pdj

TDI

ace123

cts-v?

of the three i'd go with the jetta personally, but not for any good reason.

really, i'd be inclined to see what's comfy and stick with that. sounds dumb, but driving that much, i might look into buick and the like... the camry/malibu/fusion/etc group would also be in the running.

then get an S or something else for the weekends

asiliat

I think if you're in the car 50miles a day, you'll prefer the cockpit of the Jetta TDI. They have nicer interior than Prius/Insight. Sound system will be better, etc etc.

They're not super unreliable, you just have to fix a bunch more things than you normally would - not a HUGE deal breaker.

Spec_Ops2087

I'd never buy a VW; they are terriably unreliable. My friend owns one, within the first 500 miles, he already had a stupid CEL

rockville

Hard call. On one hand the WV is SOOOO much nicer than the Prius or Insight. However, those cars will do better in stop and go traffic and presumably are more reliable. More reliable alone doesn't sell me on a car given that average reliability anymore is quite good. However, VW isn't even average. That said I might risk the VW anyway because the car is just so much nicer. Also, it comes in stick shift and a wagon.

CG

My vote goes for the TDI. I've got 178,000 miles on my Golf and it just keeps going and going. The diesel's don't seem to be as spotty as other VW's. The new Jetta TDI is also faily quick.

pbm317 mentioned the 335d. I've driven it and that car hauls ass, It can also run 700 miles between fuel stops.

kadeshpa

Why not a Fusion Hybrid?

The Gasman

My buddy has a TDI jetta and loves it. 600 miles/tank, no problems. That being said, Prius is the new 'fashion' car here and apparently the newest model is really cool as far as gadgetry if that's what you are in to.

budgy

i really don't understand the horrible rep VW's have on EVERY car forum out there. they might have some quirks but they almost never have any major problems, the engines are solid. You have a warranty to take care of any minor problem that may happen.

btw I know several people that have owned new VW's for the last 10~15 years other than one guys window inexplicably shattering for no apparent reason they have had no real problems.

rockville

The Fusion hybrid might make for a good Hybrid alternative. It's a more substantial car than the Prius and Insight while not having the potential reliability issues of the VW