2010 Subaru Outback vs 2010 VW Jetta TDI Sportwagen

[bahubali]

Hello,

I am a newbie and need some help with deciding my next car purchase.

I am confused between the 2010 Subaru Outback 2.5 i Limited and the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Sportwagen.

Pros of Outback: symmetrical AWD, spacious and decent fuel economy for a SUV its size

Pros of VW Wagon: 38-40 mpg! Diesel engine, panoramic sunroof, quite spacious.

I am kind of hesitant about the TDI because of the following reasons:
1. I have heard VW's do tend to need a lot of repair and add on costs later for the owner.
2. Not sure if the car looks manly enough or young for that matter, I am a 26 year old male.

Can someone please shed their point of view and help me decide.

Thanks!

[bahubali]

Some more information hoping ppl will reply with their opinion:

My priorities are a spacious vehicle, fuel efficiency and reliability.

I test drove a plethora of cars and I cancelled out the V4 Accords/Camry and Altima because in the same fuel economy I could get an Outback (V4). I also preferred the drive of the Outback to the CR-V, RAV4, Rogue and Tucson.

Now against the Outback is the Jetta TDI Sportwagen which is a very nice peppy drive, and superb fuel economy. Considering that I drive a lot, maybe more than 15000 miles a year I am attracted towards it. (Please note that I tried the Altima Hybrid, Prius and Ford Fusion Hybrid and did not enjoy them so much).

I still feel I am in two minds because of the bad experiences owners have had with VWs and Jettas in the past and also the look of the car. I am not fully convinced that it is a car suited to single 26 year old male.

Whatever inputs, feedback you can give based on your experience would be very helpful.

Thanks a ton!

[Jimster]

I think there may be a new Jetta coming out (It may already have in the States, not sure). That would be something to bear in mind for residuals, as the Outback is a new model with no impending replacement.

Volkswagen reliability is fast improving, but if you plan on keeping the car past the warranty period, be very wary of the DSG gearbox.

I would say Outback unless the Jetta is the Mk VI version.