Volkswagen diesel reliability

[jaynes]

Can anyone give me an idea how reliable a '91 Jetta diesel would be with 133,000 miles on it? The ad said the engine is in great shape and the car has been well maintained. How long do these engines (and cars, I guess) last? I think it may be a turbo, but I forgot. Thanks for the insite ahead of time!



jaynes

 

[Case500D]

My '85 Jetta finally died from body rust with 500,000 plus miles on it. It had the engine rebuilt once. A turbo was added, fuel cranked, and the timimng was advanced. Man, that thing would run. Even had a 2" straight pipe on it. I would not be afraid of the car, especially if the price is right.

 

[jaynes]

Price?

Do you think that 3,800 is a fair price?

 

[Case500D]

Value???

I would probalbly pay $3,800 for it if it was turbocharged. With my '85 cranked, I was getting between 35 and 50 mpg depending on drivers and conditions. If the Jetta doesn't have a turbo I would try to talk them down a bit more. However, if it is in good shape and all, I would get it as it will make you a good car. My wife and I looked at Jettas pretty hard before we bought our '94 Ram. They are tough, little cars. Hope this doesn't confuse you and helps a bit.

 

[HC]

As long as we're on the subject, how about the newer TDI's, like found in the new Beetle?

Would love to have a baby diesel, but, live 45 miles from dealer, and need to feel like trips to the shop will be very rare...

 

[David Muench]

After I got my Ram (first diesel in the family that I know of), my younger brother got a 2001 4 door Golf TDI. He loves it, and it's an awesome little car. If you want a small car, they're great. Plenty of oomph.

 

[wxman]

Originally posted by HC

As long as we're on the subject, how about the newer TDI's, like found in the new Beetle?

Would love to have a baby diesel, but, live 45 miles from dealer, amd need to feel like trips to the shop will be very rare...

I have a 1998 Jetta TDI (and just bought a 2002 Jetta TDI for my wife) with over 112,000 miles on it. The only time I've had it in the shop was to change the timing belt (required every 60,000 miles for the manual trans, 40,000 mile for the auto trans).

 

[jaynes]

Nice!

Well, it sounds like the Jetta's are good little cars. Especially the ones with the diesel! What was the year in which Jetta started turbocharging their diesel Jettas? The '91 I was looking at, I don't think it was a turbo. I rather have a turbo, but if I can't get a turbo, then I'll settle for naturally aspirated. I hate to do it guys, but for all practicality, I think I have to sell the Beast (Ram 250 CTD) for a more money friendly car. But after owning a gasser and a diesel, I will never own another gas vehicle for as long as I live. When I get married, my future wife wants a Harley (her family owns a Harley dealership so she likes bikes), so I'll convert it to a diesel one night while she sleeps! I've had nightmares about selling my truck, but I'm afraid it has come down to that. . .



jaynes

 

[Roadhouse]

I have a money friendly diesel vehicle.

A 81 Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup.

Cant say about the 91's but I can tell you that the 81 non- turbos are smokey, smelly, dirty, noisey, slow poke slugs.

On the up side it does get 48 MPG, but 47 HP is not much.



0 - to 45 is about 13 seconds.

Put a couple of your friends in it, and You will get out run by a school bus, maybe even a loaded cement truck.

 

[Herebytheowl]

I have had several volkswagon diesels in the family, because for the most part they are well engineered. However, the "ecodiesel" they sold in 1991/1992 was the worst running diesel I have ever owned. Volkswagon must have known that it was not very good, as they dropped that particular engine after only those two years. I would be cautious if this particular car is an Ecodiesel (turbo charged diesel). If it is it should say it on the right hand lower rear deck area.

Jmpo, Mark

 

[sweeks]

Having had it only about 6 weeks, I can't comment much on the reliability of my VW Golf diesel. So far, so good and 46 MPG on the last fillup(just passed 1k miles, still breaking in) Haven't dynoed it. Yet. Steve W.

 

[StevenWalker]

My "other" diesel is a 2000 VW Jetta TDI. It is fantastic. I commute 680 miles per week. I get 49 to 50 MPG @ 75 MPH. It would be higher if I slowed down. I've put 45,000 miles on it in a year and a half with no problems. Its got lots of power, handles like a dream and carries 5 real size people. I love going 700 miles on a 14. 5 gal. tank. Sure wish my Cummins would do that!

 

[C Schomer]

I've checked the paper several times for used TDIs. I have yet to see one between early 90s and 98. Did they stop making them for a while or is everyone just keeping them? I know what the Golf is but what's the difference between the Jetta and the Passet? I'd like to know more before going to a dealer and being at their mercy! That't not where a person gets any of that! Craig

 

[lschultz]

Go to the VW website. Try Freds TDI PAGE,VWVortex,NewBettle.org

 

[lschultz]

Try these http://www.tdiclub.com/ http://www.vwortex.com/

http://www.newnettle.org/ http://www.beetlebuzz.com/

 

[C Schomer]

Thanks, lschultz!