Random question #1 (car advice)
 

I've been thinking about getting a diesel car for my long commute. Something reliable, inexpensive and used. Say under $4k.

2 door, 4 door, hatch, doesn't matter. I have a few ideas about what I like but have no experience with diesel cars. Which are the most reliable, etc. Are there models to steer clear of.

Any advice is welcome, thanks all!

I was looking for the same...
$4K and reliable is going to be hard to find... around here all I found were (very) old VW or Mercedes (+10 years).
I ended up with a $10K Nissan Versa that runs of regular gas (I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THAT CAR!) but it gets great gas mileage.

I think the cheapest car to own for nearly any distance commute is the newest corolla, civic, fit, accord, camry, etc you can fit into your 4k budget.

of course post settlement VWs ,ight get very cheap

^^^ THOSE two answered your questions. Please post your second thread with question #2

VW ALH 1.9 version of the TDI is a very good and cheap car. No luxury, but a decnt commuter car. I have put 100,000 miles on mine in about five years, it now has 300,000 and is still a good car.

You can get a decent car for $3,000 with 150,000 miles, spend another $1,000 and it should do 100,000 miles.

For the repair cost of an older (probably very high mileage) diesel in your price range, I would go with a 4 cyl gas motor, and keep it well tuned (35-40 MPG). Myself, I would look at a Ford Focus/Fiesta, or a Honda Civic/Toyota Corolla.

Excellent advice all, keep it coming.

I am not familiar with the VW nomenclature, what year is the ALH?

1999 ish to 2004 I think. Also called Mk4.

They are easy to fix and I don't believe there is a weak spot in the engine. I would agree with ckelly in general, this model is the exception.

I rebuilt the front suspension and upgraded a few components last fall. $1,000 later it steers like a new car and rides great.

I think the last year of the ALH was the last year of the Mk IV in the US, MY2005.

I think you're going to have a hard time finding a reliable diesel car for under $4k. Your options are basically VW and VW and VW. I can't speak to ownership costs on those, but I'm willing to bet that a small Japanese appliance for that price is going to cost enough less to run that you will come out ahead. This is what I remind myself of, anyway, as I try to stop myself from replacing my boring appliance with something not-boring.

2003 VW Jetta TDI Sedan

2002 Volkswagen Jetta TDI diesel

I'm so sad this post came out after I bought the Versa...
It is not a bad car... good mileage... good ergonomics... good electronics.
However the fit and finish is no bueno... when I started looking closely it appears as if it was assembled by a bunch of drunk monkeys...

And build quality? My last two Hyundai's were robust compared to this thing. :(

i guess you don't have Focus or Mondeo diesels for sale in the US, because the 1.8 TDci versions are the goto in Europe for your budget and longevity.

If your handy and don't mind doing your own work you can't beat a Mercedes W123 diesel. They will last forever if maintained. I have less than $4k into my 85' 300TD, but have done all the work myself. I got lucky when buying it, and getting a great parts car, which saved me thousands. I would not have any worries about driving anywhere with it.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1472729311.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1472729354.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1472729378.jpg

I would agree, far more choices that would be more reliable with still excellent mpg. Otherwise I would probably edge towards an older Mercedes diesel if you don't mind doing some tinkering.

I think the VW mileage is much better than the VW turbodiesel. It's like 45 mpg versus 35 (at best?)?

I would also think you could match the Mercedes with a four cylinder econo-box, no?

And the Mercedes might be a little sluggish by modern standards?

Check out the TDI club forums.

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On the MK IV be sure to have the timing belt, rollers and water pump changed around 60,000 miles and/or every 4 to 5 years.

Here is an 02 Jetta Diesel in Oregon

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=466248

There are 100,000 mile timing belts available, I installed one in my car.

Not sure I will trust it quite that long.

This is all great info. Thanks.

Man, I'd buy that tomorrow for $4k - Beautiful W123!