what should I look for in a Jetta TDI?

[aztecsugly]

O.K. so I just got married and found a new job (60 miles, one way from home)
All the vehicles I've had to this point have big V-8 engines. So now I have to be practicle. I have to buy a family (ish) car that I can commute in.
She wants to get a new Kia. (UGLY!!!) There is a dealer here in town.
I think the best fit for me would be a Jetta TDI, but the closest dealer is a good 70 miles from here. She wants a good warranty, since I will be so far from home if the worst happens. I am pretty good with a wrench, however past experience working on my sisters Rabbit GTI wasn't pleanant.
I haven't started looking at cars yet but I would like to know what to look out for in a Jetta. So far it sounds like the MAF sensor is the biggest trouble spot. How hard are they to do basic things like change the alternator or the oil and coolant for that matter.
Oh, I forgot to mention that I don't want a Hybrid. Mostly because they are ugly and I don't trust the technology. I understand the Jetta gets 40+ mpg with trusted technology. The other companys are just afraid to tell an american customer The "D" word. (thats diesel)

[Bopper]

New or Used?

I have a 98 Jetta TDI GLS Manual. Gets 40+ on congested highways. Once did 750 miles on 13.5 gallons. I have driven the A4 body style and they are quite a bit quieter.
If the car is new and under warranty, having a dealer nearby is a serious consideration for me. If it breaks in the driveway.... now what? Have it towed 70 miles.

I agree, the thought of a Kia sucks.
Good luck.

[SnoopisTDI]

If you're looking used, make sure they have maintenance records. TDI's are great, but if not maintained, you might find yourself with a lot of headaches.

New or used, I'd try to avoid the dealership for maintenance/repair. Don't even get me started. Plan on having a local shop do your work, do it yourself, or see if you can get some help from the great guys at the www.tdiclub.com forums.


I too own a TDI, a 2002 Golf with manual transmission. I average about 40mpg in city driving, and that's mostly short trips and I drive pretty hard. On the highway, you can count on 50mpg if you keep it under 75mph. My best was 54.6mpg, but that was at 68mph.

Another great thing about the TDI is the ventectomy. The car has a vent on the fuel filler neck for the vapor recovery system- but the diesels don't have a vapory recovery system! Pop that vent open, and you can put in almost 2 extra gallons of fuel. You can set the cruise at 70-75mph, and easily get an 800 mile run out of it.

If you're looking new, you'll have to slow down a bit to get the same mileage, but they are still very capable. And a little more power to boot.

Speaking of power, there is a lot of aftermarket for the TDI- chip upgrades, tuning boxes, injector/nozzle upgrades, etc. Most of it is fairly cheap too, and doesn't cost you mileage unless you're using that extra power all the time.


To sum it up, I love the TDI, but I hate VW service. Even under warranty, I try to take care of things on my own, or have a fellow TDIer take a look at it. The car gets great mileage, is fun to drive, etc., but if you have to rely on the dealership, you might be better of considering something else.