What Year/Model TDI is the "best" to buy?

[RyanP654]

I'm new to the TDI world, and can't wait to get one. Most likely i'm looking for a Jetta under 80xxx. 99.5-2004 (I know about the vnt but not alot) I know a few things about them IE. Making sure what mileage timing belt it has and if it has been replaced, who did it. What type of oil was used. So basically, I need to know what year engines/cars were better than others. Can anyone help me? I greatly appreciate it.

 

[Scooby Doo]

check out the thread i just posted...

 

[wtdi2k]

I would say a 2003 , because then 1) you do not have PD engine, with its special oild requirements, 2) your VAG-COM software package can work this this engine
2a) recommend rest autotrans to the european seting- better shift points, 2b) reduce the EGR duty cycle 3) This non PD engine has computerized mechanical timing pump and individual injectors 4) this model 2003, has the 80K or 100K miles timing belt and pulleys setup OEM ( my 2000 has the 40K-50K one) 5) this engine can use Amsoil series 3000 5w-30 diesel engine oil or a lot of the popular synthentic oils as long as they meet the specification, which is easier then the special PD oil .... the 2004 on up is the PD engines, the 2000, maybe 2001 was the
40K ( can stretch it to 45K ) timing belt change requirement. IF you do get a used one that need timing belt, then have them pull and clean the intake manifold, replace the MAF sensor, replace the water pump and thermostat, replace the EGR valve, and clean out the intercooler. Seems like a lot but you will are quickly eliminating maintenance points. Also check the glow plugs and GLOW plug HARNESS...... Install ProVent 2000 CCV filter to catch the oily blowby. Good Luck

 

[oilhammer]

I think the PD's "special oil requirement" really is blown out of proportion. It is a non-issue. Can't always go to Autozone and buy the proper oil for the VE TDI either

Stay away from the automatics, at least the 4 speed 01M, unless you have only one leg or arm. They are a $4800 liability.

All ALH engines and the cars they are found in are essentially the same, but the later ones benefit from some updated bits here and there. 2001-up would be better than a '99.5-2000. Late 2003-on are the best.

But, if you find a cherry well-cared-for 2000, I would not pass it up if the price was good.

 

[MikeS_18]

2003, Imo

 

[SpamJ]

I agree with the 2003, older engine, and ESP. In a perfect world I'd do it that way, AND you get the same year as Fred , the orginator of this board.

 

[Scooby Doo]

2001 for insurance reasons. quote the effect before you buy.

 

[nicklockard]

The "best" year Tdi is:

a. 2002 New Beetle (cheapest), 2002 Golf (2nd cheapest but much higher utility), 2002 Jetta sedan (most utility but most expensive.) Oh, and for sure get one with ESP if at all possible; but...it was a rare option

b. 2009 or 2010 2.0 Tdi Golf Variant (wagon)--to arrive hopefully.

2003 models are over-valued by the market by a long shot. The wagons are fetching prices like they're made of gold.

 

[Dorado]

2002 was the model year in which VWoA bumped the warranty from 2yrs (I think) to 4yrs-50k miles, and I believe by then a good number of troublesome parts had been improved.

In any case, the problems were very common, e.g. window regulators, so if you're buying used, all you have to do is to search this forum and make up a list of problems that many people had. Then check if those have been addressed in the vehicle you're getting.

 

[MikeS_18]

The "best" year Tdi is:

a. 2002 New Beetle (cheapest), 2002 Golf (2nd cheapest but much higher utility), 2002 Jetta sedan (most utility but most expensive.) Oh, and for sure get one with ESP if at all possible; but...it was a rare option

ESP wasn't available at all in 2002, not until 2003, unless I am wrong, which is certainly possible.

 

[nicklockard]

Oh. Didn't know that.

 

[tjl]

I think the PD's "special oil requirement" really is blown out of proportion. It is a non-issue. Can't always go to Autozone and buy the proper oil for the VE TDI either

However, the older ones did not have "warranty void if even one drop of the wrong oil was put in the car" problem, so people looking for used cars with the PD-TDI engine need to be extra careful about inspecting service records (including records from VW dealers, since VW dealers have been known to use the incorrect oil).

 

[oilhammer]

Never needed a warranty myself, and any 2003 or older car will be out of warranty anyways. Again, a total non-issue.

So long as you know the PD did indeed have the correct oil, no problems. But really the same goes for the older cars. They do not hold up well with the wrong oil either, especially the turbochargers.

Besides, the way I have been seeing leaking injection pumps lately, I'd rather have a car that didn't have that liability! PD all the way for me if I had the choice!

 

[Powder Hound]

... PD all the way for me if I had the choice!

Is that in spite of the occasional PD pump that likes to fill the crankcase with D2 as well as the injectors? (I.e. PDs ain't perfect neither! )

 

[oilhammer]

Is that in spite of the occasional PD pump that likes to fill the crankcase with D2 as well as the injectors? (I.e. PDs ain't perfect neither! )

That's news to me.

 

[dieseldorf]

What Year/Model TDI is the "best" to buy?

2002 or 2003MY G/J car equipped with the MANual transmission!

Enjoy