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afarfalla
Veteran Member
My sentiments
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Well, if you search for my earlier posts, you'll see that I got fairly frustrated with my 2004 VW due to numerous issues between limp mode, hesitation on acceleration, and basically the inability of the dealer to actually repair the car, regardless of the number of attempts. I've gone Japanese (Infiniti M35), and even though I'm taking a fuel cost hit, it is very refreshing to me to simply get in the car and drive. From a driving perspective, it really is no contest between the M35 and TDI as well.
Some here have pointed out certain advantages with rust through protection and crash-worthiness, which may or may not be the case. I think the Accord is the way to go.
Some here have pointed out certain advantages with rust through protection and crash-worthiness, which may or may not be the case. I think the Accord is the way to go.
afarfalla
Veteran Member
my 2005
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rotarykid
Top Post Dawg
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2003
- TDI
- 1997 Passat TDI White,99.5 Blue Jetta TDI
All cars are now electronicly controlled high tech wonders that are all going to have some issues that must be dealt with when you exceed the 100k miles mark , all Honda & Toyota included . T-belts with rollors & waterpump included on these cars , brake fluid change should be done every 2-4 years on all cars , brake pads at some point , and all other parts that wear with miles that is a given . And on all new diesels with EGR system an intake cleanings are going to be required at some point , Honda included or whoever comes out with a EGR equipped diesel . As all new diesels will have to have an EGR system to pas emissions .
I have a fiend that bought an 04 Passat TDI as soon as they went on sale and he loves it . He drives from Denver to Fort Collins 3 times a week on I-25 75 mph posted speed limit with a real enforced limit of 90 mph on most of this stretch . He gets around 40 mpgUS tank after tank while making this drive @ speed with a little running around Denver added in . He just turned over the 75k mile mark without a single issue . He changes his oil about @ the 10k mark every time and loves not having to worry about oil changes any earlier . He says it's the best car he has ever owned , he just turned 49 . He also plans to replace it with a new 6 spd manual Jetta TDI-CR when they go on sale later this year . He hates the automatic trans as much as I do but he wanted a new Passat diesel so he had to just deal the fact that the Passat TDI-PD was only sold here with a slushbox .
If you like the car
go for you will love it . Just do what needs to be done when it needs to be done and enjoy . Don't worry about it & welcome to the German Diesel world .
I have a fiend that bought an 04 Passat TDI as soon as they went on sale and he loves it . He drives from Denver to Fort Collins 3 times a week on I-25 75 mph posted speed limit with a real enforced limit of 90 mph on most of this stretch . He gets around 40 mpgUS tank after tank while making this drive @ speed with a little running around Denver added in . He just turned over the 75k mile mark without a single issue . He changes his oil about @ the 10k mark every time and loves not having to worry about oil changes any earlier . He says it's the best car he has ever owned , he just turned 49 . He also plans to replace it with a new 6 spd manual Jetta TDI-CR when they go on sale later this year . He hates the automatic trans as much as I do but he wanted a new Passat diesel so he had to just deal the fact that the Passat TDI-PD was only sold here with a slushbox .
If you like the car
go for you will love it . Just do what needs to be done when it needs to be done and enjoy . Don't worry about it & welcome to the German Diesel world . auntulna
Veteran Member
Let me say this about that...there exists in this country and in our sister to the north, a silent majority of Passat owners content to drive and enjoy this very good car. The nature of bull. boards is to air problems, other makes have them as well. I remain calm, 54,000 miles and no problems.
leicaman
Top Post Dawg
I can see your potential for worry here. Now I realize that you may have some of the issues that some folks have. Just find a TDI guru and have him or her (I assume there's got to be a female TDI guru somewhere, probably more rare than a B5 wagon) give the car a front to back, top to bottom inspection. Listen to what they have to say and do what they suggest. You will have few issues down the road as a result. Above all else keep tabs on the B5.5 section as we learn things even before the VW dealers do at times. This web should be mandatory ready for those with ANY TDI.
My experience with my TDI has been mostly pleasant. It did have to have the alignment redone as I had feathering on the tires, but that can happen to any car, particularly with the common road crater (ie pothole).
I did have the brake switch recall done on mine and it works fine to this day.
My oil consumption is about a 1/2 liter every 10k. Best mileage ever was 46.12 mpg on a long long trip. Most of the time on trips I get 41-42.
The 04-05 Passat TDI will be somewhat doggy when it is cold. With mine, once the car's temp gauge gets onto the first notch, it then works as designed. I think what happens is the car's electronics regulates how much boost is available due when cold. Some folks complain about the acceleration problems, but I don't think its an issue once the car is warm.
My beefs other than the current level of diesel pricing is the following:
1. The original tires only went 39k
2. The engine compartment seems to attract little mammals (and in my case with only 1800 miles on the clock a big mammal [deer]) because mice found my snow screen area to be a fine area to stow their seeds. I got a limp mode and nursed it to the dealer who quickly and inexpensively fixed the issue.
3. The seat adjustments took some time for me to completely get scienced out and now I am very very happy with my seats. It would have been nice for VW to offer a power seat option that year.
My experience with my TDI has been mostly pleasant. It did have to have the alignment redone as I had feathering on the tires, but that can happen to any car, particularly with the common road crater (ie pothole).
I did have the brake switch recall done on mine and it works fine to this day.
My oil consumption is about a 1/2 liter every 10k. Best mileage ever was 46.12 mpg on a long long trip. Most of the time on trips I get 41-42.
The 04-05 Passat TDI will be somewhat doggy when it is cold. With mine, once the car's temp gauge gets onto the first notch, it then works as designed. I think what happens is the car's electronics regulates how much boost is available due when cold. Some folks complain about the acceleration problems, but I don't think its an issue once the car is warm.
My beefs other than the current level of diesel pricing is the following:
1. The original tires only went 39k
2. The engine compartment seems to attract little mammals (and in my case with only 1800 miles on the clock a big mammal [deer]) because mice found my snow screen area to be a fine area to stow their seeds. I got a limp mode and nursed it to the dealer who quickly and inexpensively fixed the issue.
3. The seat adjustments took some time for me to completely get scienced out and now I am very very happy with my seats. It would have been nice for VW to offer a power seat option that year.
daedalus
Veteran Member
You are on a VW techie forum. We all ***** and moan, talk about the problems we have, but not much is said about the good stuff. It's normal and can be expected on the forums for any brand.
Go for it - it's a great car
Go for it - it's a great car
As stated above no-one really comes to these sites when their cars are running fine. Rarely do you see a post saying I love my car it is the best car I ever had. We come here to discuss and repair problems for the most part. Im sure the Ford Hybrid fourums have their fair share of issues also. (Im guessing as I have not checked) I say due yourself due dilligence and check before purchasing any make/model.
For the record this is my 4th VW. All 4 have been LESS reliable than any of my previous Japaneese vehicles. (Honda, Acura x2, Toyota) However they have been the most pleasurable and comfortable vehicles to drive. I also know them inside out so repair is no longer an issue. I can say that I became a mechanic by force of owning a VW. I too was ready to sell my Golf in 2001 when I discovered this forum and read all the MAF problems, turbo failures etc. You then come to realize there are thousands of these vehicles out there and not all have the same issues. Tough choice to make! I love my TDI, hence why I got another one and could not imagine driving anything else for now.
For the record this is my 4th VW. All 4 have been LESS reliable than any of my previous Japaneese vehicles. (Honda, Acura x2, Toyota) However they have been the most pleasurable and comfortable vehicles to drive. I also know them inside out so repair is no longer an issue. I can say that I became a mechanic by force of owning a VW. I too was ready to sell my Golf in 2001 when I discovered this forum and read all the MAF problems, turbo failures etc. You then come to realize there are thousands of these vehicles out there and not all have the same issues. Tough choice to make! I love my TDI, hence why I got another one and could not imagine driving anything else for now.
To me, you also have to consider the very small number of Passat TDIs that were sold in the US in 2004 and 2005. When you think about how many Accords that Honda sold in those same years, it's only natural to see a fairly large number of complaints on the forums. I just find it distressing that even with such a small sample size, so many Passat TDI owners seem to have the same issues. That speaks to the shortcomings in the car's design more than anything else. It's up to the individual if the fuel savings are worth putting up with the mechanical glitches.
06JettaTDIdsg
Veteran Member
61k miles and runs like a top.
I just serviced it yesterday and all is well.
It will need tires this summer. The originals are getting a little thin.
I just serviced it yesterday and all is well.
It will need tires this summer. The originals are getting a little thin.
hysterwv
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Aug 10, 2006
- Location
- WV, OH, KY
105k miles. All is well. Bought it 18 months ago with 32k miles. Love it...
Had to replace brake light switch and both front axles. Not bad at all.
Had to replace brake light switch and both front axles. Not bad at all.
IrishFrank
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2006
I have had a 2001 passat pd 130 6 speed manual.
104k miles now 54k were mine.
I have owned it for almost 4 years
In that time all problems have been nuisannce but pretty standard.
cv boots split on both sides.
radiator rotted replaced myself with aid of father.
coolant tempt sender for inside gauge failed. Easy fix once I found it.
Exhaust rattle caused by a split was able to take it out and weld with aid of mechanic mate.
Other than that TB and water pump replaced at 100k standard service.
After the guts of 4 years I am very happy with the car. It pulls like a train great fuel economy, gives a nice push in the back for a sub 2 litre engine.
The only mod I have is the EVRY mod.
104k miles now 54k were mine.
I have owned it for almost 4 years
In that time all problems have been nuisannce but pretty standard.
cv boots split on both sides.
radiator rotted replaced myself with aid of father.
coolant tempt sender for inside gauge failed. Easy fix once I found it.
Exhaust rattle caused by a split was able to take it out and weld with aid of mechanic mate.
Other than that TB and water pump replaced at 100k standard service.
After the guts of 4 years I am very happy with the car. It pulls like a train great fuel economy, gives a nice push in the back for a sub 2 litre engine.
The only mod I have is the EVRY mod.
oilhammer
Certified Volkswagen Nut & Vendor
Mine has not been a problem whatsoever. Not a peep of trouble, save for one tail lamp bulb. Almost 70k miles. No squeeks, no rattles, no 'hesitations', no noises, original tires and brakes still.
The timing belt deal is really over hyped. Yes it is important but it is simply routine PM. It is VERY RARE for a TDI to have an issue with this unless it is done incorrectly.
The oil pump hex shaft thing is of concern on the BHW equipped B5 TDI but not anything I am going to lose sleep over. The one I repaired was a $2500 repair bill, which is not cheap, but I have sent many cars out of this shop with equally high or higher repair costs...in many cases at a lower mileage. We do late model Accord A/C compressors about once a month here. Many of these cars have not even hit 50k miles, and are sent out of here with a $1500 repair bill. I've got a GM minivan in the shop now getting $1k worth of repairs, the lion's share of which is the intake leaking [again] and it has not even hit 80k!
And now this week I get to replace the dash wiring harness in a 2001 RAV4...the part alone is over $1k!!! And I have to pull the dash out to do it!
Horror stories abound, that is sure. I have said, and will always say, that if the only reason you are buying a TDI is to save money you are simply bad at math. Fuel consumption aside, it is still a complex sophisticated German car. Not cheap to buy, not cheap to maintain. If cheap is what you want, look elsewhere. I for one cannot stand the flimsy feel and cramped interior of a Civic or Corolla, and once you factor in the fact that their fuel consumption is about even or worse than what my two-ton Passat can get, it is no contest.
Even my 350k+ mile B4 and my 400k+ mile A2 are solid, straight, roomy, and rust free. If you drove either of them you'd probably be amazed at just how well they have held up [with proper care]. That same care and PM could not keep my Japanese cars on the road, and the last of which is quietly dissolving back into the earth in a scrap heap somewhere.
The timing belt deal is really over hyped. Yes it is important but it is simply routine PM. It is VERY RARE for a TDI to have an issue with this unless it is done incorrectly.
The oil pump hex shaft thing is of concern on the BHW equipped B5 TDI but not anything I am going to lose sleep over. The one I repaired was a $2500 repair bill, which is not cheap, but I have sent many cars out of this shop with equally high or higher repair costs...in many cases at a lower mileage. We do late model Accord A/C compressors about once a month here. Many of these cars have not even hit 50k miles, and are sent out of here with a $1500 repair bill. I've got a GM minivan in the shop now getting $1k worth of repairs, the lion's share of which is the intake leaking [again] and it has not even hit 80k!
And now this week I get to replace the dash wiring harness in a 2001 RAV4...the part alone is over $1k!!! And I have to pull the dash out to do it!
Horror stories abound, that is sure. I have said, and will always say, that if the only reason you are buying a TDI is to save money you are simply bad at math. Fuel consumption aside, it is still a complex sophisticated German car. Not cheap to buy, not cheap to maintain. If cheap is what you want, look elsewhere. I for one cannot stand the flimsy feel and cramped interior of a Civic or Corolla, and once you factor in the fact that their fuel consumption is about even or worse than what my two-ton Passat can get, it is no contest.
Even my 350k+ mile B4 and my 400k+ mile A2 are solid, straight, roomy, and rust free. If you drove either of them you'd probably be amazed at just how well they have held up [with proper care]. That same care and PM could not keep my Japanese cars on the road, and the last of which is quietly dissolving back into the earth in a scrap heap somewhere.
It sounds like your buying it right and that makes all the difference in the world. It's a used car, something might go wrong but as long as you don't get caught up in paying top dollar you'll be fine. The prices on these have soften in my area of late and there are good deals out there, just need to be patient and then jump. I was into dealer yesterday for minor fix and they had just taken a 05 in on trade end of last week. TDI GLS wagon, leather, body like new, all records, near mint, 110,000 miles. They were asking $14,900.00 firm. (A great deal I thought.) They were just were putting in timing belt yesterday and it had not hit the lot yet. I immediatley called the wife and she's decided she wants a BMW wagon, so we passed. The VW guy called today and said car sold last night still on the rack! I was not surprised, I was willing to buy it on the rack too! Regards PJ
Boiler84
Well-known member
Love My 04!
I bought a 2004 Passat Wagon GLS TDI as a salvaged car, so I should even have more questions than you! However, a solid mechanic once-over and get on with life! My 04 is running like a top, love the acceleration and power. Even with an automatic. Remember, even a new car can be a lemon, but a good, used car with a good owner should be past the new car gremlins after about 30K, IMHO.
I bought a 2004 Passat Wagon GLS TDI as a salvaged car, so I should even have more questions than you! However, a solid mechanic once-over and get on with life! My 04 is running like a top, love the acceleration and power. Even with an automatic. Remember, even a new car can be a lemon, but a good, used car with a good owner should be past the new car gremlins after about 30K, IMHO.
afarfalla
Veteran Member
My 03 1
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Shuiqlazam
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2002
- Location
- Lakeville, Minnesota
- TDI
- 2002 Jetta - Blue, 2004 Passat - Black, 2010 Touareg Grey
Once I went Diesel, I couldn't go back
I'm on my second VW. 02 Jetta which I drove to 117k miles before selling it (get this I bought it out the door for $21k and sold it in April 07 for $11.5K) That's a pretty damn good return on investment. What did I have to buy: 4 tires, 4 brake pads, 1 MAF and a Timing Belt Change by DeafBug
Average MPG - 42 over the 117k miles.
Now, I have an 2004.5 Passat TDI-PD. I bought it in April 07 for $19.5k with 33k miles. Now, one year later, I have 54k miles on it and have averaged 36 MPG with low 40s on the highway.
I love the diesel, I love the power. I love the reliability. I love the MPG. I won't go back.
My only problems: the wife keeps asking me to get her an 08 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel How can I say no??!? The only problem is the darn price tag. Otherwise, the 3.0 CRD in the jeep has the same towing power as the 5.7 Liter Hemi. So, damn one more arguement for a diesel over a gasser.
I'm on my second VW. 02 Jetta which I drove to 117k miles before selling it (get this I bought it out the door for $21k and sold it in April 07 for $11.5K) That's a pretty damn good return on investment. What did I have to buy: 4 tires, 4 brake pads, 1 MAF and a Timing Belt Change by DeafBug
Average MPG - 42 over the 117k miles.
Now, I have an 2004.5 Passat TDI-PD. I bought it in April 07 for $19.5k with 33k miles. Now, one year later, I have 54k miles on it and have averaged 36 MPG with low 40s on the highway.
I love the diesel, I love the power. I love the reliability. I love the MPG. I won't go back.
My only problems: the wife keeps asking me to get her an 08 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel
How can I say no??!? The only problem is the darn price tag. Otherwise, the 3.0 CRD in the jeep has the same towing power as the 5.7 Liter Hemi. So, damn one more arguement for a diesel over a gasser.
IndigoBlueWagon
TDIClub Enthusiast, Principal IDParts, Vendor , w/
The B5.5 is the one TDI (aside from a NB) that I do not own. I would like to have one, but am holding out for one with a 6 speed manual.
Oilhammer is right, this site is designed for people to raise issues they have with their TDIs, not to sing their praises, even though we do that sometimes, too.
I would not have traded a NB for the sake of a Relay 109. Cursed a bit, perhaps, but not sold my car.
I was thinking today that my A5 has been completely perfect in its first 18 months, although I have to confess that only includes 15,000 miles. It has one squeak which I think is a rear seat back latch. Otherwise, flawless.
My wagon has been remarkably trouble and repair free for 180K. And my son has done his best to mistreat his A3 with 160K and it just keeps going.
I'm taking my '99.5 Golf, now making 145/270, to the race track this weekend to flog the living daylights out of it. It has 120K on it, original clutch and turbo. Both working fine. And I'll get 45 MPG driving to the track. Try that in a Corolla or a Civic.
Oilhammer is right, this site is designed for people to raise issues they have with their TDIs, not to sing their praises, even though we do that sometimes, too.
I would not have traded a NB for the sake of a Relay 109. Cursed a bit, perhaps, but not sold my car.
I was thinking today that my A5 has been completely perfect in its first 18 months, although I have to confess that only includes 15,000 miles. It has one squeak which I think is a rear seat back latch. Otherwise, flawless.
My wagon has been remarkably trouble and repair free for 180K. And my son has done his best to mistreat his A3 with 160K and it just keeps going.
I'm taking my '99.5 Golf, now making 145/270, to the race track this weekend to flog the living daylights out of it. It has 120K on it, original clutch and turbo. Both working fine. And I'll get 45 MPG driving to the track. Try that in a Corolla or a Civic.
I think if it bothers you, you should not buy one. Some people obsess about it, others fine (I don't blame the ones who got a lemon and nothing but trouble, that’s true misery and agony).
If you obsess about it, its not the car for you. You will see concentrated issues here as we all are here to get help with our problems (and help others out in return for what we get from he site).
That said, you can buy a Japanese care with their impeccable reputations, and have nothing but problems, but feel ok, because everyone says they are wonderful.
Ours had two issues, bad turbo mechanism and the smoking. Rest has been issue free (26k now).
That said, if VW offered a 60k-80K or 10 year warranty, they would sell like hot cakes.
If you obsess about it, its not the car for you. You will see concentrated issues here as we all are here to get help with our problems (and help others out in return for what we get from he site).
That said, you can buy a Japanese care with their impeccable reputations, and have nothing but problems, but feel ok, because everyone says they are wonderful.
Ours had two issues, bad turbo mechanism and the smoking. Rest has been issue free (26k now).
That said, if VW offered a 60k-80K or 10 year warranty, they would sell like hot cakes.
afarfalla
Veteran Member
read a
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pgoes
Veteran Member
My '04 has almost 64,000 miles, 50k are mine. I've had 2 major issues: replaced the instrument panel at 47,000 miles, and needed a new water pump at 61,000 mile; the timing belt was done at the same time.
Otherwise I just change the oil and fuel filter every 10k. I've also cleaned the EGR valve and replaced the cabin and air filter.
That is a sterling example of reliability compared to any other car I've owned. I hope to never buy another car.
Otherwise I just change the oil and fuel filter every 10k. I've also cleaned the EGR valve and replaced the cabin and air filter.
That is a sterling example of reliability compared to any other car I've owned. I hope to never buy another car.
NFSTDI
Vendor , w/Business number
I love my TDI. Every time I get go for a drive I have fun. Whether it's my fifteen minute commute or a Saturday afternoon drive up the coast. It has had a few problems but that's to be expected of a car with two hundred thousand miles on it. That should give you some idea of what you have to look forward to. Easily another one, two, even three hundred thousand miles if you care for it.
You sound like a savy guy who can turn a wrench now and then. I think most of the problems with VWs are things like window regulators, timing belts that have not been replaced on time, various failures like MAF, AC clutch, alternator brushes, etc. Batteries, brakes, tires are necessary on all cars. In fact all cars will eventually have part failures. What's nice about a TDI, apart from smiling as you drive past the pump, is the way they drive. They perform well and make driving fun.
You sound like a savy guy who can turn a wrench now and then. I think most of the problems with VWs are things like window regulators, timing belts that have not been replaced on time, various failures like MAF, AC clutch, alternator brushes, etc. Batteries, brakes, tires are necessary on all cars. In fact all cars will eventually have part failures. What's nice about a TDI, apart from smiling as you drive past the pump, is the way they drive. They perform well and make driving fun.
The enjoyment factor is one point I think gets missed.
I used to hate driving in town, I was almost turning into a hermit, making life miserable for my wife as all the small stuff kept getting put off.
Now, give me an excuse to do an errand and I am off. Its fun to drive, and has brought a lot of light back into our lives.
We also like to do drives occasionally (its about our only outside entertainment). With fuel use so high previously, not only were the trucks not fun drivers (reliable, but not enjoyable), but watching the gas gage drop like a rock ruined the enjoyment.
Not only does the Passat ride, drive and handle very nice (dare I say sporty even), at 40+ mpg, its brought the enjoyment back. Not always a lot of fun just trying to get by, to get all that really has been nice.
I used to hate driving in town, I was almost turning into a hermit, making life miserable for my wife as all the small stuff kept getting put off.
Now, give me an excuse to do an errand and I am off. Its fun to drive, and has brought a lot of light back into our lives.
We also like to do drives occasionally (its about our only outside entertainment). With fuel use so high previously, not only were the trucks not fun drivers (reliable, but not enjoyable), but watching the gas gage drop like a rock ruined the enjoyment.
Not only does the Passat ride, drive and handle very nice (dare I say sporty even), at 40+ mpg, its brought the enjoyment back. Not always a lot of fun just trying to get by, to get all that really has been nice.
jcaimhigher
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Nov 15, 2004
- TDI
- 2002, galactic blue
I dont' know how you got 40+mpg but God bless ya!
I could get that on the highway I guess. I had the stage II by Jeff in there and loved driving the car. The fun factor is serious!
Again, I LOVE the car. Sat in it yesterday. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed that car. But you'd be turned off too. And I want to buy another one someday, but never brand new again, and something that hasn't really been to a dealer for repairs at all.
I like working on them, I know what I'm doing with VWs and like the crowd we have, including the local get-togethers.
I know what I'm doing now with the PD 2.0 specifically. But not having a garage kinda hampers anything or any work.
I agree, the cars are great to drive and meant to be driven.
For some that had repair issues that happened while under the warranty and think it's "acceptable" and normal and the car is somewhat trouble free, should think about something...what if that was "out" of warranty when a dash cluster needed to be replaced or various things? What happens down the road if the issue arises, you learn they installed something wrong and won't cover the breakdown literally caused by them?
It's tough, because all cars have these issues that crop up here and there. Heck, my 2002 Tribute I had, I replaced two pistons on it after a failure. 3.0 duratec ran like a champ after that, no issues. That was fairly easy actually compared to this recent job on the passat. (don't ask what happened to the vehicle).
So things do happen (more to some people vs. others ) and as long as it's under warranty then great. But VW's history is notorious for NOT wanting to take blame.
The dealership in my case is saying the original problem was from VW in the first place, not them, and they didn't do the repair wrong and did it exactly how VW states, so it's not on them.
Sound like a cop out? sure. But in the end things like this DO hurt car companies.
You ever wonder why there's no Passat TDI this year or next? I can guarantee the engine design won't be the same when it returns. Ever wonder why they changed the warranty in 2005? I'm sure you can imagine.
I could get that on the highway I guess. I had the stage II by Jeff in there and loved driving the car. The fun factor is serious!
Again, I LOVE the car. Sat in it yesterday. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed that car. But you'd be turned off too. And I want to buy another one someday, but never brand new again, and something that hasn't really been to a dealer for repairs at all.
I like working on them, I know what I'm doing with VWs and like the crowd we have, including the local get-togethers.
I know what I'm doing now with the PD 2.0 specifically. But not having a garage kinda hampers anything or any work.
I agree, the cars are great to drive and meant to be driven.
For some that had repair issues that happened while under the warranty and think it's "acceptable" and normal and the car is somewhat trouble free, should think about something...what if that was "out" of warranty when a dash cluster needed to be replaced or various things? What happens down the road if the issue arises, you learn they installed something wrong and won't cover the breakdown literally caused by them?
It's tough, because all cars have these issues that crop up here and there. Heck, my 2002 Tribute I had, I replaced two pistons on it after a failure. 3.0 duratec ran like a champ after that, no issues. That was fairly easy actually compared to this recent job on the passat. (don't ask what happened to the vehicle).
So things do happen (more to some people vs. others
) and as long as it's under warranty then great. But VW's history is notorious for NOT wanting to take blame. The dealership in my case is saying the original problem was from VW in the first place, not them, and they didn't do the repair wrong and did it exactly how VW states, so it's not on them.
Sound like a cop out? sure. But in the end things like this DO hurt car companies.
You ever wonder why there's no Passat TDI this year or next? I can guarantee the engine design won't be the same when it returns. Ever wonder why they changed the warranty in 2005? I'm sure you can imagine.
While I agree with the jist of what you said as far as autos generally, I disagree about the 2.0
Its an extremely common engine in Europe, in the PD form. Same thing as here, some issues, but overall well regarded.
Ford which is well regarded in Europe has had serious problems with their special clutches (there’s a term for it, two piece shock absorbing or some such).
I am not defending VW, but the new 2.0 coming this way, is the same engine sans the PD system replaced with common rail.
VW also sells that engine to others (Dodge Nitro in Europe for one, and they actually ship the engine sot the US to be installed here and sent back, go figure ).
Like a lot of things, you take your best shot, hope for the best and deal with it if you get the worst.
I can understand someone not wanting to deal with the uncertainty, for those there are Camry’s and such, and you have a higher probably of no problems (still a failure rate on those, so its still there, just better, not gone)
Its an extremely common engine in Europe, in the PD form. Same thing as here, some issues, but overall well regarded.
Ford which is well regarded in Europe has had serious problems with their special clutches (there’s a term for it, two piece shock absorbing or some such).
I am not defending VW, but the new 2.0 coming this way, is the same engine sans the PD system replaced with common rail.
VW also sells that engine to others (Dodge Nitro in Europe for one, and they actually ship the engine sot the US to be installed here and sent back, go figure ).
Like a lot of things, you take your best shot, hope for the best and deal with it if you get the worst.
I can understand someone not wanting to deal with the uncertainty, for those there are Camry’s and such, and you have a higher probably of no problems (still a failure rate on those, so its still there, just better, not gone)
CsTDI
Veteran Member
agreed, I find it overall it be a great car. My son has a 2000 Honda Accord with 128k on the clock and it runs fine but it has had its share of problems and some costly repair issues. It is fairly preditable, but frankly a boring car to get you from point A to B.
The TDI on the other hand, IMO is an car and driving experience. I find myself happily involved with the car during the drive and getting wrapped up and thinking about the car and what it is doing during the drive. For me that is part of the appeal. A VAG, a Guru, and Fred's forum, keep this car for me fun and relatively pain free. You will mostly likely find that the TDI will grow on you. Even some naysayers who for one reason or another have given up on VW ownership still stay involved in the life of TDIs albeit from somewhat of a distance. That ultimately says something positive about the VW experience and what it can do to/for a person. I say go for it!! However, if you ever find the utopian perfect, troublefree, maintance-free, repair-free car, and it is not just a figment of your imagination, please let us know about it. Although, since it doesn't exist, I won't hold my breath waiting
How are Smokerr and Shuiqlazam getting over 40mpg?? I am at 36mpg with B50 and no mods?
The TDI on the other hand, IMO is an car and driving experience. I find myself happily involved with the car during the drive and getting wrapped up and thinking about the car and what it is doing during the drive. For me that is part of the appeal. A VAG, a Guru, and Fred's forum, keep this car for me fun and relatively pain free. You will mostly likely find that the TDI will grow on you. Even some naysayers who for one reason or another have given up on VW ownership still stay involved in the life of TDIs albeit from somewhat of a distance. That ultimately says something positive about the VW experience and what it can do to/for a person. I say go for it!! However, if you ever find the utopian perfect, troublefree, maintance-free, repair-free car, and it is not just a figment of your imagination, please let us know about it. Although, since it doesn't exist, I won't hold my breath waiting
How are Smokerr and Shuiqlazam getting over 40mpg?? I am at 36mpg with B50 and no mods?
sleze
Veteran Member
Although I have encountered the phantom Limp mode a few times and have an annoying rattle under my dashboard, I love my Passat. In fact, I am sometimes fearful that if it were ever to be totalled, it is unreplaceable as there were only 5000 05 TDI wagons made.
The bottom line is that you WILL NOT FIND another mid-size car that has the same high levels of performance and fuel economy in the US.
The bottom line is that you WILL NOT FIND another mid-size car that has the same high levels of performance and fuel economy in the US.
I feel the same way, though we got the limp mode fixed (sticky turbo mechanism)
Its been a bit of a hit magnet.
Rear ended by a ditzy 16 yar old girl (we were all stopped, she was talking on a cell phone, late for work, saw a green light and just stepped on it).
Minor bumper scrape, but I put her through the whole drill, daddy came to rescue his precious from the big bad wolf, not so sure what he thought of her when she wrecked her car and another one 3 week latter (my insurance company was trying to figure out which one I was in for).
A friend misjudged it when we parked beside him, and dented the left front fender.
A lady came out of an alley as I was turning into same alley on opposite side, sort of a semi parallel crash, never saw her, snowing her windows were fogged up.
Other than a lot of sheet metal damage (4 grand as she bent or dinked just about every panel on the left side) , nothing hurt, and its fixed.
One advantage to a big red truck is those things just don't seem to happen.
Nothing comparable out there if it got it, so, hoping for the best, and wishing it was at least red!
Its been a bit of a hit magnet.
Rear ended by a ditzy 16 yar old girl (we were all stopped, she was talking on a cell phone, late for work, saw a green light and just stepped on it).
Minor bumper scrape, but I put her through the whole drill, daddy came to rescue his precious from the big bad wolf, not so sure what he thought of her when she wrecked her car and another one 3 week latter (my insurance company was trying to figure out which one I was in for).
A friend misjudged it when we parked beside him, and dented the left front fender.
A lady came out of an alley as I was turning into same alley on opposite side, sort of a semi parallel crash, never saw her, snowing her windows were fogged up.
Other than a lot of sheet metal damage (4 grand as she bent or dinked just about every panel on the left side) , nothing hurt, and its fixed.
One advantage to a big red truck is those things just don't seem to happen.
Nothing comparable out there if it got it, so, hoping for the best, and wishing it was at least red!
greenjetta
Veteran Member
Same delimia for all of us. I have a 2001 Jetta TDi 5 SPD with 110K miles. Average 45 MPG and a 2005 Passat wagon TDI 5 spd auto. I have driven both all over Europe and the United states. In the Passat I have cruised for hours at 115 MPH plus through Italy and the Jetta throughout germany at 105 MPH. The Passat has been the more challenging of the two for satisfaction. But I noticed alot of European Taxi's in Europe are TDI Passats. Most of the problems are with the US Dealers not servicing the car correctly. When a German VW dealer gives your car back to you it is ready for the Autobahn speeds with no worries. I have three major compaints into VW OF NA for Dealer major screw ups. Never a response. And VW of NA never follows up.
Jetta's are not popular in Europe because they are made in Mexico and there is a heavy import tax on the cars making them as espensive as TDI powered Audi A4's or Passats. Both made in Europe. Besides when you pay the 21% sales tax you might as will go in debt alittle more and get the luxuries of the Audi and Passat.
BLUF Find a good VW service location.
Jetta's are not popular in Europe because they are made in Mexico and there is a heavy import tax on the cars making them as espensive as TDI powered Audi A4's or Passats. Both made in Europe. Besides when you pay the 21% sales tax you might as will go in debt alittle more and get the luxuries of the Audi and Passat.
BLUF Find a good VW service location.