Stupid question - VW TDI...

[schu777]

Okay - today I got to thinking about getting a "newer" used car to replace the 200K mile Taruas that is getting rust spots on it now, not to mention the clear coat flaking off.



So, what should makes/models/years should I be looking for? I'm not wanting to go over $3k on this since it is more less going to be the "hail" car and sit outdoors for the rest of it's life.



Thanks, Michael

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Look for an "A3" or "A4" TDI... .



You might get lucky and find a '97ish Passat TDI or a '98 Jetta TDI - both of which are "A3" models... ...



I paid a little bit more than twice for what you want to spend on my A4 '98 New Beetle..... The '98 New Beetle was sorta weird - it was the only VW considered to be an A4 during a non A4 year.....



You can find deals if you want to look around.



I would never discourage anyone from owning a new or old TDI - I love mine... ...



Matt

 

[lschultz]

If you want a VW TDI I think you are going to have to pay more than 3K.

 

[Peter Campbell]

A 50 MPG car it would have to be pretty ugly or broken to go for 3K.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Make friends with a guy/girl that has access to the used car auction systems in your area.



My buddy has found numerous New Beetle TDI's for a LOT less than I paid for mine..... oh well.



Matt

 

[pdolan]

Schu:



I doubt you will find a TDI for $3 grand. Don't despair, though, a good TD will be in that range. The cars to avoid, though, are the 1. 9 TDs. Even though it sounds like a good idea, the second expansion of the engine from 1. 6 to 1. 9 didn't go that well. The power wasn't bad, but the mileage wasn't there. This is where the earlier RGJ (Rabbit/Golf/Jetta = "A" series) came in both TD and later TDI. The A3 TDIs are valued a lot lower than the A4 series, but earlier A3s are NOT TDIs, but the 1. 9 TDs. There are also Passat (B3) cars in that lot with diesels. If you go way back, the 1. 6 TDs will get pretty near the mileage of a new TDI, but are sold for next to nothing. Parts are easy to come by and fairly affordable, and the much lower car weight means the performance isn't bad either. They all over-fuel, so a boost device will clean them up and make a bit more power. Also, intercoolers help, as does a decent port job when the head is off.

Our A2 Jetta TD has about 600,000 kms on it, and is still very strong and reliable. Our A4 TDI Jetta Variant is about 1,000 lbs. heavier, and does get better highway mileage and way better top speed.



Pat

 

[LightmanE300]

Spend a little more and dont make it your 'hail car'. I am about to let my TDI go to its new owner and will miss it. The 50mpg is awesome, as is the power since the chip and a few other tweaks. I agree, 3k isn't going to get you near anything that says TDI unless its wrecked.

 

[schu777]

Well - since I've done some purchases for the truck, the idea of getting a TDI will more than likely be put to the side. The biggest reason was the mileage for this car and getting something that is realible to drive home to the folks.



Hopefully finances will get better after the bombing itch goes away... but I have a feeling with the need for more power that might be impossible...

 

[HoleshotHolset]

You all need to go to a wholesale car auction - you would not believe what some TDI's go for.



My buddy found a '98 NB TDI with 1/2 the mileage of my car and in much better shape for $4500 - I paid nearly twice that for mine from a used dealer.



The A3's are TDI's - they're Turbo and have Direct Injection - not like the 1. 6L's which were InDirect Injection or IDI.....



The little 1. 6L's are fun - lots of fun..... and can make good power with some hilljack ingenuity... . right Deo?! :-laf



Matt

 

[Barry]

I have been giving the VW TDI a great deal of thought for a chase/tow car to go pick up motorhomes. I have a 2000 Saturn LS 200 now. Checking my trusty "Dingy Tow Car Guide" it does not list any of the VWs as being able to be flat towed. You TDI gurus have any idea?????????

 

[HoleshotHolset]

What do they base their 'flat tow' guide on?



I understand that some automatics have a hard time surviving at highway speeds with the engine off and being dragged along in neutral..... lack of fluid flow for lubrication was the culprit.



Does this same problem rear its ugly head with manual trannies?



There isn't much science behind the lubrication in manual trannies... . or differentials for that matter.



I have heard horror stories of Subaru's, Audi's, and other fine AWD cars being towed with either the front or rear end on the ground... . but the problem there is obvious. Subaru in their infinite wisdom has a fuse that you can pull and allegely disable the rear axle end of things - I never tested that fuse, however.



Matt

 

[Barry]

As far as I know the Saturn is the only Auto trannie that can be flat towed. Most of the Japanese manuals can be towed. I just do not know about the VWs. If someone would check the owners manual that might tell us... ... ... ... ... .....