My personal opinion is that you got a bad car with that particular Jetta. I have many friends who own Jettas and have not had as many issues as you are describing....oh well it happens.

I think maybe the Accord would suit you fine and is definitley a very solid car as far as reliability goes. 14k for a 98 isn't too bad (but I haven't priced em either), maintenence will be much less of an issue with it (usual stuff but not much more), and the comfort of the car overall is a huge step up from a Jetta.

Good luck in your decision and sorry to hear about your Jetta being a bomb I actually like the Jetta and was considering one.