Eric 1207
Member
Hi all,
I've scoured this forum and determined a late model MKIV (2002 or 2003) is the best for me. I am concentrating on Jettas but may go for a Golf if a good one comes up. I assume Golfs and Jettas and their engines/tranny/components are the same, I just recently decided a Golf might work for me. I’ve only looked at one Golf and it looked more cheaply built in the interior, is that so? As for my primary question:
Is ESP traction control available on a 02/03 MKIV Jetta (or Golf) with manual transmission? I've seen a number of automatics with this option but never have seen it on a manual. I think ESP would be a good thing for me as I plan to take the TDI skiing when my son sneaks off with the Subaru first. Wife of course says he can do no wrong........
Please let me know if this ESP with manual tranny quest is a fruitless search.
For extra brownie points you can advise me on my search parameters:
Because of what I have read I don't want a PD engine. They sound tweaky and they reportedly don't do as well with MPG and Biodiesel. My neigher makes, in a most careful way, Bio in his garage which I can buy cheap. So far he's pumped 4800 problem free gallons to his and several other TDIs in the neighborhood. When he goes skiing he just blends in ~50% dino diesel and has never had a problem. And I know I may have to watch the IP seals and deal with it but my neighbors 2003 Jetta in 7 years has not had this problem, (nor his 2006).
I want a manual tranny because the reputation of the (O1M??) automatic is bad
2002 or 2003 because I don’t want an older vehicle. A few chips, dings or very minor body or interior blemishes are ok but rattiness and over 200K miles are non starters. Ideal would be ~110K miles
Heated seats would be great but not critical.
Recent part replacements and up grades are nice but not particularly sought …. given the right price.
Maintanence history and documentation is very important. I’m willing to accept a few minor lapses in documentation but a strong maintenance trend must be evident.
I would actually prefer a Station Wagon. However, the seemingly $2000 - $3000 premium on asking price is something I am not sure I want to go for, plus they are pretty scarce. Of course asking price is just that. Only you who have bought truly know what they can be had for. Incidently if you have bought this era TDI recently would you mind letting me know what you paid for your wagon (or sedan) via private message. Include body style, tranny type, miles, upgrades & general condition. It seems like one can buy sedans all day long at $4000-$7000 ask prices, but wagons; I wonder if they really get that premium. Please no inflators you sellers……….ha ha.
So does this sound like good reasoning for my specific choice? Please comment, especially on the Maunal/ESP question.
Of course if you have a TDI for sale with the above parameters in or near the Seattle area let me know. I am willing to travel to a western state for a Wagon at the right price & condition. For a sedan, I will try and stay within a few hours of town.
Over the last 2 weeks I have tested my wifes patience by educating myself online about your fine machines. I hope to soon join the club.
Thank you for your help, especially on the ESP/Manual question.
Eric
I've scoured this forum and determined a late model MKIV (2002 or 2003) is the best for me. I am concentrating on Jettas but may go for a Golf if a good one comes up. I assume Golfs and Jettas and their engines/tranny/components are the same, I just recently decided a Golf might work for me. I’ve only looked at one Golf and it looked more cheaply built in the interior, is that so? As for my primary question:
Is ESP traction control available on a 02/03 MKIV Jetta (or Golf) with manual transmission? I've seen a number of automatics with this option but never have seen it on a manual. I think ESP would be a good thing for me as I plan to take the TDI skiing when my son sneaks off with the Subaru first. Wife of course says he can do no wrong........
Please let me know if this ESP with manual tranny quest is a fruitless search.
For extra brownie points you can advise me on my search parameters:
Because of what I have read I don't want a PD engine. They sound tweaky and they reportedly don't do as well with MPG and Biodiesel. My neigher makes, in a most careful way, Bio in his garage which I can buy cheap. So far he's pumped 4800 problem free gallons to his and several other TDIs in the neighborhood. When he goes skiing he just blends in ~50% dino diesel and has never had a problem. And I know I may have to watch the IP seals and deal with it but my neighbors 2003 Jetta in 7 years has not had this problem, (nor his 2006).
I want a manual tranny because the reputation of the (O1M??) automatic is bad
2002 or 2003 because I don’t want an older vehicle. A few chips, dings or very minor body or interior blemishes are ok but rattiness and over 200K miles are non starters. Ideal would be ~110K miles
Heated seats would be great but not critical.
Recent part replacements and up grades are nice but not particularly sought …. given the right price.
Maintanence history and documentation is very important. I’m willing to accept a few minor lapses in documentation but a strong maintenance trend must be evident.
I would actually prefer a Station Wagon. However, the seemingly $2000 - $3000 premium on asking price is something I am not sure I want to go for, plus they are pretty scarce. Of course asking price is just that. Only you who have bought truly know what they can be had for. Incidently if you have bought this era TDI recently would you mind letting me know what you paid for your wagon (or sedan) via private message. Include body style, tranny type, miles, upgrades & general condition. It seems like one can buy sedans all day long at $4000-$7000 ask prices, but wagons; I wonder if they really get that premium. Please no inflators you sellers……….ha ha.
So does this sound like good reasoning for my specific choice? Please comment, especially on the Maunal/ESP question.
Of course if you have a TDI for sale with the above parameters in or near the Seattle area let me know. I am willing to travel to a western state for a Wagon at the right price & condition. For a sedan, I will try and stay within a few hours of town.
Over the last 2 weeks I have tested my wifes patience by educating myself online about your fine machines. I hope to soon join the club.
Thank you for your help, especially on the ESP/Manual question.
Eric