08/09 Jetta 2.0T vs 08/09 Lancer GST

[Nappy]

Well, as the title states these are the 2 cars that are in my price range of about 17k or so, and am looking to buy sooner than later. I currently drive an 02 Miata SE and the car is no longer practical (fun, but not practical) so. If you have owned either the Jetta or Lancer (or both) let me know your thoughts and why I should get one over the other. My thought is the Jetta will be better, but I haven't personally drove a Jetta, I have driven my friends 09 Lancer and I'm not a huge fan of the cluth.

Which is another thing, I don't mind going to automatic seeing as I've been driving manual since I was 16, and a break might be nice for a little while.

Thanks,

Nick