Volkswagen TDI - Seeking Information

[HBarlow]

I'm not a TDI expert by any means, but as far as I know, the Pump Deuse with the unit injectors is the least desirable TDI. You either want the older one with the traditional distributor pump or a newer one with the HPCR system. The PD is the one that can have camshaft issues. It is also not quite as economical as either the earlier or later version.

I had not figured that out as you stated it but it makes perfect sense when considering what I read about the Pumpe Deuse (I think that is the odd way it was spelled). It is reportedly the one that causes worn cam lobes.

The 2004 and earlier apparently use a mechanical fuel delivery system much like the 12 valve Cummins - mechanical pump. That system may run forever. The latest ones have the DMF!

I've had zero problems with the DMF in my C&C but given the choice I'd prefer not to buy a small car intended for the short trips and fuel economy my heavy C&C does not excel at only to have a DMF that doesn't like short trips.

 

[HBarlow]

Here are a few online sources for Volkswagen parts.

idparts.com
metalmanparts.com
boraparts.com
worldimpex.com
dieselgeek.com

Thanks for those links. Do you have experience with them?

 

[mwilson]

Harvey,

This thread is bringing out some great info, learning quite a bit about the TDI's.

I thought of someone that might have real world experience with care and feeding of a TDI.

His name is Reggie and he the co-owner of Diesel Fuel Systems.

He has run some small Diesels of his own including a Mercedes "C" Diesel, I believe he has also owned a TDI or two.



He would know of weak spots and and would offer up anything that he has learned about them, I'm sure.



I am pretty sure that he tweaks his little commuter cars so he should have extensive knowlege of the 3 TDI fuel delivery systems.



I know when I pass him in the morning I see gauges on his left hand pillar... ... ... ...



He is one to be trusted, also a man that loves what he does.



You could call or e-mail him, here is the link to the contact page...



Maine Diesel Fuel | Parts and Accessories | Caterpillar Engine Parts | Pump, Injector and Turbo | Lubricant and Fuel Additives | Chassis Dyno | Drive-In Service | Diesel Fuel Systems, located in Bangor, Maine



Mike.

 

[HBarlow]

Thanks, Mike. I'll email him.

 

[MCopenhaver]

I bought a 2009 Jetta TDI new couple years ago and have about 50,000 on it now. There were some nice incentives at the time so price was good, especially with the tax incentives. So far I've been very happy with it. Have two neighbors and my dad who bought same car also about same time. Everyone so far loves theirs with essentially no problems. Drives very nice and my mpg is around 45 average, mostly highway. I have gotten it over 50mpg if I keep my speed down to under 60. With the new engine design, it drives a BUNCH better than the older VW diesels, and considerably quieter. Not exactly a rocket, but has very good pickup, much better than the gas engine version I drove. Nothing beats torque of the diesel.



I looked at hybrids, but this was cheaper and I like fact that it is proven technology, not something they are still tinkering with. And not many hybrids can do what my diesel does, especially if you are doing mostly highway driving.



My only problem was with the latching mechanism on the center console, which dealer fixed. Let dealer do maintenance for first 40,000 per VW plan. I'm doing it now. What is expensive is having the auto transmission fluid replaced (I have manual) when called for on schedule, but auto is pretty nice also from what my neighbors have said. For oil changes, just need to be sure to use the VW spec'd oil.



Yes, like my truck, it does take a bit longer to warm up than a gas version, but with heated seats I can wait a few extra minutes for the hot air to happen. A minor inconvenience in my humble opinion.



So far, two thumbs up!!! Why don't we see more of them??? Looking at a diesel Toureg to replace my wife's Grand Cherokee... ...

 

[tkerrigan]

Harvey, that $1450 also included the 100,000 mile service, cam belt, drive belt, water pump, new idlers, filters, oil, etc. I used the factory recommended 10,000 mile oil change interval, maybe 5,000 mile changes would have prevented that. The special oil for them is at least $6. per quart.

Regards, Tom

 

[DNordvik]

Thanks for those links. Do you have experience with them?

I have only bought from dieselgeek.com. I liked their pricing and service. I bought a timing belt kit from them.

 

[HBarlow]

Harvey, that $1450 also included the 100,000 mile service, cam belt, drive belt, water pump, new idlers, filters, oil, etc. I used the factory recommended 10,000 mile oil change interval, maybe 5,000 mile changes would have prevented that. The special oil for them is at least $6. per quart.
Regards, Tom

Thanks, Tom. That makes the price sound a lot better

 

[jeepit]

As my sig shows we have a 2006 Jetta TDI. German engineering is the best as far as I'm concerned. This car is as solid riding and performing as when we purschased it. We have averaged 43 mpg over the last 5 years. I do all the minor maintenance on it. Oil and fuel filters are all easy to do. We have 111,000 with the only major preventitive maintenance being the timing belt replacement. If you are buying new make sure to get the heated seats. I appreciate those in our climate. :-laf

I would buy another TDI when the time comes.

 

[HBarlow]

I have not read or heard a single owner criticism of VW TDIs. I've spoken with two dealers who know I want a used one if they take in a trade.

 

[stumphumper]

I got my wife the jetta wagon back in 2005. Great buy. Tried to buy used but found the price to high and for a few grand more i could buy new. Not the real cool kinda stuff in this car (crank handle to lower seat ect. ) but I'm still getting 40 mpg! No eng. problems but the intake does get full of gunk do to the EGR system. I built an oil seperator out of some pvc pipe to scrub the oil off the air hose before it is returned to the intake, and it has helped to keep the oil out of the intake, turbo and the intake cooler. I have about 180k on the engine and will be looking for a good mech. to change out the timing belt soon. I like to do my own work but ... im not sure about that job. O, I almost forgot no trany dip stick! ya. like that freeeked me out. But the TDI web threads will be a great help just like the TDR is! good luck. ken

 

[mtarcher1]

Well, it looks like you have lots of good feedback, and none is negative. I'll add to it... . we have a 1996 Passat TDI that had somewhere around 145,000 miles on it when we bought it. It'd been owned by a business delivery company so maintenance was good. It now has around 255,000 miles on it. There have been no major issues with it, ever. I've done routine maintenance including cleaning the intercooler and valve adjustments but honestly, no problems. We will replace it with another TDI. But this one may go another 100,000 miles so I'm not in a hurry! Notably, we live in Montana and it is a great winter car. It warms up very quickly and always starts... . coldest start without the block heater was -25F.

 

[HBarlow]

Well, it looks like you have lots of good feedback, and none is negative. I'll add to it... . we have a 1996 Passat TDI that had somewhere around 145,000 miles on it when we bought it. It'd been owned by a business delivery company so maintenance was good. It now has around 255,000 miles on it. There have been no major issues with it, ever. I've done routine maintenance including cleaning the intercooler and valve adjustments but honestly, no problems. We will replace it with another TDI. But this one may go another 100,000 miles so I'm not in a hurry! Notably, we live in Montana and it is a great winter car. It warms up very quickly and always starts... . coldest start without the block heater was -25F.

That's impressive service for a pretty inexpensive car.

If my wife was agreeable I would have already owned one but she loves Japanese SUVs and doesn't want to hear my praise for VW TDIs. Eventually I'm going to buy one just for me but its hard to justify another car when I have my Dodge parked out in the barn.

 

[Jim W]

That's impressive service for a pretty inexpensive car.



If my wife was agreeable I would have already owned one but she loves Japanese SUVs and doesn't want to hear my praise for VW TDIs. Eventually I'm going to buy one just for me but its hard to justify another car when I have my Dodge parked out in the barn.

Harvey,

Have your wife test drive a new VW TDI Touareg, this way you get the VW TDI and she gets her SUV.

This was the vehicle my wife wanted until she saw the price tag. Her comment was this would be OK for a primary car but not for her to run around town in. The VW Touareg is a Porsche Cayenne in VW clothing and way better than any Japanese or Korean SUV.



Jim W.

 

[HBarlow]

Jim,

I hadn't thought of that. I wonder how the Touareg is rated by Consumer Reports?

 

[KLauber]

Ooooh! A V6 diesel! Probably they learned their lesson after the V10 TDI debacle... only problem Harvey, is a new Touareg is probably 60K..... drat!

 

[HBarlow]

Jim,

I see what your wife meant. I reviewed the Touareg on the VW of America website. The loaded Touareg is bumping against $60k!

That's too pricey for either of us. A loaded AWD Honda Pilot is $41,xxx and that's what she likes.

 

[HBarlow]

Ooooh! A V6 diesel! Probably they learned their lesson after the V10 TDI debacle... only problem Harvey, is a new Touareg is probably 60K..... drat!

I don't think it is a V6 diesel and I never heard of a V10 TDI but it is priced at almost $60k. Too much for me.

 

[MChrist]

They used to have optional diesel V-10s, but switched to V-6 diesel option. Gas is available, too. I believe it's the 3. 0 V-6, which is a good diesel engine.



Tell your wife the VW is Japanese! Stands for Vera Wang!

 

[HBarlow]

The Touareg must use the Daimler Mercedes Benz V6 diesel instead of the TDI four cylinder.

A $60,000 Touareg is not in my plans. The $25,000 Golf TDI or Jetta TDI appeal to me for their simplicity and economy.