I have to say the 2003 (pre-pump duce) are very good (since I have one). BUT YOU MUST GET A 5-SPEED to realize the great milage. My 5-speed GLS has over 78,000 miles on it (150 miles round trip a day to work).
If you get one YOU NEED TO DO THE EGR SHUT DOWN via the VAGCOM software. This reduces the flow of exhaust gases into the intake to almost nothing. Also the other thing that needs to be done on most of the TDI's is to drill a little hole in the bottom of the plastic connector that plugs into the coolant bottle. There has been a problem with "coolant migration" down wireing harnaces and causing some nasty electrical problems.

Its amazing what only 90 hp and 155 lb/ft. of torque can do.

Best milage is 58.75 mpg on trip from NJ to NH. I average 52-54 in summer, 49-52 in winter.

 

As a whole, there a good car. They have quirks like anything else. I would recommend an 02 or 03, if its a Jetta you want. I would recommend the Jetta wagon. Most of them are German built. The sedans are all built in mexico, very poor quality control. What about a Golf? Those are built Brazil and Germany, the best as far as I'm concerned.

 

Thanks everyone for the replies. Lots of good information on this site

John (DH)

 

Would it be a good idea to shy away from a 2000 or 2001 jetta?

 

My girlfriend has an 04 Pump duesse. It's a Jetta and automatic. Unfortunately we are seeing only about 35 MPG but that is city driving. Beware of the Pump duesse that require $6/quart motor oil vs. older ones (2002 and earlier I think) can use Mobil 1 or Delvac 1. Biggest regret is getting the automatic, otherwise we like it.

 

See, thats the kicker too. From what I have read you ONLY get the awesome mileage with the manual. My wife pretty much refuses to go back to a stick.
Sounds like by the time you pay for the oil changes and added fuel cost you may be back to the economy of a gasser 4 cyl.?
If Diesel prices were half way fair, this decision would be a no brainer.

 

35 MPG city is still not bad, that is with an auto and Jetta, which is a bit heavier than a Golf.

I had a Golf GLS, 5-spd and I got an honest 50 MPG. Golf is lighter and obviously 5 SPD will get better mileage than the auto. If You get me talking about it enough I will be tempted to sell my truck for a Golf. 50 MPG is really pretty amazing.

Also - anything Pre-2003 you can just put regular Mobil 1 oil in there which is reasonably priced.

 

Very happy with our 04 Jetta TDI Sport auto, the wife absolutly loves it(and that keeps her outamytruck )