Is ESP Traction control available on 2003 Golfs & Jettas? Need Advise

Eric 1207

Member
Joined
Nov 23, 2012
Location
Seattle
TDI
2003 Jetta Wagon, Manual 5 Speed Transmission
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
 

Rxfire

Veteran Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2006
Location
Dripperley-Blanco Triangle, TX
TDI
2 each 03 5 speed Jetta wagons, 1 NA Isuzu P'up (a keeper)
Yes, the ESP was available in 2003 with manual transmission. I have a wagon with manual and ESP. Have never seen a Golf with ESP, but it was available, should be some out there.
 

B100

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 7, 2003
Location
Berkeley, Eastbania
TDI
2003 Golf
My 2003 Golf 5-speed has ESP, I ordered it that way and waited four months for it to arrive. A long wait, but then, I wanted a very specific car, which the dealers didn't have on their lots... 2-door Golf, withOUT a sunroof, and with a manual transmission and ESP.

It was worth the wait, ESP works great :D

The ONLY downside I have seen from ESP is that is precludes lifting the Golf with spacers on the shocks/struts.
 

Eric 1207

Member
Joined
Nov 23, 2012
Location
Seattle
TDI
2003 Jetta Wagon, Manual 5 Speed Transmission
Thanks guys. You've answered my question.

Any want to comment on the the reasonableness of my choice of car search?

And, of course, does anyone want to sell at a reasonable price.

Eric
 

Lanp900

Veteran Member
Joined
Dec 14, 2011
Location
PNW
TDI
ALH Golf 2001-Bert
ESP is very nice... which is exactly why I retrofitted it on my 2001 golf 5-speed. I have done the wagon search in WA as well. They seem to be pretty rare. One thing I have noticed is that PNW TDIs seem to be higher in price than those in other regions of the US.

If you happen to find the perfect rig sans ESP, there are options. It is a bit of a project to retrofit, but there is a great how-to here. (Thanks Lito and others!!!!) http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=95576

Parts can be found fairly regularly from wrecked cars.

I love my ESP, and am very pleased with my decision to retrofit. It seems like a great safety provision for a short wheelbase car. Others hate it. Personal preference on this one.

If you're not interested in retrofitting, I'm sure the right vehicle will come along with time. BTW, welcome!!
 

WolfgangVW

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 16, 2011
Location
Alberta, Canada
TDI
2003 Jetta TDI - Manual
Thanks guys. You've answered my question.
Any want to comment on the the reasonableness of my choice of car search?
And, of course, does anyone want to sell at a reasonable price.
Eric
I bought my TDI a little over a year ago and was kinda looking for the exact thing you are. I found that the wagons were a little more scarce and the ones i found here in Alberta were either A-Expensive, B-High Miles, or C-Too Far away. I ended up with a 2003 Jetta Sedan, leather heated seats sunroof etc etc. It has ESP, it's great too because you can manually turn it off if your in deep snow etc.

I wanted the wagon just for a bit more room for gear etc. The sedan isn't bad. It's nice having a trunk sometimes cause you can keep things out of sight, and there's a lockout on it. The back seats fold down too so you can extend the area for longer things if need be. I think you're making a good choice, i made the same one though so i'm biased! I think it's a good call to go 2002-2003 too. Stick with the ALH motor but get a more recent one. Timing belt service is a big thing so look into that on any car you consider buying. As well stick with the manual transmission like you are, better mileage and more reliable apparently.

Also dings and chips, some ALH Jetta's etc have rust at the top of the wheel wells. There is a 12 year rust warranty or something, and VW has been known to repair this. I don't know all the details, look into it and the exact time and all that. VW is actually repairing my front fenders on warranty. Just a heads up, might be something to keep in mind when buying.

Also heated seats are really nice if your in a colder climate. The one thing with the TDI is it takes a bit of time to warm up and the heated seats make a HUGE difference in comfort for the 1st 15minutes of your drive on a brisk morning.

Anyway good luck!!
 

steffen707

Veteran Member
Joined
Dec 7, 2005
Location
Central Wisconsin
TDI
01 Jetta GLS TDI
ESP gives you traction control and limited slip right? One thing I always hated with my TDI (i have had 2, 2001 manual jettas) is that in snow with so much torque, even with snow tires, the car wants to blaze up one tire from starting at a snowy intersection.

I hate some traction controls, as they cut down slip so much, the car can't pull away safely, but the limited slip differential would be awesome!
 
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