About Jetta TDI
The Jetta TDI, the 1 series are both super good, but do you really want to finance all that depreciation? Dumb. #1 cost of a new car? see above. Speed3 is ridiculously good, but fuel economy suffers relative to the regular Mazda3, and you can’t used that power very often. I bought a used 2005 Mazda3 hatch for $13,750 four months ago. Fanstastic. What the Focus of 2008 should have been (structure, not body style, but that too).
Quick enough for the commute, handles like my ‘97 M3 (NO exaggeration), but still over 30 mpg highway. If you’re going to spend the $ on a new car, I’d say the GTI is the best blend of sport, comfort and luxury, plus depreciation augers well for it over the long haul, plus quieter/rides better than Speed3.
HHR SS is very intriguing if you’re ok with the styling, but rest assured it will be thirsty (that motor should go into every GM pass car under 3,600 pounds, price it so they make money on it, every bit as good as that Audi/VW 2.0 DISI/FSI motor). Speaking of which, how about a used A3? My vote: used Mazda3 for 50-60% the cost of new. Mine had 32,000 miles on it and feels new. Elantra? I dare you. Not going to help your mojo Dave, let’s be fair.
You may want to buy a beater focus until you can get a BMW diesel, then you’ll be able to buy one car that will last until you retire.