Jetta TDI's?

[DrDesmo]

Anyone have any experience w/ Jetta TDI's?  I'm looking at an '06, Package 2 (Leather, etc.), with 76k for $13,900 with a 5 speed.  Price is a little heavy for the miles, but I will do my best to get that taken care of 

The TDI fan club seems to be pretty strong, just curious if anyone had any experience or thoughts 

Cheers,
Adam

[Popeye the Sailor]

Mileage great, maintenance didn't seem terrible, but if you don't use the specific oils and parts, you're going to hate it (it doesn't respond well).


They chip well and with some minor mods scream and handle well. I would get one.

[NAKID]

I've heard many good things and very few bad things (not enough to remember). I agree that the miles are a bit much for the price and year, but 76k on a diesel is nothing...

[angler]

I have two friends with brand new wagons.  They love them and they are fun to drive spiritedly.  I rented one in France.  It was the smaller version in the Polo.  It was a blast to drive for what it was.

[NAKID]

The new ones are a bit different in their diesel technology.

[sno_duc]

I've got a moded* 00 NB 1.9 TDI alh / 5mt with 120k on it.
*1856 turbo, PP520 nozzles, Koni FSD shocks and struts, aluminium skid plate, EGT and Boost gauges, VR6 clutch.........

This site should answer all your questions
http://forums.tdiclub.com/

Timing Belt- I don't know what the recomended mileage is to change the timing belt on the pd motor, on mine it was 60k. I put a 100k belt on. They're like Ducati's if the belt breaks you trash the motor. If you DIY you'll need a Bentley manual, a VAG-COM, metric tools, and 6-8 hrs. Remember some of the bolt are (STY) one time use and must be replaced.

Intake Manifolds- depending on how its driven. The intakes clog with soot from the EGR. When the power and fuel mileage go down it's time to pull the intake and clean it. Usually about every 80k or so, takes about 4hrs.

Oil- stick with a good diesel full synthetic. I only use Mobil Delvac 1 5w40. Check what is recommended for the PD motor.

Which tranny??

Yes I would recommend one. I get mid 40's mpg and I drive it like I stole it.

[Tiffers]

I started driving Jud's 04 TDI when I moved in a few years ago since I have a 36mi round trip highway commute each day; it made the most sense that I drive his car. As said, it is a 2004 now with 65,000 (yes, prior to me driving it, it had a 5mi a day round trip commute). No issues whatsoever outside of scheduled maintenance, here is what the service records say: (yes, I filed them and kept all)

1. window fell into the door when it was brand new; warranty
2. left headlight bulb went out when new; warranty
3. Regular oil changes (not sure about oil, but it got quaker state full synthetic per receipts, Jud gets that done for me).
4. 50k mile service. $637
5. New rear rotors and pads, also fixed rear caliper as it was malfunctioning to cause faster wear.
6. New Tires
7. Oil coolant pressure switch
8. air and cabin filters

We consider this a very maintenance free car as long as you change the oil and get the scheduled maintenance done. Next interval is 80k mi (550$) and 100k (1500$).

I'd say go for it.

[DrDesmo]

I've got a moded* 00 NB 1.9 TDI alh / 5mt with 120k on it.
*1856 turbo, PP520 nozzles, Koni FSD shocks and struts, aluminium skid plate, EGT and Boost gauges, VR6 clutch.........

This site should answer all your questions
http://forums.tdiclub.com/

Timing Belt- I don't know what the recomended mileage is to change the timing belt on the pd motor, on mine it was 60k. I put a 100k belt on. They're like Ducati's if the belt breaks you trash the motor. If you DIY you'll need a Bentley manual, a VAG-COM, metric tools, and 6-8 hrs. Remember some of the bolt are (STY) one time use and must be replaced.

Intake Manifolds- depending on how its driven. The intakes clog with soot from the EGR. When the power and fuel mileage go down it's time to pull the intake and clean it. Usually about every 80k or so, takes about 4hrs.

Oil- stick with a good diesel full synthetic. I only use Mobil Delvac 1 5w40. Check what is recommended for the PD motor.

Which tranny??

Yes I would recommend one. I get mid 40's mpg and I drive it like I stole it.

I'm asking here because all my TDI friends are fanatics about their TDIs. 

Here's the car in question - not much for the color, but it has Package 2 (leather, heated seats, dual climate, XM) and is local!

http://nh.craigslist.org/cto/1220839920.html

Cheers,
Adam

[sno_duc]

That looks like a sweet ride.

I say go for it.

Take it for a test drive, find the steepest longest hill on the inter-state in your area, slow down to 50 or so then stomp on it ( don't down shift ) in less time than it took me to type this you'll understand why TDI drivers are Fanatics.

[ArcDeDucati]

I say do it.  I used to be an avid VW guy since highschool before my ducati fix.  Still have an 87 Scrirocco 16v in great condition.  The new models are a little different technology, doesn't make that one any crappier though.  Diesel vw's will run for ever and ever, not to mention getting 40 mpg and still having balls. 

[ute]

well i had a non turbo 1987 diesel ...had 580K on it when my wife had a guy pull out in front of her

gotta say best vehicle i ever owned great engineering min of maintenance just glow plugs air oil filter 1 starter 1 alternator

1 paint job

original clutch

1200km to a tank  would cruise all day at 150kmh


crazy great vehicle 

[herm]

not a huge fan of the new styling for the jetta.....but that little diesel is sooooo sweet.
i want a diesel rabbit someday.

[sno_duc]

I was in München last month. Over half the cars are diesel. Why can't we get em on this side of the pond.

[z0mb1e_DUC]

I was in München last month. Over half the cars are diesel. Why can't we get em on this side of the pond.

Um, EPA. 

Sad thing is, the motor that's in the Jetta we get Stateside isn't nearly as good as the one in Europe.  Much more balls, better mileage.

[redxblack]

the only downside is the cost of replacement parts (unless it has changed dramatically from a few years ago). OEM VW is pricey compared to a lot of cars.