Advice please, 2010 jetta 147tsi vs 2012 jetta 147tsi highline

[Stiv]

Hi guys, in need of some info to decide which way to go. Can someone educate me on the differences between these 2 vehicles apart from the exterior looks and dimension size. Is the 147 2010 model have the similar sports suspension in the newer highline edition? Same running gear? Stereo?

I've driven the 2012 147tsi highline and enjoyed it very much, it will cost 25k with low km and still under new car warranty drive away with no sat nav, or sunroof which I'm fine with. The 147 2010 models have about 100,000km on them and are about 15000 driveaway some with sun roof and leather, no sat nav which again doesn't worry me. I haven't driven the 2010 model but will shortly.

Say I like the older model too, do you guys think 100,000km will start to show up in repairing costs? I have had a holden and ford and subaru's over 200,000 and they run fantastic and cheap to fix when things go wrong.
I am new to the vw product and ignorant. I have read much on the gearbox issues on the 7 speed and not sure if they relate to the early jetta also or even the new one.
My thought process is to buy the newer one spending 10k more as a lot of costs in repairs on the older model will be soaked up pretty quickly, but if they are reliable, and not much in costs are required to keep the older model going then I'd prefer to save 10k.

Any help and guidance would be greatly appreciated.

[Creampuff]

for a start, look for better deals. I just saw 2010 147tsi for $15000 with 28000 kms and $17000 with 45000kms.

[snerlo]

Im not 100% certain mate but i dont think the 147's have the 7 speed. They still use the 6 speed due to the power and torque. I have a 2006 147 and can vouch for them. They are great cars. Either way, youll have a smile on your face

[Stiv]

for a start, look for better deals. I just saw 2010 147tsi for $15000 with 28000 kms and $17000 with 45000kms.

Cheers, had my search on victoria but happy to fly interstate if it stacks up. I've tried googling the differences between the 2 models but not coming up with much, also spoke to vw dealers and they are not sure on the differences between them regarding suspension and running gear, I guess a test drive will have to do.

[tigger73]

Cheers, had my search on victoria but happy to fly interstate if it stacks up. I've tried googling the differences between the 2 models but not coming up with much, also spoke to vw dealers and they are not sure on the differences between them regarding suspension and running gear, I guess a test drive will have to do.

You're better off talking to a mechanic/spare parts than a sales guy in a dealership if you want to know mechanical differences. Unless you hit on an absolute VW officianado, the only changes they'll likely know is what options each car came with. Also if you're talking to the new car guys, you'll have to get a sales guy that has been there a few years otherwise they won't now anything about the older model.

Even though I like the shape of the Mk5 jetta more than the Mk6 (which is a bit plain IMHO), the Mk5 is starting to get a bit dated - particularly the interior. Though you are paying less for the car. It's the age old question of whether to pay more for a newer car with potentially less mechanical expenses or buy and older car and save some $ up front but (possibly) have more costs to keep it on the road.

Main thing if you're going to buy an older car is to ensure that it has been maintained at minimum by the book and preferably more regularly than that. I change the oil in my car every 7,500km and get the car "book serviced" by a qualified mechanic every 15,000km. These cars are around but are obviously going to be harder to find.

One other thing to keep in mind is that the 147 was discontinued here in Aus in 2013. The engine was upgraded to 155kW in the GTI/Tiguan but never made it into the Jetta

All the 147TSI Jettas will be running the 6 speed DSG - same gearbox as in the GTI.

[Stiv]

Good advice tigger73. Spoke to vw parts and he advised if it's been serviced and well maintained both are good cars and engines can run 200,000 without issues. He also said to jump on the forums and ask people who own these cars for advice. So if anyone has an older jetta or golf with higher km and kept it for a few years.....if you had to guess how much additional costs in repairs do you spend to maintain the car in good operating condition. For example...my last ford dedicated gas, that clicked over 100,000km has cost me almost 5 grand in repairs fixing issues in last 3 years. It's now at 150,000 and still has issues and not worth fixing.
Wonder what I would need to set aside on the jetta? any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
As this cost could easily add up to buying a new car pretty quickly.

[anthony]

The MK5 Jetta was generally known to have the better interior than the MK6 models...a lot of people preferred the more distinctive styling of the older one,but the MK6 is the current model,all 147s have leather,and I think is now a more modern car.

Personally I would go with the new shape.

[Stiv]

Test drove the older model yesterday, great car and looks pretty cool I reckon. Perfect for your everyday needs. Only negative for me was the rear leg room, not that I'll be sitting there. Just thinking longer term for kiddies where space is needed. So going to go with a newer one with extension of new car warranty for piece of mind. I have a feeling if I bought the older model that most of that 8-10 grand I save would be spent fixing it within the first 4 years.

[anthony]

Yes , I think you went for the correct one,congratulations and post pics up when you can.