Immaculate TDI.... 400K + on Delvac 1

[moving2]

Who's to say the 5k interval contributed to the 400K mileage and a 10k interval wouldn't have? He just chose not to take it out that far.

400K+ = approx. 50K mi. / yr. With that kind of driving and a manual transmission and diesel, I'm not too surprised at 400K.

As for a spotless engine, who's to say a 7.5k or 10k interval wouldn't have kept it just as clean?

I think a lot of BITOGers give particular oil/OCI combos WAY too much credit when the major contributing factor is actually driving pattern (50k mi year is not typical is anybody's book). We do not see oil related failures these days, or even serious premature wear. You're pretty safe with just about anything out there. I think Rotella T or Delo would have done just fine, too.

 

[JAG]

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As for a spotless engine, who's to say a 7.5k or 10k interval wouldn't have kept it just as clean?

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Owners of TDI's. You sure are contrary. I've seen a few other posts by you. You little rascal.

 

[moving2]

JAG- No I'm not!

Seriously though, I'd love to see pics under the valve cover of this 400k TDI vs. someone like Fowvay's who did 10k intervals. Any pics for comparison?

 

[Tornado Red]

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JAG- No I'm not!

Seriously though, I'd love to see pics under the valve cover of this 400k TDI vs. someone like Fowvay's who did 10k intervals. Any pics for comparison?

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At my next timing belt change, probably next February or March, I've been planning to replace the cam lifters. So I'll be sure to get some photos of everything then. Not 400k miles, only about 270k miles.

Always Delvac 1, always 10k-mile OCI, except for one brief experiment with Elf CRV 0w30.

 

[sprintman]

Delvac 1 never gets the respect it deserves. 5W40 never gets it's share of the kudos either. Why I have no idea

 

[ARB1977]

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It's a pretty famous car -- Glen attends many TDI Club meets.

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Pretty cool but i wouldnt put him on a pedestal. Im sure there are plenty of cars non diesel with that many miles. Although the exterior and interior looks pretty good.

 

[Tornado Red]

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It's a pretty famous car -- Glen attends many TDI Club meets.

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Pretty cool but i wouldnt put him on a pedestal. Im sure there are plenty of cars non diesel with that many miles. Although the exterior and interior looks pretty good.

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Volkswagens get a lot of grief. JD Powers doesn't like them, Consumer Reports doesn't like them, on lots of websites if you say you own a VW people act there must be something seriously wrong with you. "Don't you know that VWs suck?"

So here is a good-looking Golf with lots of miles, and it shows what a good platform these cars are for the long term. They start with a tough body which is outstandingly resistant to rust -- 12-year unlimited mileage warranty against corrosion. Then there's steering and suspension and brake systems that work fine but are also benefit from a plethora of upgrade options.

The engine picture is a mixed bag: the TDI is pretty good, the 1.8T is pretty good, the 2.0T in the current generation is pretty good. On the other hand, the discontinued 2.0 NA engine was pretty unremarkable, and the 2.5-liter 5-cylinder is too thirsty for a base engine in an economy car.

Most of the complaints have always been the electronics. The engines, transmissions, turbos, injection pumps, starters, alternators, etc., have never really been troublesome. Even the emissions stuff is no worse than average.

The main complaint is that, even if 98% of the time it's one of just a handful of issues that result in trips to the dealership, too often those problems don't get properly fixed on the first trip. It seems like too many of the dealer techs and mechs don't know a thing about the cars they work on 8 hours a day. And the service advisors are often just as bad. The good VW mechanics start their own independent shops or go to work at one, so the ones who remain tend to be the least competent. And there's no one to help train the new guys.

 

[Thatwouldbegreat]

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It's a pretty famous car -- Glen attends many TDI Club meets.

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Pretty cool but i wouldnt put him on a pedestal. Im sure there are plenty of cars non diesel with that many miles. Although the exterior and interior looks pretty good.

---

Volkswagens get a lot of grief. JD Powers doesn't like them, Consumer Reports doesn't like them, on lots of websites if you say you own a VW people act there must be something seriously wrong with you. "Don't you know that VWs suck?"

So here is a good-looking Golf with lots of miles, and it shows what a good platform these cars are for the long term. They start with a tough body which is outstandingly resistant to rust -- 12-year unlimited mileage warranty against corrosion. Then there's steering and suspension and brake systems that work fine but are also benefit from a plethora of upgrade options.

The engine picture is a mixed bag: the TDI is pretty good, the 1.8T is pretty good, the 2.0T in the current generation is pretty good. On the other hand, the discontinued 2.0 NA engine was pretty unremarkable, and the 2.5-liter 5-cylinder is too thirsty for a base engine in an economy car.

Most of the complaints have always been the electronics. The engines, transmissions, turbos, injection pumps, starters, alternators, etc., have never really been troublesome. Even the emissions stuff is no worse than average.

The main complaint is that, even if 98% of the time it's one of just a handful of issues that result in trips to the dealership, too often those problems don't get properly fixed on the first trip. It seems like too many of the dealer techs and mechs don't know a thing about the cars they work on 8 hours a day. And the service advisors are often just as bad. The good VW mechanics start their own independent shops or go to work at one, so the ones who remain tend to be the least competent. And there's no one to help train the new guys.

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I agree with you! VW ownership is improved by the enthusiast base and all the great people who provide upgrade parts and problem solving parts.

VWOA and the dealerships could be so much better.

The cars have lots of potential for the enthusiasts, and the enthusiasts are usually great people.

 

[FowVay]

I'd be happy to remove my valve cover and snap some photos if someone can host them for me.

My mileage is half of what the topic is about.. but you can see how nearly 200,000 miles of dirty diesel oil has affected my valve train.

I agree that Delvac-1 is one of the top oils on the market.

 

[ProStreetCamaro]

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It's a pretty famous car -- Glen attends many TDI Club meets.

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Pretty cool but i wouldnt put him on a pedestal. Im sure there are plenty of cars non diesel with that many miles. Although the exterior and interior looks pretty good.

---

Volkswagens get a lot of grief. JD Powers doesn't like them, Consumer Reports doesn't like them, on lots of websites if you say you own a VW people act there must be something seriously wrong with you. "Don't you know that VWs suck?"

So here is a good-looking Golf with lots of miles, and it shows what a good platform these cars are for the long term. They start with a tough body which is outstandingly resistant to rust -- 12-year unlimited mileage warranty against corrosion. Then there's steering and suspension and brake systems that work fine but are also benefit from a plethora of upgrade options.

The engine picture is a mixed bag: the TDI is pretty good, the 1.8T is pretty good, the 2.0T in the current generation is pretty good. On the other hand, the discontinued 2.0 NA engine was pretty unremarkable, and the 2.5-liter 5-cylinder is too thirsty for a base engine in an economy car.

Most of the complaints have always been the electronics. The engines, transmissions, turbos, injection pumps, starters, alternators, etc., have never really been troublesome. Even the emissions stuff is no worse than average.

The main complaint is that, even if 98% of the time it's one of just a handful of issues that result in trips to the dealership, too often those problems don't get properly fixed on the first trip. It seems like too many of the dealer techs and mechs don't know a thing about the cars they work on 8 hours a day. And the service advisors are often just as bad. The good VW mechanics start their own independent shops or go to work at one, so the ones who remain tend to be the least competent. And there's no one to help train the new guys.

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Man I just dont know. All I know is my fiances friend has had nothing but problems from her VW with 80K on the clock now.

It has had

Blow head gaskets
windows falling off the tracks and down into the doors
Fuel line under the car blew out on highway
faulty guages

All in under 80,000 miles and non of which have anything to do with maintaining the car. She is getting a new car tomorrow actually.

My friends gf has had

broken axle
catalytic converter internals fell apart
window fell off track
broken window motor
trans is now shot and slipping
coolant leak
severe oil consumption

All with less than 80,000 miles on the car


My other friend bought his new and sold it 1 year later because it was in the shop more than on the road. Coil packs kept going bad and a whole slew of other problems.

With a VW it seems like you either get lucky and get a good one or your SOL.

 

[tdi jerry]

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It's a pretty famous car -- Glen attends many TDI Club meets.

---

Pretty cool but i wouldnt put him on a pedestal. Im sure there are plenty of cars non diesel with that many miles. Although the exterior and interior looks pretty good.

---

Volkswagens get a lot of grief. JD Powers doesn't like them, Consumer Reports doesn't like them, on lots of websites if you say you own a VW people act there must be something seriously wrong with you. "Don't you know that VWs suck?"

So here is a good-looking Golf with lots of miles, and it shows what a good platform these cars are for the long term. They start with a tough body which is outstandingly resistant to rust -- 12-year unlimited mileage warranty against corrosion. Then there's steering and suspension and brake systems that work fine but are also benefit from a plethora of upgrade options.

The engine picture is a mixed bag: the TDI is pretty good, the 1.8T is pretty good, the 2.0T in the current generation is pretty good. On the other hand, the discontinued 2.0 NA engine was pretty unremarkable, and the 2.5-liter 5-cylinder is too thirsty for a base engine in an economy car.

Most of the complaints have always been the electronics. The engines, transmissions, turbos, injection pumps, starters, alternators, etc., have never really been troublesome. Even the emissions stuff is no worse than average.

The main complaint is that, even if 98% of the time it's one of just a handful of issues that result in trips to the dealership, too often those problems don't get properly fixed on the first trip. It seems like too many of the dealer techs and mechs don't know a thing about the cars they work on 8 hours a day. And the service advisors are often just as bad. The good VW mechanics start their own independent shops or go to work at one, so the ones who remain tend to be the least competent. And there's no one to help train the new guys.

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give the man and oil credit for what was achieve both did a great job.i have seen many cars engine fail with a lot less miles using what some think was a good oil.

 

[Thermo1223]

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On the other hand, the discontinued 2.0 NA engine was pretty unremarkable, and the 2.5-liter 5-cylinder is too thirsty for a base engine in an economy car.

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I still don't understand people and this, the 2.5l was never meant for economy. It never was and never will be that is why it is only sold here.

If you want economy get a TDI, thats the imagine they are trying to push.

If you want a little more grunt without the potential unreliable problems associated with turbocharging then get the 2.5l

It was never meant to be a 40MPG car, want that go drown yourself in a boring Corolla. It was meant to be an upscale hatch much like the Mazada 3 but the 3 does a better job on the luxurious part.

If anyone buys a Rabbit for economy they are a dofus.

 

[Tornado Red]

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On the other hand, the discontinued 2.0 NA engine was pretty unremarkable, and the 2.5-liter 5-cylinder is too thirsty for a base engine in an economy car.

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I still don't understand people and this, the 2.5l was never meant for economy. It never was and never will be that is why it is only sold here.

If you want economy get a TDI, thats the imagine they are trying to push.

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My point was that, on the plus side, VW has always offered a number of different engine options: gas or diesel, turbo or NA, usually 4 but sometimes 5 or 6 cylinders.

I can understand paying a little more for a diesel engine, simply because it has to be stronger to handle higher compression. But usually the cheapest option, the base engine, tends to be low on power but fairly fuel-efficient. In the current A5 lineup, the base engine is the thirstiest. Pay a few thousand more for the 2.0T engine, and you get better fuel economy.

In the era of $3/gallon fuel, if the Rabbit is not supposed to be the economy car in the VW lineup, then the lineup has a huge gap.

 

[Thermo1223]

Well it is not, why would you push a 30+ mpg gas engine when trying to really push a 40+ diesel engine that cost more. You end up fight with yourself. They want people to buy diesel, they want them to think that for economy not gasoline engines at least here in NA.

$3/gal fuel be ****ed people will still drive what they want to drive which is why you don't see anyone turning in their Mazda 3 or Chevy Cobalt for a plain jane Corolla.

Is drowning day to day in a lifeless box on wheels worth the $10 it may save you a month?

You get marginally better fuel economy with the 2.0T so it is really a wash.

A 5 speed Rabbit is more then onpar with the rest of the automotive world in terms of fuel economy for this country.

Claims go as high as 34mpg on the highway and 26-27 in the city. Not to mention it is hardly cost effective to keep 4 engines in a lineup.

 

[Tornado Red]

There is no TDI option for the Rabbit this year, or next.... hopefully in 2009. Just the 2.5 in the Rabbit and the 2.0T in the GTI.

 

[Thermo1223]

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There is no TDI option for the Rabbit this year, or next.... hopefully in 2009. Just the 2.5 in the Rabbit and the 2.0T in the GTI.

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Of course unless you buy a used Jetta.

Point being while it isn't a Corolla the Rabbit is great for what it is and does almost as good as the 2.slow did.

Not everyone is that concerned about fuel economy which is why plenty of Mazda 3's and Chevy Cobalts are sold.

It is the economy engine but not to compete directly with the boring Corolla.

H eck I want a V8 Jeep soon which can tell how concerned I am but hey camping and outdoor fun comes first.