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VW Jetta TDI

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Comments

  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    Well, with some mods you can cut the 0-60 down to reasonable numbers, mid 8 seconds or so. Certainly not fast, but good enough to keep up with traffic. But once rolling, these cars feel very strong, particularly with some simple mods. Mine feels stronger than many V6's out on the highway, particularly because it doesn't need a downshift for very good highway acceleration. Here's a pic to show what available....that's in MPH not KPH! image
  • thepod28thepod28 Member Posts: 7
    That's pretty responsible. I mean I'll give you credit for doing this on an empty road but take it easy on the speed. If you did that in Canada your car would be on the back of a Police tow-truck so fast it would make your head spin. Despite all that, I must say that the ride looks very smooth indeed even at the excessively high rate of speed you are doing. That cup of java doesn't appear to be shaking too much given that you were clocking nerely 210 clicks per hour.

    Regards
  • thepod28thepod28 Member Posts: 7
    One question I actually did have was whether diesels like the TDI have the oil change intervals spread further apart than gasoline engines? I've seen service recommendations for 10,000 miles between oil changes for the TDI Diesels. I mean that's 16,000 clicks in Canadian. If someone told me to run my SHO 16,000 clicks between oil changes I'd be really suspect. Therefore, a) am I correct about the longer intervals between oil changes and b) is it because diesel is really an oil moreso than a gas?

    Regards
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    A) Yes, you are correct
    B) No, It is because todays lubricants are FARRR better than even 10 years ago. The TDI requires special SYNTHETIC oil which has a high TBN (total base number) which reflects an oils' ability to handle acid build-up.

    A number of vehicle manufacturers now specify 10K mile change intervals. Besides... when is the last time you heard of an engine WEARING out?

    Anyone that changes oil at 3K miles is wasting $$ the envrionment and oil... only the folks that get paid to change the oil are benifeting.
  • thepod28thepod28 Member Posts: 7
    Great thanks man. Another wonderful post. I guess it's true: today's polished or coated engine walls and cylinder heads are themselves better able to handle low friction applications while the oils themselves are also better. For example, one time I put Mobil 1 [the super expensive fully synthetic stuff in my SHO]. I swear I must of got an extra ten horsepower just by changing the oil. Thing revved much more freely. In closing, its the vehile manufacturer who signs the warrantee on the car so they know when you SHOULD change oil and other fluids. The oil companies [obviously] just want you to keeping on buying oil. Heck, they would love it if you changed your oil bi-weekly.

    Cheers
  • thepod28thepod28 Member Posts: 7
    So the other day I started reading up about the Buick Regal LS and GS. Don't ask why. I just did. Well apparently they are GM's best kept secret: fast, comfortable, well made [magine that...a well made GM product...ha...but anyway apparently they last long] and low on insurance. But. And it's a big butt: are they EVER boring to look at. Perhaps this explains the insurance premiums: no thief would ever risk being locked up over jacking a Regal right? So my question is that for the price, which car do you get: a 2002 or 2003 Regal or a Jetta. The two cars represent completely different products but I'd still like some dialog about these two. Gotta say, never was a GM fan, but to be honest, I've yet to see a Buick at the side of the road with the four ways on.

    Regards
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    I have a friend that sold Buick's for years. He switched to Toyota for a year and went back to the Buick dealership. He told me he had the same customers come into get a new Buick with no hassles. Toyota was a constant hassle with customers. The only downside he has had in the last few years is the service dept. They have a hard time keeping mechanics. There is just not enough work for one person in that dealership. And it is one of the biggest in San Diego. They are good cars if you can get past the looks. Some years looked better than others.

    PS
    I would buy the Jetta TDI for the mileage and space in the wagon...
  • thepod28thepod28 Member Posts: 7
    I hear what you're saying. That 2004 TDI Jetta puts up some impressive fuel consumption figures even if you discount them by 15% as purely advertizing smoke and mirrors. On the other hand, it must be nice having a good quality car, that's fast, is cheap to insurance, handles [relatively well for a boat] and will ALWAYS ALWAYS be there winking at YOU because NO thief will EVER wink at it. My sister has a 2001 Integra. Three times it's been hit. Never hear Buick people saying "Oh god, my car got stolen...again".

    I mean I've seen those Supercharged Regals just eat minivans, jettas, civics..even v6 Accords for lunch.

    Regard
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    The sixth annual ranking of certified pre-owned vehicle programs conducted by IntelliChoice reveals manufacturers are responding to consumers' desire for quality pre-owned cars. Overall, Jaguar was judged the best Luxury program and Volkswagen the best Non-Luxury program. Programs are rated according to the inspection lists, warranties, title verification, availability of special financing roadside assistance benefits, and return/exchange policies to determine those that offer the most benefits to the consumer.

    In addition to Jaguar and Volkswagen, other notable performances include Cadillac breaking into the top five for the first time ever, coming in second for best overall program in the Luxury class. In Non-Luxury, Mazda moved up to nearly tie Honda for second place.

    http://www.intellichoice.com/preowned/pre-main
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    Later in 2005, Volkswagen will offer its DSG automanual transmission (available on TDI models only). Also available will be an electro-mechanical steering system, a new electronic stability program (ESP), and new-generation ABS all-disc brakes.

    http://www.autoweek.com/article.cms?articleId=101305
  • north streetnorth street Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2000 Jetta TDI with 75,000 miles I am having trouble with the glow plug system.

    Engine light comes on and provides a malfunction code of P0380, which is glow plug trouble.

    The dealership is chasing there tails. The relay has been replaced and there is possible wiring short. They have replaced the relay 3 times and still I drive the car for 3 weeks or so and the same failure starts all over again. Do you know of other websites or technical people other than VW that I can get some help? Maybe other owners have had the same experience? Other than this failure the car has been good with no problems.
  • tdi_tantdi_tan Member Posts: 60
    You have to test the individual glow plugs. Chances are, #3 is bad.

     

    To test, you need a test light. You use the battery as the power source. If it lights up, it's considered good. If it doesn't, the glow plugs need replacement. This is how it's described in the service manual.

     

    Watch out for the harness, sometimes, the connector does not get a good connection. You might need to vise grip it to get a tighter connection.

     

    www.bentleypublishers.com prints the service manual.
  • tdi_tantdi_tan Member Posts: 60
    The dealer (salesman) is trying to tell me it is 5,000 miles but i understand it is really 10,000 after an itial 5,000 mile change.

     

    the oil change intervals are as follows:

    5,000 miles

    10,000 miles

    20,000 miles (every 10,000 miles thereafter)

     

    What kind of special lubrication requirments does the TDI have?

    VW505.01-- This special oil is to prevent cam wear which times the individual pump injectors

     

    I asked a local auto maintenance mechanic about VW and he said they have very soft brakes and rotors. Have to replace pads and rotors every 20,000 miles.

    The rear pads tend to be soft. Typically you get more brake dust on the rear wheels than the fronts. Around 2001-2002, VW switched suppliers (from ATE to TRW) and a more durable compound. It still dusts a lot though.

     

    My 02 had TRW rear pads. At 40,000 miles when I changed them (anticipating a lot of wear), I actually had a decent amount left, probably good for at least another 20,000 to 40,000 miles. At 90,000 miles my fronts are still good.

     

    When you change the pads, it is recommended to change the rotors also. The difference between a new rotor and a worn rotor is 2mm thickness. 2mm is not a lot of room for wear and the rotors will wear with the pads.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    That "glowplug testing procedure" youy describe is inaccurate. Even "bad" glowplugs should show voltage being fed into them.

     

    The proper way to test for bad glowplugs is to simply pull the connector off each one and measure the resistance from the top of each glowplug to ground (chassis). Any measurement that shows 'open' is a bad glowplug. There is no need to turn on the key to perform this test.

     

    Replacement glowplugs can be procured at most auto-parts stores for about $18USD each. They just screw into the engine. (Do not forget to apply antiseeze to the threads!!)
  • tdi_tantdi_tan Member Posts: 60
    Straight out of the Bentley manual (page 28b-3)

     

    Glow plugs, checking and replacing (all models)

    1. Disconnect glow plug harness connector

    2. Connect a suitable test light to battery positive and touch the other end to the disconnected terminal on the glow plug. See Fig 4. The low resistance of the glow plug will cause the test light to light up if the glow plug is good.

    3. Replace defective glow plugs using a 10mm deep socket and suitable extension or use Volkswagen special tool 3220. Torque replacement glow plugs to specification.
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    You might go over all the contact points of the harness and the actual glow plugs with some scoth-brite or sandpaper. I got the same code once and instead of throwing parts at it, I cleaned all the contacts and haven't heard from it in 40k miles. I'm on all original glow-plugs and harness at just a tad over 100k miles. I think these contacts get corroded every now and then. Just replacing the harness only takes care of the one side of the contact.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    OK, I see what you are saying now. You are just using the battery as the powersource to check the continuity of each of the glowplugs.

     

    Personally being trained in electronics, I use my DVM (Digital Volt Meter) for everything and do not even OWN what you are refering to as a "suitable test light".

     

    The end result is the same... check the GPs for continuity and replace any that measure out as open circuit.

     

    Also, If you have a MANUAL transmission, do not forget that there are 3 ADDITIONAL heaters to help warm up the engine. They are easilly seen sticking out of the coolant connector on the drivers-side of the engine.... each with a glowplug-like connector plugged into them. (In fact, these heaters may even be the same PN as the glowplugs... I have never researched it)

     

    The Automatic tranny does not need these additional heaters because its inherant inneficency wastes some of the engines torque as heat which is "recycled" into the antifreeze and helps to warm up the engine on cold mornings.

     

    SURPRISE: There are differences in the TDI engine based on what tranny is bolted to it. (The above-mentioned heaters and the injection pump are 2 of these differences)
  • tdi_tantdi_tan Member Posts: 60
    the coolant gp's have a different part number to them.
  • tdi_tantdi_tan Member Posts: 60
    regular GP's : N 101 401 05

    coolant GP's: N 103 021 02

     

    PD's are different
  • jljones1978jljones1978 Member Posts: 1
    I recently purchased a 2003 Jetta GLS TDI with 31,000 miles on it. The diesel sounded EXTREMELY loud and I was only getting 37 mpg on the highway. I took it in, and they replaced the diesel injection pump. However, since that time my car has trouble starting on cold mornings (even after letting the glow plugs cycle three or four times) and the diesel is still loud. I could live with these things, but I am still getting horrible mileage (35-37 mpg (going ~75 mph) highway and 30-32 mpg city)! The "great mileage" was why I bought the car in the first place! I had the oil changed (synthetic) and I only fill up with biodiesel. The VW dealer tells me that my mileage is fine...this is what I should realistically expect. Is this true? I see all of these messages about people getting close to 50 mpg when driving ~75 mph!! Does anyone know why my mileage is SO BAD or what I can do about it?
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    Baring anything wrong with the vehicle (this is of course a big if, but it seems that it has been scoped by the dealer) here are a number of possibilities.

     

    1. you still drive the diesel like a gasser

      

    2. if you have a 5 speed manual driven fairly hard 2500- 3800 rpms you can expect between 42-47 mpg

     

    3. if you have a automatic you can expect app 8 mpg less

     

    4. you are on winterized fuel

     

    5. if you operate a lot in winter conditions it might be good to use a diesel additive that keeps the fuel from gelling at lower temperatures.

     

    6. you still have something incorrect with the vehicle :(
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    Check the injection timing! It is the most critical adjustment that affects starting and MPG.

     

    You can do this check with a laptop computer with vag-com software while it is plugged into the connector under the dash.

     

    When the injection pump was replaced, they SHOULD have set the timings properly. There are 2 components to the timing.... a physical adjustment and a 'electronic' one done by programming the onboard computer. If the physical setting is incorrect, trying to compensate via the computer can cause problems.

     

    SUGGESTON: Do not forget to add Diesel fuel additive EVERY time you fill the tank. You will see better MPG, easier starting and save your expensive injection pump by supplying it with lubrication that is often lacking in winterized fuel. (Kerosene in the Diesel provides very little lubrication for your injection pump)
  • tdi_tantdi_tan Member Posts: 60
    37 mpg...

     

    Automatic or Manual?

    How are your driving habits?

    How much pressure are in the tires?

    Is the air filter clogged?

    Do you have any roof racks or something causing extra drag?

     

    Powerservice does have an additive for biodiesel, but they claim it supports up to B20
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    It has also been reported in the past that the ECT (Engine Coolant Temperture) sensor can cause poor MPG too.

     

    Apparently, a bad ECT sensor tells the computer that the engine is cold (even when it is not) so too much fuel is injected.

     

     
    This can be easilly checked using the vag-com software in a laptop computer.

     

    ============

     

    Have you cleaned the snowscreen?

    http://www.cincitdi.com/richc/snowscreen.html
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    BTW: I assume you are aware that VW does not endorse the use of biodiesel in their TDI engines. (voids warantee)

     

    Not to rub it in but...my 2003 TDI regulary gets 52MPG.
  • tdi_tantdi_tan Member Posts: 60
    54 mpg on the highway with cruise on 70-75 mph.

     

    of course, this is a 02 Golf manual
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    BTW: I assume you are aware that VW does not endorse the use of biodiesel in their TDI engines. (voids warantee)

     

    That is not true. If you run biodiesel that meets ASTM 6751 standard it is a violation of Federal law to try and void a warranty. Be sure and clean your fuel filter if you switch to biodiesel. It will clean up your system as it is a very good solvent. Buy your biodiesel from a reputable company and you will not have any problems.

     

    5. WARRANTY ISSUES

    There are a variety of statements about biodiesel use from engine/vehicle manufacturers, including some that make reference to warranty. Engine and vehicle manufacturers provide a material and workmanship warranty on their products. Such warranties do not cover damage caused by some external condition. Thus, if an engine that uses biodiesel experiences a failure unrelated to the biodiesel use, it must be covered by the OEM’s warranty. Federal law prohibits the voiding of a warranty just because biodiesel was used -- it has to be the cause of the failure. If an engine experiences a failure caused by biodiesel use (or any other external condition, such as bad diesel fuel), the damage will not be covered by the OEM’s warranty.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    Right, as I remember reading the whole flap about biodiesel is NOT all biodiesel meets the ASTM 6751 standard. So as a comparison #2 diesel by Fed law has to meet 40 cetane and in CA, 45 cetane.

     

    I don't run biodiesel because #2 is in almost all cases, when I have compared it is cheaper and I really don't have to go out of my way to buy it. I was however tickled just recently to see biodiesel (b100)being sold on the main drag in downtown Durango. CO.

     

    So to add another data point, on #2 diesel I get between 44-51 mpg on 45 AND 40 cetane. I also add app .64 oz of Primrose 405 (2000-1 dilution rate) for every 10 gal of #2, except when I am traveling as I dont want to take a chance of spilling the additive and having my trunk smell like napalm 24/7. :(:)

     

    While I have faith that this additive does its fuel lubricity gig, H20 emulsification, cetane boost etc. [non-permissible content removed] a practical matter, I can tell NO difference, between additive NO ADDITIVE. While I probably should not admit this, I do not drive with an eye to fuel efficiency. It is easy in this TDI to get 51 mpg ! All you have to do is keep it AT (or for even better fuel mileage) or UNDER 85 mph!!! :)
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    I love it when dealers start throwing parts at these TDI's. Most VW dealers are clueless about TDI's. Injection pump and turbos get replaced all the time, and usually the pre-replacement problem still exists when they're done with it. It's called incompetent diagnosis skills.

     

    Most likely the timing it wacked. That will cause it to not start properly AND perform poorly.

     

    If you have an automatic, 37mpg is probably about right running B100 (you didn't say what mix of biodiesel you're running).

     

    Biodiesel should make the vehicle run more quietly, but that could be a timing issue. Might have been off all along and not the injection pump.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    In any case whether it goes to back to the dealer or you go seek out a fellow TDI that has a VAG.com set up, the computer will probably indicate the answer. Mine has been put on the VAG.com two times at two separate GTG's and it was dead on both times.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    That is pretty obvious that it has to be the CAUSE of the faulure. I apologize if I somehow led you to beleive that the entire vehicle warantee can be 'voided'.

     

     Using biodiesel may void your engine or fuel system warantee just like using NON G12 antifreeze may void your engine warantee.

     

    VW has determined that the solvent properties and combustion residue from using biodiesel are harmful to their TDI engine. VW has the last word on what they will and will not cover. Since VW SPECIFICALLY STATES not to use biodiesel, then they are leagally allowed to not cover fuel-system related faulures due to its use.

     

    There is obviously no such thing as voiding your ENTIRE vehicle warantee.... but specific items may not be covered under warantee if you have 'modified' or used somthing that VW specifically warns against. (such as using BD)

     

    Dont get me wrong here, I have not heard of any BD related failures... but I have read VWs stance on the use if BD and the labrotary reports on what BD leaves behind on injectors and in the combustion chamber.

     

    Here are some examples of the testing I am referring to:

     

    http://ss.jircas.affrc.go.jp/engpage/jarq/33-2/Togashi/togashi2.h- - - tml

    http://journeytoforever.org/biodiesel_TDI.html
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    Biodiesel is probably on the cutting edge of so called "alternative fuels". VW is between a rock and a hard place on this issue.

     

    My take is the "environmental" types (the N word is more discriptive) want to push hard in the direction of "lower" unleaded fuel use, but they are experiencing another one of their sacred cows being gored and that is higher fuel prices.

     

    While some will pine for "energy" independence, I think the truth is more like they really dont want lower fuel prices,less emissions, energy independence or in the last analysis, lower fuel usage. But I do think they are intoxicated with the specter of regulatory control.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    As I stated in above append, the physical (basic) timing needs to be correct before expecting the electornic (computer) timing to be able to work properly.

     

    If the dealership and did not properly set up the basic timing on the new new injection pump.... but instead compensated by adjusting the electronic setting, then it will not run as best as it can.

     

    I have had a VAG connected to my TDI once (to adjust the EGR) and my injection timing was constantly on the 'high side' across the entire graph. (still within spec.) This is considerd the best setting for quick starts and overall better performance.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    AGREED! It is obvious to me that the "powers to be" are making way too much $$ on our gluttenous appetite for fossil fuels.

     

    Back in the 1970s the feds mandated fuel economy and the automakers claimed it could not be done. (While Honda just did it!)

     

    I would LOVE to see some more intelligent mandates from the feds that lead to less energy dependance. Perhaps incentives for driving a Diesel and running biodiesel in it ;-) This needs to be accompined with incentives to the biodiesel makers and the the distribution folks.

     

    but alas... this is federal government we are talking about here and I am about to wake up from this dream world ;-)
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    but I have read VWs stance on the use if BD and the labrotary reports on what BD leaves behind on injectors and in the combustion chamber.

     

    Both good articles. The plugging of the injectors is serious. I would have to give some serious thought to subjecting a new vehicle to that chance of failure. Most of my research is based on what they are doing in Hawaii with B100. They do not have the cold to contend with. Hopefully more research will be done in cold climates to resolve some of those issues. I can also see why VW and MB are negative toward biodiesel. Thanks for the links..
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    Yes what you said about the VAG.com adjustments are true, it is just without a common reference point it might be difficult to articulate on a board such as this. I did the EGR adjustment also.:)

     

    Let me put some numbers to the dilemma. For mom and pop to refine (crude) petro chemicals to make unleaded fuel can probably be considered impossible. Not to mention the loss of regulatory control by the FED.

     

    For mom and pop to do "diesel oil" is far more "do able" You can plant soy beans, etc. You can even process used cooking oil,(which by almost any yardstick is an environmental pollutant!?) which according to some sites can cost a total of 45 cents per gal!!! so for me to go 44-47 mpg??!! What is not to like when currently a gal on the corner store is 2.19!!??? 5 x MORE!!!??? Needless to say neither the refiners nor the regulatory agencies nor the petro chemical food chain REALLY wants this to happen!!!?? In fact they do EVERYTHING in their power to make even non profit co ops (nickel and dime operations) conform like a multi billion dollar corporation. !!!???
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    This needs to be accompined with incentives to the biodiesel makers and the the distribution folks.

     

    The President did sign the biodiesel incentive bill the end of 2004. It is supposed to help in the production end of the process. Making biodiesel affordable, while creating jobs in a new industry.

     

    http://www.biodiesel.org/news/taxincentive/
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    For mom and pop to do "diesel oil" is far more "do able" You can plant soy beans, etc

     

    That has to scare the heck out of the politicians. No way to tax them and they are burning up the highway. Here is a B100 dragster first to run in the 7 second range.

     

    http://www.greencarcongress.com/biodiesel/index.html
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    Well for sure, doing bio diesel really has the capability to be like moonshining! GOOD and BAD!! :) However, it is a well documented "secret", that most of the money collected under the guise of "transportation" is really used as "petty" billions used by the CA legislature for "other than transportation"! :( :)I indeed think most would vote in favor of the continuance of petty billions to do as they please! :(

     

    So say some mom and pop decides to spend the 1800 dollars needed for a biodiesel processor and do vital services such as collect used oil from restaurants, etc. So like processing alcohol (I think 200 gal is considered recreational or hobbiest). At 45 mpg x200 gal = 9,000 miles. This is really not only a element of independence, but the pollution stream is less!!?? I am guessing the FED doesnt want that to go untaxed!!!
  • tdi_tantdi_tan Member Posts: 60
    Bosch, therefore VW does not support biodiesel in the US. However, in Europe, biodiesel is used and meets a certain DIN spec. THe DIN spec is slightly different from the ASTM specification.

     

    Keep in mind, ASTM specifications are voluntary specifications. There is no overarching official that controls the quality of biodiesel.

     

    However, to throw in a monkey wrench, the Engine Manufacturers Association supports soy biodiesel, up to B5 only.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    do vital services such as collect used oil from restaurants, etc.

     

    I wish I could say I am that much into saving the environment. Although 200 gallons is not that much in 5 gallon buckets. I rarely put 9000 miles a year on all 3 cars total. Get me an old 300SD smogger and beat Sam out of the taxes we know he is going to waste anyway. And I am keeping the cooking oil out of the landfill.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    You know I should get up to Bekeley, CA to check out the biodiesel coop!

     

    http://www.berkeleybiodiesel.org/
  • tdi_tantdi_tan Member Posts: 60
    companies pay companies to haul used cooking oil away. This doesn't mean they it to the landfill. The used oil gets sold to industries such as cometics to produce the glycerin (a byproduct of the transglycerification process) to produce things like soaps and such.

     

    Not all WVO is suitable for the biodiesel process. If the WVO is too "worn", you cannot use it to make biodiesel.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    companies pay companies to haul used cooking oil away.

     

    I wondered where it all goes here on the mainland. The guy who started Pacific Biodiesel on Maui is the landfill manager. He came up with the idea of using it because they were dumping 40,000 gallons a month in the landfill. He first processed it to run the generators and then started selling it as biodiesel. It is an interesting story.

     

    http://www.biodiesel.com/
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    And also part of the reason why crop prices say of soy beans is depressed and farmers are being "cash flowed" out of farming is because there are bumper crops of soybeans with corressponding "lack of demand". Now I am sensitive to the notion that biodiesel is not the "be all to end all" answer to foreign petroleum use, but hey, I am ok with a foreign petroleum crisis passing me by??!!! Especially if it is a domestic crop!? Also if say 1-50% of folks use biodiesel, isnt that by "lack of demand" a defacto less use of foreign petroleum products? :) Call this a minority view, but 45 cents a gal for reprocessed biodiesel from old fryer oil vs 2 dollars a gal on up for unleaded gas might have limited appeal, but I like that idea.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    I'm with you. I would like to find a Jetta Wagon TDI just to experiment with this stuff. Are some years best to steer clear of?
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    That is a good question, there are pros and cons for the different model years. Some say the MK-3 models series is real robust and less of a self destruct design (dont have to change the water pump at the same frequency as say the Mk4 series) and has a good manual transmission. Others say the MK-4 are developing a good history. I have to confess at 47,000 miles, mine has been flawless, but I have far less history than with some guy with 200,000-300,000 miles on his Mk-3 for example.

     

    Yes the 2003 Jetta has been flawless and the Wagon not only is more coveted, gets better fuel mileage and both actually can sell for more used that it was bought for new.
  • tdi_tantdi_tan Member Posts: 60
    New Beetle TDI rental cars

     

    www.bio-beetle.com (a friend of mine rented one for his honeymoon)
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    the Wagon not only is more coveted, gets better fuel mileage and both actually can sell for more used that it was bought for new.

     

    I know they get one in at the dealership in Hawaii and the price for a year old one is what you would pay MSRP for a new one. I have watched them on eBay and the wagons are scarce. A VW dealer in PA has a 2005 with leather that is tempting. The dealer in Las Vegas seems to have a quite a few most of the time. He stocks more TDI than gas in the Passat & Jetta wagons. Smart dealer.
  • mrknightsguymrknightsguy Member Posts: 2
    I think the best oil for the 1.9 TDI diesel engine is Amsoil full synthetic 5w-30 CI-4 rated diesel formula, you need ci-4 rating for soot control. 5w-40 is to thick and will cause engine damage and does not circulate properly in a small engine especially in the winter time.
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