Which '06 is a better value

[ktm3ten]

Ok, I'm a bit new here, but I've been reading as much as I can before posting. Anyways...go easy!

I am driving about 3500-5000 miles/month, want something more economical than my V8 Tundra. Had a 96 Passat TDI, loved it, miss it. Never did maintenance on it and want to learn.

I am down to buying a TDI Jetta, hoping to save some $$ on Fuel but also just enjoyed a TDI. Here's my two choices, so far:

'06 Jetta TDI - Manual - 96,000, unknown maint history, 6/07 was in an accident but no airbag deployment and no frame damage, body in good condition. 4 hours away from my town - $10,900

'06 Jetta TDI - Auto - 123k miles, Brand new Tires, had timing belt done at 92,000, water pump done at 100,000, clean carfax one owner. Body in fair condition, some bumps and scratches. In my town - $12,900

From everything I've read, the manual sounds like the way to go and the maintenance, really must be done (timing belt, water pump) on the manual being that it's not been recorded and it's got 96k. Today's my day to go look and I've got the threads of "things to look for" printed out to take with me. Let me know what you all think.

 

[Seatman]

I've read that camshaft wear can be an issue around this age of car bud. Might be worth looking into especially with the milage.

 

[cperera]

Also look for Turbo issues. The Actuator gets weak on those cars and you can't just replace that. You have to replace the entire unit. About a good 1500 to 2000 dollar repair.

 

[Lightflyer1]

TB done at 92k and WP at 100k. I would have that job looked over by an expert as they should of been done at the same time. Other components may not have been replaced as well. DSG should have been serviced 3 times by now as well.

I would lean towards the manual.

 

[Conan]

TB done at 92k and WP at 100k. I would have that job looked over by an expert as they should of been done at the same time. Other components may not have been replaced as well. DSG should have been serviced 3 times by now as well.

I would lean towards the manual.

That is very strange. Why would you replace the TB 8000 miles early, and not do the WP at the same time? I'd go for the stick, too.

 

[Sella Turcica]

get the stick, if it comes down to these two examples. I'd say hold out for a better example of each, though.

 

[ktm3ten]

So the auto is out. Another has popped up, an '03 manual with 91k. Again no tb and no h2o pump done. Asking $9900. Thoughts?

 

[D-Cell_Mekanick]

The 03 is kinda pricey, atleast in my eyes. I would go for the manual 06, but make sure have the cam inspected and listen for failing DMF before purchase.

 

[ssamalin]

I am just an owner, not a mechanic, and opinions here differ. Have you looked on "auto trader" which always has hundreds of used tdi? You need to have more options to get a fair deal. My opinion is that the cam needs to be replaced with the timing belt, so what I would pay for a used jetta with say 80k miles would be reduced by the cost of the cam and TB job. At least I would be shopping for that deal. Also my opinion is that if the build date of the car (5m) is later than 03/06 you don't have to worry about the DMF defective clutch. I see no reason to buy a car that had an accident since there are many available. I think you are wise to shop for a 5m 2006. If you are able to abide the above gothchas you can have a magnificent car.

 

[Conan]

So the auto is out. Another has popped up, an '03 manual with 91k. Again no tb and no h2o pump done. Asking $9900. Thoughts?

That sounds really high, unless it's in showroom condition. I just bought an '03 GLS TDI (heated seats, Monsoon, sunroof, etc.) with 94k miles for less than $9k at a dealer. Mine has a new turbo, 30k-old timing belt, new oil pan. Cosmetically a little rough. Missing a couple of trim parts, a little scratched up, etc.

 

[All of Us]

ktm3ten:

Have you checked the blue book price for the '03? I'm guessing they are a little high on the price, but are trying to charge what the market will bear for a fairly low mileage TDI. Have you seen a carfax report? It is no guarantee that the car was never wrecked or abused, but a clean CF can give you some peace of mind and can be a determining factor on buying or passing on the car. Another item is the timing belt issue. Since the seller (I'm assuming it's a dealer) can not prove the TB has been done you will need to do this job either immediately, or shortly after buying the car. You should point this out to the seller and try to negotiate the price down so they cover the cost of the repair. If they don't budge keep looking.You can always come back later if they still have the car. Good luck!

Dan

 

[Sella Turcica]

lol on the '03 price. Diesel isn't $4/gal yet.

Get the MkV over the MkIV unless you want a clogged intake.

 

[ktm3ten]

Well I passed on both. The '06 manual was pretty rough inside. Dealer had it and was "detailed" but still had dog hair all over, dirty headliner, dirty everything, scratched up all over the inside. Dealer wouldn't budge on price.

The '03 supposedly had the timing belt done at 63k miles, dealer didn't know why. All the belts that I could see (on the passenger side of the engine) looked shiny, like they'd been burnished or something, just seemed off. Dealer was insistent on price, just walked.

The hunt continues...

What is the general thought on the '09? There's one here for sale locally, 27k miles, stick, great shape, asking $21k. What do you all think of that?

 

[Lightflyer1]

One here at South Point Kia about the same miles on CL for $18k. DSG.

http://austin.craigslist.org/ctd/2099910290.html