Thinking about a TDI

[The patriot]

Does anyone have one of these VW's?

I NEVER see them for sale used.

Looking at a 2012 Passat TDI SE. The Chrysler is killing me in gasoline.

TIA.

 

[Jim W]

My wife and I own a 2011 Jetta TDI with the nav and sunroof package. We have the DSG which is a electronically controlled manual/auto transmission. You can shift through the gears with out a clutch or put it in two different modes such as drive and or sport. My wife loves the car and I drive it also so the Ram sits most of the time mainly used to haul the 5er and carry items in the bed.

The VW did not offer the diesel in 2011 in the Passat new for 2012. The Passat does required Urea to meet the diesel emission, the Jetta does not require Urea. My wife is averaging close to 35 MPH in town with a little highway driving (10%).



There has been report of fuel system problems with the HPFP, Bosh common rail fuel system. So you may want the extended warranty in case the HFPF fails.



Here is a link to a TDI site. TDI News/Tech - TDIClub Forums



Would I buy another one? Yes,

Jim W.

 

[CJ8Rockcrawler]

We have an 06 with almost 100k on it now. The only problem so far has been replacing the DMF that started rattling. I average about 40 mpg in it. Check out forums. tdiclub.com for more info on the cars and there are usually a few for sale in the classifieds section as well. The sedans are pretty easy to find, but the sportwagens are almost impossible...

 

[rscurtis]

The Passat with DEF gets better highway mileage than the smaller Jetta that doesn't use it. CU reported an actual 51 highway MPG with the Passat.

 

[Tractorat]

I understand that CF has an 02 and really likes it. I think I remember him posting that he gets 60mpg on the highway and I believe him.

 

[jeepit]

We have a 2006 Jetta TDI. ZERO problems with it. Average 43 mpg. Have 112,000 miles on it.

I would buy another.

 

[rscurtis]

I understand that CF has an 02 and really likes it. I think I remember him posting that he gets 60mpg on the highway and I believe him.

That's very possible, but the Jetta has bulked up from the svelte 2200# '89 that I had to a 3000+# bruiser today.

 

[JLEONARD]

99. 5 jetta tdi. Only 140 k on it. 45 to 50 mpg. A good deal of issues with the emissions systems,really the glow plug circuit. Causes the cel to go on. Not a problem with it running, but we live in an emissions test state and they won,t test with the cel on.

Had the intake man off at 80k to clean it,and it needs it again. One of the quirks.

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

We have a '12 Jetta Sportwagen TDI. It's loaded with every possible option, car is amazing. We ordered with the six speed manual. We've only got 3K miles as of now and have been getting 39-40 mpg.

 

[jhenderson]

I know a few people that own tdi's. Drive great, terrific fuel economy, but the maintenance after 100,000 miles will kill you.

 

[The patriot]

I dont know if this will happen. They dont want to give me one cent over 10K for the chrysler. I was hoping for 11. 5K as a trade in. :{

It's not looking too good, but thanks for the input.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

I have watched one of my friends bombed Jetta TDI run back to back mid 14 second quarter mile passes. And his wife claims well over 40mpg on longer trips. You have to know that a Chevelle SS 396-454 stock when new would only run 14+ in the quarter.

 

[rscurtis]

I doubt it would see 40 MPG, either.

 

[The patriot]

What is "urea"?

 

[Regcabguy]

My friend owns a VW/Subaru dealership. The newer TDI's, although more complex have been very trouble-free. Sportswagens are rare.

Between the Subaru and VW's,sales are good.



I drove a 2011 Jetta with auto. It was a demo with less than 1000 miles,and driven locally only and the speedo was showing 38 mpg.



If anybody in the San Diego area wants a pressure-free test drive,pm me for a referral.

 

[rscurtis]

What is "urea"?

It is one of the ingredients of DEF, the other is deionized water. It is made from natural gas and is used as a safe way to introduce ammonia to the exhaust catalyst that converts NOX into nitrogen and water vapor. Its use allows the engine to use less EGR and be set up for more economical operation.

 

[The patriot]

Thanks. Approx when does this need to be serviced, and about how much $$$ is it?

Sorry for the questions, all of my diesel experience is 1st and 2nd gen type engines. Pretty much NO emissions junk. :-laf

 

[rscurtis]

Generally speaking for passenger vehicles, it has to be replenished at every oil change.

 

[CJ8Rockcrawler]

Yeah, each vehicle is different depending on the size of their urea tank, but from what I have read, most are 10-12k miles. BUT, if you run out the engine either flat out won't run or will only run in a limp mode.

 

[BILLUA]

Yeah, each vehicle is different depending on the size of their urea tank, but from what I have read, most are 10-12k miles. BUT, if you run out the engine either flat out won't run or will only run in a limp mode.

True, but the vehicles will give you plenty of warning, a few hundred miles, that the tank needs to be refilled before going into limp mode, or not starting as required by the epa and catalyst systems.

As stated above, you can even buy DEF at Walmart now and refilling the tank is normally no more difficult than putting fuel in your vehicles.