Originally I signed up for the Smart Car waiting list. But safety concerns, wife opposition, and the nagging feeling that a super economy car shouldn't require premium fuel drove me away from that choice. Bit of the story in the "Smart Car?" thread.
Signed up for the diesel Jetta waiting list on June 27th. Was informed today I can pick it up tomorrow. Good thing I signed when I did- they're getting even fewer diesel Jettas this year than they were previously told. They are, however, charging about $3,500 over sticker. About $28,800 total, all fees, taxes, etc included.
BTW, this diesel Jetta w/automatic has EPA figures of 29/40, which the gov't admits is too low. An independent company, AMCI, puts the correct figures at 38/44. The Smart Car has EPA figures of 33/41. Doing the math, and considering safety and utility, expected vehicle lifespan, how equipped, and probable residual value, the choice is easy. Actually getting your hands on either vehicle in the near future is the problem.
Highlights of how equipped:
-Black with beige interior
-16" alloy wheels
-6 speed DSG tiptronic automatic
-Premium VII AM/FM radio with in-dash 6-disc CD Changer, RDS, MP3 format readable, Sirius satellite radio, 10 speakers, theft-deterrent warning light and coding system, and speed sensitive volume. Controls on steering wheel.
-Powered, heated, folding, turn signal equipped side mirrors.
-a/c
-sunroof
-cruise control
-power windows
-power trunk release
-keyfob remote access
-refrigerated/cooled glove box
-3 12v outlets
-1 115v outlet
-variable speed wipers with heating jets
-rear defroster
-compass
-trip computer/odometer
-low tire pressure warning system
-ABS
-6 air bags
-6 way driver & passenger seats
Oh, BTW: All routine maintenance is included for the first 3 years/36,000 miles.
I'm not much of a radio listener, but perhaps Sirius will change my mind. I have a strong distaste for commercials, even the ones on PBS, and find that too few of the songs they play interest me. But I'll certainly be looking forward to better traffic and weather reports.
I'll post if anything interesting happens for delivery, and actual mpg if there's any interest.
Signed up for the diesel Jetta waiting list on June 27th. Was informed today I can pick it up tomorrow. Good thing I signed when I did- they're getting even fewer diesel Jettas this year than they were previously told. They are, however, charging about $3,500 over sticker. About $28,800 total, all fees, taxes, etc included.
BTW, this diesel Jetta w/automatic has EPA figures of 29/40, which the gov't admits is too low. An independent company, AMCI, puts the correct figures at 38/44. The Smart Car has EPA figures of 33/41. Doing the math, and considering safety and utility, expected vehicle lifespan, how equipped, and probable residual value, the choice is easy. Actually getting your hands on either vehicle in the near future is the problem.
Highlights of how equipped:
-Black with beige interior
-16" alloy wheels
-6 speed DSG tiptronic automatic
-Premium VII AM/FM radio with in-dash 6-disc CD Changer, RDS, MP3 format readable, Sirius satellite radio, 10 speakers, theft-deterrent warning light and coding system, and speed sensitive volume. Controls on steering wheel.
-Powered, heated, folding, turn signal equipped side mirrors.
-a/c
-sunroof
-cruise control
-power windows
-power trunk release
-keyfob remote access
-refrigerated/cooled glove box
-3 12v outlets
-1 115v outlet
-variable speed wipers with heating jets
-rear defroster
-compass
-trip computer/odometer
-low tire pressure warning system
-ABS
-6 air bags
-6 way driver & passenger seats
Oh, BTW: All routine maintenance is included for the first 3 years/36,000 miles.
I'm not much of a radio listener, but perhaps Sirius will change my mind. I have a strong distaste for commercials, even the ones on PBS, and find that too few of the songs they play interest me. But I'll certainly be looking forward to better traffic and weather reports.
I'll post if anything interesting happens for delivery, and actual mpg if there's any interest.