Quote:
Originally Posted by scottmandue
Bummer, my wife is very practical and will not insist on a beetle... but I know she would be all giggles if I showed up with one.
Does the automatic trans the same on the gas model too? Should we only look at a stick?
Was sure looking forward to 45MPG they claim... what MPG does the gas beetle of the same era get?
|
Yes, the ZF auto in gas and diesels (code 01M) can be problematic. The rule of thumb is 120K miles +/-. The diesels make a little more torque, so they have a little higher failure rate. The rebuilt units don't seem to last, so most diesel-snobs insist on a NEW VW unit and rebuilt ones bring far less than the originals that are still okay. Resale on the automatics is much less anyway and they get worse fuel economy.
It is my experience that an automatic TDI of that era (ALH engine / 01M auto) is capable of 45 mpg only in the best of circumstances. People claim to get 50 mpg from the sticks. Again, not my personal experience. Figure 38 mpg freeway from the automatics and 42 mpg freeway from the 5 speeds. Still quite good. Hypermiling techniques (and mods) can get you nearer than 45 claim. Maybe the owners here can chime in.
I had a 2003 automatic and a 2001 5 spd, both Jettas.