The '12 Jetta and Golf are different platforms...the 'new' Jetta has gotten some pretty mediocre reviews.
The Jetta is nice and roomier and the engine and transmission are the same. The only reasons not to trade are that you feel the Jetta is nicer looking and is a better value and it will cost you more money to trade.
Looks are subjective (many folks here much prefer the Golf over a Jetta in the looks dept), but as said above, other than sharing common drivetrains, the MK6 Golf is a better car: independent rear sus, better sound insulation, interior materials, sound insulated glass and other items make a big difference in the driving experience.
Just my .02, but I passed on the new Jetta when I heard VW cheaped out and went with a torsion bar rear axle setup versus the Golf's traditional independent rear. Most people won't notice, but the spirited drivers amongst us certainly can. As it is, FWD to me is already a disadvantage on the twisties and track so losing an independent rear end was definitely a deal killer.
I am not talking about which car is better or which car in both a Golf and Jetta forum folks like better and just to be clear, I have a Golf on order. The OP said: "I got the Jetta because I thought it looked better and was more reasonably priced than the golf, but the loss of a hatch has made things considerably more difficult since I've had it... " My point is that if you have already purchased a Jetta (which is a nice pick and depending on your needs and desires is alot of car for less money than the money) and you like the looks, price etc., but don't like not having a hatch, then there may be additional reasons to like and keep what you have in place of the hatch including depending on the options a pano sunroof, more interior volume- a relatively huge cargo area... and like you said at the end of the day, it has the same drivetrain.
The golf actually has more ~usable~ storage space. I couldn't get nearly as much stuff in my mk4 GLI as i can in my TDI golf. The rear brace between the trunk and cabin pretty much makes the trunk useless for anything very long wide or tall.
Golf feels like and Audi inside. Jetta and JSW not so much.
Where are the advantages? well let's start with the hatch...HUGE advantage that I have used many times already.....or the different platform that gives you independent suspension...uh yes...its REAL noticeable. And then go sit in both cars. Every time I jump in an Audi I never feel much different when I jump in a highline golf. I wont bore you with all the feature differences ....I would pay more for the Golf any day. and I did!
that's what i'm talking about, baby - i get two electrics (in hard cases) plus my VOX amp in the hatch w/out even folding a seat down... fold them down and you can practically jam the London Philharmonic in there!
While the volume with seats up is close to the same, the space is different. The golf trunk isn't as deep as the sedan (correct?) but is much taller - floor of trunk to roof. Whereas the Jetta sedan is deeper but only as tall as the top of the trunk lid, and the trunk arms on the Jetta cut into the space a bit. Depending on what you carry mostly this could be a deciding factor (doesn't seem to be one for the OP and that's good)
I have a 4-door but have not had any problem with the seat durability etc after 18,000 miles. I was reticent about having cloth, preferring the leatherette in the JSW as well and except for my 2008 Rabbit(Golf) have only had leather for the past 20 years. However, once I saw the improvement of this Golf's cloth vs the econobox-style mousehair fabric in the 08 Gas Rabbit, I was much relieved. Even though I don't know what the long-term durability will be it starts off much more german-like in terms of firm, durable feel. It's comfortable, but I'm afraid any fabric will be subject to acquiring smells and stains more readily than leather or vinyl - can't be avoided. However, after 15 months, mine still smells new and since it's black, does not show dirt like a gray or beige fabric would. There are firms that convert front and back seats to leather for $1,500 or less. The 4-door has power-reclining seats which is one reason I chose it over the 2-door. I have the DSG auto because even though I like rowing gears, it's almost impossible to use one in weekday Chicago rush-hour traffic, which can keep me in stop-and-go agony for up to 2 hours each way. That said, I love the brilliant DSG and know that some complain about it. It's so much more affirmative and quick than a traditional Automatic, it really feels like a manual that someone is expertly using. Some reviewers think it "bucks" around town but once you know the correct amount of throttle to use it never happens. Have never had a single issue with my Golf and as long as I don't go into HPFP panic, plan on keeping it a long time
Thanks for the thoughtful post. I didn't know the 4 door had power reclining seats, that's very nice. The lever in the Jetta is a little bit stiff. I know about the leather upholsterers. A friend of mine got it done to his old civic a while back when the seats started to fray. He paid about $500 The upholstering job didn't even last 2 years before some of the stitching started to break.
The 2.5L cars equipped with the auto trans are conventional "slush-boxes". I have a friend with a GTI with the DSG and he has said it is a little clunky when going slow. I think it is because the car doesn't know exactly what you are going to do and it's trying to anticipate whether you are going to stop or go.
If I can find a good deal on a 4 door golf I'm gonna do it. I called all the dealers in my area and told them to alert me if anything comes in in my price range.
You pay more because the golf is still on the old platform and the jetta has all the cost savings from the new platform. Crappy rear suspension, crappy interior plastics, etc.
