First drove an automatic mk5 Jetta, nothing but problems and poor fuel economy. I did put that car through a lot though. Sold that, got a 3rd Gen manual Miata. Amazingly fun car, I did lots of modding and learned a lot about sound insulation and rebuilding the interior of a car. Eventually the manual was becoming a nuisance for city driving (although it was fun as hell everywhere else), but the car also was horrible on the freeway. Not very stable, loud, and 5th gear was too short. All of this in conjunction with only seating 2, I decided it was enough and sold it. I spent 2 months looking for the perfect car. I looked at every brand and model and kept coming back to VW, however I was stuck between the TDI and GTI. On the one hand, the TDI gets amazing MPG and was quite a bit cheaper. However on the other hand, the GTI has everything in it that defines a perfect car to me. Fuel economy while still being plenty of fun? GTI. Amazing quality and equipment for the price? GTI again. Looks fucking sexy? GTI, but that one is an opinion
All in all, I went with the GTI and am very glad I did. It takes everything I wanted in a car and mashes them into one amazing vehicle. I can even fit my kayak in it
