After much debate, I broke down and will pick up my 2009 Jetta TDI today or tomorrow, waiting to hear from the dealer. Leather interior, moonroof are about the only options i wanted (and was leery getting the moonroof). Six speed manual, of course.

One of my oddities is i cant have an auto transmission in a small car.
Even with fuel dropping, I am still pessimistic that something will skyrocket fuel again. I ended up keeping my 2002 Ford pickup, the dealer was only going to give me $8500 for it. While certain it would sit on a lot, I did understand the dealers perspective, and I may end up keeping it, or selling it after the winter. But I was not going to let it go this low.
As for the 1989, I have a few options {and with this comes more questions...

}.
I have a chance to get a FREE low mileage 1982 1.6 NA (approx 100k) motor from a Chief who worked in my firehouse one tour. Of course he recommended a compression test, for it has been sitting a few years. I did call a VW specialist in Queens, and was told:
Different fuel systems between the 2. Won't work.
Different flywheels will also cause a problem. 89 is a 5 speed man. Not certain what transmission went with free motor.
Since labor costs here are not cheap, it may be actually cheaper for me to drive it across the border and let Dr. Diesel do the work on the rings on the motor in it now with 225,000 miles (and a nice excuse to get away for a few days......lol) and take the plane or train back home to NYC. Sounds crazy, but saves $$$ and puts $$ in a fellow GTD's pocket. Tyler has answered millions of my questions and recommended him, so what the Hell? Road trip!!

P.S. And also get that 89 IP "Gilesfied!"
Working in Brooklyn, the streets and neighborhood are not exactly the smoothest. I'll let the 89 take the abuse of streets and nicks and dings, and at times vandalism.
Looking into the biofuels as well (coffee? hmmm) and as we know, the old 1.6 is a perfect car for that. Reading that the 140 HP can be upgraded to the European spec of 170, I may wait till the warranty expires. Hell, going from 52 HP to 140 is a victory in itself... lol
The 09 will be blue, I'll try to get pics for those who are interested.
Merry Christmas to all, and a safe, healthy and Happy New Year to all.