2003 Jetta TDI manual sedan (upstate NY)

ahovak

Member
Joined
Apr 15, 2005
TDI
03 Jetta TDI
2003 Jetta GLS TDI, 5 speed manual, ~228k miles (Approximate because it’s a daily driver). Grey cloth interior, pretty clean, never smoked in.
I’m the second owner and I've owned this car since 2004. I bought it in Connecticut with ~18-20k miles as a lease return. I’ve done all the maintenance, with very few exceptions (e.g. the alternator went at 165k and I was nowhere near home, so I had to pay to have it done to get back on the road).
The Good

  • [8]OIL: I've always run Amsoil 5w40 European synthetic, changed every 10k.
  • It’s never been in an accident
  • The engine is strong, the interior is clean and everything works (e.g. lights, cruise control, moon roof, windows, etc)
  • All maintenance is kept up. Oil change, fuel filter, cabin filter done about 1,000 miles ago
  • The MPG is still pretty good. I’ve heard the mileage fades over time, but I still get about 40mpg.
  • No engine lights
Additional updates to keep her roadworthy
  • Brand new freaking tires at 225k! My summer tires were shot, bought Kuhmo Ectsa PA31s.
  • New Clutch at 214k (original clutch replacement). I put in a LUK clutch. I think I found the link on tdiclub in a forum; it was an Amazon deal.
  • New front struts. A spring broke in the front so I bought quick struts to save time and get her back on the road
  • New rear brakes (always pads and rotors).
  • Replaced all vacuum hoses and N75 valve 6 months ago because there was a vacuum leak.
  • New ABS sensor on driver side rear.
  • New serpentine belt
  • Timing belt was done at 186k w/100k kit (new water pump w/ metal impeller, new rollers, tensioner, thermostat, etc). I’m pretty sure it was a diesel geek kit.
  • New radiator. After 10-11 years they leak where the plastic meets the bottom corner of the radiator.
The Bad
The cancer. The car has been driven to and from work and to and from ski areas in upstate NY for 10+ years. The salt has done a number on this girl. The front fenders are pretty bad. A friend helped try to sand/patch/repaint them, but the cancer came back within a year. The fenders are the worst part of the car. If I was going to keep it, I’d probably replace them.
Bumps, dings, nicks, road rash, etc? Yep, of course. It’s 11 years old and it’s been driven. It’s not a garage queen
Above and beyond
  • Monster Mats
  • 17" GLI wheels with no center caps (that's how I bought them years ago). See picture.
  • A set of snow tires with steel wheels. Wheels are a bit rusty, but that’s what happens with age. I think they have 2 seasons on them, you’ll get at least one more. Tires are blizzak ws70s and I’ll throw them in
  • I have all the metalnerd tools purchased probably 8 years ago (http://www.dieselgeek.com/ALH_TDI_Timing_Belt_Tool_Kit_p/mn-alh.htm).
  • The Bentley manuals. If it goes for asking price, I’ll throw them in, otherwise we’ll have to talk about it
  • Upgraded injectors and nozzles. I had an injector go at 206k and I found it was reasonably cheap enough to buy PowerPlus 520s from KermaTDI and I’ve always wanted them.
  • I probably still have a Thule rack for it out in the shed. If you want the feet and crossbars, I’ll throw them in.
  • Upsolute Chip – I can’t find the records but it was done at Upsolute on a drive to N.H. 3-4 years ago. I’ve Never had a problem and it makes it fun to drive
Why am I selling it? - Great question. I’ve had it ten years and she’s been great to me but it’s time to move on. I drive a decent amount for work (to and from VA/DC) but I want something slightly bigger that I can take customers in. My wife hates the car because it’s too small with 2 kids. Funny enough, when we drive across country, we pile into the jetta because of the mileage ;)

Pics: https://plus.google.com/photos/1170...s/6044775681779821281?authkey=CNfqif7x2Zqo6QE

Asking 4k OBO – Come by, take it for a ride.
 
Last edited:

BadNewsMike

Veteran Member
Joined
Sep 5, 2007
Location
Buffalo,NY(i have vag-com)
TDI
01 Jetta TDI
Im not sure if they will after you tried to fix them but are cars have a 12 year rust (corrosion) warrenty. you should take it to a dealer and see if they will fix any of the rust. I just had both my front fenders replaced by VW on my 03 Wagon with 200K and im the 3rd owner.

But GL with the sale. I love the GLI wheels.
 

shizzler

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 25, 2005
Location
Ann Arbor MI
TDI
05 BEW Wagon
Yep, that's how my front fenders looked when I had them replaced a few months ago. 100% covered for free under the 12-year VW corrosion warranty - it's for real! Get into your nearest dealer ASAP and bark loudly until they cover it for you!! The value of your car will instantly go up $1000 or more if they cover everything for you.

Good luck with the sale.
 

ahovak

Member
Joined
Apr 15, 2005
TDI
03 Jetta TDI
I'll have to give it a try. I hadn't even thought about going to the dealer to get the fenders replaced.
 

ahovak

Member
Joined
Apr 15, 2005
TDI
03 Jetta TDI
No love for a well maintained (and documented), strong pulling manual transmission TDI?
 
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