$5k buys alot of miles worth of gas before you "break even"
Let's compare the cost to drive 100,000 miles in each a base 2.0L Jetta and a "base" TDI Jetta.
1. Base Jetta, $16,645. EPA Rated 28mpg combined. Cost of RUG in my area, $3.64.
100,000 miles / 28mpg = 3,571 gallons * $3.64 = $12,998 + $16,645 = $29,643 / 100,000 miles = ~$0.30/mile.
2. Base TDI Jetta, $22,775. EPA Rated 34mpg combined. Cost of Diesel in my area, $4.19
100,000 miles / 34mpg = 2,941 gallons * $4.19 = $12,322 + $22,775 = $35,097 / 100,000 miles = ~$0.35/mile
3. Base Yaris, $14,115. EPA Rated 33mpg combined.
100,000 miles / 33mpg = 3,030 gallons * $3.64 = $11,029 + $14,115 = $25,144 / 100,000 miles = ~$0.25/
Normally I would agree that the TDI would begin to show a big payoff from mile 100,001 to 200,000, but the reliability and longevity of the car is now in question. Do we factor in 5 - 7 grand for fuel pumps, turbos, etc? Back in the ALH days, a TDI was a no brainer. 50mpg could be achieved consistently, the engine as a whole really was capable of 200k without a major repair. Today, I just don't see it. My love for diesels ended when VW decided to start selling junk and denying warranties. I'll see how Mazda and Chevy treat their diesel customers and by then I'll be in the market for another car.
I guess something can be said about "what you get" when comparing gasoline jetta to TDI Jetta. Clearly, you get a lot more car for not a lot more money when cost per mile is considered. If cheap transportation is the goal, the VW TDI can't touch the Yaris and similar gasser competitors like it used to. Too bad.