Wannabeproracer

I'm in search of a daily driver, I need something that gets 40+ mpg fwy, I'm more inclined to a TDI than hybrid.

I'm considering VW Jetta TDI or Audi A3 TDI and whatever else that is comparable.

Those who have direct experience with the aforementioned, your opinions would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking to buy something new.

Thanks in advance!

alexb76

Great choices! The ONLY Hyrbrid that I might consider along-side these is the new Lexus CT200, which looks great and has amazing MPG, yet, is fun to drive.

I've driven VW TDI, albeit smaller engines, in Europe and they are FANTASTIC! The ONLY downside is the lower RPM redline that threw me off while changing gears, but if you get an Auto it's no issue.

I think A3 looks great and has fantastic build quality and interior and much better built-in GPS (VW one sucks big time!)... whether or not you wanna pay the premium is personal.

winkingchef

Buy a Cayman and drop in a VW TDI.

fjpdds

winkingchef...Thats funny!

Macster

My experience is not recent, but I owned an 02 VW Golf TDi 5-speed 2-door and loved the car. Solid car. Nice interior. I spend a lot of time in my cars and a nice interior is a must.

Fuel economy was 40+mpg average over 120K+ miles and I drove the thing in all kinds of situations from city/stop and go to highway high speed cruising.

Based on what I read this 40+ mpg will often match or even beat a hybrid's mileage when these cars are used in the real world and under equal circumstances.

The Golf TDi was great.

Lousy VW service though soured me on the brand. Local VW dealer has had a management change and I hear the service has improved greatly but too late. I sold the car in '07 after I bought a new 06 GTO.

(Pontiac/GM service sucked too: Techs would abuse the car. One tech took the car out on his lunch break and thrashed the heck out of car. Caught this and reported this to the dealer and dealer did nothing. So, I traded in the GTO when I bought my 08 Cayman S. In buying the Cayman S and then the 03 Turbo, I spent over $100K for new/used cars since and I do not know how much I have spent on servicing since then for my cars, but not one dime was spent at a GM dealership. That was one expensive joyride the tech took...)

I have toyed with the idea of buying a new Mini Cooper S coupe, 6-speed possibly even the JCW version.

While the engine is gas and not a diesel, who knows? The car with some reasonable driving could approach that 40mpg freeway driving target.

Sincerely,

Macster.

alexb76

Generally, Hybrid much better MPG on street, while Diesel doest best on highway.

jason74

Get a Prius, if you like to drive slow in the left lane... or any lane, for that matter...

fer2367

bmw 335 d

GuyIncognito

+1

hate to admit it, I also like that Lexus hybrid mentioned above.

I've owned two VWs and they were by far the two worst cars I've ever owned from a reliability/durability standpoint, so as much as I like the theory of a TDI, I wouldn't trust it as a DD.

PCC

Subaru works also .... they are ALWAYS driving slowing the passing lane and become extremely offended if you flash them to move

generalization .. yes, but that's my experience

Mike in CA

Check my sig. A3 TDI, obviously!