I worked for VW for about 2yrs. Lots of cars came in by tow truck... In my opinion there cars are junk. Although the diesels they make are the best motors they have. A guy I work with has an '05 and an '08 jetta tdi. The '05 is an auto and the newer one has a 6spd. The '05 has almost 200K miles and the only major issue was a cam follower let go last year and destroyed the head, one piston and connecting rod. It was about 3K for parts. That car has had its timing belt changed twice, (I showed him how to do it the first time) water pump, fuel pump, glow plugs & harness. granted its not a Honda or Toyota but those diesels last.
My favorite diesel they made came in the toureg; that 5.0 V10 twin turbo was pretty awesome! 310hp/553ft lbs
With the JBD I have about that much HP/TQ in my little d!
I hope your jetta gets back on the road with no cost to you! Good luck.