voltswagon Jetta TDI?
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I had a 2004 model for 4 years. I loved the fuel mileage (as high as 50.9) and the way it handled. Mine was a manual transmission, but FWIW I have heard the autos aren't much good. The things I didn't love:
1. the dealer techs knew less than the salesman about the car
2. it required a VW spec 505.01 oil that costs about $6 a liter and VW says they will not honor the warranty unless this spec oil is used
3. at the time, all the filters were VW only, including the $40 fuel filter, the $15 oil filter, and the $14 air filter (i don't know if they can be bought aftermarket now)
4. the timing belt needs changed at 100,000 miles and unless you have the special VW only tools, be prepared to spend between $1200 and $1500 to get it done.
5. the vacuum pump went out at 60,000 miles and cost $350 dollars for the part
6. if you live in a cold climate, be prepared to buy an aftermarket coolant heater (VW did not offer one). The car always started in the cold (down to -10 F), but it took about 15 or 20 miles for any warm air to come from the heater
7. the EGR system plugs up the intercooler, requiring it to be removed and flushed every 40,000 miles or so
What I am trying to say is that VW is very, very proud of their parts and these little cars can be a little more maintenance intensive than you may like. Most parts for the TDI can only be purchased as dealer only items. The reason I got rid of the car is because by 100,000 miles, the car had $5 and $10 'ed me to death (no nickels and dimes with VW). I loved the car, but I am glad to be rid of the maintenance costs associated with it.
1. the dealer techs knew less than the salesman about the car
2. it required a VW spec 505.01 oil that costs about $6 a liter and VW says they will not honor the warranty unless this spec oil is used
3. at the time, all the filters were VW only, including the $40 fuel filter, the $15 oil filter, and the $14 air filter (i don't know if they can be bought aftermarket now)
4. the timing belt needs changed at 100,000 miles and unless you have the special VW only tools, be prepared to spend between $1200 and $1500 to get it done.
5. the vacuum pump went out at 60,000 miles and cost $350 dollars for the part
6. if you live in a cold climate, be prepared to buy an aftermarket coolant heater (VW did not offer one). The car always started in the cold (down to -10 F), but it took about 15 or 20 miles for any warm air to come from the heater
7. the EGR system plugs up the intercooler, requiring it to be removed and flushed every 40,000 miles or so
What I am trying to say is that VW is very, very proud of their parts and these little cars can be a little more maintenance intensive than you may like. Most parts for the TDI can only be purchased as dealer only items. The reason I got rid of the car is because by 100,000 miles, the car had $5 and $10 'ed me to death (no nickels and dimes with VW). I loved the car, but I am glad to be rid of the maintenance costs associated with it.
Your experience mirrors mine with VW years ago. Dealers were expensive and , I found, quite arrogant. Many of the service techs in Illinois where I lived at the time could not identify or solve simple problems. Luckily, I found an independent guy that raced VWs and he was excellent. My dealer experience there, coupled with dealer stories here in PA, have kept me from ever buying another VW.
Originally Posted By: wvrailroader
I had a 2004 model for 4 years.
Different car, engine, and transmission than what OP is talking about.
If you are unwilling to spend $6 on a quart of oil you should not be buying any European car.
I agree dealer service is to be avoided whenever possible. Just find a good VW indy mechanic.
Volvohead bought one:
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/posts/1338348/
I had a 2004 model for 4 years.
Different car, engine, and transmission than what OP is talking about.
If you are unwilling to spend $6 on a quart of oil you should not be buying any European car.
I agree dealer service is to be avoided whenever possible. Just find a good VW indy mechanic.
Volvohead bought one:
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/posts/1338348/
I currently own a 2009 Jetta TDI. The new common rail engine is light years ahead of it's predecessors. However, it comes with a price. Fuel economy is nowhere near as good as the 1z/AHU engine or the ALH. The PD engines were more powerful (10 HP, 20+lb/ft tq) but also didn't deliver the economy of the rotary pump engines.
The CBEA powered (09 common rail) VW diesels are 2.0 liter, smooth as silk, deliver approximately 45 MPG hwy when mated to their nice shifting 6 speed manual, and they handle very well for a front drive car.
Oil is expensive at nearly $10 per liter. It takes a special oil available from VW dealers, Dodge dealers, or mail order. Drain interval is set at 10,000 miles and easily achieved. Other maintenance items are the same as the older engines with 20,000 mile fuel filter changes, periodic cabin and air filter changes.
As for transmissions... I'd not own anything other than a manual gearbox. I have no use for automatics no matter what their names. VW calls their automatic a DSG (direct shift gearbox) which is like a automatically operated clutch but unless it has three pedals under the column it's just another automatic to me. They require a expensive ($400) fluid change at 40,000 mile intervals so keep that in mind.
Would I buy another one? YOU BET,,, but only in the Golf (hatchback) chassis. Look for early 2010 for them to show up here.
The CBEA powered (09 common rail) VW diesels are 2.0 liter, smooth as silk, deliver approximately 45 MPG hwy when mated to their nice shifting 6 speed manual, and they handle very well for a front drive car.
Oil is expensive at nearly $10 per liter. It takes a special oil available from VW dealers, Dodge dealers, or mail order. Drain interval is set at 10,000 miles and easily achieved. Other maintenance items are the same as the older engines with 20,000 mile fuel filter changes, periodic cabin and air filter changes.
As for transmissions... I'd not own anything other than a manual gearbox. I have no use for automatics no matter what their names. VW calls their automatic a DSG (direct shift gearbox) which is like a automatically operated clutch but unless it has three pedals under the column it's just another automatic to me. They require a expensive ($400) fluid change at 40,000 mile intervals so keep that in mind.
Would I buy another one? YOU BET,,, but only in the Golf (hatchback) chassis. Look for early 2010 for them to show up here.
What is the correct manufacturer's name?
Maybe Voltswagon is Volkswagons new electric vehicle.
The VW diesel is a very good economical car BUT I think you are better off with a Corolla, Yaris, Civic etc....if mpg (and total ownership costs) are your goal.***
***in other words the VW may get a few more mpg's but you pay for it with the expensive maintanence and the higher cost for diesel fuel.
The VW diesel is a very good economical car BUT I think you are better off with a Corolla, Yaris, Civic etc....if mpg (and total ownership costs) are your goal.***
***in other words the VW may get a few more mpg's but you pay for it with the expensive maintanence and the higher cost for diesel fuel.
FowVay, good post. have you seen the Blue sport diesel "concept car"? Essentially it is like a mid-engined boxster but has a diesel engine. I hope they make it. Claimed specs below are probably Marketing B.S. but still interesting car (the 65 mpg claimed is imperial gallons):
"It's VW's Concept Blue Sport. The two-seat roadster is mid-engined and powered by a 180bhp diesel engine with a sixspeed DSG gearbox.
It's packed with lightweight materials so it should be sprightly with a potential of up to 65mpg.
Top speed is 140mph and 0-62mph takes 6.6sec. The car is shorter than a Golf but almost as wide, with a zesty orange fabric roof."
"It's VW's Concept Blue Sport. The two-seat roadster is mid-engined and powered by a 180bhp diesel engine with a sixspeed DSG gearbox.
It's packed with lightweight materials so it should be sprightly with a potential of up to 65mpg.
Top speed is 140mph and 0-62mph takes 6.6sec. The car is shorter than a Golf but almost as wide, with a zesty orange fabric roof."
JTK
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Originally Posted By: FowVay
It takes a special oil available from VW dealers, Dodge dealers, or mail order.
Special oil? We're BITOG'ers fer cryin' out loud. What viscosity range?
Joel
It takes a special oil available from VW dealers, Dodge dealers, or mail order.
Special oil? We're BITOG'ers fer cryin' out loud. What viscosity range?
Joel
Very complex system. Makes most any other vehicle seem simple out there.
Quote; "3 cats, a pariculate filter, an exhaust throttle body, 2 EGR systems, 20 pounds of boost along with 3 fuel pumps and 180 bar at the injectors makes this a complicated system to say the least" (from the other thread)
Since it has to be "clean" and is burning "dirty" fuel, expect for more maintenance to keep it happy.
Also, I'd be careful with any Bio-Fuel as I'd HATE to have to deal with VW while in warranty and play the blame game.
Sad that they had to;
A: Continue to make it in Mexico.
B: Have to meet the new EPA/CARB specs which make it WAY too complex.
Sadly you will have to "deal" with the VW stealerships if you have any problems. Most of them still have not been trained on how to work on them. (this is according to the service manager at our local VW place that I visited)
Love the station wagons. Wish everyone made one.
From Volvohead;
Looks wise its a winner in my book! (though it could loose the chrome part on the grill and extend the front bumper all the way across (Hate VW and Audi for this))
As someone who has over 365k on their Jetta I wish I could have stayed with VW when I sold it to a family member.
But I did not need another hobby....
Take care, Bill
Quote; "3 cats, a pariculate filter, an exhaust throttle body, 2 EGR systems, 20 pounds of boost along with 3 fuel pumps and 180 bar at the injectors makes this a complicated system to say the least" (from the other thread)
Since it has to be "clean" and is burning "dirty" fuel, expect for more maintenance to keep it happy.
Also, I'd be careful with any Bio-Fuel as I'd HATE to have to deal with VW while in warranty and play the blame game.
Sad that they had to;
A: Continue to make it in Mexico.
B: Have to meet the new EPA/CARB specs which make it WAY too complex.
Sadly you will have to "deal" with the VW stealerships if you have any problems. Most of them still have not been trained on how to work on them. (this is according to the service manager at our local VW place that I visited)
Love the station wagons. Wish everyone made one.
From Volvohead;
Looks wise its a winner in my book! (though it could loose the chrome part on the grill and extend the front bumper all the way across (Hate VW and Audi for this))
As someone who has over 365k on their Jetta I wish I could have stayed with VW when I sold it to a family member.
But I did not need another hobby....
Take care, Bill
Originally Posted By: saaber1
Originally Posted By: wvrailroader
I had a 2004 model for 4 years.
Different car, engine, and transmission than what OP is talking about.
If you are unwilling to spend $6 on a quart of oil you should not be buying any European car.
I agree dealer service is to be avoided whenever possible. Just find a good VW indy mechanic.
Volvohead bought one:
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/posts/1338348/
I guess maybe I am not high class enough to own a European vehicle with $6 a quart oil, I don't know. The cheap Valvoline All-Climate at less than $2 a quart served me quite well in a Ford Ranger for over 300,000 miles and also served my father well in an old F-150 that had over 300,00 miles (NO engine problems in either vehicle). So it was kind of a shock that the oil was not only $6 a quart, but I had to deal with the arrogant parts counter staff at the VW dealership. Also, independent VW mechanics are basically non-existent here in West Virginia, so that was not really an option.
I know the motor, car and transmission are different than what was being asked about. What is NOT different, however, is the ignorance of the VW techs, the (over)price of the parts, and the cost of maintenance on VW vehicles. I just thought I would share my experience and why I will never buy another import, much less a VW. Ford has always served me well and I will stick with what I know. I look back at the VW as a mistake to be learned from.
Originally Posted By: wvrailroader
I had a 2004 model for 4 years.
Different car, engine, and transmission than what OP is talking about.
If you are unwilling to spend $6 on a quart of oil you should not be buying any European car.
I agree dealer service is to be avoided whenever possible. Just find a good VW indy mechanic.
Volvohead bought one:
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/posts/1338348/
I guess maybe I am not high class enough to own a European vehicle with $6 a quart oil, I don't know. The cheap Valvoline All-Climate at less than $2 a quart served me quite well in a Ford Ranger for over 300,000 miles and also served my father well in an old F-150 that had over 300,00 miles (NO engine problems in either vehicle). So it was kind of a shock that the oil was not only $6 a quart, but I had to deal with the arrogant parts counter staff at the VW dealership. Also, independent VW mechanics are basically non-existent here in West Virginia, so that was not really an option.
I know the motor, car and transmission are different than what was being asked about. What is NOT different, however, is the ignorance of the VW techs, the (over)price of the parts, and the cost of maintenance on VW vehicles. I just thought I would share my experience and why I will never buy another import, much less a VW. Ford has always served me well and I will stick with what I know. I look back at the VW as a mistake to be learned from.
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Originally Posted By: talker
Thinking of getting a new VW Jetta TDI clean diesel.
Wouldn't an electric VW be a Voltswagen?
Thinking of getting a new VW Jetta TDI clean diesel.
Wouldn't an electric VW be a Voltswagen?
Boltswagen in any case is more like it, crazy "German Engineering"
(Yes I bought an old one for my parnter, and yes I have worked on many newer ones... They have helped me discover curse words I didn't know existed!)
(Yes I bought an old one for my parnter, and yes I have worked on many newer ones... They have helped me discover curse words I didn't know existed!)
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Originally Posted By: StevieC
Boltswagen in any case is more like it, crazy "German Engineering"
(Yes I bought an old one for my parnter, and yes I have worked on many newer ones... They have helped me discover curse words I didn't know existed!)
You should buy a Hyundai or a Kia, which will become you much better.
Boltswagen in any case is more like it, crazy "German Engineering"
(Yes I bought an old one for my parnter, and yes I have worked on many newer ones... They have helped me discover curse words I didn't know existed!)
You should buy a Hyundai or a Kia, which will become you much better.
What is the fascination with diesel? I always found the clackety-clack sound rather annoying, although the current crop of diesels aren't as bad sounding as they used to.
Pete, we're not talking about the obnoxious Ford Powerstroke diesel that jars your teeth from the gums. The low compression TDI's are amazingly smooth and quiet. There's practically no sooty exhaust, barely audible noise, and fantastic pleasure from the ultra smooth, high torque (236 lb/ft) engine.
Truly, my Nissan pickup truck makes more noise at idle than my TDI.
Truly, my Nissan pickup truck makes more noise at idle than my TDI.
Originally Posted By: moribundman
Originally Posted By: StevieC
Boltswagen in any case is more like it, crazy "German Engineering"
(Yes I bought an old one for my parnter, and yes I have worked on many newer ones... They have helped me discover curse words I didn't know existed!)
You should buy a Hyundai or a Kia, which will become you much better.
I would buy a VW diesel if they were like the old ones which required little maintenance, drove forever and were easy to service not like the Khrap they have today. I will be sticking with KIA/Hyundai until I find something better.
Originally Posted By: StevieC
Boltswagen in any case is more like it, crazy "German Engineering"
(Yes I bought an old one for my parnter, and yes I have worked on many newer ones... They have helped me discover curse words I didn't know existed!)
You should buy a Hyundai or a Kia, which will become you much better.
I would buy a VW diesel if they were like the old ones which required little maintenance, drove forever and were easy to service not like the Khrap they have today. I will be sticking with KIA/Hyundai until I find something better.
Does the new engine still sport a timing belt? If it does, and the dealers actually charge $1200-1500 to change one, there goes any slight edge the VW diesels have in highway fuel economy over a comparable-size gas-electric hybrid. Both the Prius and Camry engines drive their valves with never-change chains. A tad OT, but I'm almost to the point of declaring that I'll simply never again buy a timing belt car.
Note: not trying to start one of those hybrid vs diesel debates (you can all see where I come down on that one...). The diesels are fine cars, and it's a good concept. Buyers should select the drive-type that best suits their driving pattern and personal tastes.
Note: not trying to start one of those hybrid vs diesel debates (you can all see where I come down on that one...). The diesels are fine cars, and it's a good concept. Buyers should select the drive-type that best suits their driving pattern and personal tastes.
Oh yeah, I forgot to add: I too am a former VW owner, though not diesel. And it was a long time ago, as I owned an 82 Jetta for several years. All the comments about VW dealers and prices bring back "fond" memories. You'd think they might have learned a thing or two in all the years since.
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