New or used Jetta?

Posted by heyyabyoutcast@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 7 comments

Hi all,

I am the current owner of an Acura that is about to hit 100,000 miles and I am looking to switch cars for several reasons (upcoming work needed, high gas prices, high car insurance, don’t like driving a big car, etc). I have done some research and think I want to get a VW Jetta.

In my area I can get a new 2026 Jetta S for around $22,000, or a used 2024 Jetta SE with good mileage (\~30,000) for around $19,000. The trade in value of my Acura is around $12,000 and my loan rates through my credit union are the same for new and used cars.

Is it worth it to get a new car over a used?? I know the SE is a little nicer in terms of trim, but I’m not a super fancy car person. I love the idea of having a sun roof, but idk if it’s worth it to get the SE just for that when I could get a brand new car for 3k more…

Any advice? This is my first car buying experience so I will take literally any commentary on this.

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First-Length6323@reddit

The three year jetta only depreciated 3-5k?!

throwaway6444377_@reddit

having worked at a VW dealership they are weird with their used cars.

the one I used to work at doesn't even sell offmakes anymore, only previous loaners and VW tradeins

Man I remember going to a VW stealership looking for a five year used 1.8l jetta... the best "deal" they would give me was 13k + the usual fees and taxes.

So I went on kijiji and picked one up for literally 5k cad.

Im with bmw now but... yeah they wanted 3x the real value of a used jetta.

heyyabyoutcast@reddit (OP)

I think cause it only has 30k miles and it was a leases car?? Idk, I know that one is a little nicer so it sold new for more like 26k new. That’s also the posted price so I’m sure it could be negotiated down

External-Raccoon-695@reddit

Don't get a VW ! Keep the Acura, it will run forever if you maintain it. German vehicles are great until they aren't. Parts and labor is ridiculous and poor reliability. Been an auto technician for 30+yrs. IMO a high mileage maintained Asian car is better than a newer Euro

RuhninMihnd@reddit

Jetta’s could get you 200-300k if maintained regularly, parts cost about the same as other vehicles sure shipping may take some time - the hardest part to owning a VW is finding someone who’s willing/can work on them. Labor varies by the shop. My guy charges $55/hr, just did an engine swap on mine for $3700 all in in versus the $11k rebuild the dealership wanted to do

AlaskaGreenTDI@reddit

Given the choice between only those two, I’d rather have the new one. Also unless you’re paying cash, consider the financing rates between new and used here.