I am finally ready to make my car decision! Veloster vs Jetta TDI!

Which should be my first new car purchase?

  • 2012 Hyundai Veloster w/ Technology trim

  • 2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI


Results are only viewable after voting.

FerraraZ

Senior member
Feb 10, 2008
649
3
81
So after long deliberation and plenty of research that included test drives, consumer reports, customer reviews, edmunds true cost of ownership, insurance quotes and more I am finally ready!

My decision is a new car (I kept my last car was 16 years old, I drove it for 9 of those) and I feel it is the best decision. The choices are a 2012 Hyundai Veloster w/ Technology package OR 2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI BOTH manual transmission. I want this car to last me! Just thought I would ask everyones opinion on either Veloster or Jetta TDI. I really love hearing everyones opinion!
 
Last edited:

FerraraZ

Senior member
Feb 10, 2008
649
3
81
The Veloster has 2 different sized doors. Who wants that? Plus it's ugly

I actually like the styling honestl, its also what the new genesis will look like. While the rear can be difficult to see out of, I also like the shape of the rear of the car.
 

Dr. Detroit

Diamond Member
Sep 25, 2004
8,413
832
126
Automatic or Manual trans?

The Veolster's DSG automatic gets shit on by the auto rags. The Accent SE - same platform & motor as Veloster might also be a compelling choice as it has a standard 6spd auto, more interior space, more cargo room but no "technology package". $5K less than the Veloster your looking at though.
 

FerraraZ

Senior member
Feb 10, 2008
649
3
81
Jetta by far.

How come? I mean the Hyundai has nav and all the bells and whistles. While not as powerful, the gas mileage is just as good. I love both cars but to say Jetta by far, I'm just wondering what makes you say that.
 

Jumpem

Lifer
Sep 21, 2000
10,757
3
81
The Veloster has 2 different sized doors. Who wants that? Plus it's ugly

This. The unsymmetrical doors make it fail, hard. I like the mileage of the TDI, but not the vehicles they put it in. The Golf and Jetta only power two wheels.

In that price range I would go with a 2012 Impreza hatch. AWD and 36mpg.
 

Don Karnage

Platinum Member
Oct 11, 2011
2,865
0
0
What about a Golf GTI? 32+ on the highway is pretty sweet unless you drive like 200 miles a day
 

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
22,377
2
81
I'd get the Jetta TDI. Tons of torque and very likely much better "real world" MPG.
 

Doppel

Lifer
Feb 5, 2011
13,306
3
0
If mileage is important get a Prius, it's cheaper than a VW TDI and spanks the fvck out of it on MPG, plus runs on cheaper fuel. Plus a better branded vehicle. Yes, it will drive a little worse (although neither it nor the TDI are going to win any races against, well, anyone).
 

KentState

Diamond Member
Oct 19, 2001
8,397
393
126
Just watched a show were the Veloster was reviewed and they were not impressed with the drive train. Seemed to be a lot more show than go.
 

FerraraZ

Senior member
Feb 10, 2008
649
3
81
If mileage is important get a Prius, it's cheaper than a VW TDI and spanks the fvck out of it on MPG, plus runs on cheaper fuel. Plus a better branded vehicle. Yes, it will drive a little worse (although neither it nor the TDI are going to win any races against, well, anyone).

This is untrue in a sense. The Jetta has a larger travel radius even if the mpg favors Prius, you go farther on a tank with the Jetta.
 

Dr. Detroit

Diamond Member
Sep 25, 2004
8,413
832
126
This is untrue in a sense. The Jetta has a larger travel radius even if the mpg favors Prius, you go farther on a tank with the Jetta.

That is a big stretch...............

The Prius carries a 11.9 Gallon tank while achieving about 45 real world mpg.

The Jetta carries a 14.5 G tank and achieves a combined 34mpg per the EPA.

Diesel fuel premium of 50-centa a Gallon or more is also very costly on fill-ups.
 

mmntech

Lifer
Sep 20, 2007
17,501
12
0
The Sonata is a lot better value than both the Veloster and the Jetta IMO. That is if you're willing to sacrifice some fuel economy. You'd be looking at 28mpg combined for MT, compared to about 34mpg for a TDI. The Elantra, also a very good vehicle, and gets gas mileage comparable to the Passat TDI.
 

PhoKingGuy

Diamond Member
Nov 15, 2007
4,685
0
76
<<---- used to own a 2010 Jetta TDI

If you want a super comfy nice highway cruiser, Jetta hands down. Loved the thing, always got 45 MPG + on my commute. I could go from Orange county to San Jose and back almost on one tank of diesel, can't argue with that.

It drives well in town, doesn't look like some stupid Prius and gets more/less the same mileage.

That being said, I own a 335i now.
 

slugg

Diamond Member
Feb 17, 2002
4,723
80
91
I've heard that the Veloster's suspension is a cheap piece of garbage and that the car handles like total crap. Bells and whistles are there to distract you from the mechanically inferior car.

+ 1 for the VW.
 

videogames101

Diamond Member
Aug 24, 2005
6,783
27
91
Could never buy the VW because it looks just, squished. I mean, it just looks bad. That being said, the Veloster looks visually awful too. I suggest you search around more =D

Oddly enough, despite visual appearance having no bearing on performance, features, or price, it has to be on the top of my list because you'll see the car everyday. IMO obviously.

(TDI is a better car)
 

Doppel

Lifer
Feb 5, 2011
13,306
3
0
This is untrue in a sense. The Jetta has a larger travel radius even if the mpg favors Prius, you go farther on a tank with the Jetta.
I said it spanks it in MPG, not in range. An 18 wheeler can go further than a Jetta TDI on a tank of fuel. Is it now better on fuel? Range is immaterial when calculating mileage.

According to EPA, Prius is combined 50 mpg and jetta tdi is combined 34, and does it on more expensive diesel. In the city the Prius is rated at 51 vs the Jetta's 30. They aren't even competitors.
 

aphex

Moderator<br>All Things Apple
Moderator
Jul 19, 2001
38,572
2
91
We regularly get 44-45mpg on the highway in our Jetta TDI, and we've yet to pay more than $0.50/gallon more than gas. Love the car, amazing torque and fun to drive.