Jetta TDI proving tough to find in California
Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
In the minds of those in charge of voting for automotive awards, it seems that the new Volkswagen Jetta TDI can do no wrong. Perhaps the same can be said of new car purchasers, depending on where that buyer happens to live. Apparently, the German automaker can't keep up with demand in a number of areas because of the way the vehicles are allocated to dealerships. At least one VW employee from California who had placed his order way back in 2008 is being told he won't get his new car until late April or early May. In contrast, there is reportedly no wait at all in Washington, D.C. That unnamed employee says, "I could probably go there to buy one, but what am I going to do, drive it all the way back to California?" Think of the bright side... at least it would be a fuel efficient road trip.
Gallery: Review: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
[Source: Tank of Diesel]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Torv Carlsen 12:29PM (2/23/2009)
It's true!!!
For a couple of months I was looking for a Jetta Sportswagen TDi in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was literally impossible because no one had any and they indicated to me that there was no chance that this situation was going to change any time soon. I did find a couple of sedans, but the Sportswagen, I might as well been trying to buy a discounted Bugatti Royale!
Thinking that a broker would have better luck than me, I contacted one who said yes, he could get one, but as the months wore on, it was clear that he was hitting the same wall I was as I had called virtually every dealer within a 150 mile radius.
Eventually, I found a dealer who had a Sportswagen available in a couple of weeks in the Los Angeles area and sure enough when it arrived I flew down there to pick it up, paying sticker for a car for the first time in my life.
Mission accomplished (what pain in the ass)!
Reply
Kumar 12:56PM (2/23/2009)
Nice detective work. The best part of course is that you can have it serviced at your local VW dealer that couldn't get one for you.
It's a shame more people don't just email dealers anymore to see who bites. A cheap plane ticket or road trip later and you can end up with a great deal if your local dealership won't fight for your business.
jharlan 1:51PM (2/23/2009)
I have talked with several owners of these and have heard nothing but praise for these VW TDIs. They are claiming mileage just under 50 mpg overall. Come on, VW, if you want to make money you have to furnish product to satisfy demand. I doubt they can furnish enough of these to satisfy demand when the people learn how good they really are. Power, handling, and economy, they have it all at an affordable price!
Reply
why not the LS2LS7? 2:11PM (2/23/2009)
Looking at VW's offered product mix, they have a lot of vehicles they have rated for SULEV (Rabbit, GTI, Beetle, Jetta) in CARB areas. With a little foresight, there's no reason they can't sell as many Diesel Jettas as are demanded (unless somehow it rose to something ridiculous like 40% of all vehicles they sell). So I can't figure what the holdup is. I'm sure demand is high, but VW cannot be possibly be blindsided by that.
Reply
Throwback 3:41PM (2/23/2009)
I suspect the problem is supply, mainly for Europe where diesel VWs bring top dollar. VW has just realeased the new Golf, and a diesel Golf is the default "C" class buy in Europe.
Sam 5:57PM (3/10/2009)
I'm not sure what the situation is like in the states, but 80 % of the jetta's being sold here in canada are being sold with the TDI engine. I think it's time Vw offered diesels in all their models, including the Tiguan.
Rich 2:51PM (2/23/2009)
There is a point where the supply/demand curve gives the most profits. At least this is my guess. If VW increases supply then the dealers may have to sell below MSRP.
We are also looking at a Jetta TDI but it looks like we will get a Honda.
VW only supplies the Jetta TDI fully loaded. The only option is a sunroof. This raises the price to what we think is too high.
I just bought a used Honda Civic that gets 45 mpg. So why buy a TDI? It cost me less than $500 for this car and I'll probably get 100k miles out of it.
That's my car. Now my wife needs a car. It will probably be another Honda unless VW can lower the price of a Jetta TDI by supplying a base model with no frills.
Once we go 'Honda' this time again, VW will not see us for many years. So long VW! There goes the service/parts profit in addition to a sale.
Reply