Question about 97 Jetta TDI

[VWannabe]

Hello,

I am looking a buying a TDI and have already looked at a 98 NB TDI. This car had everything but a sunroof with 88500 miles for $8000. I am also considering a 97 Jetta TDI that has 124000 miles, but just had a major service done by the dealership (TB, filters, etc.) It has a sunroof and alloys, both options in 97, but no power windows, which I had in my old car and am fond of. Is it even worth considering looking at retrofitting these to the car or just not worth it. This car is cheaper than the NB. Is the A3 engine as easy to power upgrade as the A4? Any insite would be appreciated.

 

[oilhammer]

The A3 TDI Jetta is a fantastic car, probably less troublesome overall than a '98 NB (sorry NB owners

). You are better off without power windows in any Volkswagen, however. If you found a GL with the optional sunroof and alloys, that would be the best package, IMHO. My '98 Jetta is a GLS, and guess what has been the only thing to break? Power window regs! Same for my sister's '96. Manual cranks are better, no doubt about it. The A3's AHU engine is an older, tried and true design, with a better (tougher) turbocharger, MUCH easier to service, and typically less expensive overall to maintain. They also seem to use a bit of oil, mine eats a quart in 10k miles. Others have reported similar. The A3's chassis is less refined, not much different that the A2 which debuted in 1985. Their brakes are simple but not as powerful as the A4 cars. Don't let the mileage scare you, as several have reported over 300k miles on A3 cars still running perfect. Mine has 120k on it now, chipped since 42k, runs like a scalded dog and still averages 46 MPG

 

[VWannabe]

Oilhammer:

Can the brakes on the A3s be upgraded? I like the 4 wheel discs on the later models. Can these be fitted to the A3 or is there an aftermarket kit? It is probably the only thing that I would want to upgrade, other than a chip and some other power goodies. I am sold on the room of the Jettas vs the NB, as well as the 4 doors. I have a child on the way and room will be needed.

 

[oilhammer]

There are several options for upgrading the brakes, but an easy one is to install A2/A3 rear disks (some A3 cars had them), or go all out and retrofit the VR6 cars brakes, which are 5 lug with larger everything.

What color interior is that '97? I'd trade out my silly power windows and all for some good ol' manual wind-ups!

 

[Chuck101]

I added power windows to a car once. it was a nissan. i got some aftermarket window motors that can be used for any car, they were made by SPAL. then i got some nice BMW switches and mounted them where i found a spot in the center console.
The SPAL motors connect via a gear mechanism to the teeth on the window crank (once the window crank handle is removed, there is a rod that has teeth on it to facilitate rolling the window.)
the motors then connect to your switches and the hole that is present in your door panel is covered with an included trim piece.
the install was smooth as silk and conducted by a car stereo shop. I went over 2 years in power window bliss with absolutely no problems.
--i sold the car with working power windows.

 

[dzcad90]

Oilhammer: If the first guy doesn't want to take you up on your offer, I'd be glad to. I'm in Illinois, so we aren't that far away. As I stated above, I'm planning on doing this mod in the spring sometime anyways.

BTW.. I have tan interrior.

[ December 19, 2002, 13:43: Message edited by: dzcad90 ]

 

[Steve Addy]

I have had two A3's now, a 94 GIII gasser and a 97 JIII TDI and one thing that has been consistent is the body integrity. Both cars were acquired with close to 100k miles and both had absolutely zero rattles or squeaks. I had to do some projects on the gasser to get it where I was happy with it but it really did well for me. The 97 has been the same way, excellent integrity, no rattles, and decent fit/finish. The 97 is really one of the nicest cars I've ever owned.

The one thing about the 94 was that it was pre-airbag and therefore had rear disc brakes. The 97 does not have rear disc and I dont have time anymore to take on a project like this even though I know where a complete A2 disc rear end is and I have 98 A3 rear calipers sitting at home in my basement. I'm still getting used to the TDI but so far it's been very nice and much of the upgrades I'd done to the GIII were transferable, like the OE fogs, OE sideskirts, etc. I even replaced the green/grey fuzzy interior with a 97 GT interior.

I have heard nothing but problems associated with A3 power windows. I've gotten used to not having them and the cranks work great for me. Now if I could just find a used black drivers door panel I'd be set, mine has a small crack.

good luck, if you get it I hope you're happy with it, and the TB already changed is a good deal too!

steve a

[ December 19, 2002, 17:50: Message edited by: Steve Addy ]

 

[dzcad90]

To answer your power window question, they can be retro'ed to a Jetta. Infact, I plan on doing this to my 97 in the spring (Along with heated Leather and maybe an interrior color change

)

Occasionally someone will offer a complete PW kit for a Jetta III on Vortex classifieds. I've seen them go for about $200. A couple of places sell it new for $400-$600 depending on if you just want to do the front two or all four.

All you should need is the 4 regulators, the four door handles with switches, and associated wiring. You will also need door panels to do it right, or you will have either a handle or a hole in the door panel.

 

[20ValveT]

If you want to upgrade your brakes on the A3's don't waste your money putting discs on the back. This is a front wheel drive car when the car brakes 90% of the brake pressure ends up in the front end. The best upgrade is to go with the Discs, caliper hanger, and cliper off of the G60 Corrado. This will give you the braking power of a VR6, without having to retrofit the whole VR6 assembly to your car. One thing once you do this upgrade you have to run a minimum 15 inch all the way around. Your 14s won't fit anymore with the new bigger caliper. The best thing about this upgrade is you get to keep you stock master cylinder. The bang for buck is great.

 

[Cabok]

I have a 97 Jetta, no power windows, for brakes, I replaced the discs with 2 cross-drilled and hawk pads, and now the braking power is just amazing. The rear disc brake system is not worth it. And it's more expensive to fix. (I know, I did the rear axle swap on my '90 jetta.) As for a motor swap, well, it can be done, but you've got to fit a couple of things... I have an A4 motor now, with the A-3 turbo, intake, pump and ECU. Everything fits, except for A/C (for now, I'll fix that this summer) and a couple of coolant hoses. Some electrical connectors had to be moved a bit, the vacuum pump (on the camshaft on the A4 motor) rub against the IC hoses. I used most of the coolant hoses from the A-3, but I had to use an A-2 with large rad hose for the lower rad hose, and trim it a bit. Now I'm enjoying the cartridge oil filter, and not worrying about MAF failure.

Steve Addy: Are these mags from a Ford Focus ?

[ December 20, 2002, 09:37: Message edited by: Cabok ]