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

[aphex]

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.

We have both in my family and we all prefer driving the TDI, its a world of difference.

 

[CraigRT]

Jetta..
The looks aren't nearly as subjective as the Veloster and I'm sure it can get out of it's own way, while the Veloster can't.
I drove a Veloster, I don't hate the car overall, but it is possibly the slowest car ever.

 

[draknon]

I bought a Veloster back in October. I really love mine and don't regret my purchse at all. The turbo is supposed to be on display at the NAIAS in a few days.

I have the DCT and it's one thing that I really like about the car. There are people out there that complain about some aspects of when it shifts but they all forget about the paddle shifters which will let you change whenever you want if the car isn't in the gear you'd like.

The Veloster is very sensitive with it's fuel efficiency. If you are easy on the pedal and not flying down the road then the mileage will be very very good. If you get on it, even a little, then the mileage takes a dive.

A lot of the "professional" reviews for the car rag on it for being slow. They have it completely wrong. They look at the cars aggressive appearance and expect it to be fast. What they don't realize is that it's a fuel efficient eco hatch with a very advanced 1.6l engine, not some speed demon. I had a '04 civic before the Veloster and my V is much much faster than the civic was. The veloster has no problem holding its own in traffic and never feels slow to me. I don't try to race around in it or anything like that though.

The design of the car is brilliant IMO. It's not for everyone of corse. I really really like the 3 door setup and sometimes think Hyundai designed the car just for me. I do not like having passengers sit behind me. In the past whenever my 3rd passenger would open the door behind me to get in, I'd have to tell them to sit on the other side. Now I don't have to. I really like that I have a longer coupelike door on my side that makes it easier for me to get in and out of and gives me more visibility. I also really like having the 3rd door for easy access to the back seat. The car can accomodate a 3rd passenger without any problem. While a 4th passenger will fit and be comfy, it is certainly more difficult for them to get into and out of the car as they have to slide over once they get in the back seat.

The Veloster is not without it's issues for being a new car but most of them are minor.

http://www.veloster.org/ is an active forum that has alot more information.

 

[MaxFusion16]

you want this car to last and you are looking at a VW?

hyundai hands down, 10 year powertrain warranty, what's the warranty on the VW?
VW maintenance will also be higher.

 

[boomhower]

Tough one. I don't like the looks of either car but it's not mine, it's yours. For the length of time you looking at ownership I would go with the Hyundai. The warranty is what clinches that. I think the VW is a better car but wouldn't want the repair bills 8-9 years down the road. I had a 2010 Elantra and it was a great car, I was very impressed with the quality of it. Personally I would an Elantra due to styling over the Veloster but that's just me, I really like the new one. My wife loves the Veloster. Once we get our house purchase over this spring I can see buying a pair of Hyundai's this summer.

 

[Knavish]

I'd bet the VW is a bit nicer inside and has a more accepted exterior styling, but they've got a pretty bad reputation for reliability and repair costs. If you're planning on driving this car for a significant distance outside of it's powertrain warranty the VW could be an expensive choice.

Are there any published ratings for long term TDI reliability for any of the TDI Golf, Jetta, Passat, or Beetle cars?

 

[exar333]

Neither, honestly. The Jetta is garbage and will fall apart <50k miles. Not heard enough long-term pluses for the Voloster to recommend it. Nothing negative, but nothing really positive either.

Seriously, any VW is garbage except for the GTI, which is acceptable.

 

[disappoint]

Neither, honestly. The Jetta is garbage and will fall apart <50k miles. Not heard enough long-term pluses for the Voloster to recommend it. Nothing negative, but nothing really positive either.

Seriously, any VW is garbage except for the GTI, which is acceptable.

This. I wouldn't choose either one. New Ford Aston Martin Nose car ftw.

 

[Zap]

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).

If you live where the speed limit is high (like in Utah or Texas), the TDI will probably beat the Prius in MPG. :whiste:

Srsly though, above around 70MPH the MPG of the Prius tanks. Also, the TDI doesn't get as bad highway mileage as the EPA ratings would suggest. Plus, it feels a lot better to drive than a Prius.

FWIW I've driven a VW Beetle TDI (late 90's model?) as well as a Prius. I also like having a bit of oomph, so that may color my preferences. The Prius rode, felt and drove like a gutless econobox while the VW did not.

 

[videopho]

you want this car to last and you are looking at a VW?

hyundai hands down, 10 year powertrain warranty, what's the warranty on the VW?
VW maintenance will also be higher.

+1 hand down.
Just in: btw, my son's new car which is a 2012 Elantra Ltd is "CAR OF THE YEAR".

http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/09/4173212/hyundai-elantra-named-2012-north.html

 

[FerraraZ]

Its funny and weird for me to see some people complain about reliability when really any car is subjective to their issues. Consumerreports likes the new VW same with other review sites. I mean that is all I can go on for a new car. I can look into the past and see the VW problems but I need to assume that if these reviewers are saying they love the car, then I can purchase with alittle confidence.

Hyundai on the other hand offers a warranty where it could be a pile of shit.....atleast it wont cost me money for 100k and then I can sell and opt out.

 

[gorb]

I really like the veloster and the jetta tdi...but I'd choose a veloster. I would wait for the turbo, but if you can't wait, then you can't wait.

 

[Knavish]

... The Jetta is garbage and will fall apart <50k miles. ...

This is some serious exaggeration. Heck, it comes with a 5 year / 60K powertrain warranty. I wonder how much it would cost to extend the powertrain warranty even further...

OP: how long are you planning on keeping the car?

I don't think the VW is a *bad* choice, but it has a higher than normal chance of needing service before 100K. Since it is German and diesel, the service will be more expensive than on a gas-powered ford or honda.

 

[FerraraZ]

I went test driving again and I just feel like the Veloster is the car for me. Cheaper payments and a car thats equally capable for my needs and wants. Thanks everyone for their input!

 

[draknon]

Here's a good video to demonstrate what VW thinks about Hyundai's

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztTvZpRXJl4&feature=related