Pete,

Most of the time you will NOT be towing anything so you want a car that works well for your daily commute as well.
In my experience, the VW TDI engines do not like short drives at all. Anything less than 4 miles will leave you with gunk and carbon accumulating in all the wrong places. Even trying to burn that off on occasion will not always work. Have been driving VW Diesels since the 70's in Germany (50HP) and they are great at pedal-down on the Autobahn. However, don't get one for short-distance driving, especially in cold climates (Madison WI qualifies). Had a Jetta TDI for 5 years that was completely plugged up after some years of short commutes.

Herb (1986 Mercedes Diesel, in great shape)

Agree that TDIs are best for longer commutes, and that all short trip driving can be a problem with diesels. Clogged intakes/etc are really a thing of the past since Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel was mandated in North America.. Towing the trailer really cleans things out, too! I am happier towing since I added an EGT gauge a year ago; in PA/NY hills, my EGT stays below 800F at Interstate speeds. I had worried it would be higher.