Anyone have information on the new Volkswagen TDI jetta's?

[Wcross]

I contacted a dealer and right now they are order only & I was quoted a price of 24k. I forgot to ask if that was for the "sportwagon" model or the sedan. (I want a sedan) Do you know if they are making both? The regular fuel jetta sedan is priced at a little under 17k, is the premium likely to come down as they hit the showroom?
I have heard claims of 50mpg highway although the EPA estimate is 41mpg.

Any information would be appreciated.

[Lance_Boyle]

1. lots of info here:

http://forums.tdiclub.com/

EPA's estimates are low. Diesel premium will not come down - may go up. But if you hold onto a TDI for a good long time (the engines will run 500K+ easily), the diesel premium amortizes. But you must also take into account that an oil/filter change with VW-approved synthetic oil will run you $60+. $40 or so if you do it yourself. But then there's the 10K service interval... The TDIs offer a rich banquet of tradeoffs. ;-)

The A4 TDIs (99-1st half of 03) are fantastic cars - if you can find one. A 2001 Jetta TDI with under 100K on it will go for over $10K these days. The PD models are more oil and fuel finicky. I'd not buy one.

[coffeenap]

2. My DH drives the sedan--ours is two years old. It does almost as well

as my Prius on mileage and he uses biodiesel as often as possible. He is getting about 45mpg in a combination of city and highway commuting. Sorry I can't help with the pricing or model questions, but I thought you might like to hear of people who like this car. Best wishes.

[Wcross]

3. I appreciate the comments!

Thanks for the link Lance, I joined the forum & am learning.
I thought it would be a better option for me than a hybrid as my driving is almost ALL highway and a prius would do me little good. My folks have a prius & it would make a GREAT around town car.