Contemplating a VW car with the TDI Diesel engine - opinions?

SpeedracerIndy · 06-10-2004, 10:20 AM

Anyone have opinions on these cars/motors? I was planning on getting a 4 door truck, but with gas prices soaring, and not really needing a pickup, I have been thinking about a fuel efficient car. The VW Jetta TDI seems almost too good to be true. 38 mpg city 46 mpg highway! Plus with diesel being on average 30-40 cents per gallon cheaper around here, it seems like a good idea. I am comming from a Mitsubishi Eclipse which has been VERY reliable and semi fuel efficient. The Eclipse has had NO major repairs and only regular maintenance for the 112,000 miles I have driven it so far. Would a VW TDI be able to deliver this same reliability? What is the drivability of these cars like? The Eclipse is no rocket ship (that's what the 911 is for), but it is fairly peppy, handles well enough, and is a bit stiff and bumpy for a daily commuter. How will a VW compare to this? What about highway cruising? Just wondering if anyone here has one of these and can comment, since most here share the same opinions on daily driver cars as well as fine sports cars!

osidak · 06-10-2004, 11:53 AM

I have a 2000 Jetta TDI with 117K miles on it.

Weak Points
Window regulators (since been redesigned and fixed)
MAF - Through 2003 they still proved to be weak. Easy Fix is to use a MB diesel Maf that is 1/3 the cost and is a pretty good match. 2004 model cars got a new engine and I assume a new MAF.

Strong points
life time MPG = 52 mpg
Plenty peppy stock. If it is chipped it is down right fun. (not as quick as a 911 but then again the 911 doesn't get 50 mpg)

At highway speeds you can not really hear the engine and I actually think it is more quite than the 1.8T car. No issues with cold starting

My only true complaint has been rear leg room. It is a little tight but still useable.

Let me know if you have any specific questions.

RickM · RickM's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by osidak
No issues with cold starting

Dr. O,

How is this addressed? With an engine or tank heater?

oldE · 06-10-2004, 12:10 PM

The TDI jettas from 1997 - 2003 had more torque than the 2liter gas motors. Torque is what gets you going. For 2004, the new TDI has high pressure direct injection: better milage and MORE torque! The Jetta is tight in the back for legroom, the wagon fixes the headroom complaint for me (I'm 6'2") Some people complain the suspensions are a bit on the soft side. VW offers a sport package for the new TDI Jetta, which includes sport seats with deep side bolsters, 16' alloys and a firmer suspension. This would be a serious cross country car. Your bladder will give out before your butt or the fuel supply.
On another note, I drove a new TDI 2 liter 16 valve Passat this morning. Asking was $32.700 LCD (little Canadian Dollars) Again, I found the suspension quite soft compared to my '93 Passat turbo (with 330,000 Km) If I had the cash to burn, I'd add a Weltmeister bar & some decent rubber and have fun.
Les

osidak · 06-10-2004, 01:18 PM

I have started my TDI in -15F (15 below zero) with out the aid of a heater. They make tank heaters for these cars that work very well.

The A4 cars came stock with 90hp/155 ft lbs. The A3 cars I believe where 90hp/149 ft lbs.

I believe the new A4 PD cars are 100hp/174 ft lbs but don't hold me to it. The Passat TDI that is out right now is great and is on my list as next car to purchase.

Mileage on the PD cars (2004 A4 cars and Passat) is down from the previous models however not by much.

Danskman · 06-10-2004, 01:59 PM

Have a good friend who owns a TDI. He loves it. He has a healthy commute, about 40 miles each way, and says he gets 50+ mpg. I've driven the car, and power and driveability seem on par with any other gas vehicle of the same class. I think it's a smart move.

SpeedracerIndy · 06-10-2004, 06:12 PM

I really want one of these now. The only problem is they are impossible to find used, and even new ones are hard to find. Thanks for all the comments.