Why buy a 2005.5 or 2006 VW Jetta TDI instead of a new Jetta?
As shown below, earlier cars had higher options packages than the newer mk5 09-10 or mk6 2011+. Early cars could be fully optioned in the highline trim, later 2009-2010 cars could only be optioned to about the mid level package in the US. Only Canada had the highline option in 09+ cars. The new mk6 Jetta is also equipped to the mid level package but since VW wanted to lower the price point, they removed a number of features to get it there. The 2009-2011 Jetta sedans and sportwagens (called Golf wagon starting in 2010 in Canada) use the same basic body as the 2005 or 2006. The first reason to get an older car is economics: older or higher mileage cars have already had most of their depreciation and if you refresh the suspension/bring all maintenance up to date, you’ll have a car that is almost identical from a brand new TDI except for the engine/driveline. The 2010 Golf hatchback uses the new mk6 body, see 1000q: 2009 vs. 2010 VW TDI revisions for more details. Early cars have also pro
