Cars.com Reviews the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Diesel is attempting a comeback in the U.S. now that clean-diesel technology has proved viable — and it’s come at a time when everyone is eyeballing the mpg rating on a car’s sticker. Yes, diesel-fuel chugging Volkswagen Jetta TDIs get considerably better mileage than their plain-Jane gasoline counterparts, but they also tend to cost more. Are there other disadvantages to owning a diesel car? Although he’s already taken on the wagon version of the Jetta, Joe Wiesenfelder takes you through his thought process when it comes to driving the 2009 Jetta TDI. Click below to read his full review.

2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Expert Review

Comments

[Joshua]

Many people still have the old diesels stuck in their minds, slow and smelly. it's just like driving a gas car... don't forget it's been around for many years and shown to be reliable.

[Brian E]

Is there any way that when a review is posted you could also post a Flickr slideshow with larger versions of Ian's fantastic photos? While I enjoy the "Through Ian's Lens" series of photos of more interesting designs, even a Jetta is worth viewing in higher quality when viewed through Ian's photographs!

[Watchdog]

Joe W.,
One of the nuances of owning a diesel is to carry some wet ones in the car with you to get the diesel residue off your hands after refueling. The other tip is to avoid the pumps meant for the large truck tanks. They flow so fast that inevitably you will have diesel spill out of the filler nozzle because you can't stop the pump fast enough!

[Watchdog]

Joe W.,
One of the nuances of owning a diesel is learning to carry a pack of wet ones in the car with you to wipe your hands after refueling. Another tip is to avoid the pumps meant for the large truck tanks. They pump so fast that inevitably you will dump gas out the filler neck because you can't shut the pump off in time!

[Jay]

The author wrote: "...the only TDI-specific item I saw in the maintenance schedule was the particulate filter replacement at 120,000 miles. For perspective, many gas engines are dead by this point..."

If you are speaking about Americans cars maybe but I've been driving Jap cars since the early 80's and have never had one die before the 150,000 mile mark. I've also had two TDI's and would never ever go back. They are not reliable, they are not that cost effective, and diesel prices are still too high.

I've been a courier long enough to know that nothing beats a good Japanese economy car.

[Watchdog]

Jay,
Any car that is not abused and properly maintained will go well over 150,000 miles.

[Happymantis]

Watchdog,
But it is easier for certain cars to get to 150,000 miles than others.

[Watchdog]

Every car gets to 150,000 miles one mile at a time.

[Cj]

I don't think it's "if" a car can go 150,000 miles. The question is "What state is the car in at 150,000 miles".

Are all the systems failing or is it stilling running smoothly?

[Adrian]

CJ,
My '99 Altima has 200,590 miles on the odometer and I would say it is in pretty good shape. Mechanically, it is very sound due to my routine maintenance. Cosmetically, it has a few small chips and scratches but that can be remedied with a little touch up paint and a good polish and wax and the interior needs a good shampooing which I'm overdue for. Overall, I've been very pleased with my Altima over the past 8 years. I was planning to keep it for 2 more years but with the economy the way it is it will probably be another 3 to 5.

[Hybrit]

Good discussion and good review of the TDI. I think most people would be better off buying the gasoline Jetta, or better yet, the similar sized Corolla or Honda Civic, which match the Jetta's mpg using much cheaper and more readily available gasoline. While diesel car engines have improved recently, gasoline car engines have improved to a greater extent. As stated by several in this chain, gasoline engines last much longer than in the past, so there's no need to buy a diesel for longevity, which was the main reason to go diesel in the past.

[Normand Miron]

If you want to easily compare regular gaz cars and the Jetta TDI Clean Diesel, we've just posted this comparator at http://www.tdicurious.ca/tdi-clean-diesel-comparator/

[Jennifer]

Purchased the '09 Jetta TDI with DSG transmission 2 weeks ago. This car is so much fun to drive, however I have noticed a strange popping or clunking noise that occurs at slow speeds. VW service advisor and manager have explained it is the "drive line" and the DSG that are making this noise. Anybody else with the DSG model noticing this?

[just me]

We purchased ours 3 months ago put 3500 miles on it so far. I know the braking period for this engine is far into the future however we're enjoying great MPG so far at least 44 PMG on the freeway at least 35 MPG on street, VW did such great job designing the Jetta it feels great the interior materials feel like they belong in a much more expensive car the entire car inside and out feels great, by the way someone on a previous comment ask what state is a car with 150K on, i'm of the impression that you've never owned a European car. My other car is a 1987 BMW 528e 250K on the clock the car feels like it just rolled out of the assembly line very solid strong power train flawless interior flawless no rattles paint job is in great shape personally i feel that i can get at least another 10 years or maybe 20 without major work required that's how good German cars are. I know some may argue otherwise but then again the question is how do you treat your car. Back to diesel we're in love with ours i can assure you there will never be another gasser on my driveway ever again.

[Hybrit]

Wow, your city mileage is only 13 mpg worse than a Prius(the EPA says the Prius gets 19 mpg more than the TDI in the city). Diesel cars are always "great" when they're new. Then the problems start, and the cars are pulled off the market and we all wait for the next generation of "new" diesel cars. In the meantime, enjoy paying the extra $1.20 per gallon at the pump.

[just me]

I don't buy a car just for the fuel saving one must enjoy what one drives you got to look at an be in the thing almost every day you own the thing, I don't know where some of you get the idea that the prius or something of the sort is the only ideal mode of transportation. When you buy ice cream do you get plain vanilla most likely not to enjoy life you got to put some flavor in it.
Good luck.

[Hybrit]

Here's a public service announcement for the diesel crowd: a school district in the Twin Cities metro area will be closed tomorrow due to problems with the diesel fuel used in its school busses. When temperatures dropped to 10 degrees F and below, the fuel solidified, clogging fuel filters and stopping the busses in their tracks while stranding kids at bus stops in freezing weather.