This particular post has turned into a flame war. It kinda seemed like the OP was trying to entice the loyal TDI fan base into an argument. Look, we get it -- gasoline engines are become more efficient and there are a handful of very practical DDs that considering the fuel price, come out on top of the TDIs. We got that. Then when the TDI crowd turns back around and says that we enjoy being able to drive a car with the whole package -- some like having the stick option, torquey diesel engine, good fuel economy, fun to drive (compared to a Yaris, Corolloa, Prius, Civic, etc), then the people who have been soured by VW at some point come back with a counter point that VW is not reliable!
How about the bitter people just start a new topic called "Why I got rid of my TDI / VW and traded for something better"?
I really do love the 1.8T Jetta and might consider that when my wife needs to trade in her '09 Jetta 2.5S 5MT. I also think that Mazda's CX5 is a great option and she loves it too! So it's not that most of us disagree with you, but a lot of the people on this thread seem like they have an agenda with us people who are still loyal to our TDIs.
I bought my Jetta TDI last July for a few reasons. 1) I was driving 160 miles a day so needed something fuel efficient. I could have purchased a Yaris, Prius C, Civic, Civic Hybrid, Mazda 3, etc. Out of those, I would have considered the Mazda 3 as a close second, but that brings us to point 2) Fun factor. Yes, the Mazda 3 with it's 155 HP 2 liter and manual tranny was ok, but it didn't have the torque and sweet turbo diesel sound. I could have looked at the 184 HP 2.5 liter, but then I have to get a slushbox. Even then, it didn't "feel" as fast as the 140 HP Jetta with a 6MT. For work, I had a rental Mazda 3 with the 2 liter and auto. Even with my 150 mile round trip to our other office going only 5 over the speed limit, I averaged 37 mpg (80% highway). I have made that trip with my car and without trying for FE, gotten 48 mpg. So with me paying 3.80 a gal for diesel lately, I would have to find gas for consistently under $3/gal to break even. And I would be missing the engine I love so much. Which is point 3) The car is a blast to drive. I look for excuses to go drive. When I go on a coffee / Red Bull run, I purposely drive to the gas station 4 miles away instead of the one right on the corner because I love hearing the turbo spool, the engine grunt, and rowing gears.
(Yes, I emphasize the fun factor a lot. If you are going to drive a car every day, might has well enjoy it.)
That may be a little extreme, but you get the picture.
