Is PD Worth it?

[SUNRG]

If you want speed,get on 03 or earlier,and have the TAZZMAN upsolute it for you,it's then quite a bit faster than the 04.

then came the PD chip...

John Lewis, the owner of German Speed Merchants said this has just become availabe for US PDs...
Wetterauer PD 100 Chip = 130hp - 221ft/lbs
for comparison the WETT chipped ALH = 115hp - 183ft/lbs
http://www.chip-tuning.com/

Rene at Upsolute said that by next week he should be ready to chip US '04 PD-TDIs to 133hp - 221ft/lbs
www.upsolute.com

and Rocketchips seem nearly PD ready too

we all knew it was just a matter of time...

better reinforce those '03 headlights with duct tape

 

[swartzentruber]

In real world experience, does the MT give much better fuel economy than the AT? I am sure I could learn to drive MT, I am just wondering if it would be a pain in the ass to have to shift all the time.

Go for the manual. There really is a pretty distinct difference in MPG between MT and AT. Most auto PDs seem to average around 36MPG in mixed driving, whereas most manuals seem to average about 42. Also, quite honestly, the Jetta TDI with manual is one of the easiest powertrains to shift that I've ever driven. The clutch isn't very stiff, and due to the torque available at low revs, you don't need to give it much gas to get going. I also have a BMW 330ci, and quite honestly, in stop-n-go driving, I prefer the TDI. The only real issue is that it's a pretty slow transmission, and you WILL grind gears if you try to shift too fast.

 

[maxforce]

I am going to do another search and see if I can find a 2002 to drive. In real world experience, does the MT give much better fuel economy than the AT? I am sure I could learn to drive MT, I am just wondering if it would be a pain in the ass to have to shift all the time. Are the EPA estimates pretty much correct for the difference, or do you all tend to see different numbers in reality?

man. trans gets better mileage consistatly.
very easy man. to drive.
If I had stop and go trafic all the time. I would get the auto.
we have two manual.

 

[Kabin]

Where you drive really matters. Manuals can become very tiring after a while, or if you have your hands full with a soda, coffee, etc. Auto trannys are made for the real world.

 

[Keiller]

I think the VW is expensive to maintain. I don't know if anyone has addressed this subject,...I noticed that My 2004 Jetta TDI has a sticker that indicates it was made 13 months before I bought it. This may explain why they need solar battery chargers to keep the battery from going dead. Having a new car sitting for so long before it is sold can't be good. I'd go with Japanese if I had it to do over.

 

[SUNRG]

I'd go with Japanese if I had it to do over.

PERFECT! Sell NulloModo your TDI and get yourself the jap car of your dreams!

 

[NulloModo]

Hehe, hey, my SUV is Japanese, made in Japan too

Wanna trade?

 

[Rammstein]

Where you drive really matters. Manuals can become very tiring after a while, or if you have your hands full with a soda, coffee, etc. Auto trannys are made for the real world.

And manual for real drivers, not for "steerers" (people who don't drive but steer).

Keiller, yes VW's are bit more expensive to maintain, but you'll still have your car at 300 000 miles if you maintain it right.

At 300 000 miles the Asian make will be rusted out (if you live in rust belt or above) and a new car is more expensive than careful maintenance.

 

[Wee_Car]

I drive my wife's 03 manual and my moms '04 auto TIP PD on a fairly regular basis. The 04 has slightly more power but the manual seems to make up for lower HP and is "peppier". I think the best way to go is PD with a manual. BTW the 03 is getting 55 mpg and the 04 is getting 35 mpg although that engine is not yet broken in (2k miles)

 

[dieselafitter]

I have an 04 new beetle the more I drive it the more I love it I had an 03 ford focus a nice car no problems but only 38 mpg on the highway plus I had to shift more to maintain speed on hills. all you diesel drivers know what im talking about. At 9400 miles Im getting 45 miles per gallon with a 5 speed the milage just started to get better and I drive it like I stole it so far no problems I have noticed the smoke if I punch it but its a diesel. I have seen some otheer vws smoking a little as they drive steady it would be interesting to see if mine does that as well but Im off subject here sorry for rambling I am sold on the pd and If our country would get off its ass and produce bio diesel we could tell the arabs to eat there oil. If everyone drove this newer diesel they would be surprised at how well it goes or at least perseved speed by all that torque. I love pulling away from most little cars in the morning on hills without down shifting and leaveing them ina cloud of smoke! HE He!