maintaining TDIs 10-15 years from now?

I have a 2015 Golf Sportwagen TDI. Yes, I was very pissed to learn of VW's fraud and initially thought I'd take a buyback offer. But really, even after the fix, I still expect the combination of performance and economy and cargo room to be superior to anything else I could afford.
But I'm concerned that diesels in general (at least in the U.S.) and VW diesels in particular will now have such a bad rep that they won't sell well enough for auto mechanics and parts manufacturers to continue being able to offer adequate support if I keep my TDI for 15 years (which I had hoped to do). If that's the case, then it would be smart to get rid of it while I still can. But I don't know. Any informed opinions?

consider this. Mercedes made the 123 chassis diesel from late 70s to 85. This is a car and an engine that has not been built in 31 years, and in nowhere near the numbers of the TDI in all its forms, and has a comparatively small enthusiast following weighed against the TDI scene.

Yet you can still find specialists to work on them almost everywhere if you don't do your own maintenance.

I seriously doubt there will be a mass exodus of lack of TDI repair and maintenance opportunities. I currently drive a 16 year old TDI and my biggest difficulty is not getting people to repair it when I outsource, but choosing one of the dozens of local shops that cater to VW that would do the job best.


the scandal? it will be forgotten 1 year after VW either buys back all the cars, fixes all the cars, or whatever. I bet you don't remember fords Econoline emissions cheat, or cadillacs? How about Honda? how about the billion dollars fined to the heavy truck manufacturers collectively for paving the way on this kind of cheat in the late 90s?

this will be old news and we will all be back to placing bets on what Kardashian will be balancing on her keister next

Maintaining a modern diesel with its emission equipment is more of an undertaking than maintaining the Vw diesels of the late 90s and early 00s. Even these were more complicated than the pre tdi diesels. Time will tell with your car but I suspect the same after treatment issues with the dieselgate cars and later will continue. Consider the current 1.4t engine that comes with the base model Jetta makes a lot better power and fuel economy than the 2.slow it replaced and nearly the same fuel economy as the current tdi. This 1.4t makes approx 150hp and 180tq. Now factor in the tdi costs thousands more. I think Vw is already thinking ahead as to where diesel technology will go in the future. Hint: dumpster. So long as there is tdi cars on the road, shops will fix them. With a projected lifespan of 20yr for a Vw, I think you're good for repairs, if you want to pay to play.

I currently own three tdi's that are about 15 years old on average. Between the three I feel like they need constant tending. If I were a practical man I'd sell them and buy one new vehicle but I'm more of a stubborn hobbyist.
It's up to you, what you're psychologically prepared for I guess. Depends on what you're willing to do.

I'd seriously consider a buyback on a car that new. That's a big chunk of depreciation you'd be getting back.

Fingers crossed for an 06' buy back

Frankly, there isn't all that much about your care that is diesel-specific from a maintenance perspective. Yes, your fuel system, engine block and head are diesel-specific, but those are not maintenance items and, worse comes to worst, you will be able to import those items. Realistically, however you would still be able to get them in the U.S.. The big concern would be the DPF, but there are...alternatives

Oil, suspension parts, filters - none of these care whether your car is diesel and there will be no shortage because of it.

As far as knowledgeable mechanics? It's a car, not a perpetual calendar watch. There is nothing diesel-specific that would prevent a competent mechanic from getting up to speed to service these vehicles. Better yet - learn how to do your own work

Well how old is oilhammer? He's gotta be at least 15 years away from retirement. He acts like an old codger but I think it's just that...an act.

You'll be fine. There are plenty of people around that can maintain your car.

Here is your problem: no one knows what the future holds. Everyone may be driving electric-powered cars ten years from now and your diesel would be practically worthless. Or autonomous cars may be ubiquitous.

Thank y'all for the input.
If I was going to be staying in a major metro area, I'd feel better about the assurances some offered. But there is a good chance I will be living in a relatively remote area (Coos Bay, Oregon - about 2 hours from the nearest VW dealer). There are mechanics there who work on TDIs - but not many. And 15 years from now...?
What is DPF and what are the alternatives (Oregon has a DEQ that inspects cars.)
I did some maintenance on my cars back in the day (had a VW bus). But I'm 65 now and have arthritis in my hands AND no desire to be doing that stuff any more.

The 1.4T sounds interesting. But if I do take a buyback on my sportwagen, I'd still want the cargo (and sleep in the back) space of my sportwagen. And I don't think the 1.4T is available in the sportwagen. So I'd likely be getting the 1.8 TSI, which performs nicely but does not get that great MPG and even worse range with it's relatively small tank - and I'm guessing I'd end up with a lot more money invested in that deal than if I'd just bought the TSI in the first place.

Truthfully, I haven't been in a position to buy a new car. If I were to have a current tdi sportwagen, I would keep it. I'm a diesel guy tho so tdi is trump suit. If there is no core loyalty to diesel and there are other cars that would fit your needs fine with less worry, go for it. I wouldn't take a loss of course if possible tho.