Educate me about VW Golf diesels

[aigel]

I have fond memories of a 90s GTD back in Europe. But then I had a 93 VR6 Passat that I called "The Pa****" that really made me change my mind about VW. And then there is a lot of chatter that I picked up over the years confirming my impression. "Great cars, if you get the warranty" isn't going to fly for me, as I am a consumer that starts driving cars when they are over the 100k mile mark ...

I am looking at getting a gas saver daily driver, so the VW Golf diesel has come back in my mind. Are the newer models, say 2000 or newer any good? I would like a stick shift, so the infamous auto transmissions' issues won't bother me.

What year displacement is the best Golf (for engine)?
What year do these start to have side airbags (safety features are one reason not go go back to the old models).

Am I delusional thinking any new TDI / diesel VW will be even close to the good old GTD?

If the new ones are out, what year classic GTD would you recommend I hunt down (I am open to something from the 90s, if it is the only route to a reliable car that's serviceable).

Thanks!

George

[HardDrive]

0-60 in........still waiting.

[aigel]

Lol - the euro GTD had 80 hp IIRC and would do 100 mph at WOT on the Autobahn. I never go over 40 mph on my way to work, so power is not what I am looking for. Low rpm torque is really good on these diesels, so they are nice around town, you can shift them at 2000 rpm.

George

[osidak]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

0-60 in........still waiting.

Have you actually driven a modern diesel - if not may i suggest you do so. they are quick cars and misne ha returned 51 mpg over the life of the car 225K miles

0-60 is in the 8.5 second range

If you are looking used I would keep the search to 99.5 to 2003 - these use the traditional rotary pump injection pumps and the engines are pretty rock solid. the 2004 - 2007 used unit injectors (aka PD car's) and those are prone to cam wear if they did not use the correct oil/change often enough

[aigel]

Excellent input. Thank you.

So, Dr. Osidak, how about the quality horror stories around interiors, wheel bearings, heater cores, window regulators etc.? Any input on that?

George

[porsche4life]

The heater cores and window regs are from early '90s...


My mom had an '01 diesel bug... Ran like a top...

[osidak]

window regulators where an issue up to 2002 but a redesign took care of that. wheel bearings are rare

are vw's more prone to issue as compared to a honda - yes. that said they are not bad cars and i have been driving one for the past 10 years and will continue to do so

[cbush]

My 06 Jetta TDI is a fantastic car. The Diesel in it has run flawlessly. It has plenty of power, and routinely gets gas mileage in the high 40s. I would recommend it to anyone. don't know if it is the same engine in the golf, but if it is, I don't think you will be disappointed.
600-700 miles between fillups isn't too bad either!

[scottbombedout]

Dont know if they sell them over there yet, but they have brought out a blue motion 105bhp diesel.

Advertise it as nearly 85mpg and CO2 emissions so low there is zero road tax to pay.

Makes a Prius seem pretty pointless.

[CurtEgerer]

Check out this bad boy:

Corrado TDI

eBay Nr. 160384729085

eBay 1993 Corrado TDI

[peppy]

I have an 01 Jetta and have had only normal wear and tear issues....well there is the check engine light.

Seems I have an intermittent glow plug problem, (the harness is crap and about $45) I am too cheap to fix it.

[pavulon]

Have an '09 jetta TDI/DSG wagon. 40-42 on the HYW and ~38 combined. W/ DSG its actually kinda fun to drive (the DSG isn't completely faultless but works without any issues 98% of the time...you can trip it up by lifting/braking just as it upshifts)and have had 13K miles w/out any trouble.

[aigel]

I want to spend 10k tops. 5-8 would be better. Not shy about higher mileage cars if they have records. There aren't a lot of these in SoCal but they show up now and then, so it is good to be prepared with a clear idea of what I want. I am in no rush, it will likely be a couple of months before I find something that suits me ...

George

[trekkor]

Ran like a top...

So.... You would have to pull start it, then it would run really well for a short period of time until it suddenly lost control and spun off uncontrollably?

Nice...


KT

[aigel]

Originally Posted by trekkor

So.... You would have to pull start it, then it would run really well for a short period of time until it suddenly lost control and spun off uncontrollably?

Nice...


KT

Huh?

Maybe I have to get some morning eggnog too?

George

[trekkor]

I have a similar reply to someone that says: "I slept like a baby"...


KT

[porsche4life]

Originally Posted by trekkor

So.... You would have to pull start it, then it would run really well for a short period of time until it suddenly lost control and spun off uncontrollably?

Nice...


KT

Nope... Bet you wouldn't think that a bug would cruise down the highway at 90 effortlessly would you? I still say a stripped out TDI bug would be a contender on at autocross...

[trekkor]

Actually, I would like to have an early Diesel rabbit, jetta, fox or pickup...To LeMonize.


KT

[aigel]

Originally Posted by CurtEgerer

Check out this bad boy:

Corrado TDI

eBay Nr. 160384729085

eBay 1993 Corrado TDI

Very cool, but would be silly to buy long distance from the rust belt!

G

[aigel]

Originally Posted by peppy

I have an 01 Jetta and have had only normal wear and tear issues....well there is the check engine light.

Seems I have an intermittent glow plug problem, (the harness is crap and about $45) I am too cheap to fix it.

Another reason to run a diesel in CA is the fact that it is smog exempt. I don't like to deal with smog tests, even if the car has no issue / modifications.

George