View Full Version : New VW Jetta TDI Turbo Diesel..
I have been asked about a comment I made in another thread. I decided to start a new thread in Technology as I think it is appropriate.
We just purchased a 2010 VW Jetta TDI. It is advertised to get 30-43 MPG. It uses the only engine in America that will be sold in Kaliforicate with out alteration. I think means something to Al Gore.. The engine is a 2.0 L Turbo Diesel, 140 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque.
1st The disclaimer(s)
1)I have had 13 Toyota's in the last 36 years and I still drive a Tundra.
2)I also buy American when & where practical
3)This VW Jetta purchase was for one reason. MILEAGE I am not green anything, but we do drive up to DC to see g-kids in DC and vacation. It only makes sense to get something with good mileage.
4)We traded in a 2002 Lexus RX-300 with 93,450, still getting 23.3 mpg. The RX300 has a computer and until the battery died last month, it was recording the mileage for the last 8 yrs, contiguous. Oil, one(1) battery, & one(1) set of tires. Our last vehicle was a Toyota 4runner, it lasted 147K miles. I do not like to buy frequently.
The Vehicle comparison:
Factory installed options
17 inch wheels&tires
The rest was standard. Here are the feature differences.
Lexus RX 300
memory seat settings
auto dimming rear mirror
thermostat controlled AC
VW Jetta TDI
heated seats
dash computer has 10x the settings
more hidden storage under back trunk carpet
Sirius radio
blue teeth Hands-Free Phone Call Receiving System
radio & phone & computer controls on the steering wheel
110v outlet?? I have no idea why..
There is the Lexus level of detail. The RX300 had the wood trim of a Lexus. The VW has leather but no wood.
The best part the dealer sold at cost + 300 USD (USAA deal), out the door for just at 27K.
In today's era of Land Yatchets, where step ladders are used to mount and prices tags sized to match, I think we got a good deal..
The Mileage:
The VW site say 30-42 MPG. I'm sure it's based on what the lawyers & EPA say they can support..
BUT,, We live on a flat rock,, The only time we have any inclines to negotiate, are the approaches to some of the hi-bridges or drunk Tourista's in the road..
I use the cruise control all the time, even in our neighborhood, Most of it is either 25 or 30 MPH. The TDI loves it, running around 1300 rpm it will do 58-62 mpg. It's amazing.
Out on US #1, the Keys are zoned 45mph with a few areas set to 55mph. So far at 45mph or 1800 rpm she does around 45-50 mpg, again with the CC on, no air.
I can't wait to drive up to our g-kids in DC to see what we get on I-95 for 1300 miles and 19 hrs at 70+..
If you live in a metropolitan area or rural area with winding roads, you're not going to get top performance. Your foot is the largest impedance to maximum gas mileage.
This is not an advertisement. The VW TDI may fall apart next week. I don't think so as I have talked to past and present VW owners. VW is making a
new generation of Beatles.
This is a technology story from a FOG that wants good gas mileage.
So far, I think I found it.
I don't have to use any solar batteries, wind-up springs, Micky D's french-fry oil, POO Gas or AL Gore Reconstituted Snake Oil in the tank..
Is this car for everyone, I don't think so, I'm not sure you can tow a can of beans. The seating is great but not luxurious. Storage is a tad less the the RX300. Fine for a family of four going on vacation, but it is not an Excursion or Suburban.
End of my after action report, Questions will be answered by my XO as he distributes the 387 page PowerPoint presentation with glossy foils... :D
Defender968
03-21-2010, 17:42
Great review, thanks, in about 8 months I think I'm going to be in the market for a new vehicle for the wife, I think the VW Jetta is now firmly in the running.
Thanks again.
x SF med
03-21-2010, 19:34
JJ-
I drive a 2002 VW Golf GLS TDI - bought it new, it's the ALH engine not the PD/common rail. My 4 dr, Automatic, 90hp 165 ft-lb mini wagon averages 44 mpg in some of the worst traffic in the country (even after I left NY/NJ). Maintenance is a breeze - I use a Pela 6000 oil extractor (every 10K after your first 2 5k oil changes) so it's all top side, even the oil filter and you can fully clean the old oil out of the filter housing.
Even my 'old style' engine can accelreate uphill when going 90mph, yes this has been tested personally... You're going to be amazed how well the engine works once it's broken in... it gets better... I've not had any major problems other than wit hthe friggin idiots at the stealership not knowing how to work on the engine.... apparently, it's too simple for them, since the basic design of the diesel engine hasn't changed in about 100 years.
Welcome to the dark side, brother.
x SF med,
How many miles do you have on the car? The reason I ask is that I've heard of issues with the newer VW diesels around 100k with the engine or oil pump from an acquaintance who works on VWs (mostly older ones). I thought it sounded strange since most diesel pickup trucks go up to 300k or so without major engine problems (from my limited understanding).
Have you had any electrical issues? I had a couple 1980s VWs that always seemed to have electrical issues and I notice a few newer ones with burned out taillights or headlights. Maybe I just pay more attention to the VWs since I like the fact that they are one of the only family cars you can buy with a diesel here in the US and I hope to someday get one.
Not to mention the possibility of running off vegetable oil in a pinch.
ZonieDiver
03-21-2010, 19:57
For a time, I was a member for the Green Party, USA... yeah, I know... but one of the members converted vehicles to "bio-diesel". However, he drove, and encouraged others, to drive a VW turbo-diesel, and reported the same kind of mileage out here in AZ. Just sayin'...
NoRoadtrippin
03-21-2010, 20:08
Thanks for the review. I drive a '98 Subaru Impreza Outback with 208k on it, and I love it, but the gas is terrible. Like sub 20 mpg on a 4-cylinder. A TDI is one of the vehicles I have really been considering in the next year or two when this one wears out. This is some great info!
rltipton
03-22-2010, 08:20
I test drove a TDI Jetta last year and loved it. We ended up buying a Turbo Passat for a little more room (Wife's choice - I preferred the Jetta TDI).
We looked at Honda Accords, Lexus IS, Malibus, Maximas, BMWs and probably some I forgot. The VWs won out on everything we were looking for hands down: comfort, bells & whistles, headroom/legroom, trunk space, economy, power
We've had the car about 18 months now and would buy another one today if we had to. We will definitely look at VWs first next time the wife is due for a new car.
By the way, that little tiny engine can crank out some HP. It's surprisingly quick , rides like a Benz, handles like a sports car and gets 30 mpg.
x SF med
03-22-2010, 08:45
x SF med,
How many miles do you have on the car? The reason I ask is that I've heard of issues with the newer VW diesels around 100k with the engine or oil pump from an acquaintance who works on VWs (mostly older ones). I thought it sounded strange since most diesel pickup trucks go up to 300k or so without major engine problems (from my limited understanding).
Have you had any electrical issues? I had a couple 1980s VWs that always seemed to have electrical issues and I notice a few newer ones with burned out taillights or headlights. Maybe I just pay more attention to the VWs since I like the fact that they are one of the only family cars you can buy with a diesel here in the US and I hope to someday get one.
Not to mention the possibility of running off vegetable oil in a pinch.
Zeke -
I have about 98K on the car. Luckily I moved about 3 ours away from a great TDI mechanic, a friend who moved to the PNW from NJ... not wholly planned, but fortuitous for me. I am a bit anal about maintenance, my Timing belt/water pump/tensioners were repaced at just below 80K, oil changes are done on schedule with recommended oil (I have to use an oil that's rated VW/Audi/Posrsche/MB spec 505.00, and CH/CI/CJ rated, and fully synthetic 5W40) change the oil filter every oil change (shedule is 5K, 5K, 7.5K, every 10k after that) plus as noted, I use a Pela 6000 to do topside oill changes through the dip stick tube. I had one issue with a burned out glow plug in NJ that I brougght in to the Stealership for warranty work... the guy they put on it never worked on a TDI before so .... I was without my car for 48 days while they replaced a headd they damaged, replaced my fuel injector pump they damaged, and replaced a piston that they damaged... oh, and thye tried to say I had stripped/cross threaded the glow plug prior to bringing it in - I never touched it.
The electrical problems were addressed by VW - I never had any - well, one small one, but it was a draw issue by the Monsoon stereo, easy fix, reseat the fuse, and a small rewire for the stereo.
Headlights and taillights - I've replaced a few bulbs - always check the fuses, occasionally they aren't seated properly from the factory, headlight bulbs are an easy replace - DRLs tend to burn them out in 5-6 years.
And - MB has had the D and TD series out for al ong time, The Dodge Sprinter comes in the MB 5 cyl 2.5L CRD Turbo, and Audi (overpriced VW) is in the market with the Bluetec TDI (the new PD Common rail engine).
One of the reasons I bought the Golf GLS TDI was the fact that it is essentially an Audi A-4 (steering, frame, suspension) with a better engine and a different can - and... in Oct 02 when I bought it, NY was getting ready to go CARB and it would have been a year old, and unsaleable in NY in 3 months... so they cut me a deal, a great deal. Funny story - when it was 5 years old, in NJ, the idiot at the Emissions place inadertently wanded it and ran a gas emissions test - he walked over at the end and said - "your rpms are a little low, you CO is just inside the ULEV standards, but everything else is well within ULEV." To which I replied, "Nice to know, by the way, it's a 5 year old diesel, could you run the correct tests?" His response (excluding the blank, disbelieving look), "That's a diesel?" Me- "Check the VIN, and look at your sheet." He then ran the opacity test required and it was at 3%, well under the opacity fail mark of 11%."
Anybody who is buying a TDI should look at the TDI Club forums -just google "TDI club" - think of it as a PS for TDI owners. If you can think of a reason to buy, or not buy a TDI it's there - plus maintnance tips, fixes, recommended mechanic lists by state and fix-em link ups... a great resource.
craigepo
03-22-2010, 08:49
Questions regarding the VW diesel:
1) Enough power to pass/run 75 in a 75mph zone?
2) Airbags/safety features/crumple zones?
A lot of the local guys drive diesel pickups hauling/pulling. Those monsters get close to 20 mpg, have tons of torquie, and last 300,000 miles. Added positive(negative): everytime you smell the diesel fumes, it reminds you of loading onto a deuce-and-a-half.
We drove a 2000 VW Golf TDI for 98K miles before trading for another VW last summer. The engine remained very strong, the plastic and rubber was going bad after 10 years - outdoors in the hot sunshine of Florida.
The mileage was consistently in the upper 40's and occasionally in the low 50's per gallon - depending on driving conditions and if babied.
We added a Thule roof rack and replaced the plastic belly pan with a steel version after replacing the plastic pans a number of times. The particular VW Golf rode a bit low and my wife, we learned, will zero in on a any road debris without fail. The steel pan proved to be a good investment. The Jetta may be different.
The web site at the address below may be helpful to VW TDI owners:
http://www.tdiclub.com/
x SF med
03-22-2010, 08:56
I test drove a TDI Jetta last year and loved it. We ended up buying a Turbo Passat for a little more room (Wife's choice - I preferred the Jetta TDI).
We looked at Honda Accords, Lexus IS, Malibus, Maximas, BMWs and probably some I forgot. The VWs won out on everything we were looking for hands down: comfort, bells & whistles, headroom/legroom, trunk space, economy, power
We've had the car about 18 months now and would buy another one today if we had to. We will definitely look at VWs first next time the wife is due for a new car.
By the way, that little tiny engine can crank out some HP. It's surprisingly quick , rides like a Benz, handles like a sports car and gets 30 mpg.
It does not crank out HP... you buy HP but drive torque... the TDI HP/Torque ratio usually runs 1:2 where a gas engine will be 2:1 - gas engines turn more times to generate the same 'power' as a diesel... so, HP= extended acceleration where Torque=extended power to the ground. plus the thermal efficiency of the diesel engine wastes less energy as heat so it can go to torque.
Stepping off soapbox....
Oh, one other note to all 'drivers' out there - you can increase mileage and handling by not following the tire manufacturers recommendation of 32 psi ... find the max sidewall pressure (usually ~ 44-50 psi for passenger cars using a 15"/16"/17" A-A-H, or A-B-T style 195-220 65-95 tire) and reduce that by 10-12% and fill to that pressure - easy for me to remember is 40psi for my tires with a 44 max - the sidewalls stiffen (no squeal better handling), the treads flatten on the pavement (more even wear, better traction) and your mileage goes up.
I should add that their are many opinions on the matter - but I used a diesel fuel additive (PowerService, is the brand if I recall) available at Walmart and most auto parts stores. This product boosted cetane (like a diesel version of an octane rating, I believe ) and I also believe it contributed to enhancing engine life and produced slightly higher mileage. YMMV.
When driving in cold weather up north I used the anti-gel version - allegedly keeps the diesel fuel from gelling in cold winter weather (NH, VT, MA).
When you read the various diesel forums you can make up your own mind about using a diesel fuel additive.
Questions regarding the VW diesel:
1) Enough power to pass/run 75 in a 75mph zone?
2) Airbags/safety features/crumple zones?
everytime you smell the diesel fumes.
When we drove home thru Miami, on the TP-ext, doing 75+ mph,, I was able to keep up with the locals and did not feel compromised..
The Turbo is actual something you need to learn. There is a slight pause as it spins up. You need to learn to give yourself a 1/2 sec or so. Also you need to learn the power kick. When the turbo kicks it is a neck snapper.
There is a demo vid of a VW engineer putting a coffee filter on the exhaust tail pipe. After running the car for a while, he uses the filter in a coffee pot.. The jest is the filter is Sooooo clear, you can drink thru it..
The list of standard options is long
Media center, console lcd display, sirus/stero/cd/Iplayer, w10 speakers ??
air-conditioning
airbags, front side & back seat - standard
full size spare
roof rack
H rated tires (130+ MPH)??
back seat air/heat on lower console
compass in inst panel
speed, mpg, gas remaining, distance on trip, time on trip
110v outlet
Igagget Apple usb jack that integrated in "media" system
floor mats
electric, locks(three keys), doors, outside mirrors, trunk
turn sig lights on outside mirrors
10K between oil changer(new 2010)
NO dealer visit schedule for 1st 10,000 miles
heated seats(very hot)
split fold-down rear seat, arm rest in center
child seat anchors
sliding cover gizzmo thingy, to cover rear area (SportsWagen)
rear window wiper
radio, computer, phone controls on steering wheel
lighted mirrors on sun-sades
over-head console, with lights, media, glasses storage
front center console with cup-holders and med-small storage hole
tools and wheel lock key in storage tray, with spare tire
three(3) different storage lockers in back, under floor
Options(as I understand them, the VW site is a bit vague)
airbags, back sides - optional, I was advised that this style airbag MIGHT cause personal injury to anyone laying or sleeping horizontally in the back seat??
17 inch rims & tires
assorted roof rack options(bikes, babies,beer kegs(Germany only), kayaks
assorted flaps and cowlings
sun roof
There might be more, I have not put the car on a lift yet, but hope to find some Summer Sausage in the wheel wells... :eek:
JJ_BPK, Did you happen to do the DVD Navigation System in it? If so do you have any comments on it? Just curious because it's about a $1700 charge.
JJ_BPK, Did you happen to do the DVD Navigation System in it? If so do you have any comments on it? Just curious because it's about a $1700 charge.
I knew I'd forget something,, Yes, the GPS nav is an option & No we did not get it.
My feelings are my Tom-Tom can be updated 20 times before I would come close to buying an in-dash system. For that matter, I could throw the Tom-Tom away annually and buy new cheaper..
We are currently on rather fixed vacation routes,, here to DC and back. I use Tom-Tom to forecast millage, DIESEL usage, and time on target. We have but one(1) route, I95, with two(2) stops for potty & fuel. If we ever get to the point that we do we travel America. I will still rely on the Tom-Tom..
The Reaper
03-22-2010, 10:48
It does not crank out HP... you buy HP but drive torque... the TDI HP/Torque ratio usually runs 1:2 where a gas engine will be 2:1 ....
Like to see the source for that. Most 4-stroke gas engines have a roughly 1:1 HP/TQ ratio, that can be tweaked in either direction based upon desired characteristics. Few have twice as many HP as TQ.
Oh, one other note to all 'drivers' out there - you can increase mileage and handling by not following the tire manufacturers recommendation of 32 psi ... find the max sidewall pressure (usually ~ 44-50 psi for passenger cars using a 15"/16"/17" A-A-H, or A-B-T style 195-220 65-95 tire) and reduce that by 10-12% and fill to that pressure - easy for me to remember is 40psi for my tires with a 44 max - the sidewalls stiffen (no squeal better handling), the treads flatten on the pavement (more even wear, better traction) and your mileage goes up.
Actually, lower pressure flattens tire profiles. That is why you air down on sand. Higher pressure rounds the profile and generally increases center tread wear. It does decrease rolling resistance though, and that increases mileage. The manufacturers would love to have the extra mileage, but the higher pressures cause rough riding, hydroplaning, and worse handling through smaller contact patches, so they do not fully pressurize tires to their max capacity. The manufacturer's suggested tire inflation pressure is based on many factors designed to optimize the owner's satisfaction.
Just wanted to comment on those issues.
TR
x SF med
03-22-2010, 12:50
I've found better tire wear, better handling, better control and less hydroplaning by increasing the pressure to European standard - I dislike a 'mushy' car. I use high quality tires, so I have found that the tires don't 'cup' in the center of the tread with slightly higher pressure - of course some of this has to do with keeping proper alignment and tire balance.
The TDI is not the best beach car, clearance is too low.:p
Some people don't like the 'feel every pebble' ride I prefer, everyone has their own tastes....
YMMV... (wow, in this case, a double entendre...)
Red Flag 1
03-22-2010, 13:13
Agree with TR on higher tire PSI. I do inflate tires the same way SF med does for the added mpg and cooler running tires. There is also more recoil/rebound over rougher surfaces that reduces tire contact with the road surface, really bad in turns at speed. Steering structures can also be over-stressed. Suspension/steering tweaks can increase the tire contact, but; if you spend the bucks for the steering/suspension work, what really is the point?
Diesel is a great choice for a ton of applications. If you appreciate low-end grunt, torque, diesel is the way to go. Europe sells a lot of diesels. At one time over 50% of European POV sales were diesel, I expect closer to 70% today. The need for highway performance has been addressed by turbo charging quite well. The diesel engines of today really competes well with gas engines. There are other unseen pluses for compression fired engines.
Diesel power does not have spark plugs or electronic ignition systems....lower operational costs. One of the by products of gasoline engines is water vapor through the exhaust system, diesel produces a more oily residue.....exhaust systems last longer. Engine blocks are made to deal with the increased compression ratios and just last longer as a result, and described," as bullet proof". If there is a downside it is from Eco concerns.
Some high-end diesels require urea injection into the exhaust system to reduce pollutants. The BMW diesel power plants will flat blow your socks off in terms or performance. The high-end BMW will drain your wallet @ purchase and in buying urea. No urea, no go. Being an FOG, I can't recall if VW uses urea, I don't think it does.
With Europe being the test ground for diesel power, VW makes a ton of sense! I read multiple automotive pubs each month, haven't read any negatives re: VW TDI. The same is true for Mercedes Benz, Peugeot, Audi, BMW, and a few others. Peugeot has been running their diesels at Le Mans for some years now against gas power plants with great success, with wins. Of great interest is that Subaru has been testing a turbo diesel version of it's popular Outback model in Europe for a few years now. I expect to start seeing Subaru diesels here within a year or two.
USA made diesels today are largely commercial products. Trucks made by Ford, GM, and Chrysler/Cummings' are aimed at heavy duty products that provide reliable cost effective service. They are work horses that are well respected. The US "car driving" memory is rooted in the GM diesel failures of the early 80's. Things today are a world away. The US needs to develop a diesel family car product that is responsive and "lovable"; I think Detroit is behind the eight ball here.
I have owned three diesels over the years, including a 1982 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser wagon, Peugeot 504,(one of my gas powered 504's blew a head gasket every year, diesel was fine) and a Kubota tractor. Including the Oldsmobile, I've had no problems. I am convinced that if I can get the gearing right, I can move my house with the 15 HP Kubota. I will be looking at the TDI and the Subaru over the next two years for purchase. Put a gun to my head today and say , "make a diesel buy"...Mercedes, then TDI ........wish Kubota would make a car:lifter
My $.02.
RF 1
craigepo
03-22-2010, 13:28
Another great thing about diesel:
A tracer round through the fuel tank doesn't blow you all to hell
dr. mabuse
03-22-2010, 15:40
*
Nice car, JJ! Your FL-DC road trips are right in the sweet spot for that motor. We used to have a Golf TDI with the pre-common rail engine, what an amazing powerplant. I still miss that turbo whistle!
One obstacle to wider adoption of diesel cars in the US is the price of the fuel. Around here, diesel costs more than premium unleaded. Perhaps at the truck stops along the interstates, such as the I-95 corridor, diesel might be cheaper, but around DC it is consistently more expensive. And it was that way even before ULSD came around. Add that to the price premium for the technology, and the value comparisons become less clear cut.
I still don't understand why diesel is more expensive than gas, and I don't want to have to put on the tinfoil hat to comprehend. I think one of the reasons the market penetration of diesel in Europe is so high is because diesel is significantly cheaper than gas over there.
So I will continue to wait for a truck/SUV with a light-duty diesel. GM had one ready to go until they ran the company into the ground.
Nice car, JJ! Your FL-DC road trips are right in the sweet spot for that motor. We used to have a Golf TDI with the pre-common rail engine, what an amazing powerplant. I still miss that turbo whistle!
Thanks you..
One obstacle to wider adoption of diesel cars in the US is the price of the fuel. Around here, diesel costs more than premium unleaded. I still don't understand why diesel is more expensive than gas, and I don't want to have to put on the tinfoil hat to comprehend.
It's quite simple.
The transportation industry moves bazillion of dollars a year.
It's a back door tax..
Federal 2009 - Diesel Fuel Tax: 24.4 cents per US gallon
Florida 2010 - Diesel Fuel Tax: 29.6 cents/gallon
Local taxes from 5.5 cents to 17 cents
Plus there is a 2.07% gasoline pollution tax.
Currently, diesel in this area is running 2.85 - 3.05. with a tax rate of about 75.5 cents a gal... That's about 27% tax...
If Barry wanted to give the American job market & American business a brake,, He would get rid of the fuel tax and save us all bazillions..
Butt, Barry will FEEL the need to pay for all the FREE health care,, By doubling the fuel tax by the end of the year?? All in the name of Ecco Friendly AL Gore and thugs..
A tracer round through the fuel tank doesn't blow you all to hell
Is there something going on in Mo. we need to know about? :D
craigepo
03-24-2010, 07:57
Is there something going on in Mo. we need to know about? :D
Naw, just a Patton moment. I'm all better now.
ZonieDiver
03-24-2010, 10:13
Another great thing about diesel:
A tracer round through the fuel tank doesn't blow you all to hell
Yeah, sure! The next thing you'll try to tell me is that a car doesn't automatically explode just because it drives off a cliff! :D
x SF med
03-24-2010, 13:52
Yeah, sure! The next thing you'll try to tell me is that a car doesn't automatically explode just because it drives off a cliff! :D
:eek: All the movies show that's real... Even the Rambo and Die Hard and JCvD movies... Haven't you seen the Transporter movies? You ruined my day, Thanks.:mad::p
BigJimCalhoun
03-28-2010, 18:54
I know a couple people that own them and like them.
I wish Honda would release a diesel in the US.
Red Flag 1
04-20-2010, 14:41
I have had the pleasure of blasting about the UK in a rental VW Passat TDI. Full sized four door sedan with tons of torque and high end power thanks to the turbo. M and A mototways are of no problem, despite being on the wrong side of the road and the wrong side of the car. Narrow roads/lanes are easy to navigate thanks to the agillity of this set-up. Six speed tranny is a joy to use; snick-snick-snick. This is a pretty large sedan that hauls folks and luggage with great comfort. This is an impressive package, one I would buy.
RF 1
MackallResident
04-20-2010, 17:21
other than browsing this forum, I am on Subaru forums daily, and am will soon be a licensed SCCA driver(hopefully, depending on school).
The TDI is an incredible vehicle! Hell, is a market entrant vehicle with this!
http://www.scca.com/contentpage.aspx?content=105
there was also a short lived series on SPEED channel that followed a group of drivers(most I feel were hacks and shitbirds) elected to drive for position as a TDI cup pro-racer, with oodles of sponsorship and what not.
In the world of modification, the TDI will soon enough be a monster. My car(used currently for Autocross, but more HPDE, road rally and unofficial time attack) had a flat four, and cranks a good bit of AWHP/AWTQ, but I think those TDI's are going to be insane once the modification crowd gets in on it, the TQ will be nuts! It took a good bit of deploying to get my WRX to 368 all wheel horsepower and 386 all wheel torque, I have wondered if the TDI with the right tuning and few grand what the numbers will say then. But as mentioned you drive torque, that is what puts you in the seat when you press the right pedal.
Congrats on that purchase!
I once had a 1997 Golf VR6 with all the bells and lights. Bought it new from a dealer up near Cape Haterras (SP?) and got a great deal. Almost from the outset I had problems, some unbelievable. The dealer was constantly changing the vacuum valves under the hood, when they went bad they started making clicking sounds. driving the car it pulled back and forth across the road when you accelerated hard (not spinning the wheels). It had a "not in control" sensation that was very unnerving. When the passenger door dropped out of alignment I took it to the dealer for adjustment. The adjustment was made with a floor jack! Turns out the hinges were welded to both the door sna the body, no options to loosen bolts and reposition. Needless the say, after a week the door had drooped back and metal fatigue prevented any permanent solution. As time passed things started loosening and nearly falling off. After 1 year I decided the car had to go and started shopping for a new one. At the Ford dealer on Bragg Blvd the guy evaluating the VW for trade had the rear door outside handle nearly fall off in his hand. I eventually got as much corrected as possible and traded it in on a new BMW from the dealer in Fayetteville.
In defense of VW I must say it was a Mexican product however, I will never consider a VW again.
BTW: BMW made a warranty repair on the 1999 BMW in 2006 when the car had nearly 150k miles on it! Had they not doen so the repair would have cost me over $6000. I highly recommend the BMW Dealer (Netuschl) in Boeblingen for anyone in the Stuttgart area. Netuschl and BMW bought a lot of loyalty from me with that.
I work on Sprinters and Cummins for a living, I wouldnt buy a diesel. I dont recommend one to anybody unless they are towing a large trailer nearly all the time and actually need a big diesel. The clean engines have lots of power, run very well and very clean but small mistakes can be very expensive. Use the wrong oil and soot up the DPF and EGR systems, anywhere from $3-6 thousand dollars easy. Wrong fuel, I can remember one Ram that was filled with gasoline, not the owners fault. Citgo put gas in the tank for the diesel pump, 6 injectors, high pressure pump, DPF, NOX cat, DOX cat, and flushing the system out cost Chavez nearly $20k and that was mostly for parts.