Need your thoughts/opinions on this 2010 Jetta

[Cgiroux]

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detai...pp=50&feedSegId=28705&aff=national&listType=1

This is a 2010 Jetta TDI with 59K miles, it has had two previous owners, I am considering buying it.
Last week I test drove a few MK6 TDIs (Golf and Jetta). They are a lot of fun, but I'm trying to stay below $20,000 and am not having a lot of luck (no surprise with how well the TDIs retain their value). The one in the link is listed at $16,999.

This Jetta has a 5th gen body, but did they do some updates for the 2010 year?, It seems like pre-2010 models had an uglier steering wheel.
Are there any major differences between this late 2010 5th gen and the Mk6 (besides from the body change and maybe the instrument panel?)

Somebody told me to steer clear of pre 2010 VWs because they have electrical problems, I have no idea.

 

[disco biscuit]

I like my 2010... In the newer gen a lot of things changed. Body, I feel some build quality, independent rear suspension. I got my 2010 with 40k last year for 18k. Price sounds good. I would ask for receipts for the 40k mile service, check for fuel filter replacements where it was serviced...etc. If it was at a dealer that never sees them look for an independent specialist to look it over. Any previous owner with a car that has dp filter egr etc comes into play.

Most of your questions sounds best answered by mkv vs mk6 comparo threads. Keep in mind the cr TDI is more like the mk6 version with all the body version of mk5 kind of makes searching weird.

 

[jetlagmech]

these cars are a catch 22. you have to be cautious and check maint records but a good priced one will go fast. a 2.5 year old car (late 2010 you said) with 2 prev owners would make me more cautious. need to see if the local dealer will give you service records to see if this car has had a lot of problems.

 

[Cgiroux]

Well I am going to take a look at it on Wednesday. If there ain't anything wrong with it, I am definitely tempted to make a purchase.


I don't mind that it is a manual trans, but I have never driven a stick car before. I've used a clutch on motorcycles and got my class M license through a safety course, but that was quite a while ago. I think I shouldn't stall/embarrass myself too much.

 

[CopaMundial]

I don't mind that it is a manual trans, but I have never driven a stick car before. I've used a clutch on motorcycles and got my class M license through a safety course, but that was quite a while ago. I think I shouldn't stall/embarrass myself too much.

One thing to be aware of in that regard is that the newer TDI's have a emissions control feature that prevents the engine from running at too low of RPMs. If the RPMs drop too low while you're engaging the clutch it will stall the car and you have to cycle the key to restart.
So a lot of people who were accustomed to going by feel / sound were a bit caught off guard by that and found themselves stalling frequently.

In the end, it's not really big deal, but worth realizing it going in.
You don't have to rev it or dump the clutch or anything drastic, but just don't expect the car to warn you that it's about to stall.

Best of luck with your (potential) purchase.

 

[WutGas?]

HPFP. Search it and make sure you can handle it before purchasing.