Jetta TDI's?

[ducatiz]

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.

Not just EPA.  European diesel is around 50-55 cetane, compared iwth 40-45 here, and they've had ULSD for years so car companies have designed around it.  Get diesel to 50 cetane here and a better distribution network (i.e. don't like filling up at the truck stop) and you might have a chance. 

Plus, it's not EPA, it is CARB that is a pregnant dog to meet.  Jeep and Mercedes has diesels which are only 43-state legal...

[ducatiz]

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

the 2006 is the PD engine -- the famous/infamous pumpe deuse.  I have an 05 model and I love it, but be RELIGIOUS about using the right oil OR ELSE your engine will grenade.

The PD engines are cleaner and get good mileage and good HP, but are the last of VW's attempt to use their old-style jets before going using MB's Bluetec. 

My 05 gets about 36 MPG in city driving and easily 50 mpg on the highway doing 70-75.  I imagine I would get better mileage if I didn't drive like an asshole.

When you get it:

1.  Change the fuel filter.
2.  Change the oil and filter. 
3.  Double check all the hose clamps.

First thing to go bad on the body is the rubber suspension bumpers, but they are not a big deal, they just get squeaky.  Spray them with some silicone lube or replace.

If the sun roof leaks, open it all the way on a dry day and use some vaseline on the rim.  gob it on and then close the window and wipe off excess.  End of leak.

These cars are mostly well made, but will have some quirks:

1.  Interior finish is so -so. Stuff will rub off.  Controls will break.  My seat release for the rear seat broke early on.  handle cost me $30 to replace.
2.  Cloth seats SUCK UP stains.  Have it shampooed and scotch-guarded immediately.  Trust me, you'll be happy you did.  First time you go to taco bell and fart on the way home, you'll be glad.  If you don't get scotch guard, then you'll have a perma-skid mark in the driver's seat.
3.  Monsoon stereo is actually nice, but no mp3
4.  Steering pumps go.  You'll hear it when you are turning at low speed, kind of a WHEEEERRRRRRR sound intermittently.  Not a big deal, have it replaced when you replace the accessory belt.
5.  Cam belt schedule should be observed religiously.
6.  Best oil IMHO is the Ineo Total Quartz, which is VW certified for the PD engine.
7.  Good tires go a long way.

[DrDesmo]

the 2006 is the PD engine -- the famous/infamous pumpe deuse.  I have an 05 model and I love it, but be RELIGIOUS about using the right oil OR ELSE your engine will grenade.

The PD engines are cleaner and get good mileage and good HP, but are the last of VW's attempt to use their old-style jets before going using MB's Bluetec. 

My 05 gets about 36 MPG in city driving and easily 50 mpg on the highway doing 70-75.  I imagine I would get better mileage if I didn't drive like an asshole.

When you get it:

1.  Change the fuel filter.
2.  Change the oil and filter. 
3.  Double check all the hose clamps.

First thing to go bad on the body is the rubber suspension bumpers, but they are not a big deal, they just get squeaky.  Spray them with some silicone lube or replace.

If the sun roof leaks, open it all the way on a dry day and use some vaseline on the rim.  gob it on and then close the window and wipe off excess.  End of leak.

These cars are mostly well made, but will have some quirks:

1.  Interior finish is so -so. Stuff will rub off.  Controls will break.  My seat release for the rear seat broke early on.  handle cost me $30 to replace.
2.  Cloth seats SUCK UP stains.  Have it shampooed and scotch-guarded immediately.  Trust me, you'll be happy you did.  First time you go to taco bell and fart on the way home, you'll be glad.  If you don't get scotch guard, then you'll have a perma-skid mark in the driver's seat.
3.  Monsoon stereo is actually nice, but no mp3
4.  Steering pumps go.  You'll hear it when you are turning at low speed, kind of a WHEEEERRRRRRR sound intermittently.  Not a big deal, have it replaced when you replace the accessory belt.
5.  Cam belt schedule should be observed religiously.
6.  Best oil IMHO is the Ineo Total Quartz, which is VW certified for the PD engine.
7.  Good tires go a long way.

Thanks! 

Would you get one with 74k and no records, or find another example (or buy a new one.)

Cheers,
Adam

[sno_duc]

Not just EPA.  European diesel is around 50-55 cetane, compared iwth 40-45 here, and they've had ULSD for years so car companies have designed around it.  Get diesel to 50 cetane here and a better distribution network (i.e. don't like filling up at the truck stop) and you might have a chance. 

Plus, it's not EPA, it is CARB that is a pregnant dog to meet.  Jeep and Mercedes has diesels which are only 43-state legal...

It's good that someone with PD knowlege posted up, I own an ALH so I know ALH's.

Yeah CARB has tunnel vision when it comes to NOx's even thou VOC's are worse as far as air pollution. Gasoline is volatile, diesel is not. 

If you back up a page or two I posted a link to a place in Houston that sells (GTL) synthetic diesel, 67 cetane  .

[ducatiz]

I wouldn't turn it away.  Take it to a vw dealer and have them check it out esp the distributor pump, belts and overall health.  They are pretty sturdy.  Most people know about the oil reqs.

[cyrus buelton]

3.  Monsoon stereo is actually nice, but no mp3

Easy fix:

go old school and buy one of those cassette tapes with the headjack plug.

that is what I use in my Jetta

and +1 to the monsoon, that is a nice stock stereo.

[ducatiz]

Easy fix:

go old school and buy one of those cassette tapes with the headjack plug.

that is what I use in my Jetta

and +1 to the monsoon, that is a nice stock stereo.

I did one better, I got an FM transmitter setup.  Plugs into the headphone jack just the same and broadcasts on whatever FM station is available.  Much better sound.

[cyrus buelton]

I did one better, I got an FM transmitter setup.  Plugs into the headphone jack just the same and broadcasts on whatever FM station is available.  Much better sound.

I've tried that method many times in the past. I don't care for it.

[NAKID]

I've tried that method many times in the past. I don't care for it.

I agree. With my old F150, I had the FM transmitter for my Sirius and it works decent as long as you stay in one geographical area. That being said, I got an adapter for the tape deck and the sound was much more consistent...

[DrDesmo]

I've tried that method many times in the past. I don't care for it.

My favorite method for iPod integration:

http://blitzsafe.com/catalog/volkswagen/jetta/1999-2008/cat_492.html

Cheers,
Adam

[ducatiz]

My favorite method for iPod integration:

http://blitzsafe.com/catalog/volkswagen/jetta/1999-2008/cat_492.html

Cheers,
Adam

maybe a dumb question, but the plug for the changer in mine is in the back of the car, do you put the player there too?

[DrDesmo]

maybe a dumb question, but the plug for the changer in mine is in the back of the car, do you put the player there too?

Nope! It comes with an 8'-ish cord for the iPod, so you can tuck the interface box wherever is convenient and then have the lead for the iPod.  In my volvo, I have it come up next to the parking brake so I can keep it close at hand in its own little cubby area.

Cheers,
Adam

[yotogi]

+1 on the iPod adapters that go into the CD harness. Many of them will integrate with the controls on the stock head unit.

I had a 2001 Golf TDI and wish that I had never gotten rid of it. The TDI is just a fantastic engine and you really can't beat the fuel economy and the torque. Of course, I am still a little bias toward the 3.2 V6 in my R32 but can you blame me? 

If I were in the market for a car, a TDI would be on my short list, although probably in a Jetta wagon if I could find one.

[ducatiz]

If I were in the market for a car, a TDI would be on my short list, although probably in a Jetta wagon if I could find one.

here yah go

http://www.vw.com/jettasportwagen/tdi/en/us/

[ArcDeDucati]

the 2006 is the PD engine -- the famous/infamous pumpe deuse.  I have an 05 model and I love it, but be RELIGIOUS about using the right oil OR ELSE your engine will grenade.

The PD engines are cleaner and get good mileage and good HP, but are the last of VW's attempt to use their old-style jets before going using MB's Bluetec. 

My 05 gets about 36 MPG in city driving and easily 50 mpg on the highway doing 70-75.  I imagine I would get better mileage if I didn't drive like an asshole.

When you get it:

1.  Change the fuel filter.
2.  Change the oil and filter. 
3.  Double check all the hose clamps.

First thing to go bad on the body is the rubber suspension bumpers, but they are not a big deal, they just get squeaky.  Spray them with some silicone lube or replace.

If the sun roof leaks, open it all the way on a dry day and use some vaseline on the rim.  gob it on and then close the window and wipe off excess.  End of leak.

These cars are mostly well made, but will have some quirks:

1.  Interior finish is so -so. Stuff will rub off.  Controls will break.  My seat release for the rear seat broke early on.  handle cost me $30 to replace.
2.  Cloth seats SUCK UP stains.  Have it shampooed and scotch-guarded immediately.  Trust me, you'll be happy you did.  First time you go to taco bell and fart on the way home, you'll be glad.  If you don't get scotch guard, then you'll have a perma-skid mark in the driver's seat.
3.  Monsoon stereo is actually nice, but no mp3
4.  Steering pumps go.  You'll hear it when you are turning at low speed, kind of a WHEEEERRRRRRR sound intermittently.  Not a big deal, have it replaced when you replace the accessory belt.
5.  Cam belt schedule should be observed religiously.
6.  Best oil IMHO is the Ineo Total Quartz, which is VW certified for the PD engine.
7.  Good tires go a long way.

You sound like an old Vdub guy.  Everything you said is exactly what goes wrong with VWs. Nothing major, just things you should keep an eye on. I still own a 87 Scirocco 16v and it has the classic sunroof leak, so did my 94 jetta and 96 GTI. 

Always spend the money on tires.