[s-cars] LAC: 2007 VW Jetta 2.0

[Varon H. Fugman]

The latest episode of the S6 not starting convinced my wife that I needed a
more reliable car at my disposal to drive to work.  Because I'm not quite
ready to give up the S6 (and 2010 S4s haven't depreciated into my price
range yet) she suggested a "gap car"-which might also be a good starter car
when our oldest son starts driving in a couple years.

 

Being the good wife that she is, she went on AutoTrader.com and found a nice
'07 Jetta 2.0T with "Package 2" options-all the goodies including sunroof,
heated seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control.  And of course a 2.0
FSI turbo with a 6-speed manual.  Almost a GLI, but without the badge. or
higher insurance premiums!

 

This thing is a blast to drive!  The 200hp 2.0T provides plenty of power for
such a light car.  After all, this same engine is used in a lot heavier
cars.  No, it isn't as refined as an Audi A3.  I would say handling is about
the same as the two FWD A3s I test-drove.  (Used A3s aren't easy to come by
in DSG, let alone manual, and command a premium price on the second-hand
market.)  So far my fears of substandard Mexican-build quality have been
unfounded.

 

I really can't think of a better solution for an economical commuter car
that won't bore my socks off!  The creature comforts and VAG family DNA make
it a tolerable transition from the Audi, and it has enough power to keep me
entertained-and dare I say it-more nimble handling and better brakes than
the S6 (still stock, I know, I should have upgraded years ago!)  I just need
to remember to wait until I am going straight-and on dry pavement-before
applying full power!

 

Now if the snow tires I ordered would hurry up and arrive!

 

Varon

'95 urS6 mine, not presently running

'02 Volvo V70 XC wife's

'07 Jetta 2.0T "gap car"

 

P.S. Only problem I have now is my wife likes driving it too. I may get
stuck with the Volvo wagon!