New and Need Help

[tdmIght?]

Hey guys - this place has been an awesome site to learn so much about TDIs and VWs specific. I commute 80 miles each day - 75 on the highway - and the TDI seems like a perfect solution for me. I did seek some guidance on some following Jetta/Passat issues that have been raised:

1) Have there been the same IC icing issues for 2012 Jetta as 2011 and prior? (this is the main reason holding my purchase back,not the fuel line recall). If I were to aske the dealership for the "fix" ive read on here would they do it as a preventive measure? (meaning the service bulletin someone was kind enough to post)

2) Would the 2012 Passat TDI have the same IC icing issue? I am assuming so b/c its the same engine?

3) I read somewhere that they announced that the Jetta was going to get a "mid-year" refresh - meaning they would be adding 4 wheel disc brakes, and some possibility about ditching the 2.5L for a standalone 1.4L turbo (the same they will use in the hybrid next year, but just a gas 1.4L engine to compete with the Mazda 3, Focus, Cruze etc. Any news on that?

thanks ...

 

[MN_TDI12]

1 - Yes, the 2012's are prone to IC icing as well. I, personally, haven't had a no-start yet, but plenty of rough starts. I have doubt that the dealership will install it as a "preventive measure", but you could ask them. The NE area seems to have the most problems.
2 - The Passat doesn't not have these issues b/c it uses a air-to-water cooler vs the air-to-air cooler that the Jetta uses. I don't know all the specifics to this, but IIRC this warms the charge air so that water is held in suspension instead of dropping out (condensation) into the intercooler.
3 - My understanding is that's for 2013, i.e. Aug/Sept time frame. The TDI comes std w/ discs on all fours.

 

[tdmIght?]

Thanks so much MN - Anyone else like to chime in? Otherwise it seems like I might just start looking harder at the Passat rather than the Jetta? A shame though, because I like the look so much of the smaller Jetta.

So, its been announced about the 2013s with the 1.4L non-diesel?

 

[Cesar]

Buy the Jetta 6MT and drive more, worry less and have fun

 

[Jbdesigns]

I wanted manual and couldn't get that in upscale passat tdi. So jetta I got. 110 mike commute, 45mpg avg in winter

 

[Sergeant TDI]

The Jetta TDI is a great car for long distance driving. Sounds perfect for what you are using it for. Personally, I find the Passat too big for my taste, and like you said, the Jetta looks better. There is also more room to do your own custom upgrades.

I wouldn't worry about the icing. VW will come up with a recall/fix by next year. Until then you are covered 100%.

Go with the DSG. You won't be sorry. It's the best automatic transmission I have ever used on the freeway.

The only reason I would hold off at this point is that there are rumors that the top trim of the 2013 Jetta TDI will get an upgraded interior, but that may be a ways away.

 

[tdmIght?]

Thanks again guys. My only issue is, why would I buy the Jetta and cross my fingers for a fix down the road when they know about the issue? Do you think they would pu tin a fix for it proactively? It pains me to say I'm leaning towards the passat since I hear it doesnt have these issues...

 

[MN_TDI12]

I think people worry too much. As the saying goes, "Drive more, worry less". When I bought mine, the HPFP was (still is) the biggest issue. I didn't let that worry sway my decision, I just became well informed of the problem.

Having said that, buy which ever best suits your needs and don't look back. Every new car can have issues, the Jetta's is well documented. That's what the warranty is for. If you go w/ the Jetta, after a few weeks, inform the dealership that you are experiencing rough/hard start issues and ask to have the IC kit install. Being in the NE area, I doubt there will be much push back. As I said in my previous post, doubtful on the proactive approach.

On second thought, for as much as you seem to worry, perhaps a VW isn't for you... just my $0.02.

 

[Biz]

Haven't had any problems with cold start on my '12 Jetta so far this winter, in 10K miles - although it hasn't been an exceptionally cold one. Had one "rough start", just cranked for 5-10 seconds then caught and ran fine. My commute is 80 miles per day.

 

[tdipoet]

just tell them up front that you want the cold weather fixed intercooler installed as part of the terms of the sale. no biggie.

 

[Organdonor]

+1

I mentioned I wanted it when I brought my 2011 in for it's 10k mile service. There's a national backorder on the kit, so you might have to wait a little bit to get yours installed.

Where in CT are you? When I picked up my 2011 last April I drove out to Balise in Warwick, RI. They had lot FULL of Jettas. They gave me a nice discount, and my sales guy was very laid back and polite.

 

[old bear]

I too am very pleased with the Jetta. The Passat is nice as well, BUT they are pretty scarce at this time. THere are a lot of TDI Jetta's out there and you can get a pretty good deal if you shop around..

 

[skinnyb]

I agree the Passat is very scarce. However I really enjoy mine. I went to it from the Jetta and not because of any problems either actual or feared in the future. I bought the Passat because I like the look and the extra room inside is a real bonus for me. I am a big guy and all my co workers are big guys and we frequently go out on service calls together and having the extra room makes a huge difference. Plus the extra goodies like the air to water intercooler and the added fuel economy the Urea adds is just a bonus...

 

[VeeDubTDI]

My vote is for a 6M Passat. I think it will be worth the wait. Bigger car, better fuel economy, no IC issues, similar price.

 

[BrianDime]

I commute 160 miles (80 each way), and have been doing it in my Jetta TDI since November. I've found it to be a good car for the highway, plenty of zip for the on-ramp/traffic. I seem to get about 43-45MPG, depending on traffic. The one complaint I have is a odd wind noise on the driver side, which I just read (in another post on this forum) is from a seam on the side view mirror. Going to try to fix that ASAP.

Enjoy!

 

[tdmIght?]

Thanks again all. And Organdonor - I'm in Fairfield County here. I appreciate all of your guy's opinions. I wouldnt call myself full of worry - i just like to be informed of everything, and it seems as if there more i dig the more i need to be informed of the jetta. Granted, I am coming from a little 2003 mazda protege with 194,000 - so either would be a great upgrade