My 2002 was very generously given to me by my grandparents in early November of '05 and so far, it's proved itself as the best kept secret in fuel efficient cars. I average about 33 MPG's in crowded city driving with the A/C on. Inside the interior is very comfortable and there is plenty room for my 6ft frame. I have an iPod hooked up to the Monsoon audio system and it blows me away most of the time with clear and rattle free sound. The leather seats are extremely comfortable and the seat heaters seem to be popular with my lady friends and I, which is funny because Fla. temps seem to reach upwards of 80 degrees. I do warn you though, you must get tint or you will roast, plain and simple, the tan seems to attract heat. Personally I like the exterior design better that the new Jettas (06) as it looks more aggresive and less asian econocar. The jetta handle unlike most economy cars handle, but this is hardly an economy car in the driving department. As for fueling, there can be some minor frustrations namely: dirty stares from hybrid drivers, hard to find diesel pumps, and people pulling out your pump nozzle because they think you're using the wrong fuel. I fixed the latter with a paper sign that states "YES ITS A DIESEL" and that seems to work. as for the Diesel stereotype, there is little rattle and no smoke from the tailpipe. People seem to make fun of my usual diesel smell after fueling (which occurs about every 3 wks)and that I smell like a trucker, but diesel is a cheap colonge in my opinion. The little noise that is made is a throaty rumble that sound better than a buzzy and powerless gas engine. There is a little turbo whistle that is barely noticible with the windows down. And you can forget about being slow, the diesel has plenty of pickup and when chipped by Rocketchip, these things can FLY. The 4 speed auto is an adaptive unit that gives you quick shifts when you're frisky and smooth ones when you are'nt. Trunk space is good, but what kind of teen cares about trunk space. I can't tell you about backseat space because driving the TDI from there would be dicey, so I don't sit outback. My tornado Red paint seems to stand out in the drab parking lot of my High School and it also attracts a certain byproduct birds. Red makes an easy target. The instuments are very legible and have a nice blue background at night, approved by my little brother by stating it looks like a blacklight (which it does'nt). The little switchblade key is handy for street fights but may cause a problem with airport security (it's true). Thats pretty much all I can say about the Jetta and I think you should buy, lease or borrow one to try for yourself.
Amount Paid (US$): 24000
Condition: Used
Model Year: 2002
Model and Options: GLS Auto