Hey, I'm new to the forum, so please excuse me if this is posted in the wrong place.
I currently drive a 2000 GLS VR6 Jetta (my baby is about to hit 200k) and just recently was presented with the opportunity to pick up an '02 TDI. Here's the rundown:
2002 VW Jetta GLS TDI with 206k miles
Upsolute Chip-tune - 115HP with 185ft-lbs torque
Single owner bought car new in December 2001.
Head rebuilt @~180k miles - Timing belt go boom
Timing Belt @ ~180k miles (change due at 280k)
Suspension replaced @ 200k miles
Clutch replaced @ 190k miles
All vaccuum lines replaced @ 190k miles
Damage:
Transmission and Engine Brackets need to be replaced, along with a bunch of other single-use bolts
No Normal wear and tear on interior
Small dent on hood/fender corner
Lower plastic trim in front is a bit torn up, but not too bad
Additional work that should be done, but not necessary:
Intercooler could probably be cleaned to increase MPG
Turbo actuator should be replaced (says the turbo loses pressure 'sometimes')
Turbo Actuator valve should be replaced
Now - About the damage - he basically said this: The aluminum brackets that hold the cradle to the body are 'basically single-use' and that backing out the mounting bolts has a good chance to strip the theads (clutch replacement - reused same bolts), which did on the driver's side, when he went over a bump the other bolt on the driver's side sheared and 'everything dropped like 2 inches'. He said he doesn't think that there is any irreplaceable damage and that me - being semi-mechanically inclined, could do the work myself. He said the vehicle can be had for 1.500 as-is.
He's run Pentosin 5w40 through it consistently and I know I've seen a lot of huff with what oil should be used and wondering if anyone has a say in this.
My questions are:
I currently drive a 2000 GLS VR6 Jetta (my baby is about to hit 200k) and just recently was presented with the opportunity to pick up an '02 TDI. Here's the rundown:
2002 VW Jetta GLS TDI with 206k miles
Upsolute Chip-tune - 115HP with 185ft-lbs torque
Single owner bought car new in December 2001.
Head rebuilt @~180k miles - Timing belt go boom
Timing Belt @ ~180k miles (change due at 280k)
Suspension replaced @ 200k miles
Clutch replaced @ 190k miles
All vaccuum lines replaced @ 190k miles
Damage:
Transmission and Engine Brackets need to be replaced, along with a bunch of other single-use bolts
No Normal wear and tear on interior
Small dent on hood/fender corner
Lower plastic trim in front is a bit torn up, but not too bad
Additional work that should be done, but not necessary:
Intercooler could probably be cleaned to increase MPG
Turbo actuator should be replaced (says the turbo loses pressure 'sometimes')
Turbo Actuator valve should be replaced
Now - About the damage - he basically said this: The aluminum brackets that hold the cradle to the body are 'basically single-use' and that backing out the mounting bolts has a good chance to strip the theads (clutch replacement - reused same bolts), which did on the driver's side, when he went over a bump the other bolt on the driver's side sheared and 'everything dropped like 2 inches'. He said he doesn't think that there is any irreplaceable damage and that me - being semi-mechanically inclined, could do the work myself. He said the vehicle can be had for 1.500 as-is.
He's run Pentosin 5w40 through it consistently and I know I've seen a lot of huff with what oil should be used and wondering if anyone has a say in this.
My questions are:
- Has anyone had experience with this happening and if it's just as simple as replacing the brackets and single use bolts?
- Should I be worried about the oil he's been running?
- Difficultly of doing the rest of the work?
- The timing belt has failed before (head rebuilt) anything to look out for?
- Any other specific TDI buying tips I should know?
