I got a Jetta TDI last week. It is fantastic and has gobs of torque for the weight. Pulled a steep long grade (two sand pit escape ramps on downside) in 6th gear (auto) at 70 mph without slowing or kickin down to a lower gear.
Just got a CRD Liberty today. Haven't really had chance to work it out yet but it is very comfortable. Noisy but comfortable. Sounds a little like a second gen when it is cold. Love that noise! Wife likes the Liberty better. I don't mind the Jetta as it is quicker, so I guess we can work it out.
Both vehicles are oil particular, although the CRD is not as limited as the service department indicated. They stated ONLY Mobil 1 0w40 synthetic, whereas the book indicates 0W-40 synthetic SL/CF but if not available, 5W-40 with at least that SAE rating is fine. Of course, that is the weight for Mobil Delvac synthetic for the big engines. I'll have to check the specs.
VW is strictly 505. 01 spec oil which leaves about three sources, none at Advance or AutoZone.
No gas burners in the yard now. No more exhaust emissions tests.
Just a note: if you want a warranty from the DC folk, you'll have to buy one as they are down to 3yrs/36k. I didn't get an extra warranty but am rethinking that and may cough up the loot. The very idea of it makes me exceedingly irritated. Obviously, DC was losing money repairing their vehicles under warranty. Long warranties are not costly to the manufacturer if the quality is in the product to begin with. So, the Jetta has nearly twice the powertrain warranty of the Jeep.
Thanks for the tip on the vent for the CRD, Diesel Lady.
As for CRD mileage, I wouldn't worry about the mileage if you have a 4wd. It takes fuel to turn all that extra junk. IF 4wd isn't needed, I wouldn't waste the money or fuel. Also, the Liberty is heavy, nearly 4300 lbs. Jetta TDI is3241 (auto). Thus, the Liberty CRD auto has 1 horse per 27 lbs; the Jetta TDi auto has 1 horse per 32 lbs. Pretty close. On torque, the Liberty CRD auto shows 1 ftlb per 14. 6 lbs, the Jetta TDI auto 1 ftlb per 17. 6 lbs. Still close. Course, the Jetta is FWD whereas my Liberty is 4wd. The mileage difference has a lot of factors. The two fueling systems are far from identical.
The Liberty is hardly something one would describe as aerodynamic.
So, I can now cover both sides of the debate. Unfortunately, I no longer have my 3500 Dodge Cummins. Didn't need it anymore.