2010 malibu vs 2010 vw jetta
- Status
1 - 20 of 48 Posts
Joined
·
4,169 Posts
Malibu, I test drove a Jetta. To small, not enough power and overpriced. Plus, as of late VW hasn't had the best reputation with the Jetta.
Joined
·
1,423 Posts
Joined
·
178 Posts
Well, seeing as this is a Malibu site, the results might be a little skewed.
Joined
·
571 Posts
If you are getting a TDI version than hands down Jetta. Superior drivetrain especially with the 6 speed manual and of course the TDI.
If you thinking about the gas engines then the Malibu would have to get the edge IMO.
If you thinking about the gas engines then the Malibu would have to get the edge IMO.
Joined
·
4,169 Posts
God I hate diesels. And yeah, I have driven my buddies TDI. No revs, things runs out of steam at like 4500 rpm and is NO fun to drive. IMO a TDI in only good if all you care about is commuting and aren't into cars at all.
Joined
·
571 Posts
Well, that is your opinion. Its not a sports car but it feels far better than a straining Ecotec at 6800 RPM trying to motivate a 3600lb car. Id rather have some low end TQ rather than high end RPM.
Of course it runs out of steam at 4500, its a DIESEL. lol
Again, depending on what you want, youll choose either car. Im honestly glad we are trading in our Malibu. The small annoyances are starting to get really annoying.
http://autos.aol.com/cars-Volkswagen-Jetta-2010/available-trims
http://autos.aol.com/cars-Chevrolet-Malibu-2010/available-trims
Joined
·
4,169 Posts
Well, I would never have bought a 4 cylinder Malibu. Car is too big for a 4. Plus, IMO the Jetta is not in the same category, it is alot smaller. Maybe a Passat.
Joined
·
571 Posts
True. Its really a small midsize car compared to a solid midsize car for the Malibu. Now, if you were talking about the Passat then Id get the Passat. Its way better built and feeling and again doesnt have those overbearing annoyances.
As for the 4 cyl Bu that is again your opinion. Its a shame that GM wont put the DI Eco in it. Id like to see how many people actually pay for the V6 as I bet its less than 25%.
Joined
·
4,169 Posts
Not to sure about being better built. Google VW and recent problems. They are not so hot. I have two friends with VW's, both have been in the shop alot for pretty major stuff. I am not a Passat fan anyway, but I like the CC alot. But it is overpriced. Many cars I'd get before dropping 40K on a VW.
Opinion yes, I just always take power over economy. I'm old school. Plus the V6 is pretty close MPG wise in the real world. Even though the V6 is a high 14 second car it still feels slow compared to my other car (V8). So the I4 would have annoyed me alot. Now, the DI Ecotech would be a good idea, and I'm sure will make it's way in.
Joined
·
571 Posts
Every auto maker has problems. Google GM problems. lol
If VW had a good SUV that my wife liked she would be getting it. To me VW has been making better quality interiors for YEARS while GM has just finally stepped up to the plate. Hell, I just bought an 03 Golf and its the BASE model and it has auto up/down windows on BOTH front windows. Our 09 LTZ still doesnt!! WTF is up with that.
Anyways, Id take the Malibu over the Jetta depending on the engine choices.
If VW had a good SUV that my wife liked she would be getting it. To me VW has been making better quality interiors for YEARS while GM has just finally stepped up to the plate. Hell, I just bought an 03 Golf and its the BASE model and it has auto up/down windows on BOTH front windows. Our 09 LTZ still doesnt!! WTF is up with that.
Anyways, Id take the Malibu over the Jetta depending on the engine choices.
Joined
·
179 Posts
American made of course. I'll only take GM cars.
I just traded an 06 Jetta TDI for a 2010 Malibu LT2. There is no comparison on numerous levels.
* Yes, the TDI got a wonderful 44-47 mpg, but the repair bills zeroed out any cost savings.
* The Malibu's service schedule is quite modest, and it's easier to work with Chevy staff on repairs than with VW.
* Regarding size, the cars are in completely different classes.
* The Malibu is not as nimble as the Jetta, but it's ride is easier on me over long distances. It's also nice to have a quiet cabin. The TDI was heard primarily at low speeds, but at all speeds the low profile tire roar in the front (right) was an irritant, especially as tires wore down. The Malibu is silent by comparison.
I miss the Jetta's engine a lot; it was a joy to drive. I don't miss the dual-mass flywheel, nor the $1000 bill to replace a timing belt and water pump. I think I'll stick with the Malibu.
* Yes, the TDI got a wonderful 44-47 mpg, but the repair bills zeroed out any cost savings.
* The Malibu's service schedule is quite modest, and it's easier to work with Chevy staff on repairs than with VW.
* Regarding size, the cars are in completely different classes.
* The Malibu is not as nimble as the Jetta, but it's ride is easier on me over long distances. It's also nice to have a quiet cabin. The TDI was heard primarily at low speeds, but at all speeds the low profile tire roar in the front (right) was an irritant, especially as tires wore down. The Malibu is silent by comparison.
I miss the Jetta's engine a lot; it was a joy to drive. I don't miss the dual-mass flywheel, nor the $1000 bill to replace a timing belt and water pump. I think I'll stick with the Malibu.
Joined
·
1,423 Posts
Great decision! Both vehicles do have their good and bad but its nice just to get into one that makes you happy, congrats!
Joined
·
344 Posts
I would have had a much tougher decision if there was a a VW dealer in Amarillo. Really liked our 05 Passat but we could not find a competent shop for basics. I found that for the money the LTZ was a great choice.
Joined
·
571 Posts
Pretty good review.
However, I will say that the $1k repair bill for the timing belt must of been at a dealer right? I just purchased a TDI to replace another car and have found that there are good mehanics in most populated areas that will do the TB change for FAR cheaper than that.
Yes, the DMF is a joke. From what Ive read a lot of people change them out just so they dont explode when the miles start adding up.
Joined
·
199 Posts
Regardless of what the maintenance costs on Jetta, you pay extra for that engine and diesel fuel is way too expensive in US. All together, extra for diesel car, extra for maintenance and extra for daily fuel, you won't be able to recoup extra money you spent at the beginning by the fuel economy.
Joined
·
571 Posts
Gas is around the same price as diesel. Here it was .15 more a gallon for it. Factor in that I get 52 MPG in my Golf TDI and our Malibu gets 31 MPG we will be taking the Golf on trips.
You ALSO get back the cost you paid on the engine at purchase with a higher resale later on in life.
Compare an 03 Golf with 120k miles on it.
The gas comes back around $6400. MSRP was $15,295. 41.8% of original MRSP.
The TDI comes back around $9000. MSRP was $16,920. 53.2% of original MRSP.
Maintenance is maintenance. The biggest on the TDI is a timing belt change and like I said you can get an import garage that specializes in TDI engines for $400-500. I never take ANY car to a dealer to get work done that isnt warranty as they tend to take it to you regardless of what you need done.
Regardless, they are two very different cars with two different missions.
I appreciate the point about using independent mechanics to reduce cost on repair. In my case, however, I had just moved to another state and was working an average of 60 or 70 hours a week. There just hasn't been time to find the *right* mechanic ... and the wrong one can be disastrous. I can't risk losing a powertrain. At this time in my life, Chevy and the Malibu were the better choice ... albeit regretfully. I had hoped to keep the Jetta for many more miles......
I find it hard to believe anyone picking a LT malibu over a jetta, for the same price you get real wheels, touch screen radio, bluetooth, leather, heated seats and a sunroof. You would be hard pressed to find a malibu like that outside off a 28k LTZ.
1 - 20 of 48 Posts
- Status
Join the discussion
