The healthy volume produced since its introduction in 1980 have made the used Volkswagen Jetta an easy target for a used car search. As with any purchase, one of the first things to consider when looking at a used Volkswagen Jetta is the need the vehicle is meant to fulfill.

For many buyers, this question may be quickly answered by picking which engine type they would like. Sport luxury models (such as the GLI, GLX or Wolfsburg Edition) typically feature higher quality interiors.

Earlier versions of these variants were often paired with a VR6 engine, giving the car a much different character than the turbocharged 1.8 or 2.0 liter engines. Depending on the year, non-turbo engines are available in 2.0 or 2.5 liter displacement.

The third generation (beginning in 1993) brought the Jetta TDI to the United States. Shoppers considering a TDI should know that buying a diesel may involve a slight learning curve. Owners taking the time to become familiar with diesel engines are often rewarded with very good real-world fuel economy and long-lasting powerplants.

When it comes to researching any TDI engine, TDI Club (http://www.tdiclub.com) is most often the online resource of choice. The FAQ and forum sections of the site should answer most common questions, and help any Jetta shopper determine if a TDI is the VW for them.

While diesel is a wonderful option, gasoline powered VW's tend to be a little easier to find. They also sell for significantly less, as depreciation tends to be kinder to diesel-powered vehicles in general.

Owners should expect maintenance costs to be somewhat similar for each model, but diesel drivers should consider having their car serviced by a shop familiar with non-gasoline engines. Regardless of what engine or trim level they choose, the high sales numbers associated with the Jetta sedan means buyers should have little trouble locating a car that fits their budget.

As you can see, when it comes to researching a used Volkswagen Jetta, there are many options available.