice cars - much nicer than a Camry but don't expect them to be the cheapest car you've ever owned.

[The_Hawk]

While the early 118 twin chargers have a pretty ordinary record, the later ones don't seem to have anywhere near the same level of reported issues. I think that the community was burnt by all the early ones it's given the later ones the same bad rep. From what I've read over the years the Polo GTI that uses the same engine hasn't suffered nearly as badly which seems to support the theory that it's all about the tune.

Now I have one of those engine in my Cab, the later build and it's been tuned from early on so fuelling in the tune is sorted, 3 years and going still strong (not to temp the automotive gods) and it's a brilliant engine!

Of course, if I was buying again today I wouldn't but another one as long as I could get the same or more power from an alternative.

[anthony]

I would look for a new shape 2014 Toyota Corolla sedan,its passenger space is roomy,and its boot is almost as big as a Jettas.

Way better reliability and quality than a Jetta.

[Blacknite]

Dont think Corolla 2014 would fall in my 16-18K bracket .

[The_Hawk]

You can find plenty of Jetta's in dealerships in that price range, still be under it's factory warranty and it could likely be extended if that gives you piece of mind. Something you could look at negotiating with the dealership as part of any deal, why not be 100% honest, tell them why you are concerned and make sure whatever they offer covers the driveline. Bottom line you can always walk away if you're not comfortable.

Sadly the 147TSI is going to be over $20k