Because it's a jetta.
What Made you Decide to get a Cruze Diesel over a Jetta TDI?
So, there may already be threads on this, but I'm bored and felt like having a conversation as to why people decided to go with a Cruze diesel. Here are my reasons:
The fully optioned out Cruze was cheaper than the fully optioned out Jetta, felt more solid, has a better fuel economy rating, has more power, and is more enjoyable to drive. If I had a family that I had to drag around and often had people in the back seat, I would've probably taken the Jetta for it's superior leg room in the back, but to me it is irrelevant. I also trust the Cruze more for reliability than I do the Jetta. I often think to myself if I'd be happy if I had gotten a Jetta, and normally I start to think, "well I like how it looked more, and wow was it spacious in the back, and there is something that sounds better about owning a German car" but then all I have to think about is how it felt like all power was lost past 3800 rpm in the one I test drove, and I'm reminded of why I like the Cruze so much more. Honestly if the Jetta had more power, I may have gone with it, but the way it faded out on the top end, I felt was an instant dissapointment.
So why did you guys go with a Cruze diesel instead of a Jetta TDI?
The fully optioned out Cruze was cheaper than the fully optioned out Jetta, felt more solid, has a better fuel economy rating, has more power, and is more enjoyable to drive. If I had a family that I had to drag around and often had people in the back seat, I would've probably taken the Jetta for it's superior leg room in the back, but to me it is irrelevant. I also trust the Cruze more for reliability than I do the Jetta. I often think to myself if I'd be happy if I had gotten a Jetta, and normally I start to think, "well I like how it looked more, and wow was it spacious in the back, and there is something that sounds better about owning a German car" but then all I have to think about is how it felt like all power was lost past 3800 rpm in the one I test drove, and I'm reminded of why I like the Cruze so much more. Honestly if the Jetta had more power, I may have gone with it, but the way it faded out on the top end, I felt was an instant dissapointment.
So why did you guys go with a Cruze diesel instead of a Jetta TDI?
21 - 40 of 86 Posts
I've owned two TDI's. I enjoyed the European ride and handling but not the service/electrical issues I experienced. I'm not bagging on the TDI as it was difficult to choose between the TDI and the CTD.
The CTD is also European a heart. The 2.0 is made by VM Moriti/Fiat. The CTD drives and handles very good the ergonomics are excellent and overall a fun car to drive. The CTD has amazing power and delivers excellent mileage when driven economically. That's my 2 cents.... hope it helps.
The CTD is also European a heart. The 2.0 is made by VM Moriti/Fiat. The CTD drives and handles very good the ergonomics are excellent and overall a fun car to drive. The CTD has amazing power and delivers excellent mileage when driven economically. That's my 2 cents.... hope it helps.
I had hoped for a Buick Regal wagon with the 2.0L TD. That never happened. Then the spy pics of the Cruze wagon appeared.
GM responded no Cruze wagon for NA. My 2003 Montana mini van was on its last legs. I saw the Cruze TD @ the 2013 Chicago Auto show.
The Crystal Red paint and cocoa interior of the display model sealed the deal. I drive 45 miles to work one way. It was
a no brainer.
Ken
GM responded no Cruze wagon for NA. My 2003 Montana mini van was on its last legs. I saw the Cruze TD @ the 2013 Chicago Auto show.
The Crystal Red paint and cocoa interior of the display model sealed the deal. I drive 45 miles to work one way. It was
a no brainer.
Ken
I've known too many people with expensive failures on VW's to consider one. They are very attractive cars. I have a buddy that drove a diesel Bug for years and is now on a Passat diesel and has had great luck. But that wasn't enough to negate the other people I know of who have had a lot of big issues. Also the service of the Cruze is much easier around here.
My wife had a 2000 Intrigue - same issue 4th gear died, got the transmission repaired and a few months later the car was rear ended and totaled. Oh and the check engine light was always on for some issue - the air pump or AFM.I liked my Olds Intrigue just fine and had even plowed about $2000 into it in the fall of 2013 for new motor mounts, valve covers and tires. However it was becoming a bit old and unpredictable for a daily driver - and the 4th gear did not work anymore which hurt fuel economy.
I bought my CTD for the same reasons the TDI owners wrote they bought their TDI's over the CTD over on TDIclub.com haha
Interior and the local VW dealership are bunch of arrogant pricks. Oh and I am a huge Chevy fan.
They make a diesel Jetta?
lol!!they make a diesel jetta?
The only VW product I have purchased was a 1984 Audi Coupe GT. It looked and drove great but the quality was poor. Many parts normally constructed of metal or hard plastic were vinyl film over cardboard. The air filter cannister was reinforced cardboard. The interior fabrics started falling apart just as the warranty expired at 2 years. After a series of oil leaks and mechanical failures at 24K miles I traded it at a great $ loss for a Toyota. To me there is no contest between an Ohio made Cruze and a Mexican made Jetta. VWs are OK if you plan to sell before the warranty expires.
Honestly, I just didn't care for the Jetta TDI I drove. The interior was the biggest downfall, the radio was ancient and it bugged me thinking I was paying money for something that felt so outdated. Granted I was spoiled by my MyFordTouch in my 13 ST.
For the money, the Cruze was better equipped, got better highway mileage, and I prefer American cars.
The choice was simple.
For the money, the Cruze was better equipped, got better highway mileage, and I prefer American cars.
The choice was simple.
I am trying to decide between the Cruze and the Jetta TDI. I prefer the look of the Jetta overall.
Jetta pros:
-Cheaper
-No DEF, and has a spare tire
-Manual transmission available; Auto transmission is much better than Cruze
-VW has a long history of making diesel engines for sedans
Cruze pros:
-Better fuel economy (although some debate this)
-Faster
-Better looking interior
-More features on the base model
-VW doesn't have the greatest reliability reputation.
If the Cruze were available in a manual, I would definitely buy it.
Jetta pros:
-Cheaper
-No DEF, and has a spare tire
-Manual transmission available; Auto transmission is much better than Cruze
-VW has a long history of making diesel engines for sedans
Cruze pros:
-Better fuel economy (although some debate this)
-Faster
-Better looking interior
-More features on the base model
-VW doesn't have the greatest reliability reputation.
If the Cruze were available in a manual, I would definitely buy it.
I'd have to agree with all of those. Except, I'm actually happy the Cruze didn't come in a manual, because if it did, I would've bought a manual transmission Cruze and would've regretted it. I drive a manual a fair amount (I've also got a '98 Camaro Z28 that is a manual) and have for the last couple of years. In stop and go traffic, the automatic is much nicer. I do wish that the auto in the Cruze was a little more crisp, but I think it is definitely designed to be comfortable and shifting for economy, not for performance.I am trying to decide between the Cruze and the Jetta TDI. I prefer the look of the Jetta overall.
Jetta pros:
-Cheaper
-No DEF, and has a spare tire
-Manual transmission available; Auto transmission is much better than Cruze
-VW has a long history of making diesel engines for sedans
Cruze pros:
-Better fuel economy (although some debate this)
-Faster
-Better looking interior
-More features on the base model
-VW doesn't have the greatest reliability reputation.
If the Cruze were available in a manual, I would definitely buy it.
Def is a pro for me if you understand how the emissions technology works
^ DEF is defiantly a pro and not a con. I work in engineering at Detroit Diesel doing emissions performance work on a dyno everyday and if I were to pick a system w/ or w/o DEF it would be a system with DEF from what I have personally seen.
True, but having a DEF tank where the spare tire should be is definitely a con.^ DEF is defiantly a pro and not a con. I work in engineering at Detroit Diesel doing emissions performance work on a dyno everyday and if I were to pick a system w/ or w/o DEF it would be a system with DEF from what I have personally seen.
I have I probably don't have as many years behind the wheel as most of you. But I have been driving for 9 years and not once had a flat. Not having a spare tire is not big deal to me at all. If I ever do get a flat, I would not even think about changing it on the side of the road. I have driven a truck most of the time and to even get the spare out from underneath would not be worth the trouble.
Well, I'm only 20 so I've only had my license for 3.5 years (did get my learners permit right when I turned 14 though), but I have even less experience then most people here, but I'd agree. I was just saying that I am guessing that most people's issue with the DEF is that there is no spare tire. Either way, obviously I chose to still go ahead with the Cruze and not the Jetta.I have I probably don't have as many years behind the wheel as most of you. But I have been driving for 9 years and not once had a flat. Not having a spare tire is not big deal to me at all. If I ever do get a flat, I would not even think about changing it on the side of the road. I have driven a truck most of the time and to even get the spare out from underneath would not be worth the trouble.
#1 reason for me was that it is a GM product.
It has tire inflator and sealer kit, won't cover all damage, but better than nothing, I'm with diesel man, I'm 38, I drive 100 miles a day, never had a flat. If I have to call a tow truck once every 20 yrs. not big deal. I bought Chevy because it's an American company.
21 - 40 of 86 Posts
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