Which high mileage, all-wheel-drive car should I replace my Jetta TDI with?

I need to replace my 2004 Jetta TDI with 230,000 miles. I would like a car with high mpg, good handling like a Jetta, but with all-wheel drive. I don't have any other requirements. What do you suggest?

Brenda B., Sunapee, N.H.

The most gas-friendly all-wheel-drive cars similar to the Jetta’s size are the 2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5i and 2010 Suzuki SX4. The Subaru’s mileage ratings are 20/27 mpg city/highway with manual transmission and 20/26 mpg for the automatic. The Suzuki’s ratings are 22/30 mpg for the manual and 23/29 mpg for the automatic.

Suzukisx4crossover

Fuel efficiency and all-wheel drive don’t go hand-in-hand, so you’re not going to match the gas mileage of your TDI in an all-wheel-drive car. The 2004 TDI’s fuel economy ratings are 32/42 mpg city/highway for the manual and 28/39 mpg for the automatic.

The 2010 Jetta TDI would be a familiar replacement. It’s not all-wheel drive but you can always invest in a set of winter tires for the snowy seasons. For more information about winter tires, see our Tires and Tread Advice section, here.

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Answered by Joe Bruzek on November 11, 2009 in Green/Hybrid Cars , Subaru , Subaru Impreza , Suzuki , Suzuki SX4 , What Car Should I Buy? | Permalink

Comments

If you can hold off, wait 1-2 yrs until Subaru has brought a diesel outback/forester to the US market like they have in other parts of the world. You'll see 35 MPG AWD vehicles, no problem.

Try THE PRUIS (2010)

try any toyota models.. or make an effort to search on the internet regarding on the specs that you are looking for..

Wait for the Subaru Diesel coming.

Toyota does NOT have true AWD and doesn't even come close to Subaru's AWD performance. The only thing better is Audi Quattro (AWD), but much more expensive.

I recently bought a Jetta TDI - LOVE IT!
Also currently have the Forester which is INCREDIBLE on snow/ice. I too will wait for the Subaru Forester Diesel as our 2nd vehicle.

Once you've driven a Subaru AWD, only then can you understand just how good Subaru's truly are.

I would not recommend the SX4 to replace your Jetta. While it returns ok mileage for an AWD compact (20-22 real world mpg on my wife's 100 mile hwy round trip) it rides like hell and the gas tank is tiny, so you waste a great deal of time. It is fabulous in the snow, but 3 fill-ups a week is ridiculous.

nice cars parts in Russia... Thats cool! :)

I would not recommend the SX4 to replace your Jetta. While it returns ok mileage for an AWD compact (20-22 real world mpg on my wife's 100 mile hwy round trip) it rides like hell and the gas tank is tiny, so you waste a great deal of time. It is fabulous in the snow, but 3 fill-ups a week is ridiculous.

I also say the 2010 Prius. Consumer guide (who rates really hard IMO) gave it a 70 point rating (out of 110) which is pretty impressive, all things considered. Besides fuel efficiency, the Prius has been praised for it's impressive design and reliability. I think it has a pretty awesome warranty too

Tried toyota yet? Prius would be a better option. Try looking for more reviews.

I love the Prius. It's roomy, economical, and practical. The best part is they are coming out in a coupe and a wagon. I'm really considering leasing one of the Prius wagons for a cross country road trip with my friends.

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