The 2004 TDI Jetta has been a perfect vehicle and is the perfect vehicle for a commuter. The combination of a manual transmission, turbo diesel engine and amazing handling makes the car fun to drive, while maintaining fuel efficiency and comfort. It feels and is well made and solid, giving an extra feeling of safety for such a small car. From personal experience, the 2004s cannot be compared to the new Jetta - they do not make them like they use to. The 2004 is smaller but maintains the spacious feeling inside and truly fills the high quality standard associated with German engineered vehicles. The biggest and one of the only negatives is sub zero driving - as a diesel it requires more time to warm up in negative temperatures before it should be driven than gasoline engines do. This does not affect driving performance, it only requires the car be started a few minutes before leaving on cold mornings if left outside.