Opinions on current VW Jetta?

Sort of a what car thread, but more targeted I hope. I find myself interested in a new 2016 Jetta ("Sport" version with 1.8T). It appears to be a pretty sharp little sedan. I like the way it looks and it seems reasonably priced for what you get. I am going to be test driving one very soon. Is there anything I need to be aware of about these that should make me think twice before I try to commit to one for the next decade? This is going to be my commuter appliance so I'm looking for value. Is there something about the same price that I absolutely must look at? I was seriously looking at Subaru Imprezza and XV Crosstrek, but the veedub is cheaper and slightly better looking (in my opinion).

Check out the Korean peninsula.

We bought a '15 last year. No complaints so far.

Its a German car built to the price point of a Korean car. No way that is a good plan.

I hear the diesels are unbelievable!

Nice car to have with a warranty.

I've always felt that VW does a very nice job in differentiating their product by making it at least feel a step above the competition in terms of fit and finish, driving feel, and interior materials. Those who would compare a VW to a rattly, shoddily-assembled Hyundai just aren't paying attention. I've had first-hand experiences with both Audi and Hyundai, and kept the Audi for 7 very rewarding years. The POS Hyundai was traded after a year. Nothing but trouble. YMMV.

Not a bad car if you get a manual transmission. I find the way VW's automatics shift to be annoying as hell. The worst part is the "wait for it" moment when trying to accelerate from a stop.

VWs are "first owner" cars. If you buy or lease it, you will be fine. The second owner gets stuck with all the stuff that goes wrong once the warranty expires.

1988RedT2 wrote: I've always felt that VW does a very nice job in differentiating their product by making it at least feel a step above the competition in terms of fit and finish, driving feel, and interior materials. Those who would compare a VW to a rattly, shoddily-assembled Hyundai just aren't paying attention. I've had first-hand experiences with both Audi and Hyundai, and kept the Audi for 7 very rewarding years. The POS Hyundai was traded after a year. Nothing but trouble. YMMV.

fwiw.. I thought Hyundai was in the top three for reliability?

mad_machine wrote:

1988RedT2 wrote: I've always felt that VW does a very nice job in differentiating their product by making it at least feel a step above the competition in terms of fit and finish, driving feel, and interior materials. Those who would compare a VW to a rattly, shoddily-assembled Hyundai just aren't paying attention. I've had first-hand experiences with both Audi and Hyundai, and kept the Audi for 7 very rewarding years. The POS Hyundai was traded after a year. Nothing but trouble. YMMV.

fwiw.. I thought Hyundai was in the top three for reliability?

That may be true, but I won't be inclined to buy again after getting stuck with a lemon. And Hyundai assembly quality isn't even in the same league as VW's.

As an added wrinkle, I just checked the local Fiat dealers inventory... Are Fiat's as bad to live with as their large amount of heavily discounted inventory implies? The 2016s are priced pretty low and there are still 2015 model year cars in stock, including a few 500 Abarths. I am pretty sure those are too tiny to live with, but a 500X might be a different story.

I am having trouble really nailing down what I want. An AWD wagon would be awesome, but I am drawn in by cheaper prices. I keep telling myself I don't really need a wagon or all wheel drive.