So, is the Jetta the cheapest car to own when doing the math this way? No. But you'd never guess what is... Ferrari! It's the only brand I know of that the dealer will buy back a one year old car at the same price it originally cost, year in and year out. It's possible to buy a new Ferrari each year and never pay a dime for it, other than its initial price. Being that most of us don't have the $218,950 to get started the Jetta's higher than average resale value will have to do.
While the GLI's price of entry is $30,950, its optional cold weather package that includes heated seats and windshield washer nozzles, plus its Monsoon package that includes tinted glass, a power sunroof and a wickedly powerful Monsoon audio system can push the price up to $33,195. Add leather, the only option left, and it tops out at $34,225.
Those aren't a lot of options are they? The short list is due to the GLI's long list of standard features. Add power windows, mirrors, trunk and locks with remote keyless entry and we're just getting started. Next add a standard security system, air-conditioning, CD player, ABS brakes and ESP (electronic stabilization program). Aesthetically the GLI package gives you sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and dual chrome exhaust tips. Performance? Well I already mentioned the VR6 engine, 6-speed transmission and 17-inch alloy wheels right? Volkswagen throws in a sport-tuned suspension too.
That makes it one amazing handling car. It feels light on its feet yet as tight and solid as a premium European brand, especially when compared to most of its competitors. Still it's not without its problems. The trunk comes with a touch sensitive, rubber covered latch that does nothing even when all four doors are unlocked. You've got to use the switch on the driver's door or center button on the remote. There's no multi-disk CD changer in the Monsoon system either. Its one disk only operation forces you to pay more for a stacker in the trunk, which is a pain to use. Hopefully the next generation of Volkswagens will take care of these problems.