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http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/European_Union_Flag.jpg From a handling standpoint, the Jetta was taut and stable with only a smidgen of body lean in sharp turns. (http://www.examiner.com/x-15424-Allentown-Autos-Examiner~y2009m7d9-Volkswagen-selling-more-diesels-than-expected)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2009_Jetta_TDI_SportWagen.jpgNick Hromiak - EXAMINER (http://www.examiner.com) - July 9, 2009

They definitely drive well and return good mileage, but is the dealer network up to supporting it properly? --Ed.

While hybrid vehicles have taken over the news, there’s an alternative with almost similar fuel economy.

Volkswagen’s Jetta TDI Loyal Edition front-drive sedan, with its 2.0L, 140-hp turbo 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, gets EPA mileage ratings of an impressive 29 city, 40 highway mpg. And it does so with gusto.

Acceleration and passing power from the little 4-cylinder is lively and quick. And surprisingly, this is with the optional 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. The combination provided exhilarating torque from a standing stop and power on demand during highway passing.

Contrary to public belief, this new diesel is unlike oil-burners of yesteryear. The new 50 state emissions legal TDI is exceptionally quiet for a diesel. An example of new technology and engineering prowess. There’s only a hint of diesel rattle at idle and not much different from the sound emanating from VWs I-5 and I-4 cylinder powerplants.

This may come as a surprise, but about 30 percent of U.S. sales of Jetta sedans and half of Jetta wagons are diesel powered. VW had expected 20 percent on sedans. So folks are waking up to the benefits of diesel power. The only thing better would be a diesel hybrid. And with this experience, I’d bet VW will be the first to offer this combination, which is the ultimate in hybrid-powered vehicles. If you’re familiar with... http://www.examiner.com/x-15424-Allentown-Autos-Examiner~y2009m7d9-Volkswagen-selling-more-diesels-than-expected

Oh? You mean people actually DO want fuel-efficient cars? People actually want economical cargo-carrying wagons? Who knew?!!

If a few reliable companies make diesels which get test driven...I'm sure more of our population would find them attractive...

Well I had never been in a TDI until about six weeks ago when I dropped my 960 off for it's yearly maintenance. One of the guys gave me a ride home in a customers manual transmission TDI Golf.
Whoa baby. That car moved when he jumped on the throttle. I'm thinking the whole time and this is a diesel?

Well yesterday I stopped for my last oil change in my wagon and told the guys at the shop I was trading her in on a new car. Yep, the jaws drop and why and what are you buying were the questions. I explained the $4,500 trade in value a need for a high mileage daily driver. Told them I was looking at the Prius, and Honda Hybrid and one mechanic jumped in and said what about a TDI. All of the people working their started touting the TDI as the car I should be looking at. I wouldn't be happy in a Prius or a HCHII.

So now the TDI has been added to the the other two as a possibility.

Although what I'm hearing around me is forget dealing on a 09 TDI it's list price or take a walk. They are not discounting at all on the TDI's.

I have loved diesels ever since i had my 1980 Rabbit diesel. 55 MPG back in the early 80's was petty cool. I happened to LIKE the different sound of the diesel engine, that didn't bother me at all. I was always jealous of the guys in Europe who were able to have a 2.0CRD back when i had my PT cruiser. All of the utility of the cruiser with 40+ MPG economy.
I REALLY think diesels will sell, and it frustrates me that there are so many avaialable in Europe, and almost none here. As usual, Europe gets the cool stuff and we get screwed.

This is on my list of replacements when my rolling couch dies. I love wagons, especially sharp-handling ones with good FE.

Only way I'd get one of these, like I'd get a Honda or a hybrid, is brand-new or with less than 10k miles on the odometer. Then I can be sure it's gotten the maintenance it needs to last a long time. Some folks are going to be surprised that you need to keep up the little things on a VW. I don't want to be stuck with their problem car.

Although what I'm hearing around me is forget dealing on a 09 TDI it's list price or take a walk. They are not discounting at all on the TDI's.

Don't be discouraged. Maybe in Pittsburgh, but within your state you've got someone with great allocations and prices. People all over the country buy TDI's from him and drive or ship them home.

See:
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=251655

Last I checked he was offering sedans for $700 under invoice and wagons $600 over invoice. Within Portland the wagon tdi's often go for msrp or above because demand > allocations in this area. I almost considered shipping a wagon from him but I ended up finding a dealer an hour away from me that made a nice no hassle deal for me.