Is there a generation or year to avoid?

[Boostlee]

Hello everyone, I've had ALH and BEW and the old mk2 1.6. In saying that if we are looking at newer variants of the vw diesel, are there certain years or engine codes to avoid? Thanks

 

[pedroYUL]

Depends on what you are looking for. I asked myself the same question about the newer models and decided to get into the latest year model/engine 2015.

The 2015 are SCR engines, meaning they do need DEF (urea) to function. Also, I read that the gen 3 common rail (CVCA, CRUA codes for N.A.) have new injectors with lower rail pressure, among other differences.

Remaining dieselgate warranty was also a factor for me, as I don't want a big ticket item failing (HPFP, DPF for example) too soon.

...get reading.

 

[Mongler98]

Yes.
Avoid anything under your budget. Spend the most you can afford. Buy the nicest newest thing you can get for your $.
Used market for Lowe tier sub 4 grand is the way it always will. Low miles within the last 7 years ... you are going to pay near MSRP if you can find one. Safety standards and tech are lightyears past what it was even 5 years ago.
If your under 5 grand... then just buy what you can find and spend the $ on maintenance. Otherwise payup for the newest you can get.
Times have changed.

 

[Boostlee]

Avoid any tdi with a balance module. Until you delete it ,its a ticking timebomb. BHW I believe. Newer vehicles have more complicated emissions equipment that makes them less reliable compared to earlier models but that can be solved easily.
Passat CRs tend to have weak turbos even on stock software. I have a CJAA engined golf and Jetta, both seem to be pretty much problem free except my jetta seems to repeatedly leak oil in very cold weather.
Every model has its issues but most have some type of work around or fix

what years were the cjaa? thx

 

[Paulman]

At some point in the future, all of us TDI owners of this vintage have to face the music: do I want to start paying for a DPF replacement out of warranty?

 

[Mozambiquer]

Each model had it's strong points and weak points. Personally, I like the ve pump engines and pd engines better than the common rail. I have several bhws, and their balance shafts have been converted or deleted and now they're great engines. The common rail engines had issues with the cp4 pumps and emissions systems, the 2015's are arguably the better of the common rail cars, though they had the def in them as well.

 

[tactdi]

Each model had it's strong points and weak points. Personally, I like the ve pump engines and pd engines better than the common rail.

"Greg, what is the worst fraternity on this campus?
Well that would be hard to say, sir. They're each outstanding in their own way."

Just had to quote "Animal House"

 

[dcjkrueger]

"Greg, what is the worst fraternity on this campus?
Well that would be hard to say, sir. They're each outstanding in their own way."

Just had to quote "Animal House"

Now you did it tactdi, we have to put you on Double Secret Probation !!!

 

[BobnOH]

Seems I've read the 2009 had some unique problems. Also heard the newer Dieselgate buy-backs ain't too bad at all, if they're not all rusty underneath (improper storage).
As with any used car, I'd recommend the newest you can afford. Not a great time to buy, the supply chain/chip shortage has resulted in a car shortage, late model used cars are up as much as 43%.

 

[turbobrick240]

I'd wait at least a few months to buy if at all possible- these elevated prices can't last forever. Personally, I'd be looking at '11-'15 model year cars. Assuming you want to be driving the car more than working on it.

 

[AndyBees]

Well, I have three "extra" ALH engines! The two VE Jettas in our family are basically rust and dent free. The ALH in my 84 Vanagon is fine at about 208k. My son also has an 04 low miles he got for cheap. I did the first TB job on it in the summer of 2020. Unfortunately, he recently dozed off and side-swiped a guardrail. Besides body damage, there is obviously damage to the front sub-frame. It is worth fixing!

As for me, at my age, these ALHs will carry me on!

 

[Nevada_TDI]

Unrelated post here: A beautiful woman walks into a bar, looks around and walks up to a man at the bar, and says, " For $100 I will do whatever you want, you can only use three words," the man says, "Paint my house."

 

[PakProtector]

A Rabbi, a Priest and a TDI mechanic walk into a bar...

See, this stuff just writes itself... LOL

I think I will need one more ALH to see me to the end of my driving career. Maybe two. Currently researching the mothballing ways and means.

If about a dozen old men, and a couple kids can un-mothball the Missouri and kick some alien butt, an ALH should be simple.
cheers,
Douglas

 

[Nevada_TDI]

Unless my Jetta gets horrifically damaged, my plan is to drive it until I am no longer able.
I don't know how many other Men have Wives that don't get the TDI love thing.
At least now my Wife doesn't say every time I spend a few dollars on my TDI, "You need to buy something else..." to which I reply, "Divide that $$ by 12 and tell me what (new) car I could have for a monthly payment like that?" And then I change the subject.

 

[csstevej]

Unless my Jetta gets horrifically damaged, my plan is to drive it until I am no longer able.
I don't know how many other Men have Wives that don't get the TDI love thing.
At least now my Wife doesn't say every time I spend a few dollars on my TDI, "You need to buy something else..." to which I reply, "Divide that $$ by 12 and tell me what (new) car I could have for a monthly payment like that?" And then I change the subject.

Lol I have one of those wives too
All my kids have MKIV’s and are of them same opinion.

 

[Nevada_TDI]

New unrelated post: If Harry Potter was diagnosed with HPV, what would they name the film?
" Harry Potter and the Deathly Swallows."
One of my favorite Hot Rod shirts says, "Injection is nice but I would rather be blown."