Just sold my beloved B5.5 TDI today. I will be seriously looking into a 6sp. Jetta sportswagon TDI. I have owned many VW's but no Audi's. I have always wondered about the way Audi's models are designated. A3, A4, for example, I'm understanding are the same body? different generation?
Does Audi have a TDI sportswagon?
In manual transmission?
What is it designated as? A3?
Also in my search it seems some Jetta (Audi?) TDI's have NOT had the "VW smog fix"... I wonder if this "fix" actually helped or hurt the drivability or M.P.G. of these cars. Owner feedback would be greatly appreciated
Audi never had a TDI Sportwagen, but they had a A3 Hatchback with a VW/Audi TDI engine, same engine in all VW TDI's from 2009.5 to 2014. The A3 TDI is a nice car. The A3 is a smaller car, lower roof, with much smaller volume in the back (more comparable to a Golf not a JSW), but in any trim the Audi is more deluxe. It cost at least $3,000 more than a VW in lower trim. The Audi had A3 upgrades that made it over $30K. I recall real leather the Audi had... and upgraded features like side mirrors that tilted down when car was in reverse (to see the curb I assume). However the stock VW JSW TDI was no slouch and was well appointed (with fake but nice leather).
I believe the Audi A3 had both manual and DSG transmission option but I could be wrong. It might have been DSG only(?). Don't disregard buying DSG for a manual only. The manual is lighter and has slightly higher final gear, which gives it a slight MPG advantage. However the DSG however is just amazing. The DSG gets a oil filter change every 40K. I just did mine. The manual has a clutch change at some point and there is the dampened flywheel springs (an issue that happens). The DSG clutch I think is going to go a long time. The DSG oil and filter is about $120. The dealer will charge $350-$400 for the service. You can do it yourself for the cost of oil and filter. I did it. I am slow but do good work. It took me better part of a day. If I did it again I could shave off a few hours. I did "TOP FILL" which takes longer but saves you from having to get, make or buy the bottom fill fitting and hose.
Fuel Econ is reported to have gone down slightly with "The Fix" for me, but I really have not checked. it is small loss. I am about to take a 1600 mile all highway RT road trip. Last time I did this trip I got +50 MPG driving conservatively in both directions. We shall see what I get this time. However I'm over hyper-mile'g. I am going to put the peddle to metal with AC blasting. I'm sure I will get Mid to low 40's at least driving like a bat out of hell (albeit all highway). When I got +50 mpg on a 700 mile leg (did it in one tank) I followed 55-65 speed limit and refrained from using AC. Again I have a JSW with DSG.
As far as power/torque it is still there and fun to drive. I am not recommending this or promoting modification of car emission systems. I'm leaving my stock, especially since modification will void my warranty. Also Mods' cost $$$ and rarely do you recoup that cost. However there are ECU tunes and/or exhaust modifications that improve power and efficiency (higher MPG). Again the best CR TDI for mileage is a two door Golf manual trans. However the JSW is great for car camping... I can sleep in it with seats folded down (about 5'8" flat floor from rear hatch to back of front seats).
I love the fact I have the FIX warranty on my 8 year old car with 102,000 miles. The FIX warranty takes me out to 12 years and 140,000 miles! Of course the $5,000 VW gave me was not bad either.
If you want a Audi A3 TDI they are more rare. Far more VW TDI's Golf's/JSW were sold. Consider a Golf or JSW TDI. It is more than MPG. They look good, handle nice and have nice amenities. However if you want reliable and cheaper (lower cost of ownership) a late model used Hyundai or Japaneses compact would be better. I like the torque of my TDI (like a big V6) while still getting great mileage. However EV's, Plugin EV's and Hybrids are pretty much better MPG or cost of energy per mile. I bought a used Nissan Leaf late last year. I drive it all the time.
2010-2014 Jetta Sportwagen with the FIX is a good deal, go for it. I believe the 4 year, 40K mile warranty that came with the FIX should be transferable (but please verify and check). All Gen 1's with a fix were done in the last 8 months or so, as the fix just came out end of 2017. I also think because passenger diesel cars are just not offered anymore the TDI's will hold their value. Look at the old VW diesels.... they hold their value.
