Jetta 1.8T and other comparable cars
 

I am really interested in getting the Jetta 1.8T but was wondering what other comparable cars are worth looking at. It seems like VW makes such a solid car and I don't really know where else to look. Sure, I could get something more economical like a camry or corolla, but those don't drive like a VW. Anybody want to throw out some other cars I should be looking at in the same price range? Thanks a lot

if you are interested in the jetta, look at the 2.0L counter part, the engine is brilliantly designed and if u put a turbo in, will run circles around just about any other four door sedan. the 1.8T engine is old and outdated, the technology hasnt be changed for several years. Definitely go with the 2.0L I4

Mini Cooper S, perhaps? *shrug*

Jetta GLI

Its a 6 speed V6, lighter than some of the other Jettas....standard leather, sunroof...:drool:

I can't wait for october

LOL...if you think the 1.8T is old, the 2.0 is ancient. The 1.8T has its problems, what with the coils and all...personally, I'd get a Passat V6 with a manual transmission.

passats are nicer, more luxury, getting v6 in a passat vs a jetta....well, which do you think is heavier?

Yeah!! The GLI is an absolute BLAST to drive!! It handles great, has an insane amount of pick-up, and is very comfortable inside. My only complaint would be the rough shifts at low throttle.

W8 w/ 4 Motion :D

with a 6 speed.

Now only if I had the cash to afford any of those cars....

An upscale Jetta is getting close to WRX price areas. Let's see, 227hp, all wheel drive, and a new body style for this year :)

Of course, if money is an issue, a lower model Jetta with the 2.0L and a manual is rather peppy, and there are turbo/supercharger upgrades that can be added when your wallet would allow.

I've driven such a Jetta,(2.0L manual), and they are built like tanks!!! You'll have a great time installing aftermarket stereo equipement also, the tolerances are very good, not too much room for wiring. Course, the factory stereo is acceptable, for a starter anyway.

I've got a 98 Jetta older body style. It is a tank...not many problems. Needs shox but I just added a sirius radio and I can concur on the not much room for wiring comment. My hands are all cut up. :)

It's a great car though, the 2.0l has good pep, but it really needs a manual. I've got a garret chip in it and an aftermarket exhaust. So it has more pep than when I bought it.

VW's are overpriced, and although they're quite solid cars, I'd rather go for their Audi counterparts, which retain value for much longer and has better trim. Basically the same car with different engines and trim. And it comes in Quattro.

i just bought a 03 GLS 1.8t and i love it handles great and has more power then i thought. get an 02 or higher cause it comes with 180hp instead of 150hp

oh and after 02 most of the problems were fixed. i owned to integra gsr and this jetta seems alot faster stock. the 2.0 jettas are good but the way i see it if the car doesint come stalk with a turbo adding one on is just maintanence galore. drove a vr6 those are fast but expensive on gas and is 200 pounds heavier. 1.8t with a chip will do wonders for u

I gather you are looking at used for the sake of this discussion? The Jetta w/ 1.8t is nearly in a category by itself. The only vehicle that comes in somewhat on par is the Impreza WRX sedan. (The non-WRX version would be closer to the Jetta 2.0L.) But for other directly comparable "sports" sedans out there in its price range there really isn't anything else. The Acura TSX or BMW 330i would be above it & the Ford Focus ZX4 w/ 2.3L would come in below it.

VW's are overpriced relative to Audi?

:orly:

& retain their value better?

:orly: :orly: :orly:

I bought my A6 2.7t used for ~$23K. With every conceivable option except rear sunshade it stickered for ~$45K new. Current book on it is ~$8K.

:oogle:

Now, if you are looking for a lot of vehicle for the money, then a used Audi is a great choice. They are very solid and sturdily built on the mechanical side too. God help you when one of the complex, integral, and non-user serviceable systems decides to have a nutty however. They are expensive beasts to maintain & repair. Also, it is not a matter of if they will kack, it is only a matter of when. As they go over 80K miles, this behavior becomes more & more frequent.

The Dodge Caliber SRT-4 is coming soon. Not sure if it'll be dependable (Durangos are the least dependable vehicles on the road today), but it's going to be fast.

What year 1.8T are you looking at?

A friend in service mentioned I should avoid 1.8Ts beyond a few years old because "the transmissions seem to be failing in bulk." Could be the market, the hardware, or just one VW shop's perception.

After hearing the troubles my brother has with his VR6 jetta, I've sworn to stay far far away from them. Personally, I'd get a Subaru WRX or Dodge SRT-4.

If you want recent autos similar to the 1.8T Jetta/Golf, here they are:
Chevy Cobalt
Dodge Neon SRT-4
Ford Focus SVT
Honda Civic Type-R
Mitsubishi Lancer Evo
Saturn Ion Redline
Subaru Imprezza WRX

I'm not including the A4, because I couldn't in good conscience recommend an Audi after my experiences. I'm also assuming BMW, Merc, and Lexus are outside your price range.

All the posts in this thread are contradictory to the advice I've received and the reviews I've read when I was shopping for a car two years ago. A Jetta was my number one choice, but after reading about and hearing the horror stories about the wiring in these cars, I switched my mind really quick. Maybe they've become better since 2002 (model year I was looking at).

They haven't.

Willravel, the A4 is a Passat anyways, so it is a step up from what the OP is looking for.