A few questions...sunroof, engine, etc

[**DONOTDELETE**]

My fiance is planning on buying a new 2002 Jetta GLS with Leather, Luxury and cold weather packages.

SHe recently got the 2001 Lemonaid book and read about the Jetta. A couple of questions have come out of those readings.

1. The book says that after 2-3 years that the tdi engine becomes much louder...is that true, and does that noise make it's way into the cabin at highway speeds (120km/h)?

2. The book says to stay away from the power sunroof, has anyone had problems with it here? Is there a manual sunroof that can be bought from VW?

3. The book says that diesels are only cost effective during city driving? I don't believe this...does anybody believe this?

4. My fiance only live a couple of km away from work. We live in Ontario, Canada...exactly how bad will it be for the car if it's not warmed up when she gets to work during the winter?

Thanks for your time,
Ken

 

[MOGolf]

I haven't had mine long enough to comment on #1, but I doubt it will happen.

Early model years had a problem with the guides in the sunroof. That has been corrected.

#3:

LOL

45+MPG (auto) 50+(manual) not cost effective on the highway??

If that is all she is going to get the car for, she doesn't need a TDI. However, if the overall usage includes longer trips during the week, then she'll be just fine. The problem is moisture build up in the oil. You need to get it nice and warm to drive off that little condensation every once in a while. Otherwise, you'll be doing more frequent oil changes.

Throw the book away. It might be good for guidelines of used cars, but you're buying a new one. Manufacturers tend to introduce changes to fix repetitive problems, and VW is no exception. You can't base a 2002 model year performance/reliability on that of those built 3 or even 2 years ago.

 

[Danny Boy]

In mine, I've noticed a significant noise increase once the "break-in" oil was changed out at 5000 miles. If you get one KEEP the original oil in it for that time as directed, the engine needs it!!!

The thinner oil lets the diesel clatter more, but it is a diesel, so what should you expect?

I have the Cold Weather package, and have enjoyed it already!

It's kinda funny that the book would give you a time frame, but not mileage stating the engine gets louder... I saw a NB for sale privately 2000 with 4000 miles... I doubt if it would be louder yet...Where mine with 40-60k by then may (I doubt it).

If you really want to read people whine and cry about their experiences read www.myvwlemon.com
Keep in mind for every one person on this site there has to be 1000 happy people who laugh at them...

 

[landrumdh]

1. diesel clatter getting louder. I don't know mine's brand new. But any gasser I've been in has gotten louder after a couple years. And my TDI right now is very very quiet except for the first start of the day when it's stone cold and it will clatter for the first mi or so.

Living that close to work and only driving that isn't good. If she plans on doing that and has the ability to I'd recommend getting VW's new oil heater installed. It goes into the oil pan and you plug it in at night and it keeps the oil warm which will help reduce the wear and tear she's going to do to the engine with such a short commute.

TDI's not being cost effective on the highway, HAHAHA that's funny. My mom's RX300 that gets 18.2mpg can just eat my 48mpg. I hope they authors were joking.

The sunroof on older cars yes. especially if they are aftermarket. They will leak if not properly cared for. But with a new car get the sunroof and enjoy it, I did.

And do us all a favor and burn the book!!!

 

[nanoonanook]

Hi Ken,

From what I have experienced with Lemonade Guide and more or less any review of the TDI they are well off base.

I have a 2000 Jetta with the Luxury Package (sunroof, alloy's) and 6 pack CD.

Let's see,

1) I have 76000km on my 2 yr old TDI and the noise is exactly the same as it always was. Yesterday however, I noticed some of the insulation on the engine cover coming loose. I am going to take the cover off in the spring and put something to hold it in place. Possibly high heat 2 way tape or something.

2) No Manual Sunroof that I am aware of but mine has been problem free and I use it a lot. I do have a mild rattle but it is minimal.

3) This is a load of crap to put it bluntly. I drive to K/W every week at 120kph or more and am still getting 55mpg easily ! I will re-itterate.
A load of crap !!!!

4) I am not qulified to answer this one but from my experience with any car gasoline or diesel, it is not healthy, long term, to drive really short distances. I would have the same routine with the Diesel as a gasser. Jump on Highway 86 and open it up a bit every week to keep the carbon build up down.

Good luck Ken !

 

[nanoonanook]

Hi Ken,

From what I have experienced with Lemonade Guide and more or less any review of the TDI they are well off base.

I have a 2000 Jetta with the Luxury Package (sunroof, alloy's) and 6 pack CD.

Let's see,

1) I have 76000km on my 2 yr old TDI and the noise is exactly the same as it always was. Yesterday however, I noticed some of the insulation on the engine cover coming loose. I am going to take the cover off in the spring and put something to hold it in place. Possibly high heat 2 way tape or something.

2) No Manual Sunroof that I am aware of but mine has been problem free and I use it a lot. I do have a mild rattle but it is minimal.

3) This is a load of crap to put it bluntly. I drive to K/W every week at 120kph or more and am still getting 55mpg easily ! I will re-itterate.
A load of crap !!!!

4) I am not qulified to answer this one but from my experience with any car gasoline or diesel, it is not healthy, long term, to drive really short distances. I would have the same routine with the Diesel as a gasser. Jump on Highway 86 and open it up a bit every week to keep the carbon build up down.

Good luck Ken !

 

[gamaf]

00 Jetta GLS TDI Lux and winter pkg
I have 119k kilometers on mine. Noise level is still the same as far as I can tell, ie quite quiet on the highway. I use the sunroof very much and have had no problems, except for a very occasional little buzzing noise, not loud, just barely noticeable. My commute, some bumper to bumper stop and go, much of it at 120k or so, occasional bursts to 140-150, with myself and two passengers, still gives me 58-60mpg imperial. Cost effective is an understatement.

 

[TDI2some]

I've never heard of this "Lemonade" thingy, but it sounds like a load of ****e! I grow more and more in love with my TDI everyday. I have guys at work who, daily, ask if they can test drive my car. Ya know what they say? "Damn! When does it stop pullin'? This thing feels like a freight train!" Where was I? Oh yeah, no hesitations...if you test drive one, you WILL buy it. Just plan on that. Good luck. Happy shopping.

 

[jxpfeer]

those are all total BS. no noise increase, sunroof's fine, and diesel is more cost effective all the time, especially highway driving. what 50mpg is less cost effective than 25 on a gasser? i dont' think so.

 

[It's Not A Giant Aphid]

Our 2001 NB has 8000 miles on it and is very noisy. I suspect that it is loud because the dealer, in their attempts to fix the stuck release lever, have the hood misaligned.

We will know more after it gets back from the body shop.