Which model year to BUY?

Well, my 98 TDI is finished.

I am looking for a => 1999.5 to 2003 model.

What the HP and torque for these models?

Which one is the best one to get?

Anyone?

Need some pros and cons.

The ones i have looked at so far are around the 195,000 KM mark, so they need a TB change which is no issue where I take it.

Mr_Moe said:

Well, my 98 TDI is finished.

I am looking for a => 1999.5 to 2003 model.

Which one is the best one to get?

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For US/Canada models within this range (all with the ALH VE version of the TDI engine), newer is generally better:

* Reliability fixes that appeared in later years (e.g. window regulator clips, relay 109, cupholders, etc.).
* 2003 had the 100,000 mile (160,000 km) timing belt parts (2002 and late 2001 had 80,000 mile (128,000 km) timing belt parts, and older cars had shorter life timing belt parts). Dealer serviced cars will generally get the same timing belt parts that they got from the factory.
* Some added features became available in later years (e.g. side curtain airbags).
* In 2003, the trim lines were upcontented.

I was told the A3 engine did not get the same mileage as the A4.

Hopefully with the A4 I would get over 1000KM's
(rather then my ususal 850-950 km on my old A3 )

??? A3's engines are every bit as good as the A4's for longevity.

rdkern said:

??? A3's engines are every bit as good as the A4's for longevity.

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Perhaps he means fuel economy.

US EPA estimates (http://www.fueleconomy.gov) list the a3 Jetta TDI at 40/49mpg with manual. The a4 Jetta TDI is listed at 42/49mpg with manual, but only 34/45mpg with automatic.

Canadian fuel economy estimates are on the web somewhere.

Mr_Moe said:

I am looking for a => 1999.5 to 2003 model.

Click to expand...

One of each

I had a 2002, but traded it in my present 2003. That was only because the 03 is a wagon and the 02 was a sedan. There are some differences with the radio, but everything else is really quite minor. Seems to me if you could find a nice car anywhere 99.5 to 2003, you'd be fine!

Mr_Moe said:

Well, my 98 TDI is finished.

I am looking for a => 1999.5 to 2003 model.


Need some pros and cons.

Click to expand...

I just bought an 01. Black on Black, and loaded. 88,000 kms.
Put on Michellin Harmonys and new brakes. Feels like it drives like new.

I am really enjoying this car.

In my opinion, VW finally fixed a lot of the non-TDI issues by 2003. I would recommend getting that year model.

I agree on the '03, but a good, lower mileage '98 would be great, too.