My history with Volkswagen began with a 1997 Jetta, a car that, despite its quirks, charmed me into becoming a fan of the brand. When the time came to consider a new vehicle in the summer of 2014, I didn’t initially set out to buy another Volkswagen. In fact, my sights were set elsewhere, showcasing just how unexpectedly the 2014 Jetta Sportwagen Diesel entered my life and captured my automotive affections.
From Cruze Consideration to Volkswagen Discovery
Back in 2011, when the Chevrolet Cruze was released, I was immediately impressed. Here was a compact car from General Motors that felt genuinely world-class, boasting a solid build and a desirable design. Its mature and straightforward styling was particularly appealing, especially when many compact sedans of the time seemed to favor more unconventional, even tadpole-like aesthetics. Whenever travel necessitated renting a car, I consistently sought out the Cruze, avoiding the risk of relying on my aging 1997 Jetta. I even developed a preference for the 2LT trim, attracted to its leather upholstery and distinctive 5-spoke alloy wheels.
Alt text: A silver 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 2LT with stylish five-spoke alloy wheels parked on a paved surface, highlighting the car’s refined design.
Consequently, the 2014 Cruze was at the forefront of my mind when I began seriously considering purchasing a new car. However, my plans took an unforeseen turn. Upon contacting several Chevrolet dealerships in Oklahoma and Texas, I encountered a dismissive attitude, particularly given my age. One dealer even patronizingly suggested that a Spark might be a more suitable option for me.
Disheartened, I broadened my search and Volkswagen re-entered the picture. Intrigued, I decided to explore their offerings. The “NMS” Passat, introduced in 2012 and later, appealed to me for reasons similar to the Cruze. It possessed a clean, sophisticated design that stood out in its class. A quick online search led me to AutoNation Volkswagen Park Cities, which had a competitively priced 2014 Passat SE. Having previously driven a Passat, I knew I appreciated its qualities. This particular trim promised leatherette seats, a sunroof, a user-friendly touchscreen infotainment system (without navigation), Bluetooth connectivity, and attractive alloy wheels. Upon emailing the dealership, I was promptly connected with a salesperson named Shannon. Shannon proved to be exceptionally helpful, diligently addressing all my inquiries and, crucially, informing me about Volkswagen’s College Grad program.
Alt text: A silver 2014 Volkswagen Passat NMS, showcasing its modern and spacious sedan design against a blurred outdoor background.
As a recent graduate with limited credit history, the College Grad program was a significant advantage. While I could afford a down payment to secure financing elsewhere, Volkswagen Credit offered a competitive interest rate with no down payment required, provided I met certain criteria: no negative credit history, graduation within the past year or upcoming six months, and proof of full-time employment or a job offer.
Why the 2014 Jetta SportWagen TDI?
Confident that I qualified for the program, I was ready to commit to the Passat. However, while navigating Volkswagen’s U.S. website to finalize my color preferences, a different model caught my eye – something compact, elegant, and in a wagon configuration. The 2014 Jetta SportWagen Diesel. It was a vehicle I must have been vaguely aware of, but had never seriously considered until that moment.
This time, I delved into research. I learned that the Mk.5 Jetta had debuted in the U.S. in 2005, but the wagon variant, sometimes branded as Jetta and sometimes as Golf depending on the market, didn’t arrive stateside until 2009. In 2010, both the sedan and wagon received a facelift to align more closely with the new Mk.6 Golf. The 2010 Jetta SportWagen adopted the same front-end styling and dashboard as the Mk.6 Golf. In 2011, the Jetta sedan underwent a complete redesign, marking a divergence in design direction between the sedan and wagon models. Over the subsequent years, the Jetta SportWagen received various trim and option adjustments. By 2014, its final model year, it offered two engine choices: a 2.5-liter inline 5-cylinder gasoline engine or a 2.0-liter turbocharged “TDI” I-4 diesel. This TDI engine represented the early generation of Volkswagen’s common-rail “Clean Diesels,” which would later become infamous due to the Dieselgate scandal. However, in 2014, this information was not public knowledge, and the Jetta SportWagen TDI was highly regarded, with diesel models accounting for 90 percent of wagon sales.
The appeal of a diesel wagon was undeniable. The promise of excellent fuel economy combined with the practicality of a wagon body style was incredibly attractive. The 2014 Jetta SportWagen Diesel offered a unique blend of efficiency and versatility that was hard to ignore.
I contacted Shannon again, inquiring about the Jetta SportWagen. The dealership had two new, identical models in stock: one white with a black interior and the other black with a beige interior. Both were TDI variants. “Definitely the black one,” I stated. The specific model was the second-highest trim level, simply named “TDI with Sunroof.” This trim included a touchscreen infotainment system, satellite radio, a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, leatherette upholstery, the aforementioned panoramic sunroof, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, and stylish 17-inch 10-spoke wheels. The MSRP was $30,000, but the dealership was offering it for $26,900 out-the-door, a price I considered fair and reflective of the car’s excellent value proposition. The 2014 Jetta SportWagen Diesel in this configuration seemed perfectly suited to my needs and preferences.
The Purchase Experience: Dallas Dealership and a Chrysler 200 Detour
Arrangements were made to pick up the 2014 Jetta SportWagen Diesel in person. That Saturday, I embarked on a three-hour drive from Oklahoma City to Dallas. My one-way rental from Hertz was a 2014 Chrysler 200. While not my first choice, I was surprised by its power. It wasn’t until I arrived at the Volkswagen dealership and opened the hood that I realized my rental car was equipped with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, not the four-cylinder engine.
Shannon and the rest of the AutoNation Volkswagen Park Cities staff handled everything impeccably, making my first new car purchase remarkably smooth. Despite being located in an affluent area surrounded by luxury dealerships like Bentley, Maserati, and Ferrari, they treated me with respect and professionalism, a stark contrast to my experience with the Chevrolet dealerships. The 2014 Jetta SportWagen Diesel had a couple of pleasant surprises: a cargo-management system with Velcro blocks and rubber floor mats. After a test drive to confirm my satisfaction, we proceeded to the finance and insurance (F&I) office. Volkswagen Credit’s interest rate turned out to be around 3 percent, a very competitive rate. The F&I manager inquired about my anticipated annual mileage. Upon hearing my response, he remarked, “Oof, you’ll exceed the factory bumper-to-bumper warranty within three years.”
Alt text: A young man stands proudly next to his new black 2014 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI at the dealership, captured in a celebratory photo.
“Well… yeah,” I replied, unfazed.
“What if I could offer you an extended warranty for the same monthly payment and overall price?” he proposed.
“How would that be possible?” I asked.
“We’ll reduce your interest rate to 1.99 percent if you purchase the warranty,” he explained.
Intrigued, I requested to review the warranty paperwork. Generally, I am hesitant to buy extended warranties, expecting vehicles to be reliable. Furthermore, I had read positive reviews regarding the Jetta SportWagen TDI‘s longevity. However, I noticed a crucial clause in the warranty contract: “Cancel within 10 days for a full refund.” This changed the equation. I agreed, intending to cancel the warranty later and retain the lower interest rate – a strategic move that ultimately proved successful.
Alt text: A detailed close-up of the window sticker of the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI, showcasing its original manufacturer’s suggested retail price and features.
Within 90 minutes of arriving at the dealership, I was driving my new 2014 Jetta SportWagen Diesel back to Oklahoma City. I immediately utilized the Bluetooth streaming to listen to my favorite podcasts. AutoNation offered a 150-mile money-back guarantee, a distance I would surpass simply driving home. Buyer’s remorse seemed unlikely, especially considering the diesel’s trip computer indicated over 40 miles per gallon on I-35.
Initial Impressions and a Minor Setback: Sunroof Issue
Upon arriving home, I encountered my first minor issue. The panoramic sunroof would not fully close. It would almost close, then retract, as if obstructed. The local dealership was closed, necessitating a DIY solution. I managed to resolve it by manually holding down the sunroof deflector until the roof closed completely. It turned out the deflector had been slightly bent during delivery and was later replaced under warranty by my local dealership.
Alt text: The interior cockpit of a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen, highlighting the dashboard layout, steering wheel, and infotainment system.
Living with the 2014 Jetta SportWagen Diesel: Daily Driving and Family Reactions
When my mother saw my 2014 Jetta SportWagen Diesel, her immediate reaction was, “Isn’t that an old man’s car?”
Thanks, Mom.
Despite my mother’s comment, the car proved to be reliable and exceptionally fuel-efficient transportation to and from school, averaging around 36 miles per gallon. It was a drama-free experience, unlike my previous green Volkswagen. More importantly, owning this new car instilled a sense of pride. I also experienced the phenomenon of noticing more of the same car model after purchasing one myself. Jetta SportWagens became a common sight, and most seemed to be TDI models. Their presence became even more pronounced during a family trip to Denver for a funeral.
Shortly after buying the Jetta SportWagen Diesel, I transitioned from remote web development to a job developing internal web applications for a local car dealership. The commute to the south side of Norman, where the dealership was located, added significant mileage to my new car, approximately 40 miles round trip daily.
Alt text: An odometer reading of a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI, displaying the significant miles accumulated within the first six months of ownership.
My mother posed another interesting question. The neighbor’s son had received a lightly used 2011 Volkswagen Jetta sedan as a 16th birthday gift around the same time I acquired my wagon. Mom asked if my car was newer. My response: “Yes and no.” While the neighbor’s Jetta was physically older, it represented a newer design generation, incorporating Volkswagen’s contemporary, squared-off “son-of-Audi” design language. Mine, in contrast, clearly belonged to an earlier design era.
The Short Ownership and the Trade-In Decision
Ironically, it was this very distinction in design that led me to trade in my 2014 Jetta SportWagen Diesel after only nine months and 19,000 miles. The older design aesthetic, while initially appealing in its understated elegance, ultimately felt dated compared to the newer Volkswagen models. This realization, coupled with the increasing mileage from my new job, prompted the decision to move on from the SportWagen sooner than anticipated.
Conclusion
Despite its relatively short tenure in my possession, the 2014 Jetta SportWagen Diesel left a lasting positive impression. Its blend of diesel fuel economy, wagon practicality, and a comfortable feature set made it a compelling vehicle. The purchase experience was exceptional, and the car itself was reliable and efficient. While its design may have been from a slightly earlier era, the 2014 Jetta SportWagen Diesel remains a noteworthy and practical choice, especially for those seeking a fuel-efficient and versatile used wagon. My brief ownership served as a testament to its enduring appeal and solidified its place in my personal automotive history.
