86 951 Driver

I have never owned along with I have never owned a Jaguar. So most of what I know about Range Rovers/Land Rovers are what I have read.

Giantviper

As for why I want to sell my Jeep is that it is getting up there in mileage 180,000 and I would rather sell it before something expensive goes wrong and while I can still get some money out of it.

I drove the Legacy yesterday and was impressed as the 2.5i premium CVT drove nice. Think I am down to the two either the Subaru Legacy or the VW Letta TDI 6spd manual. Both drove nicely and close in price. I feel that the Legacy has AWD and decent gass mialge (31 highway) and the Jetta has nicer interior and better gas mileage but is only FWD.

Anybody driven a Sonata?

Hollywood D

I had a Sonata as a rental car once. It's pretty much basic transportation. Handled like a boat, but got really good mileage. I went 2 weeks on a tank of gas and I had used the car to go to work every day, etc. My other car got crashed into.

mhr

I think the sonata is all new this year. Have not driven it but spent a few days with a new Elantra and I was impressed for the $$$

Hollywood D

Yea the Sonata I had was the old body style. I think they changed it this year or last.

87 944 C

they changed it this yr, supposedly it's much better of a car, think 4cyl accord like.

ford focus is pretty f'n sweet to. handles really well, 5dr hatch/4dr sedan. loaded at 28k, includes navi, heated seats, sunroof and more. the sedan would be cheaper than the hatch tho

wanta944

The new Sonata has been out since January of 2010 - it's very nice. Although if you're going to look at new Sonatas, definitely take a look at the Kia Optima. It's even better than the Sonata (tighter suspension, better looking imo)

You can't go wrong with either the Legacy or Jetta TDI. Like I said earlier, if you're serious about the Jetta TDI, I would suggest looking at the Golf TDI. It's got a much nicer fit and finish, and the suspension is much tighter (almost GTI-like). You pay a little bit more, but you get a lot more in my opinion.

I do have a soft-spot for the Legacy, though. We used to own a Forester, and before my wife liked the idea of a TDI, we almost bought a Legacy 3.6R. Very nice car. It's not a looker like the previous generation was, but it's not nearly as offensive as it's Outback counterpart.

<- Owner of both a MkV GTI and MkVI Golf TDI (in addition to my 944)

wanta944

Any update on your search?

Jay Gratton

Jetta TDI Cup Edition.

Hollywood D

I'm not so sure. 1990 Chrysler New Yorker FTW!!!

Giantviper

As for an update on my search I have narrowed it down to either the VW or Subaru Legacy. I am now at the point where I am going to focus on selling my Jeep. THen once I have that sold I will go test drive both again and make my desiction.

I feel Like i can't go wrong with either and feel I will be able to make a better choice once my Jeep is gone and I need a new DD.

racer

Something else to consider.. I know you are worried about a major "failure" on the Jeep.. What actually does fail on these cars and how much are they to fix? Going $25K in "debt" to buy a new car will pay for a lifetime of Jeep repairs

Then again, I know its nice to have something new/fun/different to drive. I struggle with my above argument everytime I replace a car.

While not a TDI, my current DD, a 2.5l 2005.5 Jetta, has 105K miles and has cost me very little. My records show almost 28mpg average since new on admittedly highway biased commuting. Cost so far have been: Rear brakes, tires, oil, gas, warranty coil packs.. that it!) so I would nudge you in the VW direction. Be sure to check out www.vwvortex.com to get your VW fix

944Ross

There are two Jeep XJ's in my family, both with well over 100k (one is approaching 180k I believe). They are incredibly durable, even the auto trannies. What wears out seems to be just the expected -- steering linkage pieces, bushings, bearings. Parts are cheap. They are a dream to work on.

wanta944

I'd stay away from the vortex, that place is a wasteland

I'm going to keep saying Golf TDI if you want to go that route, though - you won't be disappointed if you need to have a diesel.

However, the Subaru will probably be much more reliable. If you're planning on having the car for an extended period of time, the total cost of ownership (even factoring in the much higher fuel mileage on the VW) would probably still end up being less for the Subaru.

(I've owned Subarus and VWs)

steve g

I have owned my 2002 Jetta (MK4 made from 1999 to 2005) and average between 35 and 45 mpg. Basically very reasonable/low ownership costs and nothing more than consumables maintenance over the last 165K miles. Personally I am going to keep my car as long as possible. I like Jay's suggestion regarding the TDI Cup version is a good one assuming you can find one that has not been beat. I almost bought a leftover TDI Cup but decided that it made more sense to keep my car and divert the funds to my P-cars. I recently went test driving with brother-in-law and my neice and the choice was narrowed the choice down to the (US mfg) 4wd 4 cylinder Kia Sorrento or the new Ford Focus. I would agree that the dealership after the sale experience with VW has been pretty bad which eliminated a trip to the VW dealer.