We have two of these! Best car I have ever driven! We love them! They’re automatic transmissions. Heck, I got 51.3 mpg on the way home from work yesterday! The mileage is incredible!
I took Mr. Cooley's advice and test drove a VW Golf TDI. Best purchase I ever made, its a fun to drive car, really comfortable, and gets great gas milage :) I live in Jersey were we don't pump our own gas, lucky us. My usual gas attendant thought I went on a vacation, I was gone so long.
Check your facts. Only the Jetta sedan has torsion beam rear suspension and hard touch dash. This is a totally different platform than the wagon version. The Jetta SportWagen is based on the Golf platform and still has multilink rear suspension and a soft touch dash.
this car is a vw golf (at least, thats how its sold in europe). and there is already a new model, this one is 2009 - 2010 (again, in europe, i dont know if its different in america)
I drove a B5.5 Passat 2.0 TDI and it is very smooth. The Passat was actually know to be louder than the MK.4 Golf, which is a lot less refined than a MK.7 Golf. Even though this is a Jetta not a Golf (Jetta is made cheaper) it should be very quite compared to a 1997 Passat TDI (and 2.0 is known for being less refined than the V6, W8 and lower 1.6 ect.).
SIMcityplayer2002 It is actually a Golf in the rest of the world. Only in the US does VW call it a Jetta Wagon which is dumb since it is based on the Golf MK V platform. Thankfully they did away with the Jetta name with the new model.
Great video! Love the commentary and bottom line upfront approach. I share many of your views on vehicles. Love station wagons, love diesels, & like that ugly is included...at no extra cost. Take care
I own a 2012 Reflex Silver Jetta Sportwagen TDI with the DSG and Nav. This thing is amazing! In a little over a year, its got 30k miles on it and I've been averaging about 35 city and 45-58 on the highway. Yes I said 58. I'd say get the automatic. You can also do a burnout easily haha
You call the digital controls ugly most call it practical with fewer buttons, you call it 29-39mpg most get 40 city/53 highway as long as you keep it around 60mph. I'm buying a 2014 one for $6500.
2014 With 40k miles it's $8500 with 90k miles $6500. When they put high miles on a newer car it won't wear much specially in diesel cars. My brother bought a 95 Nissan hard-body 4 cylinder new, within 2 years he put 286000 miles on it but the pickup was still like new.
The VW TDI engine is highly tuned for efficiency... if you chip the engine you can get 30%-40% boost in performance... ironically the chip will not hurt the MPG, unless you have a manual then you won't be able keep the foot off the accelerator.
I think Volkswagen is one of the most underrated car companies out there. People always just think lets buy a Toyota or Honda because everyone has one. Just because something sells a lot doesn't mean it is a good car.
Hi Brian, Just wondering about one statement you made. I own a 2013 Jetta Sportwagen and I must be a commi too, because I love the thing. What I found to my amazement was mine has rear independent suspension. I was under the impression it was a straight axle, because you stated that in your video. I was wondering if mine was an earlier model, and they changed the rear axle mid-year to the straight axle. Don't get me wrong, I'm very pleased to have the four wheel independent suspension. Thanks for a great video. I enjoyed it very much!!! Sincerely, Dave Lane
No, you are just not green enough to not like diesels. The major push to get diesels off the market is coming from states like California that want everyone to drive electric, or at least hybrid cars.
Again with the incorrect info. The current Sportwagen is based on the previous generation Golf V platform. It just got a new front end to match the Golf VI and Jetta VI front end.
It's no wonder the Prius outsells these. The prius gets 10mpg more, same 0-60, all automatics and it's significantly smoother with the E-CVT, the prius is significantly more reliable, no diesel emissions problems, no turbo lag, the engine is quiter. The only big thing that makes me want the Jetta is the panoramic sunroof.
I love all VWs, their design is so refined. I think a lot of car makers (Kia/Hyundia) are trying too hard with design (have you seen the Velosetor). My EOS is a beautiful piece of machinery and I love it.
Wow that's indeed a great sun roof! More upscale than some of the more expensive car I've seen in. However judging from Cooley's review, I think Cruze stacks up a little better in term of package, mpg, and interior.
Buddy do you know anything about the mileage after they fixed their scam issue? Have they gone down and any other issue that I should be aware of? I am thinking of getting one...like 2013+
@@iwalkisee; I own a ‘12 Golf TDI (hatchback) which is mechanically the same car, things to know; The DSG requires a $400+ transmission fluid change every 40,000 miles, the manual requires no fluid change The Mk6 models (2011-2014) do not have AdBlue/DEF, and have fully independent rear suspension, the Mk7+ models (2015-2019) have the AdBlue system, and a downgraded twist beam rear suspension (they needed the space for the DEF tank)
I own one of this 2011 with DSG transmission. The only drawback you have to change trans oil and filters every 40K and it cost 400$ and only VW diller can do it. So my advise buy manual. Other than that it is very good and dependable car.
Not only the dealer can do it, an average mechanically inclined person can do it with some basic tools. There are plenty of videos showing how to perform the oil and filter change in these DSG transmissions.
I love this car like a kid loves candy but lack the ability to conceptualize it with words. Like Brian, I, too, like.. no, love wagons. I've never driven a TDI before but being a good stalwart towards good mileage, who can complain? I'm driving a very boring, 2013 Hyundai Accent 4 door right now and absolutely hate the sedan configuration. Nothing by way of storage hence I love Wagons and hatchbacks. Thinking of seriously trading in the Korean car for some VDub.. would be my first. Also thinking may be I need something like this mature wagon with oodles of practicality instead of the 'hot' hot hatch GTI or GTD. Would need to buy one used if going Wagon TDI.
Dealers typically charge $750-$1,000 for the 40K service for TDI's with the DSG trans. That includes basic oil and filter change, diesel fuel system servicing, MPI... The DSG servicing is $400+ by itself. You don't buy these cars because they're cheap.
Because they have cheaper gasoline. But i must say that i love driving diesels too. Not just because of low MPG, but i like the high torque. It just goes. I own a 2.0 fsi golf right now, but if golf with diesel engine wouldn't be that more expensive, i would go for it.
Considering that the Altima is a everyday car which is mostly not driving through tight corners, it wouldn't be surprising that there is no steering feel. Some would say that you should go to the Maxima for that.
Cnet needs to do it's homework, the rear suspension on the jetta sportwagen is the same multilink setup as in europe, the interior is also the same as the european version. The Sportwagen is based on the Mk5 Jetta and the Mk5 and Mk6 Golf. The 2011 jetta sedan a totaly different car, is the jetta with the primitave rear suspension and cheesey interior that VW saddled the American market with. We should all be asking why we are getting crappy decontied cars from VW in America!
We're stupid? Maybe it's not wanting to pay $5 a gallon for diesel or having to pay $1000 for labor every time something breaks in a VW diesel or any other VW...
Well i bought one of these used for 6k and have started modding it and repainting parts to make it look good and shaded those disgusting tailights in the back put in white leds for headlights and am gettting a cold air intake and a blowooff valve installed
I think the Jetta branding just sells better in the USA. Jetta is Tremendously more popular and is more widely known. Golf is more of a niche market here. So it seems.
Cooley got one thing wrong. This wagen is still based on the 5th generation Jetta and not the 6th one. Cooley then talked about how the interior is cheaper now and the rear suspension is a twist beam. That is true on the new 6th generation Jetta sedan but not on this wagon. The wagon has 5th generation materials inside and are of better quality plus its rear suspension is multilink, with coil springs, telescopic dampers, and an 18-mm diameter anti-roll bar.
Well obviously you're not in the groups that VW targets with this car. But yeah I understand what you mean; VWs are more premium in Europe and elsewhere, they somehow just forgot about prestige all together when they came to North America. Mk7 GTI perhaps?
i have this one 2010 and had to install aftermarket led headlights with HID, i can't stand the look of the halogen. Also mine has navigation, much better unit than 2013. I love the car tho!
If you can just chip the car to get extra performance with out hurting MPG, it isn't highly tuned for efficiency. The word efficiency means maximum productivity with minimum waste.
The comments on the tech side I.e. iPhone cable and displays is an all round issue with VW in my opinion they are always limited, not very nice to look at and badly thought out. I drive the Blue-motion Passat which I assume is the model he was referring to about keeping in Europe. I typically get 60 mpg on the free way and around 45 mpg on an urban run. VW have definitely moved the torque ratios to the middle end to help them get better mpg.
PLEASE REVIEW THE NEW UPDATES TOYOTA VENZA LIMTED! You guys are probably the last to review it and its often over looked! TOYOTA VENZAS ARE SWEET @briancooley
nissan is the best? i just drove 2013 altima, what a piece of crap, there is absolutely no steering feel, feels like sienna :-), seats are comfy tho, they gotta fix the steering and get rid off the CVT
sorry, I meant isn't lol. So calm down. I just see that Nissan is changing things up by bringing over infinity things but I want to know how much they've actually changed.
So true. VW thinks Americans are idiots and give us no credit. VW buyers are a smart bunch and do not appreciate the direction VW of America is heading in. The new Passat and Jetta are crap compared to their older models. I suppose VW cares more about sales figures than building good cars anymore instead having a smaller but more loyal fan base. We will see how this works for them in the years to come when many fans leave the brand and all that is left are people driving VW's that have no soul.
We have two of these! Best car I have ever driven! We love them! They’re automatic transmissions. Heck, I got 51.3 mpg on the way home from work yesterday! The mileage is incredible!
I finally found the infamous "ugly is included at no extra cost" video.
HAHAHAHAH
FINALLY!
He is right about that.
Yes!!!
Beauty lies within the eye of the beholder.
1:32 "And ugly's included, at no extra cost"! Kills me every time.
finally i've found the episode where he says "ugly is included at no extra-cost" best sentence ever.
I took Mr. Cooley's advice and test drove a VW Golf TDI. Best purchase I ever made, its a fun to drive car, really comfortable, and gets great gas milage :) I live in Jersey were we don't pump our own gas, lucky us. My usual gas attendant thought I went on a vacation, I was gone so long.
Check your facts. Only the Jetta sedan has torsion beam rear suspension and hard touch dash. This is a totally different platform than the wagon version. The Jetta SportWagen is based on the Golf platform and still has multilink rear suspension and a soft touch dash.
1:31 Best Brian Cooley quote.
"Ugly is included at no extra cost"
Just started shopping for a new car. Your videos have been a tremendous help! Honest, fair and detailed. You've got a fan in Texas! Thank you!
I'm so glad I'm not the only one who tried to find the "ugly at no extra cost" clip haha
wagon + diesel + manual = car enthusiast
We had one that got hit a couple years ago. Then we bought a A4, love that also. I'll probably be buying one of these same cars again soon
I get 43 in my DSG wagon with lots of mountains. I also have a TDI A3. The 2 best cars I've ever owned.
Cooley's reviews never get old. I've been watching for a long, long time now.
A large aftermarket following and interchangeable parts from other VWs can improve handling performance and looks. I would love one of these!!
HAHAH the infamous Brian Cooley quotes lol
I wonder how is the long term reliability...I plan to buy a new/used high MPG vehicle in a few months...and put on it 500+ miles a week.
It's understated and classy looking.
this car is a vw golf (at least, thats how its sold in europe). and there is already a new model, this one is 2009 - 2010 (again, in europe, i dont know if its different in america)
How is the road noise or wheel noise that comes from this car? i rented a 2013 Jetta Sportwagen and the noise was awful...still was a lovely car.
I drove a B5.5 Passat 2.0 TDI and it is very smooth. The Passat was actually know to be louder than the MK.4 Golf, which is a lot less refined than a MK.7 Golf. Even though this is a Jetta not a Golf (Jetta is made cheaper) it should be very quite compared to a 1997 Passat TDI (and 2.0 is known for being less refined than the V6, W8 and lower 1.6 ect.).
SIMcityplayer2002 It is actually a Golf in the rest of the world. Only in the US does VW call it a Jetta Wagon which is dumb since it is based on the Golf MK V platform. Thankfully they did away with the Jetta name with the new model.
Great video! Love the commentary and bottom line upfront approach.
I share many of your views on vehicles. Love station wagons, love diesels, & like that ugly is included...at no extra cost.
Take care
Diesel and stick shift. That looks fun to drive.
I live for Cooley's reviews.
Watching this is a little surreal in the midst of VW's diesel emissions cheating scandal.
I own a 2012 Reflex Silver Jetta Sportwagen TDI with the DSG and Nav. This thing is amazing! In a little over a year, its got 30k miles on it and I've been averaging about 35 city and 45-58 on the highway. Yes I said 58. I'd say get the automatic. You can also do a burnout easily haha
Great review. Been waiting for this review for awhile. Thanks Brian!
You call the digital controls ugly most call it practical with fewer buttons, you call it 29-39mpg most get 40 city/53 highway as long as you keep it around 60mph. I'm buying a 2014 one for $6500.
How are you getting it that cheap?
2014 With 40k miles it's $8500 with 90k miles $6500. When they put high miles on a newer car it won't wear much specially in diesel cars. My brother bought a 95 Nissan hard-body 4 cylinder new, within 2 years he put 286000 miles on it but the pickup was still like new.
That chevi that they showed at the end that looks EXACTLY like the Holden cruze in Australia
Holden is essentially Austrailias chevy, owned by gm too
His mileage numbers are quite a bit incorrect. My 2012 Jetta Sportwagen with DSG gets 44-45mpg hwy average and around 33mpg in the city
The VW TDI engine is highly tuned for efficiency... if you chip the engine you can get 30%-40% boost in performance... ironically the chip will not hurt the MPG, unless you have a manual then you won't be able keep the foot off the accelerator.
all I want is a manual, it will never have any problems like the DSG
I think Volkswagen is one of the most underrated car companies out there. People always just think lets buy a Toyota or Honda because everyone has one. Just because something sells a lot doesn't mean it is a good car.
I miss this guy ☺️
Hi Brian, Just wondering about one statement you made. I own a 2013 Jetta Sportwagen and I must be a commi too, because I love the thing. What I found to my amazement was mine has rear independent suspension. I was under the impression it was a straight axle, because you stated that in your video. I was wondering if mine was an earlier model, and they changed the rear axle mid-year to the straight axle. Don't get me wrong, I'm very pleased to have the four wheel independent suspension.
Thanks for a great video. I enjoyed it very much!!!
Sincerely,
Dave Lane
No, you are just not green enough to not like diesels. The major push to get diesels off the market is coming from states like California that want everyone to drive electric, or at least hybrid cars.
Again with the incorrect info. The current Sportwagen is based on the previous generation Golf V platform. It just got a new front end to match the Golf VI and Jetta VI front end.
It's no wonder the Prius outsells these. The prius gets 10mpg more, same 0-60, all automatics and it's significantly smoother with the E-CVT, the prius is significantly more reliable, no diesel emissions problems, no turbo lag, the engine is quiter. The only big thing that makes me want the Jetta is the panoramic sunroof.
I love all VWs, their design is so refined. I think a lot of car makers (Kia/Hyundia) are trying too hard with design (have you seen the Velosetor). My EOS is a beautiful piece of machinery and I love it.
Velosetor looks distorted like I'm looking in a fun mirror.
im with you cooley
I LOVE WAGONS!
Wow that's indeed a great sun roof! More upscale than some of the more expensive car I've seen in. However judging from Cooley's review, I think Cruze stacks up a little better in term of package, mpg, and interior.
Gotta love them TDIs! TORQUEEEE!!
VW just released their 2014 models, seems to be more fuel efficient than last year.
ROFLMAO
I got a 2013 Jetta TDI highline, SO FUCKING AWESOME! Huge power but you gotta choose highline if you want to enjoy your driving experience.
Buddy do you know anything about the mileage after they fixed their scam issue? Have they gone down and any other issue that I should be aware of? I am thinking of getting one...like 2013+
@@iwalkisee; I own a ‘12 Golf TDI (hatchback) which is mechanically the same car, things to know;
The DSG requires a $400+ transmission fluid change every 40,000 miles, the manual requires no fluid change
The Mk6 models (2011-2014) do not have AdBlue/DEF, and have fully independent rear suspension, the Mk7+ models (2015-2019) have the AdBlue system, and a downgraded twist beam rear suspension (they needed the space for the DEF tank)
@@MacTechG4 Thanks for the info. I settled for a 2015 VW Golf. So far going good :-) I had to change the transmission fluid anyways
i love the head unit
Really good reviewer.
You got to love that the ugliness comes base.
Now that they aren't new you should buy one
i wonder when the golf 7 will be available in america
You cant blame the Jetta for having torsion beams anymore, all models for 2014 get independent rear suspension.
I own one of this 2011 with DSG transmission. The only drawback you have to change trans oil and filters every 40K and it cost 400$ and only VW diller can do it. So my advise buy manual. Other than that it is very good and dependable car.
Not only the dealer can do it, an average mechanically inclined person can do it with some basic tools. There are plenty of videos showing how to perform the oil and filter change in these DSG transmissions.
Stealerships? 😆 find yourself a hole in the wall shop specifically for German cars.
I love this car like a kid loves candy but lack the ability to conceptualize it with words. Like Brian, I, too, like.. no, love wagons. I've never driven a TDI before but being a good stalwart towards good mileage, who can complain?
I'm driving a very boring, 2013 Hyundai Accent 4 door right now and absolutely hate the sedan configuration. Nothing by way of storage hence I love Wagons and hatchbacks.
Thinking of seriously trading in the Korean car for some VDub.. would be my first. Also thinking may be I need something like this mature wagon with oodles of practicality instead of the 'hot' hot hatch GTI or GTD. Would need to buy one used if going Wagon TDI.
Dealers typically charge $750-$1,000 for the 40K service for TDI's with the DSG trans. That includes basic oil and filter change, diesel fuel system servicing, MPI... The DSG servicing is $400+ by itself. You don't buy these cars because they're cheap.
Because they have cheaper gasoline. But i must say that i love driving diesels too. Not just because of low MPG, but i like the high torque. It just goes. I own a 2.0 fsi golf right now, but if golf with diesel engine wouldn't be that more expensive, i would go for it.
I know they're more pricey but I'm really intrigued by the 3 series diesel engines.
Don't the Euros get a bigger nav display?
Considering that the Altima is a everyday car which is mostly not driving through tight corners, it wouldn't be surprising that there is no steering feel. Some would say that you should go to the Maxima for that.
VWs are the best! I'm biased though, I have a GTI :)
I can seriously watch Cooley on replay all day!
Cnet needs to do it's homework, the rear suspension on the jetta sportwagen is the same multilink setup as in europe, the interior is also the same as the european version. The Sportwagen is based on the Mk5 Jetta and the Mk5 and Mk6 Golf. The 2011 jetta sedan a totaly different car, is the jetta with the primitave rear suspension and cheesey interior that VW saddled the American market with. We should all be asking why we are getting crappy decontied cars from VW in America!
In Canada it's called Golf Wagon. Why the inconsistency.
I know Nissan is the best but perhaps the newest Altima review?
I mainly curious if they finally improve the tech..
We're stupid? Maybe it's not wanting to pay $5 a gallon for diesel or having to pay $1000 for labor every time something breaks in a VW diesel or any other VW...
5:40 They De-tuned the engine to avoid urea injection.
Well i bought one of these used for 6k and have started modding it and repainting parts to make it look good and shaded those disgusting tailights in the back put in white leds for headlights and am gettting a cold air intake and a blowooff valve installed
America needs nicer cars just like the ones in Europe. Cause if you want something nice you have to go for premium cars like mercedes and similar
Yes I understand that but he was saying how much commonality it has mechanically with the Jetta which is false. I know it is a JSW in the states...
I think the Jetta branding just sells better in the USA. Jetta is Tremendously more popular and is more widely known. Golf is more of a niche market here. So it seems.
it's called the golf variant in europe
Cooley got one thing wrong. This wagen is still based on the 5th generation Jetta and not the 6th one. Cooley then talked about how the interior is cheaper now and the rear suspension is a twist beam. That is true on the new 6th generation Jetta sedan but not on this wagon. The wagon has 5th generation materials inside and are of better quality plus its rear suspension is multilink, with coil springs, telescopic dampers, and an 18-mm diameter anti-roll bar.
Basically nokia 3310 with 4 wheels.
Yes, if Nokia 3310’s refused to start in 20 degree weather
1:32
Lol plain? Get inside of a Nissan or Toyota then you see plain
the jetta is basically a golf estate mk6 rebranded
Was Brian Cooley trying to "admit" he actually really really really loves this car? Really? Hahaha.
Ugly is included, with no extra cost!
Well obviously you're not in the groups that VW targets with this car. But yeah I understand what you mean; VWs are more premium in Europe and elsewhere, they somehow just forgot about prestige all together when they came to North America. Mk7 GTI perhaps?
I feel like most people like low end torque anyways. I mean how many people whined out their gas engines?
i have this one 2010 and had to install aftermarket led headlights with HID, i can't stand the look of the halogen. Also mine has navigation, much better unit than 2013. I love the car tho!
If you can just chip the car to get extra performance with out hurting MPG, it isn't highly tuned for efficiency. The word efficiency means maximum productivity with minimum waste.
The comments on the tech side I.e. iPhone cable and displays is an all round issue with VW in my opinion they are always limited, not very nice to look at and badly thought out. I drive the Blue-motion Passat which I assume is the model he was referring to about keeping in Europe. I typically get 60 mpg on the free way and around 45 mpg on an urban run. VW have definitely moved the torque ratios to the middle end to help them get better mpg.
xenons and/or led headlights is the way to go. ;)
Cooley, just buy a Mercedes Benz 300TD Wagon for cheap to have a good diesel wagon with torque and a cool sunroof
Setting the cruiz at 70 in manual mode I get 41.
Better than ending up with the cost of repairing and maintaining a Volkswagen.
How the hell did they figure the milage ? I get 35/50 with mine (6MT)
I got 70MPG.
Greatful vw
Cooley, the DSG has been an unreliable piece of tech. We have had a a lot of complaints in Australia on this. Otherwise VW diesels are great!
It sure drives great when it works though 🤣
Reminds me of the old Honda Odyssey.
PLEASE REVIEW THE NEW UPDATES TOYOTA VENZA LIMTED! You guys are probably the last to review it and its often over looked! TOYOTA VENZAS ARE SWEET @briancooley
nissan is the best? i just drove 2013 altima, what a piece of crap, there is absolutely no steering feel, feels like sienna :-), seats are comfy tho, they gotta fix the steering and get rid off the CVT
agree dsg 40k service is ove 1K! get the manual!
looks better than sedan
This is actually a Golf front end. In the rest of the world this is called a Golf sportwagen.
No in Australia we call it a jetta
Luke Skeggs-Bennett
In United States these type of cars used to be referred as station wagons.
Vh9network we call them station wagons as well in Australia
sorry, I meant isn't lol.
So calm down.
I just see that Nissan is changing things up by bringing over infinity things but I want to know how much they've actually changed.
There is a Chevy Cruze wagon in Europe. Wish they brought it here.
Yea but the cruze is in a different class and it always weighs lighter
So true. VW thinks Americans are idiots and give us no credit. VW buyers are a smart bunch and do not appreciate the direction VW of America is heading in. The new Passat and Jetta are crap compared to their older models. I suppose VW cares more about sales figures than building good cars anymore instead having a smaller but more loyal fan base. We will see how this works for them in the years to come when many fans leave the brand and all that is left are people driving VW's that have no soul.
Wake up, America! Wagons are good!
And it's available in brown!
This guy reminds me of Giancarlo Esposito
Wagons are awesome if car makers make them look right. A lot of them wind up looking like a hearse.
love it