320d V Jetta DSG

Stinicker

So I have decided on a shortlist for my next car, I am going over to the UK either this coming weekend or the following weekend to buy a replacement car for my e36 316. (Must find flights soon!)

Both cars will be Diesel and it would be either a case of an E46 2.0l 320d or a VW 1.9 DSG box Jetta, both are automatic.

I have several cars picked out and both of similar price ranges with the BMW at between 2003 - 2004 and the Jettas at between 2006-2007 both with similar VRT prices also. The Jetta would have cheaper motor tax than the BMW and the €156 motor tax low c02 models are very scarce in the UK compared to here due to cheaper tax regime which saw most people get the higher co2 output model.

I am very impressed with the DSG Jetta and had as a rental in Australia last year and its fuel efficiency astounded me and found the DSG a lovely box with plenty poke to go also.

I have heard numerous stories of turbos going in BMW Diesels also, both cars are lovely and the Beemer would win on all fronts except for fuel consumption and being older technology. At the moment I am about 60% in favour of the Jetta over the BMW.

So for a Diesel Automatic - what would you pick?

CharlieCroker

If the jetta is a high spec, I'd honestly prob go for one. I think they're massively under-rated and are good value compared to the golf it's based on. The 3 series is a bit to expensive for what they are. If I was going for a BMW, I'd try and save for the E90 in SE spec (minimum).

Remember, for the cheap tax it needs to be 2008 or newer.

yourpics

VW Jetta every time
very strong car
will last years

If you're going this weekend surely you won't actually buy one? Research and homework needs to be done

(Just a word to the wise )

-Chris-

For me it would have to be the 320d. I couldn't face seeing a Jetta in the driveway every morning, no matter how good the spec etc. is...

colm_mcm

I'd take the jetta actually, or if you stayed VAG there's
One
Car
That
Attracts
Very
Intense
Arguments

here

TouchingVirus

colm_mcm wrote: »

I'd take the jetta actually, or if you stayed VAG there's
One
Car
That
Attracts
Very
Intense
Arguments

here

I see what you did there o_O

Mahuga

yourpics wrote: »

VW Jetta every time
very strong car
will last years

This would be the same Jetta that is essentially a Mexican built Golf, a car which is held in pretty low esteem around here?

RandomAccess

Would prefer a Passat (in black) to either of those.
I think its got a pretty classy image as they are not as common as 3 series nor have the image problems of A4's. It helps that the new one is so ugly it makes the older model look even better. IMHO

Stinicker

I have decided to hold out for another week to allow myself some breathing space to sort out the insurance for the drive back to Ireland and get some sterling cash from the bank as I doubt if I can walk in and say ok, 8 grand sterling please! Plus it would be a cold day in hell before I gave that git Ml O'Leary more than €100 for any transport on his airborne bus service.

Still the wheels are set in motion and I think the VW Jetta has this argument almost won for me. Any other non-Asian Diesel automatics I should be aware of?

pajo1981

RandomAccess wrote: »

Would prefer a Passat (in black) to either of those.
I think its got a pretty classy image as they are not as common as 3 series nor have the image problems of A4's. It helps that the new one is so ugly it makes the older model look even better. IMHO

Eh, there are way more passats on the road than 3 series!

marc1

I just bought a 2005 320d SE auto a couple of months ago and I absolutely love it. It is the E90 (new model), fantastic car, it will certainly not be as efficient then the Jetta (I get about 35 mpg), but they really can't be compared.

BMW all the way :-)

Reloc8

Preference for the bmw but depends on its spec.

PaulKK

marc1 wrote: »

I just bought a 2005 320d SE auto a couple of months ago and I absolutely love it. It is the E90 (new model), fantastic car, it will certainly not be as efficient then the Jetta (I get about 35 mpg), but they really can't be compared.

BMW all the way :-)

If thats non urban driving theres something wrong with it.

marc1

Don't think there is anything wring with it. I do a good bit of M50 every day, but I am also driving around Dublin during rush hour traffic. BMW says you should get about 30 mpg urban, 50 motorway... and they are usually optimistic.

This is 10 to 15 year old automatic gearbox technology being used. DSG is ahead on that front - very efficient and smooth.

Would still go for the BMW. :-)