If you’ve had your heart set on buying a hybrid car, but just couldn't afford the price tag, Volkswagen
might just be the answer to your prayers. A used diesel Jetta TDI is an excellent alternative that could save you thousands of dollars. So what are the benefits of buying this used car
now, and how fast do we need to act? The fallout from an industry scandal
Known as the Volkswagen Dieselgate, in 2015 the “German automaker was caught using devices to cheat emissions tests on their diesel vehicles,” according to MotorBiscuit
. Unfortunately, it tarnished the company’s name and repelled consumers from buying oil-burning cars. Volkswagen was forced to fix or buy back almost 600,000 vehicles including the Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, and Jetta Sportwagen TDI. The vehicles now comply with today’s emission standards and are available for purchase.
Produced from the early 2000s to 2015, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI gave consumers a few different options to choose from. If you’re a hatchback guy, you can opt for the Gold TDI and if you’re a sedan girl, the Jetta TDI is the perfect fit. And the Jetta TDI Sportwagen was a great option for families who needed more room.
Why you should consider a VW Jetta TDI
One benefit of this used car is the exceptional fuel economy. You can expect to drive about 500 miles between fill-ups, and save around $1,500 a year. That's music to our ears, as road trip season is right around the corner.
Compared to gas and hybrid cars, these vehicles tend to offer much more torque. Volkswagen diesel cars have a turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine with revisions featuring up to 150 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque.
According to Car and Driver
, “It makes little sense to climb any higher than the diesel’s 4000-rpm power peak, as it loses steam as it approaches the 5000-rpm redline.” The auto can ramp up to 60 mph in about eight seconds and can take a quarter-mile in 16.2 seconds at 85 mph. And, you can expect this engine to last. Diesel engines can last up into the 300,000-mile range.
Not to mention, the EPA is about 31 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway.
Models from 2015 go for anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000 in the U.S. You may be thinking that you could just buy a used Toyota Prius
for the same price, but according to MotorBiscuit, “Those cars tend to have well over 200,000 miles on the odometer and could need hybrid battery replacements in the near future.” Fortunately, owning a used Jetta TDI won’t break the bank when repairs are needed. Drivers can expect to pay about $600 annually for maintenance.
What to look for when buying a used car
Many buyers forget to check out the pedals, AC, controls, and roof of a used car they’re looking at. It’s important to know how to examine a used vehicle from top to bottom, and how to spot any red flags. Asking the right questions can be the best way to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
Not overpaying for your car insurance either is a sure-fire way to put some money back in your pocket.
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