Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
Sam
I don't know if playing with the manual mode all the time would lead to problems down the road, but certainly the "S" mode would not, as that simply sets the shift points to a higher RPM level, as well as higher RPMs on the downshifts.
Take a try in an automatic, before you decide.
Good Luck.
Bel Air Car Guy
I love having all 3 options! Though, I haven't used the manual mode a lot yet. Your right, I am not sure if you used it all the time if it would wear down any more than just using the S mode or D. Though, it might if you were really rough with it. Now that I have the options, I am not sure how often I'll use them. I am pretty careful with my cars. Definitely more in the Spring and summer! Plus, with gas prices I want to conserve.
The 2.5 is quite peppy! I came from an 08 G6 4cyl and the engine in the VW is night and day better!! I feel way more confident about the power. It is so much more smooth in its shifting. You barely tell when its shifting. Also, I hardly hear then engine other than a nice push in acceleration. The suspension is smoother, forgiving. I can honestly see how and why my mother has gotten pulled over for speeding. lol. Not on purpose, but when you look down it can easily be way over what you think it is!! She drives an 08 Jetta. My G6 never felt as much that way.
I have noticed better mileage too!! It has lower RPM's when at 60. Though, it is a 5cyl and 6spd auto, so it is going to be slightly less. This engine is the reason I chose the Jetta over the Buick Regal! The GM 4cyl engine had 6spd, but still felt rough and lack of power at higher performance, it felt a bit numb! The VW engine doesn't seem exhausted like the GM 4cyl.
Loving the bluetooth, the touch screen radio, and the cornsilk interior! The white gold is a great color! Such a classy looking car! I almost got the Regal and I am glad I got the VW. I am happier!
But yesterday I was looking over a service rate schedule for VW's routine service intervals. There were some anomalies that raised an eyebrow or two in the money going out department. The one that jumped out at me and would affect anyone who does fewer than average miles per year, was that all the servicing (oil and filter at $200 a pop! and even more depending on model) was for every 5000 miles or every 4 months, with those infamous words which ever occurs first. Just as an example, there would be no reason that for someone who drives a half hour to town to shop etc that had a fresh oil changed in May would not still be perfect with a couple thousand miles on it come Sept. In a gas or diesel. The charges were grouped into types (A through to H and repeats) and with some of those service rips, there were a big long list of inspections like "check condition of spare tire" and in no time some of these were over $600.00! A type H on a V8 Touareg was $850.00 at 32 months or 40000 miles. And lots of 200 to 600 ones to get there.
Even if you do your own servicing and keep track of all your bills for the expensive oil and filters etc to ensure your warranty coverage, it still would add up pretty fast. And then expose you to the possible argument if you did have a legitimate warranty claim later. It reminded me of Hyundai to be honest, because if you missed or could not prove you did (correctly too no doubt) even one of the service intervals, they could use it to not honor the warranty.
I think it is true that EU cars are more maintenance hungry than others. It sure was a nice ride though.
Sam
Unless a specialty (i.e something VW specific breaks), my service (after the included 3 years) will probably be at Pep Boys.
There is no reason why an oil change w/ synthetic oil should cost more than $50. I am being generous in that figure as I'm in NY, so I'm sure other states may vary.
If it matters, I have a 2011 Jetta SE.
Sam
I should get better mileage. Anyone know if they use nitrogen in the tires? I have had the car since new years eve and they haven't seem to deflate yet. Even through all the winter issues.
Looking like it is going to be perfect weather driving and all next week! Really warm weather too!!
:shades:
Yep, packing today and it looks to be sunny everyday next week. Around 80 mark once we get down there tomorrow in Alabama!
Taking the car in today, making sure it is good to go, tires, etc.
The engine and the car felt solid! The steering is gets tight when at higher speeds. Which I am not sure thats really good, but keeps it solid. Suspension is tight and forgiving. I could see myself easily venturing up to over 80 if I wasnt carefully watching. Which my G6 wasn't like. Also, you barely hear or feel the engine at all.
The seats were a bit tough though> Our rears were hurting by the end of the 14hr trip.
I am very impressed! Love it! Great choice for me. Felt good to have the roof open and safe in a nice car.
I am very impressed with my Jetta! I love it! The engine is so smooth and it handles so well. I look down and I am speeding sometimes! This never happened in my G6. I am loving the white gold paint. It is constantly changing. I think it looks like one of the better colors for this car!
I have nearly 6,200 miles already! That is from going to FL mostly. It handles so well out on the interstate and rarely upshifted and if it did then you could hardly tell. The cabin is quiet and the car feels solid. I really enjoy the interior with the cornsilk! It looks better than the black! It has a more upscale look. Although, I do agree that VW made a bad move on cheapening the few areas of plastic. This was not neccessary! They even got rid of the VW icons within the head lights! The door handles could have been a little better! Oh well! Its all about the look I guess, rather than the feel.
I do love the stereo system, but they did get rid of speakers too! The rear tweeters are gone, they look like they exist(even on the SEL), but gone. The previous model has 2 speakers in the front doors and the separate tweeter, now there is just the 1 speaker and tweeter. Not a huge deal, but again, why are we doing the cost cutting in areas where quality mattered? It still sounds awesome though! Alert! My stereo did have a WHITE SCREEN on Monday and I immediately showed my dealer. Apparently others have had cases like this. It is back to normal now, but this was odd and annoying! (RCD-510)touch screen.
Gas mileage seems to be pretty good, though I haven't really checked it officially. I am really liking my Jetta! Great choice for me and my family when they are with me! Lots of rear space!
I do think VW could have taken it easy on the cheapening! I still believe consumers would have paid the premium for the car. You can't mess with the soul of VW. They are almost doing this if they are not careful though.
If you are looking for the 2011 Jetta! You will love it! A nice well rounded car, that still has bang for the buck! Especially the SE. However, we bought out our 2008 Jetta SE!! We love it!! VW family!
All you need to do is:
- when refueling, reset one of the odometer trip meters and keep it dedicated till the next time you refuel.
- so on next refuel, simply mark down that odometer reading, and gallons you added (include 2 decimal places) then reset it again for next fueling.
Each time you reset the trip meter, mark down the reading and how many gallons you added at that time. Hopefully the gas nozzle trips off at the same point when refueling, as some cars react to different pumps differently. I have had cars that up to 3 gallons (yes, THREE!) could be added after the first nozzle trip off. If you always refuel at the same station and pump, that helps because also the ground is the same level of grade or flat. One thing I would not do however is continue to trip the nozzle over and over for quick spurts as you do not want to overfill and risk contaminating the charcoal vent filter. When I refuel I try to listen to it. You can usually hear when the gas is getting closer to the downpipe because the sound changes. At that point I simply slow down the flow and that way you can get a more consistent shut off point without overfilling. If you refuel often from only a half tank or less, then these measure will naturally be more significant in getting an actual true reading. Keep in mind that if you keep track of all your records, you could check mileage on a monthly or even yearly basis if desired. Then you can see the difference cold weather or A/C weather makes.
I know, too much information right? If so, just go back to the first two steps and ignore the rest. It will make sense the more you do it.
Sam
I am just amazing on how similar the engine specs are in terms of HP and torque and yet the VW feels night and day stronger and refined. You would think the numbers would be different.
The stereo screen has not turned white since monday. That is good.
I found that if I stay between 55 and 60 mph and avoid sudden starts or stops, I can get about 60 mpg and approx 700 miles per tank. I drive a stick, so that may or may not influence my results.
The car is little sluggish when AC is on, but manageable.
It's a good car for the money I paid.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Need help navigating? kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
Share your vehicle reviews
Did not have that same problem with mine. I've driven it 1,200 miles already. Works like a charm.
Good luck.
I'm also in the South Bay and looking into getting a 2011 VW Jetta S. I've been driving a Honda Civic for the past 10 years and even considering getting another...
But after hearing the outrageous asking prices and seeing the lack of bargaining that can be done for the new Civics (strange to say that considering the price ranges for the two car models have always been reversed), I'm now looking into other options.
I'm still learning about the Jetta and which amenities are generally installed beyond the "base" model. Would you be able to share a liitle about what came with the car (e.g. AM/FM stereo/CD player, heated seats, etc.)?
Thanks!
The car I got from VW Sunnyvale had nothing extra. It was stock Jetta S (with automatic transmission). You can compare what's in the trim at following.
http://www.vw.com/en/models/jetta/trims-specs.html
I liked the fact that even the lowest trim had all the safety feature I was looking for.
Thanks.
But I did get my answer: the 90-day Courtesy Inspection would have to be done at the selling dealer, the rest of the Carefree Maint. can be done at any VW dealership in the US.
$25 just to rotate. Which I need to get done soon!!! I lease my car, but still feel obligated to take care of it.
I will probably wait for 10k, but rotations at every 10k is a long time! $25 is robbery too though...lol. I'll pay it, its worth it for your tires.
I remember changing oil every 3k, then with synthetic going to 5k I was worried at first but the synthetic at 5k was cleaner than regular oil at 3k!
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Need help navigating? kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
Share your vehicle reviews
Any reason why this would happen? lol
Update: The recall was the culprit to the horn not working correctly. It all relates to the wiring harness. The recall was fixed! It took them several hours to get it done. If you have this recall then I would go in and have them update your car so that this doesn't affect you.
I am all good to go.
I have been very happy with my car! Now my horn works! lol
Taking it back in soon!
lol...wow! Oh well. Like my dealer said its all under warranty, but I have little time to leave my car there. At least it is the horn. Hopefully, it stays that way.
Definitely a great car with great bang for the buck. Great engine, safety and the rear room is nice. I got the white gold with cornsilk. A great color combo!
If it is a manual xmission, check the clutch interlock swith.
White Gold, Tan interior
I have had my Jetta about a year now. 15,500 miles already. I am really enjoying it! I can honestly say that for the money, I chose the right car. The love the engine, I came from an 08 G6 4cyl and this engine is night and day better!! Though similar specs. It is refined, smooth and quick. The car drives well and is composed. The car feels solid. The car has plenty of space. The rear is good for a car seat and family to ride in and not feel cramped. The truck is big too! Love the stereo system! It is clean, and offers many options. I like to stream through blue tooth using my iphone.
The materials used could be better, such as the door handles. But, it still looks good! I guess that is the point right? The dash is fine, you don't touch that. But, the tan interior looks better in my opinion than the black. I still get people asking about my car. They love the color combo.
When I detail the car, it is so easy to clean. The tan seats are easy to wipe clean. Literally looks the same as when I bought it. I never use cleaner or shine on the interior finishes. I have yet to actually wax the car myself, but the dealer did earlier this year and I have a membership at a car wash. The paint still looks shiny and waterproof.
Issues:
Horns had to be replaced
Stereo screen has went white a couple times in the summer. Hasn't happened in a long time again.
I can honestly say that I can't think of another car I want right now. Other than the GLI, but in this price line, it is a great value. I feel like I drive a higher priced car!!
I am glad to be in a VW.
I noticed that when I am backing out of parking spaces or turning and I have the need to turn the "wheels" all the way I get a squealing sound from underneath the car.
I have stopped mid squeal to see if for some reason, the tires were hitting or rubbing on the front bumper. There appeared to be no contact. But after getting back into my car and continuing the maneuver, the squeal stops.
Has anyone else experienced this?
Any and all information is greatly appreciated.