2014 Golf TDI or Jetta TDI ????? HELP !

[JATPOL]

I'm deciding upon a 6-speed manual Golf TDI in either light silver or black both with sunroof and navigation versus a 6-speed manual Jetta TDI Premium with just the sunroof along with leather in the dark grey exterior. I would usually drive this car to and from work and was originally set on the Golf as it was more compact, but after test-driving the Jetta today along with finding out that it offers more features than the Golf for a lesser amount, I'm confused as to which vehicle to chose.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

 

[PressEnter[]]

Well, is it worth paying the extra for a hatchback? To me, no. YMMV.

 

[DieselRacer]

Jetta, put the savings in mods and the gas tank...

 

[Locnar]

The Jetta was the more practical choice for me. I think you will find several discussions about the Jetta being decontended compared to earlier generations, but I love my 2013, as does everyone else that has sat in it since I bought it.

If you are planning to buy new, I understand the 2014 is even better with upgraded suspension and a few more goodies.

IMHO - make sure you drive the Golf though if you haven't already. That is a solid car and it simply may come down to what you see yourself in after a few years.

Good luck...I find it hard to believe you'll be disappointed either way.

 

[IndigoBlueWagon]

My daughter has a '13 Jetta gasser which I drove extensively last week when visiting her in LA. I have a '12 Golf. Differences I'd note are:

• Jetta has a softer ride, although a Premium maybe less so with its larger wheels
• Golf has crisper handling
• Golf has better seats (and cloth, which I prefer)
• Golf has electric heater controls, where the latest Jetta went back to MKIV mechanical ones
• Jetta has a much larger rear seat area and a HUGE trunk
• I would have a hard time getting used to the lack of temperature gauge and the LED fuel gauge in the Jetta
• Golf is easier to park in the city (I was in Boston today and was reminded of how much that can matter)
• Some say the Golf has better headlights (can't verify this)

I'm not going to compare features or controls as neither of the cars I drive are the same as what you're considering: My Golf is option-free. And I don't think anyone can point to any significant differences in assembly quality between the two cars, with the possible exception of me reading here about more paint quality issues on the Jetta than the Golf. Jettas were criticized for interior rattles when they first came out, but now they seem better. If anything my daughter's Jetta has fewer rattles than the Golf, although the Golf's seem to come out in cold weather, which LA doesn't have.

If I had to do it again I would probably get another Golf, mostly because I prefer the versatility of the hatchback and I like the car's appearance better. But the Jetta isn't bad. And I have to admit I find the relative rarity of the Golf (especially the 2 door) appealing.

 

[Tuco]

Only you can decide between hatchback vs sedan, etc. I'm sure either car will serve your needs well.

Paying a premium for a Navigation system is completely unnecessary for anyone who owns a smartphone. Just my $0.02.

 

[S2000_guy]

Does the $1000 manufacturer's gas card or discount on purchase price offer apply to the Golf and/or the Jetta? I've heard commercials for it for the Passat, and I'm pretty sure I heard the commercials offering it on the Jetta. But I'm not in the market to buy, so I didn't pay much attention. You should check out what VWOA is offering on what vehicles.

 

[scooperhsd]

If you're buying new - on a strictly value basis - It would hard to beat the Jetta TDI Value edition (currently favored as my next car). The extra bells and whistles on the higher trim levels maybe important to you, however.

Also - IMO the aftermarket GPS units are pretty hard to beat (better than a Smartphone app) - smaller and easier to update (and what good is a GPS with out of date maps ?) (says the guy who has lifetime maps and updates quarterly / before any roadtrip).

 

[Scoutx]

I agree the GPS isn't worth it, but the KSSY certainly can be. VW is one of the few makes were keyless actually means keyless. You should never need to take the keys out of your pocket/purse and it a boon if you're in or out of the car a lot. The only thing I really miss is a temp gauge, but I wouldn't call it a deal breaker, I just miss it.

 

[powerfool]

2015 models will have a new engine... which is bad from the standpoint of not being field tested, but it has tons of improvements including more HP and lower friction camshaft bearings for better fuel economy (that is probably where the HP comes from too). Maybe wait?

Honestly, without Bluemotion coming to NA, I'd rather have the Passat. More room, nicer in general, not much additional cost. And this is coming from someone that actually wants a Golf... but what's the point when the fuel economy is slightly better in the Passat?

EDIT: The Passat in my sig is my wife's ride... but may become mine when the Cross Blue comes out (unless we get Bluemotion, as stated).

 

[donDavide]

My daughter has a '13 Jetta gasser which I drove extensively last week when visiting her in LA. I have a '12 Golf. Differences I'd note are:

• Jetta has a softer ride, although a Premium maybe less so with its larger wheels
• Golf has crisper handling
• Golf has better seats (and cloth, which I prefer)
• Golf has electric heater controls, where the latest Jetta went back to MKIV mechanical ones
• Jetta has a much larger rear seat area and a HUGE trunk
• I would have a hard time getting used to the lack of temperature gauge and the LED fuel gauge in the Jetta
• Golf is easier to park in the city (I was in Boston today and was reminded of how much that can matter)
• Some say the Golf has better headlights (can't verify this)

I'm not going to compare features or controls as neither of the cars I drive are the same as what you're considering: My Golf is option-free. And I don't think anyone can point to any significant differences in assembly quality between the two cars, with the possible exception of me reading here about more paint quality issues on the Jetta than the Golf. Jettas were criticized for interior rattles when they first came out, but now they seem better. If anything my daughter's Jetta has fewer rattles than the Golf, although the Golf's seem to come out in cold weather, which LA doesn't have.

If I had to do it again I would probably get another Golf, mostly because I prefer the versatility of the hatchback and I like the car's appearance better. But the Jetta isn't bad. And I have to admit I find the relative rarity of the Golf (especially the 2 door) appealing.

All good points, it has much to do wih youlife style and how you use the car. I have earlier Jetta models and I loved them. I love the Golf too! I do alot of work in the city and it is easier to park. rear seats do not lock like on Jetta I think

 

[donDavide]

How about a sportwagon?

 

[JATPOL]

Thank you all for the advice

After some more thinking I'm still leaning toward the Golf for the better handling and the appearance of the car. Also I commute to New York City so the Golf would be more convenient to park. And money-wise, there is only a few hundred dollars difference except when considering the Jetta's premium package with navigation.
Thanks to everyone for the suggestions, I appreciate all of them!