A few years back, Volkswagen had the same problem that some high-priced rent boys face.

Much like the six-million dollar man who charges five-grand per weekend for a good time, Volkswagen found that their cars were luxurious and elegant, fast on the road and fast on the curves – and out of reach for most consumers, especially in America. In an effort to address this problem, those German tech darlings decided to offer an affordable Jetta that, in theory, could be a bit of a springboard for consumers into other, pricier VWs. What they ultimately cranked out, however, was a Jetta that was low-cost, averaging $16K or less, and, unfortunately, low-class, something accented by cheap interior materials that ultimately made the drive less than comfortable. The press was bad and the response brutal; a rent boy in a similar situation might have taken a day job as a barista.

Volkswagen, however, knew how to respond. Just like rent boys who are true professionals and know how not to price themselves out of the market, Volkswagen started upping their game immediately, evolving the Jetta back into something that was once again classy and ready to pounce wherever it went. It took a few years, but the press got better and the buyers came back. And now, here we are in 2015, still questioning if the President is really American and loves America.

Many improvements have been made to the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta, and some are truly impressive, but overall, there does seem to be something missing. I can’t say I disliked the car – it was more than peppy when I did let it rip. And yet, it just seemed rather lackluster on a day-to-day, salad-bar-to-outlet-mall basis. Here are the goodies:

On higher-end trims, you can now get a turbocharged engine, a 1.8 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that delivers 170 horsepower, to be specific. That’s a lot of power for a little car …. and, to be honest, maybe a bit too much power. Going from drag queen bingo to a Jell-O-wrestling match and then back home for Season 2 of ‘Looking’, the 2015 Jetta seemed like it was always ready to pounce, and that left me fighting a bit with the car to keep it under control. Normally, I like it when I’m riding a beast that can’t stay tame, but not when I have to deal with snow, ice and a Slurpee at the same time. If you do stop and go a lot, perhaps the base 2.0 liter engine without the combustible Viagra that the turbocharge provides is in order.

Another positive note is the interior of the 2015 Jetta, which is very spacious. In years past, I had difficulty getting in and out of the Jetta – it seemed that previous cost-cutting efforts included cutting the cubic feet inside the car. That problem has clearly been corrected for 2105, though some of your friends with medically-impressive girth still might feel a little pinched. Further, the interior of the 2015 Jetta has been upgraded nicely. And simply. There is not a whole lot of flash to the dash, which I personally like because I can read gauges without having to figure them out technologically first. The theme for all 2015 Jetta interiors is Piano Black, something that does remind me of Liberace, candelabras and feathers, but in a good way. Indeed, the Jetta keeps getting better, but does that really all add up to being worthy of the money you will be making from your second job as a barista?

I can’t say I wouldn’t buy a 2015 Jetta – and I can’t say it’s in my top ten. This is one of those brand-loyal cars that, if you are really into Volkswagens, you can buy and feel good about it (careful when considering used Jettas). Should you actually already own a VW Jetta from the recent past, your car should still be running relatively smoothly. But in the event that things aren’t working as you wish, like the heater, click here for some fix-it tips that might save you a few dollars. And bless your heart for trying to fix minor car problems without consulting the pep boys (which I really though was a gay porn movie about men who take pharmaceuticals).

Now, about those rent boys ….. I’ve never actually paid cold hard cash for sex (a Rooty Tooty Fresh and Fruity perhaps) though I have every intention of paying for it when I get too old to get it for free. Even then, I know what I need in an encounter…. and what I want may be out of my price range. So, when it’s a senior moment of choice between food, medications or sex, I will stick to my budget and my primary goal of getting from Point A(rse) to B(lowfish) sexually – and then literally call it a night. You too might consider using this logic model with your next car purchase.

What do you really need? Let your wallet and your government benefits be your guide…..and throw in a blond/blue or turbo/pop German combo meal when you can.