is tdi worth it

jspalty

New member
Joined
Nov 4, 2011
Location
Kennesaw
TDI
jetta
I am looking at purchasing a TDI JETTA 2005 or newer. I don't know much about em, all I know is I have been a truck guy all my life and now bc of sales job and miles driven per day I need a car, with good fuel economy, and something different than every other car on the road. I just test drove an 2009 with 70k 6spd and 2010 with auto. I am 100% sure I want the manual trans. But I guess my question is that I see some things online that the Diesels require SO MUCH MORE MAINTENANCE. What are the major mechanical issues with these cars? and at what mileage increments can I for see these issues arriving. Obv. the car is going to need routine maintainance, tires, brakes, belts, wear items but what sets it apart from a gas motor. thanks for any input
 

tdi90hp

Veteran Member
Joined
Feb 5, 2002
Location
Canuckland
TDI
2011 Golf TDI 6 speed(gone but NEVER forgotten)
better get a beer and find a long open evening with no commitments and start reading bud.
 

belome

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Apr 8, 2010
Location
Mid MI
TDI
2002 Jetta GLS TDI 5-speed
Honestly, there are plenty around here that are shying away from the new models due to HPFP failures. [search, plenty of info]

I personally will be sticking to my older model until it rusts to the ground or I move closer to work.
 

dieseldorf

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Oct 11, 2000
Location
MA
TDI
ex- 1996 wagon, ex-2000 Jetta
But I guess my question is that I see some things online that the Diesels require SO MUCH MORE MAINTENANCE.
JS, if we're limiting our discussion to VW diesels, this statement is not accurate. Their diesels require maintenance similar to the gasser equivalent. Big difference is ignoring the maintenance all together as the mainstream driver does. If the various tasks are performed on a regular basis, per the written schedule, and you don't end up buying a problem car, it may not be as bad as you hint.

Bottom line with these cars: Frequent maintenance = cheap maintenance

Welcome aboard !!, and I hope that can make some sense for you.
 

kcfoxie

Veteran Member
Joined
Feb 6, 2007
Location
Raleigh, NC
TDI
'12 6-spd JSW
*sigh*

A 2004-2006 is going to be a 100hp "PD" engine, that is going to require a rather expensive oil you may not be able to obtain from Walmart every 7000-10000 miles depending on your personal preferences.

All of these engines are subject to premature camshaft failure (especially the 2005.5-2006 New body Jetta MkV) if the wrong oil is used, and rapid failure seems imminent if a w30 oil is used in them for any period of time.

The repair cost for this assuming your oil pump doesn't go from the metal shardes of the shaft contaminating the oil is gonna be $3k or so... maybe less of it's a BEW code (non-5th generation) engine.

Avoid the Passat TDI at all costs. Just take my word on it.

What you WANT, if this is a commuter, and you don't care about it that much, and you're secure in your masculinity is a 2000-2003 Beetle TDI. It has 4 seat belts, so the resell is the lowest of all the TDIs. Manuals are easy to come by. It's got the same engine. 99-03 TDI engines are 90HP and bullet proof.

If you just can't stomach a beetle, a Jetta will do too. Tho, I have to say, ripping the back seat out of the Beetle I can put 2 55 gallon drums in the sucker. It's got a lot of room, and they're pretty cheap compared to the Golf and jetta (same chasis vehicle) with the 5th useless seatbelt.

The older engines (90hp) can use Rotella T6 oil, found at walmart and any truck stop. 10k oil changes no issue. The pump is the only concern, ironically, higher mileage means less likely the chance of a ring job for the pump -- 25k/year annual has been my baseline. I've owned 3 used TDIs now and I've yet to have a pump go on one, and see each one to 80-100k miles, the youngest of which had 114k on it when I got it.

There are a ton of modifications and performance upgrades you'll be inclined to make. Deleting the EGR and cleaning the intake being the first, removing the vent valve for the fuel tank so you get the extra 1.5ish gallons of diesel in the tank will be another. Chip tuning for performance, and large flow nozzles, another.

My personal experience has been 813 miles on 15.6 gallons of diesel fuel in a 1998 Beetle TDI. I left Byhalia Mississippi and drove to Ft Worth Texas and refueled just outside Little Rock Arkansas on my return. The car had no EGR, a cat and stock software. I never went above 65mph the whole trip...nor did I care to. Getting to my destination a whole 10 minutes sooner per hour really isn't that important to me, when I'm compensated for time and mileage as you are.

Let me also state that the 55-cent a mile federal reimbursement (or company reimbursement) works out to something like this:

2006 Jetta TDI. 33k miles in first year. 10,000 work miles. Avg price paid for Biodiesel 100% fuel: 3.50, Pump price: 2.86, I paid a 23% premium for my fuel for the year. 48mpg * 15 gallons = 720. 33000 miles / 700mi = 47 tanks. 47 * 15 = 705 gallons * 3.50 = $2467.5 for 33,000 miles.

10,000 miles at .55 a mile = $5500 reimbursement.

You do the math on what I made in the first year I operated my TDI for business.

Take my word for it, buy a 2003 or earlier. You'll see 50MPG readily on long trips, high 40s guaranteed.

Upkeep: Timing Belt every 100k miles $2000-$2500 or so having it done (not at a dealer, find an independant mechanic ... check our guru's thread), $350 DIY... we have a lot of GTGs where belt jobs are done for a good bargain if you can attend them. Having done the ALH and watched a BRM... the PDs are earlier to upkeep in this department, but either way the cost of the job isn't that bad.

Oil Changes: Top side, use a dipstick tube extractor (Pella 5000 is a recommended one) and it takes 4.4qt oil (5w40 full syn diesel oil; MOTUL or ELF are suggested for PDs and Rotella T6 for ALH cars) the filters are $10 to $18 depending on the vehicle. 10,000 mile interval (tho I did 7500 on my PD because of the camshaft concerns)

The fuel filter is $25 or so... you replace this as it plugs up, the book says every other oil change. That's up to you.

Suspension, bearings and other items like this will be anywhere from $300 to $1800 and depends on what you want to spend on it.

Brakes: $180 DIY from Autozone, $208 if you get the OEM stuff from a place like WorldPac, up to $650 to have it done professionally... again, your call.

Random bits I've had to replace: 98's Shift tower on the transmission broke on me. $215 to replace it in Memphis at Wolfsburged Automotive. I had the Fuel Shut Off Solenoid O-ring on my fuel pump also give out after the timing belt job 3 weeks later, $8 and installed it myself (diagnosed the issue on here, used a VAGCOM borrowed from a friend to test my theory). Interior panels, seats, and other stuff to personalize the car. I also had a camber issue and replaced the passenger front tire every 11 to 15,000 miles... I got 80k out of this car before I totaled it, it was so close to 280,000 miles... I'd hoped to see it hit 300k. Never rebuilt. These are SOLID motors.

Tires: No idea, that's a personal preference.

Misc: You'll replace power window switches, mirror control switches, a glovebox handle, possibly rebuild the driver or passenger door lock modules, the Brake Pedal Switch, possibly the cruise control cutoff switch for the clutch, and a few random little relays and such. All of this is well documented on this website, hint: go to google and type site:forums.tdiclub.com and then whatever your issue is and it will pop up a world of accurate results. DIY is your friend.

I just saved you a lot of research, so if you're over Carolina way (or Texas come Jan, I'll be driving there for a conference)... buy me a beer.

I've enjoyed these cars. I put a lot of miles on them, the 06 Jetta gave me 133k miles and I got it with 210 on the odometer new. I got rid of it because the camshaft was wearing out and I had already had to rig up the motor mount due to a manufacturing problem that took 80k miles to manifest. This is why I like old, used, you're already saving money with them cars as opposed to new bleeding-edge oh wow you're blazing a trail here buddy cars. I don't have the patience or time for it.

Your mileage WILL vary. Welcome to the club!
 
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walts62ragtop

Member
Joined
Aug 9, 2011
Location
Cincinnati
TDI
'06 Jetta TDI, 62 beetle, 69 bug vert., 07 subaru legacy
Just bought my '06 TDI Jetta (45,000 miles) late Spring w/ DSG. Must say 'I LOVE it!' I've owned a number of VW's over the years (aircooled and water), but after doing my research on this '06.....I'm glad I got it. Millage is awesome, and the maintenance isn't bad. I do my own, so it saves a little.
I thought of a newer one, but the 1.9 litre is a proven engine, that was my criteria, anyway.
Good luck, and welcome aboard!
 

dogdots

Vendor
Joined
Sep 4, 2002
Location
Kansas City
TDI
None
I have 3 tdi's the lowest mileage is 135k on the B5.5 Passat, next is 158k on a bone stock MkIV Jetta, then my hot rod MKIV Jetta heavily modified and just clicked over 215k. The short list of parts required for this accumulation of miles include balance shaft module and timing belt on the B5.5 (bought used at 120k), 3 timing belt kits, 3 sets of tires, 1 set of brakes, 2 clutches (upgraded for more power only), larger injection pump and turbo, alternator pulley, a/c compressor on the hot rod I bought new in 02, and 1 set of brakes, 1 set of tires, 1 timing belt kit, and a 5 speed swap on the 02 auto I bought for my daughter. Fuel filters and Oil changes every 20k on each car, air filters when they are due.

My maintenance cost for these 3 is far below any other cars I have ever owned. Heck, my wife's Trailblazer just hit 65k and it has had the fan clutch, water pump, brakes, gauge cluster stepper motors, and drivetrain computer replaced already.
 

fyter889

Member
Joined
Mar 29, 2011
Location
Illinois
TDI
99.5 and 2003 Jetta
I am looking at purchasing a TDI JETTA 2005 or newer. I don't know much about em, all I know is I have been a truck guy all my life and now bc of sales job and miles driven per day I need a car, with good fuel economy, and something different than every other car on the road. I just test drove an 2009 with 70k 6spd and 2010 with auto. I am 100% sure I want the manual trans. But I guess my question is that I see some things online that the Diesels require SO MUCH MORE MAINTENANCE. What are the major mechanical issues with these cars? and at what mileage increments can I for see these issues arriving. Obv. the car is going to need routine maintainance, tires, brakes, belts, wear items but what sets it apart from a gas motor. thanks for any input
Definately worth it, as these guys are saying, simply put, 99.5 to 2004 1.9l tdis have the highest mileage avg.50-55 hwy. 2004 and newer mileage goes down but hp increases. Not by much either way still gets 40+ hwy. Simple things, keep oil changed with recommended synthetics, keep fuel filter changed (it also acts as a water separator) drain every other oil change (10K) replace every 40 k. The ONLY thing I have done to my wifes 03 jetta is an alternator. Weve had since new. Lokk for a clean, well maintained tdi and it should give you no major troubles! Good luck! OH, dont let horsepower #s distract you, a 90hp tdi just as fast as your average 4cyl gasser of 110 to 130hp non-turbo.
 
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I

ihatespeed

Guest
Ive driven the 2.5 gasser, and the tdi, the tdi is a LOT more fun, 45+ millage is a bonus, but its just a way more engaging drive, the hpfp is an unfortunate possibility, but I'd probably buy another.. its sorta like this, the other people I work with have lots of little time bombs on their big 3 cars, this one only seems to only have a few, unfortunately they are big.. my gut feeling on it is it is OK reliability, awesome to drive and +1 for utility (jsw anyways) I tow a trailer.. 30k minimal issues..
 

turbocharged798

Veteran Member
Joined
May 21, 2009
Location
Ellenville, NY
TDI
99.5 black ALH Jetta;09 Gasser Jetta
A 2004-2006 is going to be a 100hp "PD" engine, that is going to require a rather expensive oil you may not be able to obtain from Walmart every 7000-10000 miles depending on your personal preferences.

All of these engines are subject to premature camshaft failure (especially the 2005.5-2006 New body Jetta MkV) if the wrong oil is used, and rapid failure seems imminent if a w30 oil is used in them for any period of time.

The repair cost for this assuming your oil pump doesn't go from the metal shardes of the shaft contaminating the oil is gonna be $3k or so... maybe less of it's a BEW code (non-5th generation) engine.

Avoid the Passat TDI at all costs. Just take my word on it.
Lots of bad info there, first off PD do not "need" expensive oil. (yes they require it, but thats another story). Shell rotella T6 from walmart will work just fine in all TDIs prior to 09 and only costs $20 a gallon or so.

The chain driven BSM is ONLY on the 04-05 B5 passat. All other TDIs made prior to 09 did not have balance shafts period.

From what I have heard, the B5 passat is a nice car once you do the $2K BSM fix. (change the failchain setup to a gear driven setup) I would not tell anybody not to buy one, however I would make sure they know about the BSM problem and how to fix it.
 

otty

Veteran Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2010
Location
Revelstoke, BC
TDI
2003 Passat W8=>TDI swap, 4Motion Wagon, PD130(AVF) 6Speed Manual, 2006 Jetta MKIV PD(BEW) Wagon 5Speed Manual
Timing Belt every 100k miles $2000-$2500 or so having it done (not at a dealer, find an independant mechanic
Really? I had mine done for $900 at a guru last year. (maybe ALH is pricier?)
 

Wksg

Veteran Member
Joined
Aug 2, 2008
Location
Ann Arbor MI
TDI
2003 GLS TDI Wagon
Timing Belt every 100k miles $2000-$2500 or so having it done (not at a dealer, find an independant mechanic ... check our guru's thread), $350 DIY...
I think that's high; TB changes at a dealer on my ALH (before I owned it) were about $1100 (half parts/half labor) and when I had it done by a guru it was about $600-650, parts+labor. DIY, parts are around $300-350.

Don't know what an independent mechanic would charge, hopefully less than a dealer.
 

Curious Chris

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Jun 11, 2001
Location
Pineview GA
TDI
Jetta Wagon 2003 RIP Rockford IL
1999.5 to 2003 models have the ALH engine which is an electronically controlled version of a solid historical design. Very reliable design and also well known for long life. When they were new the oil was hard to find now it is everywhere (CI-4 min 5W40). They are easy to modify from the 90hp/150ft-lb torque to 150hhp/250ft-lb torque (my car).

You can get your timing belt done by a club guru for about $700 including parts. My next one will be more as my engine will be at 275,000 miles and I will by the high mileage kit from idparts as I know I will need more than a standard timing belt job.
 

thatguywiththeTDI

Veteran Member
Joined
Feb 17, 2011
Location
Jackson,Michigan
TDI
2006 Jetta TDI, 5 Speed, Package 2
*sigh*

A 2004-2006 is going to be a 100hp "PD" engine, that is going to require a rather expensive oil you may not be able to obtain from Walmart every 7000-10000 miles depending on your personal preferences.

All of these engines are subject to premature camshaft failure (especially the 2005.5-2006 New body Jetta MkV) if the wrong oil is used, and rapid failure seems imminent if a w30 oil is used in them for any period of time.

The repair cost for this assuming your oil pump doesn't go from the metal shardes of the shaft contaminating the oil is gonna be $3k or so... maybe less of it's a BEW code (non-5th generation) engine.

Avoid the Passat TDI at all costs. Just take my word on it.

What you WANT, if this is a commuter, and you don't care about it that much, and you're secure in your masculinity is a 2000-2003 Beetle TDI. It has 4 seat belts, so the resell is the lowest of all the TDIs. Manuals are easy to come by. It's got the same engine. 99-03 TDI engines are 90HP and bullet proof.

If you just can't stomach a beetle, a Jetta will do too. Tho, I have to say, ripping the back seat out of the Beetle I can put 2 55 gallon drums in the sucker. It's got a lot of room, and they're pretty cheap compared to the Golf and jetta (same chasis vehicle) with the 5th useless seatbelt.

The older engines (90hp) can use Rotella T6 oil, found at walmart and any truck stop. 10k oil changes no issue. The pump is the only concern, ironically, higher mileage means less likely the chance of a ring job for the pump -- 25k/year annual has been my baseline. I've owned 3 used TDIs now and I've yet to have a pump go on one, and see each one to 80-100k miles, the youngest of which had 114k on it when I got it.

There are a ton of modifications and performance upgrades you'll be inclined to make. Deleting the EGR and cleaning the intake being the first, removing the vent valve for the fuel tank so you get the extra 1.5ish gallons of diesel in the tank will be another. Chip tuning for performance, and large flow nozzles, another.

My personal experience has been 813 miles on 15.6 gallons of diesel fuel in a 1998 Beetle TDI. I left Byhalia Mississippi and drove to Ft Worth Texas and refueled just outside Little Rock Arkansas on my return. The car had no EGR, a cat and stock software. I never went above 65mph the whole trip...nor did I care to. Getting to my destination a whole 10 minutes sooner per hour really isn't that important to me, when I'm compensated for time and mileage as you are.

Let me also state that the 55-cent a mile federal reimbursement (or company reimbursement) works out to something like this:

2006 Jetta TDI. 33k miles in first year. 10,000 work miles. Avg price paid for Biodiesel 100% fuel: 3.50, Pump price: 2.86, I paid a 23% premium for my fuel for the year. 48mpg * 15 gallons = 720. 33000 miles / 700mi = 47 tanks. 47 * 15 = 705 gallons * 3.50 = $2467.5 for 33,000 miles.

10,000 miles at .55 a mile = $5500 reimbursement.

You do the math on what I made in the first year I operated my TDI for business.

Take my word for it, buy a 2003 or earlier. You'll see 50MPG readily on long trips, high 40s guaranteed.

Upkeep: Timing Belt every 100k miles $2000-$2500 or so having it done (not at a dealer, find an independant mechanic ... check our guru's thread), $350 DIY... we have a lot of GTGs where belt jobs are done for a good bargain if you can attend them. Having done the ALH and watched a BRM... the PDs are earlier to upkeep in this department, but either way the cost of the job isn't that bad.

Oil Changes: Top side, use a dipstick tube extractor (Pella 5000 is a recommended one) and it takes 4.4qt oil (5w40 full syn diesel oil; MOTUL or ELF are suggested for PDs and Rotella T6 for ALH cars) the filters are $10 to $18 depending on the vehicle. 10,000 mile interval (tho I did 7500 on my PD because of the camshaft concerns)

The fuel filter is $25 or so... you replace this as it plugs up, the book says every other oil change. That's up to you.

Suspension, bearings and other items like this will be anywhere from $300 to $1800 and depends on what you want to spend on it.

Brakes: $180 DIY from Autozone, $208 if you get the OEM stuff from a place like WorldPac, up to $650 to have it done professionally... again, your call.

Random bits I've had to replace: 98's Shift tower on the transmission broke on me. $215 to replace it in Memphis at Wolfsburged Automotive. I had the Fuel Shut Off Solenoid O-ring on my fuel pump also give out after the timing belt job 3 weeks later, $8 and installed it myself (diagnosed the issue on here, used a VAGCOM borrowed from a friend to test my theory). Interior panels, seats, and other stuff to personalize the car. I also had a camber issue and replaced the passenger front tire every 11 to 15,000 miles... I got 80k out of this car before I totaled it, it was so close to 280,000 miles... I'd hoped to see it hit 300k. Never rebuilt. These are SOLID motors.

Tires: No idea, that's a personal preference.

Misc: You'll replace power window switches, mirror control switches, a glovebox handle, possibly rebuild the driver or passenger door lock modules, the Brake Pedal Switch, possibly the cruise control cutoff switch for the clutch, and a few random little relays and such. All of this is well documented on this website, hint: go to google and type site:forums.tdiclub.com and then whatever your issue is and it will pop up a world of accurate results. DIY is your friend.

I just saved you a lot of research, so if you're over Carolina way (or Texas come Jan, I'll be driving there for a conference)... buy me a beer.

I've enjoyed these cars. I put a lot of miles on them, the 06 Jetta gave me 133k miles and I got it with 210 on the odometer new. I got rid of it because the camshaft was wearing out and I had already had to rig up the motor mount due to a manufacturing problem that took 80k miles to manifest. This is why I like old, used, you're already saving money with them cars as opposed to new bleeding-edge oh wow you're blazing a trail here buddy cars. I don't have the patience or time for it.

Your mileage WILL vary. Welcome to the club!

This^ is a perfect example of a great member here! thanks for taking the time to help explain the in's and out's of a tdi in a nutshell.

you sir, rock!
 

AndyBees

Top Post Dawg
Joined
May 27, 2003
Location
Southeast Kentucky
TDI
Silver 2003 Jetta TDI, Silver 2000 Jetta TDI (sold), '84 Vanagon with '02 ALH engine
KCFOXIE did an excellent write-up!

Purchased my 2000 ALH TDI used with 45k miles on it. It's almost at 300k miles and is basically OEM..............thus far, less than 15 cents per mile to own and operate (includes everything, less current value).

My brother's wife was in an accident with their 2001 Jetta TDI back in mid-September. After settling with the other driver's insurance company, he replaced it with a 2003 Jetta TDI from MF Automotive in Knoxville, TN (on the trusted mechanics list). He shopped for one month and lost several "good" deals on ALH models......the prices aren't cheap!

And, no comparison, but next week I'll be doing a TB job on a V-6 Odessy that is already about 20k miles over due!..........

Proper maintenance results in longivity of any vehicle. I'd just like to hear the "rest of the story" some of the horror stories that I have read here in the Club. In my opinion its sort of like the old saying, some people could destroy the balls on a brass monkey (something like that). So, the TDIs shouldn't be compared to the results of being at the hands of an abusive owner!
 

jspalty

New member
Joined
Nov 4, 2011
Location
Kennesaw
TDI
jetta
thanks

Thanks for all the info. I am still looking around at cars and not sure weather I will buy a more expensive used jetta (low mileage), or a less expensive used jetta (higher mileage), or a brand new or close too brand new. I dont want something that I will have to fix constantly. I am fairly confident mechanically but I dont want to be a grease monkey ever weekend, I just dont have the time.
 

BobnOH

not-a-mechanic
Joined
May 29, 2004
Location
central Ohio
TDI
New Beetle 2003 manual
1)
T..........I will buy a more expensive used jetta (low mileage), or a less expensive used jetta (higher mileage), or a brand new or close too brand new........
2)
......... I dont want something that I will have to fix constantly. .........
2) is a direct result of 1)

The best cars are made by Honda/Toyota/Nissan/Subaru. The VW TDI is unique and can be a very satisfying ride. You will need to provide more knowledge and attention to maintenance and repair (not necessarily more capital).
 
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coalminer16

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Dec 11, 2008
Location
Central Wisconsin
TDI
Golf 2004
I don't know. Father has put 100K miles hard (heavy towwing, snow storms,etc) on the 09 sport wagon. So far just has needed brakes and the scheduled maintenance. Onlything that really has failed on mine is the lift pump and wheel bearing. The rest of the things I have added or changed but the car was driving well before changes (skid plate, Cat fuel filter, bypass filter, etc). Brother had his clutch go out around 90K and that is it other then the same things I have done.
 

flatlanded

Veteran Member
Joined
Aug 1, 2009
Location
Saskatchewan
TDI
2002 Jetta
I don't believe they require more maintenance than any other car... they just require you to actually do the maintenance rather then leave it forever.

They are better built than any Toyota/Honda I've ever been in.
 

OlyTDI

Veteran Member
Joined
Dec 18, 2007
Location
Olympia, WA
TDI
'04 Golf
Yeah, I don't get where the "TDI requires more maintenance" thing is coming from. In my experience, they require less maintenance that is done at longer intervals but that maintenance is more precise and requires more competence.

Some of the above-listed listed prices for things are out of whack. Just did TB job by local guru -- $300 labor; $250 parts. Excellent experience.

I've honestly had virtually no problems with my '04 PD (a TDI version I would most definitely gravitate toward again over the earlier motors). A lift pump failure that was pretty easy to fix. I keep insisting that my cam looks like it needs to be changed-out (so that I can put-in a stage 2) but the darn thing just keeps going...It's been a boring car in terms of reliability and things going wrong. It's been a hoot in performance and economy.
 

Jettr

Active member
Joined
Nov 6, 2011
Location
Bolingbrook, IL (USA) - 60440
TDI
2006.5 Jetta TDI Special Ed, Manual -> Silver+Black -> 60K@2012, 180K@2024
Me too

Thanks for all the info. I am still looking around at cars and not sure weather I will buy a more expensive used jetta (low mileage), or a less expensive used jetta (higher mileage), or a brand new or close too brand new. I dont want something that I will have to fix constantly. I am fairly confident mechanically but I dont want to be a grease monkey ever weekend, I just dont have the time.
I am also shopping around and feel exactly the same way on all of this. I have an opportunity at an 06 Jetta 5-speed in BEAUTIFUL condition but with 200K and a check engine light, for less than $9K. Assuming the dealer gets the light fixed (he says just a simple sensor code is popping up that he waiting on the sensor for), and I can get the maintenance records or some solid confirmation that it has been taken care of well (like from previous owner), is that worth the price vs risk? 200K miles concerns me, but as I am new to TDI's, I'm thinking like a "gasser" I'm sure...

Now, I see the other 06 Jettas around with only 100K on them, but they are like $14K. Big price difference that seems like it could easily go towards the one I'm looking at and then to the cost of a new TB, water pump, brakes, clutch, tires, etc and I still come out way ahead. Seems like I just need to find out what kind and frequency the oil was changed, if fuel filter was changed too, injectors, TB, water pump, clutch/trans, and if the apparently inherently-weak camshaft has already been replaced. Does that sound right? Make some decisions right then, leverage price down based on the work needing to be done, and then pay for the work and roll for another 100K. Or should I really just stay away from 200K and buy a 100K or less instead? It's such a big price difference though. Comments anyone?
 
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timeline

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 20, 2006
Location
Fort Atkinson, WI
TDI
2002 Jetta waggon TDI
Just adding in here but based on MPG vrs cost of Diesel to gas, Diesel being 40 to 60c more per gallon, at 50c more in fuel, knock off 5 MPG in fuel cost compared to a gasser. A TDI gets 40 to 50 MPG so you still have a high end economic vehicle. THEN, add in the maintenance and look at the whole experience.

I did that and recently bought a second TDI from Jason in Madison WI. Picking it up this week. A used, good condition 10 year old Jetta TDI may go for 8K or less. A new Chevy or Hybrid would cost over 24 grand. I really think it's a no brainer.
 

Jarrod B

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 30, 2011
Location
San Antonio, TX
TDI
2014 Passat TDI
I am also shopping around and feel exactly the same way on all of this. I have an opportunity at an 06 Jetta 5-speed in BEAUTIFUL condition but with 200K and a check engine light, for less than $9K. Assuming the dealer gets the light fixed (he says just a simple sensor code is popping up that he waiting on the sensor for), and I can get the maintenance records or some solid confirmation that it has been taken care of well (like from previous owner), is that worth the price vs risk? 200K miles concerns me, but as I am new to TDI's, I'm thinking like a "gasser" I'm sure...

Now, I see the other 06 Jettas around with only 100K on them, but they are like $14K. Big price difference that seems like it could easily go towards the one I'm looking at and then to the cost of a new TB, water pump, brakes, clutch, tires, etc and I still come out way ahead. Seems like I just need to find out what kind and frequency the oil was changed, if fuel filter was changed too, injectors, TB, water pump, clutch/trans, and if the apparently inherently-weak camshaft has already been replaced. Does that sound right? Make some decisions right then, leverage price down based on the work needing to be done, and then pay for the work and roll for another 100K. Or should I really just stay away from 200K and buy a 100K or less instead? It's such a big price difference though. Comments anyone?
mine with 168k for 10k with a no working ac system and a rattling clutch, idk.

as long as its been maintained and the proof to show, and drives well, i dont see the issue. same thing for diesel trucks that i look at.
 

xracerbob

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 21, 2006
Location
Hudson Valley, NY
TDI
2006 Jetta TDI
I'm over 322,000 miles now with my 06 Jetta. Once the big stuff has been done- cam, Single Mass flywheel/clutch, EGR cooler and all wheel bearings, you should be OK. If not, just figure those into the price equation and go from there.
 

timeline

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 20, 2006
Location
Fort Atkinson, WI
TDI
2002 Jetta waggon TDI
I'm over 322,000 miles now with my 06 Jetta. Once the big stuff has been done- cam, Single Mass flywheel/clutch, EGR cooler and all wheel bearings, you should be OK. If not, just figure those into the price equation and go from there.
Thanks for listing these items. I guess I'll have ta do mine over the next few years. The Jetta I bought has 220K on it.
 

AndyBees

Top Post Dawg
Joined
May 27, 2003
Location
Southeast Kentucky
TDI
Silver 2003 Jetta TDI, Silver 2000 Jetta TDI (sold), '84 Vanagon with '02 ALH engine
It is a no brainer

Just adding in here but based on MPG vrs cost of Diesel to gas, Diesel being 40 to 60c more per gallon, at 50c more in fuel, knock off 5 MPG in fuel cost compared to a gasser. A TDI gets 40 to 50 MPG so you still have a high end economic vehicle. THEN, add in the maintenance and look at the whole experience.

I did that and recently bought a second TDI from Jason in Madison WI. Picking it up this week. A used, good condition 10 year old Jetta TDI may go for 8K or less. A new Chevy or Hybrid would cost over 24 grand. I really think it's a no brainer.

I agree. And, even if you find a deal that has been poorly maintained, dumping in some cash to bring it up to par will be worth it.

My brother was having a hard time dealing with the sticker price shock on new TDIs. His '01 Jetta was destroyed in an accident. So, he replaced it with an '03 for $9200.00.......new documented TB job by trusted TDI club listed guru, new tires, detailed, history, etc., and it had 168k miles on it~!

Cost per mile to own and maintain is the bottom line! (under 15 cents for me).

As for the Honda/Toyota/Nissan/Subaru, I've seen and read about lots of horror stories relating to maintenance costs. Their dealers are over the top when it comes to maintenance prices!
 
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malcolmi

New member
Joined
Oct 27, 2011
Location
Kingston, Ontario, Canada
TDI
2012 Passat TDI with 6-speed manual
any reports on the 2012 Passat TDI?

I'm reading a fair number of road tests originating with the June debut of the new Passat TDI at the Chattanooga factory, and a couple of road tests published in October, but haven't heard (or can't find) many comments about what the owners' experiences in daily driving have been like to date. And while everyone seems to like the idea of the 6-speed manual transmission with the TDI, no one's written yet about what it's like to drive that model as far as I can find. I'd be glad to learn about other owners' or long-term testers' experience with the new Passat TDI.
 

bigHUN

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 23, 2007
Location
Aurora, On
TDI
06 Golf Mk4 TDi GLS BEW 5sp
2006 Golf TDI, BEW 5sp, Im not driving on Hwy as a gramma but still can get 1000 kilometers with max 59 liters, wondering how much could make once remove that vent thingy @ the plug. In 5 years 255 000 kilometers.............how many times I've top it up? let say 265 times :)
 

Jettr

Active member
Joined
Nov 6, 2011
Location
Bolingbrook, IL (USA) - 60440
TDI
2006.5 Jetta TDI Special Ed, Manual -> Silver+Black -> 60K@2012, 180K@2024
Quantifiable miles and costs?

I'm over 322,000 miles now with my 06 Jetta. Once the big stuff has been done- cam, Single Mass flywheel/clutch, EGR cooler and all wheel bearings, you should be OK. If not, just figure those into the price equation and go from there.
I also would like to thank you for these. Found out the 2006 Jetta I'm looking at with 200K miles has the check engine light on. Let's assume that none of these in the list have been done to it and that the CE-light is related. Can someone itemize each one please. Here's a template to fill in easily as I think it would help us all. ("Miles" = # of K miles that the repair needs to be done at or before. "Every" = # of K miles it needs to be done at again, each time after. "$" = cost for each type of repair, including "Inde" for "independent" mechanic that does professional work but doesn't charge ridiculous prices like dealerships. "DIY" = Do-It-Yourself cost, typically just parts.)

  1. Cam Shaft. . . Miles __K. . . Every __K. . . Dealer $___. . . Inde $___. . . DIY $___
  2. Single Mass flywheel/clutch. . . Miles __K. . . Every __K. . . Dealer $___. . . Inde $___. . . DIY $___
  3. EGR cooler. . . Miles __K. . . Every __K. . . Dealer $___. . . Inde $___. . . DIY $___
  4. All wheel bearings. . . Miles __K. . . Every __K. . . Dealer $___. . . Inde $___. . . DIY $___
  5. Turbo. . . Miles __K. . . Every __K. . . Dealer $___. . . Inde $___. . . DIY $___
  6. TB & water pump. . . Miles __K. . . Every __K. . . Dealer $___. . . Inde $___. . . DIY $___
This can help us all in knowing what to negotiate down on price when buying used cars, or how much to keep saving up for towards the next preventative/repair. Thx yall.
 
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