Mk2 Turbo Diesel Reliability

Its my first time in the VW forums, but I have a question or 2. Anyways.

Im looking at buying a 91 Jetta Turbo Diesel. A friend of my dad's is looking to get rid of it (he just won a new 2003 Nissan Xterra in a draw). Its got about 185000 kms on it. No problems with it that I can tell. Ive test driven it, and I know how to drive the diesel, where to shift it for economy and I know how the glowplugs work. (my friend owns a 90 TD). It handles nice, seems to run ok, glow plugs seem to be working, etc.

What things should I be looking at here? Ive bought quite a few used cars and I know the normal stuff to look at, but I am not familiar with the Diesel engines. Are there any big things I should be looking at or asking the owner about? I know he had the timing belt changed at 165000 kms by the dealer. All the options seem to work, except for the A/C which the refrigerant has leaked out of (I dont really care about the A/C) Otherwise its a nice car. Central locking, heated seats, radio + tape player, good seats, nice shifter and clutch feel.

I dont really need another car, but its a good deal and I love the milage that these cars get. Its alot nicer car than my 92 sentra is too.

Comments, questions, flames...all welcome :)

Thanks in advance :D

Originally posted by Rich
Its my first time in the VW forums, but I have a question or 2. Anyways.


And what do you call this (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?postid=652082#post652082), and this (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?postid=770030#post770030)? :D

Anyway...

My knowledge on the old turbo diesels is rather limited, and I can't say I know much about the ECOdiesel either. But you should look for oil in the coolant, and if possible, check the compression.

I would recomend visiting www.tdiclub.com, I can almost guarantee they have the answer to all your questions. http://www.geocities.com/vwecodiesel/ could also help.

Originally posted by Deakins


And what do you call this (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?postid=652082#post652082), and this (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?postid=770030#post770030)? :D


Bastard :finger:

Anyways, thanks for the advice, ill check out those sites :)

EDIT: I learned that the car is a turbo diesel, but its not the ECOdiesel. It has a tach, which the ECOdiesel does not, and it does not have the ECOdiesel badging. Maybe VW Canada did something different?

Im still considering the car tho :)