VW Jetta TDI

[TXDSLSHOP]

We test drove one today and my wife fell in love! I liked it as well but, unfortunately this one was spoken for and if it's gone tomorow I will have to find another one! What known problems do they have, what should I look out for and where is the best place to get a used one around Houston area? This one was a 99 TDI with 60K for $8800. 00 I thought it was a good deal. Someone please enlighten me before I get something I will regret! Thanks! Jeremy.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Bear in mind that that thing is about due for a timing belt change... . which can be sorta expensive if you have the dealer do it. It's only ~$180 in parts - but they rip you a new one in labor... .



The Jetta's of that vintage had some issues with the power windows that caused a lot of people to lemon law their cars.



Check out www.tdiclub.com for more info - it's like the TDR for VW TDI's... . only the people there are a lot more conservative.



It sounds like a good deal - but I have not seen a www.kbb.com report on the market value of the car... ... you might want to check out what it's really worth.



I also did a Carfax report on my New Beetle TDI - just to be reassure myself that it wasn't wrecked/flooded/etc. Carfax doesn't catch everything - but it's pretty good at catching the big wrecks and title information (if it was in a state that requires titles... )



"TheRabbitTree" and I have quite a bit of experience with these engines and car platforms.....



If you need any more information - I'm sure we'd all be glad to help.



Matt

 

[TXDSLSHOP]

Sold!

Well I am back on the hunt! I called first thing this morning and the Jetta is gone! We did find a 99 Isuzu Rodeo V6 with 60k for $6500. 00 and we are driving it for the weekend. It is from a friend of mines car lot. We'll see how this one works out. Thanks for the input. Jeremy.

 

[LightmanE300]

you'll spend more in fuel costs in the weekend than you would for a month in the tdi =] My TDI has just sold, but I'm going to miss it. My 04 cummins is on the way to replace it. I'm bracing myself for a shot to the wallet in fuel costs@!!

 

[NETim]

TDI

We've looked into the VW TDI but there seems to be a fair amount of dissatifaction with VW dealers.



Electrical problems seem to be common from what I've read and since the TDI is an EGR engine, the intercooler gets "gunked up" and needs to be periodically flushed out and cleaned. There is a workaround though. The EGR system can apparently be "bypassed" with the right stuff. The website mentioned above is well worth visiting.



I've never owned one but after what I've read, I'm not sure that I want to. Also, the nearest dealer to us is over 2 hours away, however crummy they may or may not be.



Tim

 

[TXDSLSHOP]

Change of plans, again!

Well, we took back the Isuzu today and we are going to pick up a PT Cruiser. It is what my wife wanted in the first place before I tried to get the VW! It rates very well in consumer reviews (Twice as good as the Isuzu!) on Edmunds.com and It is only 9500. 00 with 11k miles. Not bad for a 2002. She will be happy and I don't have to drive it. I love my CTD! I must admit though, the PT does have quite a bit of character! Thanks for the input! Jeremy.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

The PT is a Neon gone amuck... .



Headgaskets are common on that little 4-banger..... other than that they've been okay.



Out of all the times I have been to a Chrysler dealership over the past 4 or 5 years - there has always been a little 4-banger in the shop that needed a new headgasket/head... ...



I'm curious to see how long the turbo variant of that engine holds up... .



Matt

 

[TXDSLSHOP]

I like it!

I put a couple hundred miles on the little PT today and I love it! It is really a nice driver and has plenty power for cruising around! I will take my chances on the Head/Gasket. If it goes then so be it, I will fix it! I am going to be driving this little car periodically just because I like it. The wife won't mind she enjoys driving my CTD! Thanks for the advice! Jeremy.