Wifey considering VW diesel

[sdstriper]

Wifey considering VW diesel. We prefer vehicles that have taken the depreciation hit already, used that is, or pre-owned in car salesman speak...



I haven't even begun to study them yet and thought I would give a shout out to the members here. Good and bad or preferred models? She drives a 2000 Buick Century now, and we have child seat needs. Oh yah, she is automatic bound... Heh heh... How are VW's automatic transmissions behind their diesels?

 

[TowPro]

check out Freds TDI page.
In the Jetta range, they changed models from the Jetta III to jetta IIII around 19991/2. they then changed to the Jetta V in 2005. 5.

The Jetta 4's were nice cars, and had a great diesel engine. Expect to replace the timing belt between 60 and 80K (depends on year and trans type).
If you do all your own oil changes, they ain't bad, but dealers charge much more then they should for oil changes.

the Jetta 5 is less of a german car then the Jetta 4, it has more creature confort's like us in the USA seem to like (like better cup holders) There is also the passat. They can be tough to find in diesel. Not sure about the autos, but I have not read that much about them blowing up.

Since VW don't have any 2007 Diesels, the price can be higher then they are worth! I have heard of people being offered what they paid for there Jetta v's (with low miles). I remember right after the hurracane that tore up the Gulf, Jetta diesels were selling for around 10K on Ebay with over 100K miles on them, way over priced. It would take a lot of miles in the 45mpg range to save on that price.

 

[sdstriper]

Curious as to why VW doesn't have any 2007 Diesels? Even though I would never buy new.



I have noticed very few VW diesels in the local paper that I keep an eye on closely. Last one was a Passat with over 100k miles, priced right at 10k, don't recall the year model.

 

[biggieou]

They couldn't meet the new emissions requirements. The same one that spelled the demise for our beloved 5. 9 and the 6. OHHH did in the TDI. I had heard rumors that it would be back for '09, but who knows.

 

[JimKing]

I have a 06 Jetta with the 6 speed auto (which is not really auto) Been a really great car. Current average MPG is 44. 8 for the first 15,000 miles. It has a lot of interior space but the seats could be a little more accomodating for someone 6' or so. Other than that, I have no complaints.

 

[BILLVO]

I would look for an 03 or newer and if comfort was important look for a passat.

 

[sdstriper]

What VW model is the largest? Am I correct here, did they offer the diesel in every model they made?

 

[BILLVO]

What VW model is the largest? Am I correct here, did they offer the diesel in every model they made?

smallest to largest is golf,beetle,jetta,passat,they make a wagon in both jetta and passat also, then the phaton "very expensive"Comparable to cadilac. then the tourag and yes diesels offered in all models as far as I know.

 

[sdstriper]

Diesel wagon, that would be nice. Thanks, BILLVO!



What's the significance of 03' or newer?

 

[TowPro]

Don't forget the Touareg, some of them made it to the US with diesels.
I have not heard of a Phaton with a diesel, I thought they were all v8 gassers.
The Passat went several years with no diesel. The jetta and Bug have had diesels every year from around 98-2006

 

[sdstriper]

In this weeks Sunday paper:



02' Jetta TDI, 84k miles, $13,500



02' Beetle, mileage n/a, $10,995



I will check both of these out. The Beetle is a bit on the small side for our needs.

 

[Sleepy Creek]

Check www.myvwlemon.com before you buy.

 

[sdstriper]

Hey thanks for the link. I doubt I will buy one until I have looked at a bunch of them, driven several and studied up substantially... I can't stand parting with my money unless I feel there is real value in the item... These would be the first of many I will look at.

 

[BILLVO]

Diesel wagon, that would be nice. Thanks, BILLVO!



What's the significance of 03' or newer?

O3 and newer had an improved timing belt setup that only requires change at 100k miles instead of 80k. and the egr was supposed to be improved also in 03.

 

[TowPro]

You can adjust the EGR amount using VAG-com (a software package that allows you to adjust the ECM with your laptop). Now the new design engine (PD diesel) don't allow that adjustment.



I think when you replace the timing belt on any Gen 4 Jetta, you can put on the 100K belt and parts. Check Freds to be 100% sure.

 

[jeepit]

My wife has a 2006 Jetta and loves it. Average 43 mpgs and she does lots of driving.

 

[MEby]

I have two complaints for the jetta's. 1. the ones I have driven are VERY UNCOMFORTABLE. 1. thought the interior was pretty cheap. Love the mpgs though.

 

[TheWolf]

Jetta's will be on the small side if you need a car seat, rear seating is smaller side. I just bought mine (2000 jetta) the first of march. I am no small guy right now 6'1'' 250. I drive 50 miles each way for work and have no real complaints. It is actaully fun to drive!!! I went with the 5 sp because lots on the tdiclub forum say autos start having problems a little down the road. up to 2003 is what they say are the better cars. Whatch ot for the 2004 models I heard of wiring issues with them( nightmares). 2005 and 2006 are larger/heavier cars. I found mine locally. It was a wrecked car that was rebuilt. There is a local guy the all he has done for the past 30 years or so has been buy and rebuilding VW's. I get anywhere form 46-49 mpgs depending on my driving habits.



Yes if you want you can get injectors clutches, chips, turbos for them also.

 

[TowPro]

the Jetta V (starts in June 2005) is a totaly different car then the Jetta IV.

I would not hesatate to put 2 car seats on the rear of a Jetta V. But my Daughter is 14 so I hope I will not be needing any more child seats.



In fact, at 14, she is 5'4" tall, and she can still sit behind me when I have the seat set for 6'0 tall.



I never owned a Jetta IV. I had a Jetta III (god rest its sole, an old lady rear ended me at 50mph, I was sitting still, and still drove it home!) Now the Wife drives the 2005. 5.

 

[Todd G]

My wife drives a 2004 Jetta TDI 70 miles per day in traffic and gets 44mpg average over 50k miles. We have never had a problem yet...