2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen

Another great VW

By Barthugens (ME) on Saturday, June 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 55,000

Pros: "MPG, solid, fun to drive"

Cons: "expensive to buy"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have two TDIs: 09 Sportwagon and 10 sedan. In Maine, you put high quality non-studded tires on these high torque babies, and you'll plow through anything. I own the steepest driveway in town, and it's about 85 yds. from the road up to my parking spot; TDI is unfazed by the steepness. Mileage is around 42 on the highway at 65 to 75, and about 48 on secondary roads at 45 to 60. Around town, it's about 34 - 36. Oil changes are only once every 10k, so you save on that. Be sure to use only Castrol SLX! Keep your tires inflated to the max allowed, too, and check them at least weekly. Car is ridiculously quiet, even if it wasn't a diesel. Stereo is great, and is the first model car I've owned that I haven't replaced all the factory speakers with upgrades."

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no | report abuse

Great Car, only one problem

By EPR (RI) on Friday, June 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 33,500

Pros: "German feel"

Cons: "Rev Hang is terrible!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"Car is great. Only isse is the rev hang with manual transmision as you have to wait a couple of seconds for the rpms to drop... otherwise you wear the clutch... For this only reason I would not buy it again"

1 person out of 3 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no | report abuse

Great Car

By MA K (MD) on Thursday, May 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 14,000

Pros: "Fun Car to own and drive"

Cons: "A little pricy"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"It is fun to drive, gets great milage, haas a wonderful sunroof, tons of space. I love this car!!!"

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no | report abuse

Slightly disappointed

By Driven2it (OH) on Monday, May 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000

Pros: "Styling, price, handling"

Cons: "tinny, lacks the luxury of comparable models"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"Having owned two VW Jettas before I bought this SEL, my expectations were high. I chose the SEL to get some toys and a little more luxury. My first disappointment was how tinny it sounded when I shut the door. My 2006 and 2009 Jettas were both solid. Other disappointments were that the pushbutton start seems to be an afterthought. It is not well place and seems cheap. The car rides and performs well except for some road noise. This is my last Jetta and I'm sad about that."

4 people out of 5 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no | report abuse

awful in snow yet powerful in mountains TDI

By AspenChef (CO) on Saturday, May 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 33,633

Pros: "40 mpg, rear seats fold flat, economical"

Cons: "terrible for snowy inclines, seats not ergonomic"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I'm a purchase researcher when it comes to a car and there's not much mentioned about the TDI Jetta wagon in cold mountainous snow conditions. That's why I compelled to review. I'm considering selling because the uphill snow performance is so terrible. I live in Aspen, CO and drive 13 K per year employed as a private chef. I need to arrive at any location in any weather condition. I have driven this vehicle 3 winters now and cannot rely on it for my business. The crux of the VW Jetta Wagon is going uphill in snow or ice. It just cannot do it, even with brand new studded snow tires, the traction control option turned off, manual shifting, and a running start. Spin spin spin. It's okay in flat or decent of snow, slush, ice as long as that traction control button is off. Poor name for a function that does the opposite! (The manual even agrees). The comparison is with my previous three Volvo ('99, '04, '06) Cross Country vehicles. The VW doubles their fuel efficiency yet doubles the white knuckles. Another downside of the VW is the ergonomics of the seats and steering wheel adjustability. I'm 5'4" lean female. I purchased a cheap 'seat wedge' from BB&B my husband calls the 'Grandma Pad' to supplement the lack of adjustability and comfort of the driver seat. It's annoying after 2 years now to get in the car and first thing adjust the pad to be centered. Oh those Volvo seats are a fond memory! On the positive? It's Fast. Powerful. Fun. In dry conditions. Oh! There I go again. More goodies- the seats fold flat, it's low for the dogs to get in and out of, the price brand new was of great value, super efficient for so much power, there's a dealership 20 miles away (instead of going to Denver for Volvo service), good headlight illumination, the panoramic sunroof has a retractable shade. Yeah, it would be an awesome car for Phoenix, or LA, or anywhere where one drives lots and the sky never snowed... not anywhere I'm going to live. I don't want to go through the hassle of trading in the TDI VW, though I just wrote you all the reasons to. Sigh, a purchase I'm regretting 3 years later."

7 people out of 8 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no | report abuse