We have a 98 Jetta TDI - Love it.  Definately go with the TDI.  BTW, I owned a '95 Golf w\ 2.0L before that so I can speak to the comparison.  The Jetta TDI has been 100% reliable (knock on wood).  The torque makes all the difference.

Matthew Libby wrote:

> Im looking to buy a VW golf (2003), and cant decide between the TDI (diesel) or the gas.  Im torn.  The diesel is 2k more than the gas and offers only 90hp compared to 115hp in the gas.  However, it offers 20ftlbs more torque and almost 50mpg!  Can anyone tell me anything about these two engines, reliability, longevity, maintainence, perfomance...
>
> PS- im selling my westy to pay for this, any buyers?