'98 Jetta TDI FE?

[PAFirefighter11]

Hey all,

So I have my Civic HX for sale. I have people interested who want to purchase ASAP. I'm honestly not a Honda guy, but I'm getting GREAT FE with my HX (nearly 42 MPG during my last tank).

My buddy is selling his '98 Jetta TDI 5 speed. I'm looking to purchase it. I'm looking for real life numbers from you guys and gals as to FE on your '98 style TDI Jetta models. Trying to see how much of a cost increase or decrease I'll have, or if I'll break even.

Current fuel prices here on my way in to work this morning on the PA turnpike (usually more expensive than other stations)...

Sunoco 87 Octane: $3.53
Sunoco Diesel: $4.11

I drive approx. 16,380 miles a year just for my commute. This was my thought process and the reason I went with the HX:

Car - MPG Average on MY Commute - Octane Rating - $/gallon (11/2013) - Gallons used - Total Gas Costs/Year

Trans Am: 20 MPG - 93 -$3.69 - 819 gal - $3022.11 / year
Jeep: 13 MPG - 93 - $3.69 - 1260 gal - $4649.40 / year
Honda: 45 MPG - 87 - $3.35 - 364 gal - $1219.40 / year

Thanks!

[pete c]

properly driven, that vehicle can easily crack 50 mpg which puts it close to even given with the honda, given the fuel cost penalty.

[sarguy01]

Just out of curiosity, why are you selling the HX if you are trying to save money? It gets great gas mileage and has the potential to get even better with the right techniques.

[PAFirefighter11]

Originally Posted by sarguy01

Just out of curiosity, why are you selling the HX if you are trying to save money? It gets great gas mileage and has the potential to get even better with the right techniques.

Honestly, I love my HX. It has been nothing but great on FE and a blast to try and improve my FE with new driving techniques and testing mods. As a sole commuter vehicle it has proven to be even better than I expected. I was expecting mid 30's, but have been seeing high 30's to low 40's on nearly every tank!

With that said I'm realizing that I really need a 4 door car with good FE. My current vehicle line up, as you can see, has one 4 door vehicle. My Siberian Husky does not like the Trans Ams, she basically can't fit in them. She loves the Jeep, but at 13.5 MPG on a good day (Required to run 91+ octane btw) it's difficult to justify the driving expenses of any road trips, even fairly local ones.

She is VERY active, as you can guess:


It'll be sad when the HX is gone as it really has been fun, but the 4 door Jetta TDI I'm purchasing will better suite my current needs.