chongosuerte
Active member
I bought my '03 TDI Beetle 13 years, 4 days ago. It had 6 miles on the odometer.
It's given me 281,000 fantastic miles, and still gets 44 mpg hwy/city combined. I will hit 300,000 probably before spring. And I'd like another 5 years out of her, so I'm looking for what needs to be done to get that, within reason.
As an idea, here's the history, all done by myself or family. Car is still stock:
There are a few known issues:
Tomorrow I'm changing the oil, oil filter, fuel filter, air filter and maybe cabin filter (last changed 2 or so years ago). If I can get the part, I'll change the coolant sensor as well. I'm going to get a glowplug harness and a couple of other little things in the next week or so. Once they are fixed I'll drive it a few days and then try to find a local contact with a VAG-COM to see what the computer says.
Beyond that, this thing is solid. I know I've neglected some things here and there, but I have kept a constant check and have been proactive about the things that I believed mattered, and thus far that approach has served me well.
I realize that at this point if anything fails (ie fuel pump, turbo, etc.), it won't be a surprise with this many miles and I certainly got my money out of it, but what would you guys recommend checking or replacing at this point to try to avoid any other issues?
It's given me 281,000 fantastic miles, and still gets 44 mpg hwy/city combined. I will hit 300,000 probably before spring. And I'd like another 5 years out of her, so I'm looking for what needs to be done to get that, within reason.
As an idea, here's the history, all done by myself or family. Car is still stock:
- Last timing belt was April of 2013 at around 220,000 miles. 100,000 mile belt. Water pump changed.
- Regular oil and oil filter changes.
- Last serpentine belt was about a year ago (failed tensioner pulley).
- Alternator pulley fell off long ago, replaced pulley and alternator
- Replaced both radiator fans this past spring
- Replaced cabin fan relay twice, cabin fan itself the second time
- Brakes inspected regularly, last changed at 113,000 miles
but I've still got enough pad, check it monthly - Coolant last flushed several years ago
- Brake fluid last flushed several years ago
- Other filters changed here and there when I deemed it necessary.
- Rear shocks changed a long time ago.
- Replaced windshield about 2 years ago
- Replaced driver window regulator at the same time
- Glow plugs checked and replaced as needed
- Probably some other stuff I'm not thinking of, but those are the main things
There are a few known issues:
- Glow plug harness needs to be replaced
- Check engine light has been on for years. Probably 10. When last checked it was related to the glow plug harness. I wish I had just bought Vag-Com a decade ago, now I'm not sure I can justify it.
- Coolant light has been off/on or flashing blue for several years. In reading, it is most likely the coolant temp sensor and I'll give that a go. Never had a heating issue or coolant level issue.
- Coolant glow plug harness has been kaput for years, and thinking back I don't think I've ever even checked those plugs to see if they are working, but I don't think I'll ever need them in NC, and I don't think they are monitored by the OBD system?
- The fans were replaced a few months ago, but I have noticed they aren't working again. Fuse on the battery is good. I'll check the relays tomorrow
- A/C compressor likely has a kaput clutch. Makes a racket when not moving and kicks off. It worked well enough for this summer, but I plan to put in a new clutch before next summer. I've been putting that off for several years
- Getting some oil leaking from the CCV. I hope that's the only spot. Just enough to get the motor dirty and to leave an occasional drop on the garage floor. Not enough to require adding oil between changes (probably helps that I drive enough to have to change oil frequently).
- Some interior/age/cosmetic issues. Headliner, center console, driver's door handle, etc.
- Next brake change I'm going to put new rotors on it
- Third brake light is out (freaking $150 or something!)
- Some of the hoses are showing their age, but no leaks
- There is a loose ground somewhere on the driver's side. The left turn blinks quickly but everything works (there is a reverse light out). Cruse control will sometimes cut off, but very rarely. Not annoying enough to open THAT can of worms.
Tomorrow I'm changing the oil, oil filter, fuel filter, air filter and maybe cabin filter (last changed 2 or so years ago). If I can get the part, I'll change the coolant sensor as well. I'm going to get a glowplug harness and a couple of other little things in the next week or so. Once they are fixed I'll drive it a few days and then try to find a local contact with a VAG-COM to see what the computer says.
Beyond that, this thing is solid. I know I've neglected some things here and there, but I have kept a constant check and have been proactive about the things that I believed mattered, and thus far that approach has served me well.
I realize that at this point if anything fails (ie fuel pump, turbo, etc.), it won't be a surprise with this many miles and I certainly got my money out of it, but what would you guys recommend checking or replacing at this point to try to avoid any other issues?
