VW diesel engines/vehicles

I have been interested in VW diesels for some time but haven't had the money to purchase one.

From my understanding the gas milage is better, but the initial cost to purchase the vehicle is higher. Is this true?

How does the maintainance on a diesel compare to a gasoline engine? Are they more expensive or different to work on?

I have done most of the work on my older cars, but these were all gasoline engines. I have replaced parts like starters, alternators, fuel pumps even a transmission or two. I am wondering if diesels have any different considerations.

Also, how many miles can you generally get on a diesel if driven respectively. Not that I drive resepctively. Hehe!!

Are there any models or specific 4 cylinder diesel engines you suggest?

Cheers--Dan

The earlier diesels were not direct injected & only a few had turbochargers. The later TDI's were all turbo & had much improved power. There have been several major changes to the TDI engine over the years, each making it more complex & expensive to work on. Diesels always have been more expensive to purchase initially than a comparable gas model. Resale has traditionally been lower, depending on gas prices. Maintenance on diesels is more expensive than gas engines. Of course fuel mileage is better, but lately diesel fuel has been significantly more expensive than regular gas (at least here on the east coast).

The earlier diesels were not direct injected & only a few had turbochargers. The later TDI's were all turbo & had much improved power. There have been several major changes to the TDI engine over the years, each making it more complex & expensive to work on. Diesels always have been more expensive to purchase initially than a comparable gas model. Resale has traditionally been lower, depending on gas prices. Maintenance on diesels is more expensive than gas engines. Of course fuel mileage is better, but lately diesel fuel has been significantly more expensive than regular gas (at least here on the east coast).

Well put. In my experience having gone from a gasoline vehicle to a diesel, there are ups and downs to both. My resale TDI cost me $12.8 from a dealer in CT. It's an 02 jetta TDI. I LOVE it. I'm currently getting an average of about 550 miles out of one tank of diesel fuel. Diesel full costs vary even with the hike in fuel prices now, but i've been finding that it's gone back to being cheaper than premium fuel, and you can go longer on a single tank so you fill up less often. i'm currently averaging $200/month on fuel - but that's because i have a rediculous commute. Regular maintenance on my TDI has been relatively simple. The full synthetic, diesel specific oil is about the same price as a decent gasoline full synthetic. the only major cost i forsee comming into my future is the timing belt which must be promptly cared for in any vehicle. It is an expensive proposition tho, to do it either on your own or thru a dealer (which I recommend if you don't have the necessary experience). The parts for a TDI are more difficult to track down. It's not very often that I can find the parts i need at a locoalk Autozone or Pep boys. although i've had good luck with Napa.

Good luck in making your decision. I hope the info you get here helps you to make an informed choice. Do your research, it may be tedious but it will help you in the end!

From my understanding the gas milage is better, but the initial cost to purchase the vehicle is higher. Is this true?
Indeed. There is a complicated reason for this, but I found my mileage to be b/t 800 and 1000 km / tank, depending on whether I used US or Canadian fuel.

How does the maintainance on a diesel compare to a gasoline engine? Are they more expensive or different to work on?
Cost per hour is the same. I drive an old-school Jetta, so mine's pretty simple. My suggestion: find a good VW shop (not a dealer) close to you. Their rates can be 40% cheaper, they know the cars, and use VW parts. As for extra expense because it is diesel: no. The gas Jettas spend more "quality time" in the shop than mine!


Also, how many miles can you generally get on a diesel if driven respectively. Not that I drive resepctively. Hehe!!
The Diesel Demon (97 Jetta in 'silge': worst.colour.ever. but I digress) has 210K on it. Two previous cars had 400K and 530K respectively. For reference, all these cars live in Canada, whether weather shifts are extreme.

For what it's worth, I wouldn't hesitate to have any of the Jetta diesels: I bought mine used and have had pretty good luck with them. If you live where its cold, my little tip/trick is to run it on nice thin synthetic oil over the winter: helps the cold starts and apparently stops the camshaft from getting damaged.


Cheers--Dan[/QUOTE]