We test drove a 2000 Bettle TDI over the weekend and my wife was not happy with it. She said its not for us. She especially didn't like the LARGE dashboard (she said it felt like driving from the back seat). I also was surprised about the mirror's position on the drivers side, it blinded me as I made a left turn.
ekkoh99: There may be some good news after all. I read on Fred's page (www.tdiclub.com) that a 2001 Passat TDI is due next year. Hope its true. Meanwhile, I ordered the 2001 Honda EX V6 Coupe, since it was no comparison to the Jetta. My only regret will be when I go to gas station...
I have owned (bought new) a 2000 T.D.I. Jetta 5-speed for 10 months and 21,000 miles. I waited 5 months for the exact one, color/interior etc. At 10,000 miles I added a performance chip which gave it a total of 115 h.p. and 185 ft.lbs. of torque and the car is a real blast to drive. It has surprised many other gas powered 4cyl. and 6 cyl. cars. I consistantly get 47-52 m.p.g. out of every tank of both city and highway driving and I have a heavy foot. I have never owned a car that has given the satisfaction that this Jetta T.D.I. has. Every time I get behind the wheel I can't seem to drive it enough. It has been 100% trouble free and can't wait until the T.D.I. Passat arrives here if it ever does. VW has just began producing this same 1.9 litre engine in Germany with 150 h.p. and lots more torque, hope that it makes it over here.
...it isn't. TDI's are not sold in either California or New York after I believe the 1999 model year due to strict emissions laws in these states. Well at least that's their reasoning, but to tell you the truth that makes about as much sense as a tow hitch on a Geo Metro. I mean, not only is the VW 1.9 TDI one of the smallest displacement, most efficient, least polluting diesel engines sold in the U.S., the numbers of people buying VW TDI's is miniscule compared to the number of huge, wasteful diesel trucks swamping U.S. roads. So why did CA and NY ban them? God knows. But hey, you can drive to Nevada or some other CA adjacent state and get one!
find out what the registration restrictions are on a USED car. you can register it as a used car from another state (it will pass the emissions tests) from my understanding. i plan on having on when i move to California in the next year or so... so i've been trying to figure out exactly how i am going to do it.
For smkm, I talked to a dealer in cali before I jot my tdi here in nevada. I was just curious if the cali dealer had any cause the dealer here in NV said they were rare. Anyway from what I gathered a tdi would have to have 700 miles on it or in that range to be registered as a used car so it can be done.
Nycpaul mentioned in a previous post that the TDI will pass a standard CA emissions test. Is that absolutely certain? That would be my worst nightmare...drive my TDI in from Nevada, then it won't pass the smog test.
Next question: will it continue to pass CA emissions tests if and when they get more stringent?
It is my understanding that it will pass present emissions tests. About future regulations who can tell? I don't know how it works in Cali but does new regulations apply to used and new cars or just new ones. I can't see how they could possibly expect older vehicles to pass the tough emissions test. What do others do with used cars if these regulations apply to used cars? There must be some kind of modification available for these older cars.
I just bought a 2000 golf tdi about 6 weeks ago, and it's been at the dealership for 5 days now, not starting at all!!! They initially thought it was the starter, then the fuel injection pump, still no go!!! Does anyone have any input on this or similar happenings?? very disappointed and frustrated, LOVED it up til now!!!
...not true, in stock form the TDI makes 90 bhp and 155 lb/ft of torque at a low 1900 rpm's, which in itself is impressive enough. With a readily available aftermarket of performance ECM chips, you can turn this into 115-140 bhp and upwards of 185-250 lb/ft of torque. It all depends on the brand of chip!
Names of VW Dealers in Nev & Ariz would be greatly appreciatted...planning to purchase a new TDI to "import" back to Calif. It looks like I may not be the only one interested.....
When I was searching for my car I found dealer names at the VW web site. You could enter your Zip and the distance you were willing to travel, and it would give you names, phone numbers, and addresses. From there I used their names to find websites so that I could use email or toll free numbers (not everyone had those). I found a number of friendly dealers throughout the country.
I am in the market for something fun to drive (trading in my 99 Outback Wagon). I can't decide between the Golf 1.8T or the TDI GLS trim automatic. I am a little nervous leaving gas for the TDI. My local dealer in Portland, Or doesn't have the TDI (Golf) for me to test drive. I tried to drive a Jetta TDI but the two they had sold while I was on the lot. They also didn't have an auto 1.8T (Golf). So I drove the Jetta to get a feel for the engine. I have to admit I was unimpressed with the turbo. There was a delay from pressing on the pedal to when the turbo kicked in. I like the Golfs because of the hatchback feature and everyone is buying Jettas. I would appreciate any input. Is it worth it to get the turbo if it's auto? Is the TDI a better engine? Thanks for any objective opinions you might have.
If you're only in the market for an automatic I'd say get the TDI definitely. The Turbo Diesel makes as much torque as the Turbo Gas, but does it way lower in the rpm band thus the automatic trans is able to access it much easier. The turbo gas is only really fun with a 5-speed where you can stomp it in 1st and 2nd. Plus, the auto TDI still gets increadible diesel mileage, whereas the auto 1.8T requires premium gasoline and is a bit of a mini-guzzler. Get the TDI while you can!!! Diesel hasn't been around so long for nothing...
I talked to a local VW dealer earlier this year and he said VW won't sell the TDI in CA because it costs them too much to make it meet air quality standards. I've read the past messages on the subject. Just wondering what it takes to purchase and register a car out of state, say in AZ or NV. I assume you need a physical address which could be a mail forwarding service or a friend's address. What's to keep me from buying the car, registering it out of state, then bringing it to CA shortly thereafter? I gather the problem is not with the State of CA, who just wants their "registration fee" (read: sales tax) but rather with VW not wanting their TDIs sold in this state. From what I've read here and on Fred's page, the CA DMV doesn't have a problem registering the car here. Any comments?
Go to WWW.tdiclub.com and also www.ca.dmv.gov for more information. Lots of articles on bringing TDI'S into Ca on the tdiclub website and the dmv site shows the regs. Basically, as I understand it, new ones must have 50 state Ca emission sticker on car AND TITLE and you will pay any difference in sales tax between purchase state and ca or you can bring in as used with over 7500 miles.
I am considering to buy a Golf TDI as my next car. The only problem I have is that I live in an area where it gets very cold in the winter. How well do diesel engines start in very cold weather? Doesn't the diesel jelly up in the gas tank?
Autobahnflyer--It is no problem starting at TDI in cold weather (I live in Vermont). In fact, TDIs are very popular in Canada.
Regarding jellying of fuel, it's a good idea to add a few oz. of Power Service diesel fuel supplement (available at Wal-Mart & other places) in each tankful. You'll quickly get in the habit.
Believe everyone when they say how great this engine is. It's true!
TDIs are perfectly legal in CA and NY. But carmakers have to meet "fleet" emissions standards as well as certifying individual engines. VW was having difficulty doing so. The TDI represents such a small percentage of their sales in North America that I suspect this was more of an indictment of their gas engines than the TDI. But for whatever reason VW has told their dealer network to refuse to sell TDIs to residents of CA or NY. If you can find a dealer willing to break that rule you'll have no problem registering it in any of the 50 states, including CA and NY. (Used TDIs above a certain mileage don't count against VW's corporate numbers.) This is VWoA's story. Take it with a grain of salt. I've also heard that TDIs are once again on the lots in NY, and that a limited number will be available in CA so keep your eyes peeled.
TDIs start and run just fine in cold weather. The glow plugs are a relatively new design, and heat up very quickly. If you get in the habit of putting in the key and turning on the plugs before you put on your seat belt the plugs will always be hot by the time you can get strapped in. It's absolutely NOT a big deal. "Winterized" diesel is sold during cold months where appropriate. This is a mixture of normal #2 diesel fuel and lighter #1 fuel. This will protect you from fuel problems down to near zero degrees F. or lower, depending on the mix. (Refiners mix for the local market, so if you fill up in a warm climate then drive to a cold one be sure to add plenty of anti-gel additive.) With the use of a winterizing additive there isn't a climate on earth cold enough to bother a TDI. They do tend to warm up slowly, which is simply a side-effect of their amazing thermodynamic efficiency. Any engine that cranks out as much torque as a TDI with that little fuel consumption will produce very little excess heat. But this is also No Big Deal...it's about like waiting for a big V8 gasser to warm up. You can also buy oil pan heaters for winter use. Unlike old-fashioned diesels they are NOT required to start the engine...they're just for your personal comfort in the morning.
VW would have you believe that a TDI is practially maintainance-free. This is obviously nonsense. But the timing belt issue has been exaggerated. The latest word is that 5-speed TDIs need belt changes every 55,000 miles and the automatics every 40,000. (Due to the higher injection pressures of the autos...something to do with emissions.) To put that in perspective, the 1.8T Turbo gas engine needs a belt every 60,000. The 2.0 base engine needs a belt every 90,000. All current VW engines, with the possible exception of the VR6, are "valve benders" and will suffer severe engine damage if the belt fails. In fact, most current automotive engines from ANY manufacturer are valve benders, so this is certainly not a "diesel problem." When you factor the extra cost of belt changes in a TDI remember that you need to allow for the cost of changing them in the gas engines too! And don't pay a VW dealer to do the changes. Any experienced do-it-yourselfer can handle the job. It's time-consuming, but not complex. Any competent independent mechanic can easily handle the job, and probably for a lot less money than the dealer. (No, you don't have to pay the dealer to do it to maintain your warranty.)
Gassers need oxygen sensors periodically. Ever priced one of those things? It's pretty ugly, and each car has at least two of them. Gassers have more complex systems to make the engine run...diesels have no need of an "ignition system" at all, so all that complexity is eliminated. If you plan to keep your car for the long term bear in mind that diesels, on the average, last approximately 40% longer than comparable gasoline engines. That's no small item...ever priced a new engine? Meanwhile, your direct-injection turbodiesel is using about 40% less fuel per mile than a gas engine of comparable displacement and power output.
Speaking of power: Do you want a 120hp 2.0 gasser or a 90hp TDI? The 2.0, right? WRONG! "People buy horsepower, but they LIKE torque." The TDI makes 155 lb*ft of torque at a low, low 1800 rpms. That's far more than the 2.0, and at a much lower rpm. Remember that horsepower is just torque multiplied by RPMs and divided by a constant. Horsepower is a function of torque! What's really important to your driving experience is how much TORQUE the engine makes and at what engine speed that torque occurs. When you test drive a TDI don't rev it up like a gasser. You're used to having to rev small displacement gassers like mad to get them to make any useful power. With the TDI it's running out of torque at about the same rpm the 2.0 gasser would be starting to sing. Shift EARLY...no later than 3500 rpms if you really want to make time, but more like 2500 for everyday "keeping up with traffic." Don't be afraid to let the engine do some work! When cruising on the freeway in top gear stomp the pedal to the ground without downshifting. Feel that? That's called "acceleration"...IN TOP GEAR! TDIs are absolutely miraculous on the open road. Acceleration is effortless and the well of torque seems to go on forever. Don't get the idea that I'm comparing a TDI to a race car, mind you, but it's by far the most powerful and flexible "ecnomy" motor you'll every drive. Try one!
Somebody here at Edmunds was complaining that TDIs need an $800 intake system "cleaning" every 20,000 miles or so. I tried to find the exact thread so I could laugh at that fooling notion but couldn't dig it up. If you see it, ignore it. The EGR valve does cause a diesel's intake manifold to build up a thick coating of very nasty-looking goo. And it doesn't take very long for it to happen. However, the goo will not seriously affect the engine's performance for a VERY long time. (Some of our memebers at the TDI Club have over 150K on their engines. The gunk is horrific to look at, but the engines run just fine.) When you do finally decide to have it cleaned out it's a matter of removing the intake manifold and soaking it in solvent for a while. Yes, a dealer would probably charge you $800. And they'd probably sell you a penny gumball for fifty bucks if you're dumb enough to pay it. Get an independent mechanic.
-mickey
p.s. The place to be is www.tdiclub.com if you have any other questions. We can tell you all about maintaining TDIs. We can tell you how to soup them up into 50 mpg VR6 killers. We even have a section devoted to such scintillating topics as the length of your toenails. It's all there! Check out the TDI Forums. And try not to pay too much attention to that "mickey" guy. He's pretty annoying.
I own a 2000 TDI Golf that has about 23,745 miles on it. As you can see the warranty is about to run out on it and I'm wondering rather I should pay somewhere around the amount of $1200.00 for an additional 4 year 100k new car warranty. I have had some problems with the car since having it a little over a year now. My instrumentation cluster (dashboard) is being replaced right now as a matter of fact due to a short somewhere. Any suggestions?? Over reacting maybe??
Anyone heard of the tuningbox elctronic booster for VW TDI engine, rising hp to about 115 and torque to about 188? If so can you share your experience with this electronic marvel? Regards
Hey check out tdiclub.com for some information on the tuning box. I'm in the process of looking for a power upgrade myself. I know of two boxes being offered for the TDI. One is called an Upsolute box and the other is by New Dimensions, (don't know the name of the box by new dimensions, both are supposed to be pretty good boxes though. Once you log on to tdiclub.com, go to forums and then under forums click on power enhancements. Lots of helpful information on the performance capablities of the TDI. Good Luck......
Timing belt changes and fuel filter changes have to eat into the mpg savings for the TDI. So too do generally higher per gallon diesel fuel costs. The question is, for high mileage drivers, if TDIs are really worth it, compared to a Civic EX or HX, for example. I had a 78 diesel Rabbit, and while the engine lasted 150,000 miles, it was a real oil burner, no pun intended, and the rest of the car vibrated away around it.
Yes you can get a Jetta TDI with a sunroof. You must get the luxury package. Edmunds is just wrong, I have seen 2001s on the lot, the lux package includes alloy wheels and sunroof. And yes it is available in manual transmission. If you doubt me, don't argue just go to the dealer and see for yourself. I had my 1998 Jetta TDI with sunroof and manual tranny in for routine maintenance and saw the cars on the lot and read the stickers and what the lux package includes.
I have always used Mobil 1 synthetic oil in all of my cars. Can I use it in the TDI or do I have to use conventional oil? Also, do the TDI have a larger fuel filter like a diesel truck that needs to be changed often? Thanks
Moonroof is only an option if you get Auto transmission. This is correct.
With manual transmission you may get the luxury package as option which includes the moonroof and alloy wheels. But, you may not get the moonroof (by itself) with manual trans..
I have verified this with my own eyes at dealerships with actual cars and on VWoA website.
Also, with automatic TDI the alloy wheels are standard equipment.
You are right. On the TDIs, for some reason, auto. tranny includes alloy wheels as well. The sunroof is a separate option, but only on the GLS and not the GL. With manual, you have to get Luxury Pkg. (with alloys) for the sunroof.
I have been looking into a 2001 Jetta TDI GLS Auto. Questions? Are they reliable? Is an auto transmission a mistake? Are glow plugs a problem-do they need replaced often? What options are absolutely necessary and what's highly recommended?I had a 82(I think) Rabbit Diesel that I was always replacing the glow plugs.(live in Colorado so can get cold) I love the mileage and turbo engine but have great luck with a Nissan Altima (181,000 miles on 95) and want to make sure. My wife thinks the Jetta's the way to go and I put 30k/year miles. Pre-buyer's remorse?
I bought a TDI New Beetle in June. I love the way it handles and the mileage. I average 45 with 90% city driving. You have to get used to shifting it, if you buy the standard. My understanding is that the only service required, other than oil changes, is that you have to replace the timing belt around 50,000. If it breaks, you could send the rod and piston through the block. Remember that the compression ratio is 19:1, over twice that of most gas cars. Check out www.newbeetle.org for other discussions and web sites about the TDI
below is part of a post by Drivbiwire(a TDI owner) with what the expected costs will be over 120,000 miles of driving a TDI.
TDI (2) belts $46.00 each (2) fan belts $17.00 each (2) tensioners $78.00 each (1) water pump $80.00 each (1) Thermostat $12.00 (5) qts of coolant $8.00 (6) injection pump pulley bolts $.90 each (6) fuel filters $42.00 each (6) air filters $22.00 each (6) pollen air fitlers $15.00 each (12) oil filters $7.00 each (49.2qts) of synthetic oil $6.00 each (2666) gallons of fuel 45MPG average with a chip (so far for me anyway) $1.30 Chicago fuel prices, Currently at $1.23
Labor costs $75.00 (.6) 10K oil change and service (1.2) 20K oil change and service (1.8) 40K = 20K+Brake fluid change (4.1) 60K service including timing belt --------------------------------------------- Total labor for TDI over 120,000 miles is 16 hours labor cost
Labor $1,200.00 Parts $1,240.60 Fuel $3,456.00 _________________ Total=$5,896.60
Here is my opinion of the Jetta TDI. Drives wonderfully. Fun and performance is more than adequate. The front end is too low to the ground and this results in damage (cosmetic and structural). Should have a standard CD player instead of cassette in $20,000 car. Very, very safe car in crash test results. Quality is not equal to Toyota and Honda but is still good. Consumer reports rates the VW Beetle as used car to avoid and Jetta with worse than average reliability. This corresponds with what I have read on www.tdiclub.com and www.vwvortex.com in reading about the problems experienced by the TDI owners. That said, almost all of the owners are happy with the TDI.
Most important, the TDI will not save you money compared with a high MPG gas car such as Civic or Corolla unless the cost difference between gas and diesel gets much larger.
I test-drove a Golf TDI about 1 1/2 years ago, and I loved the engine! It was VERY powerful (torquey) in the rev band that a sane, normal driver needs...and frankly where I want the power to be in the U.S. where speed limits are relatively low. The car throws you back in your seat during acceleration. Great gas mileage and durability on top of that. It started right up on a 35 F day.
The main reason I didn't buy the car was its soft suspension tuning, and I didn't like the driving position/forward visibility. But I would consider it again in the future if/when I need a commuter car.
Couldn't resist. So I got the Jetta GLS TDI. Got the Monsoon sound and didn't think much of it but wow, it has great sound. CD changer after market is a little iffy. First tank proved out at about 41MPG. Love the the torque!
Remember that gasoline powered cars will need most of that work done also. I'm not saying the TDI will be any cheaper to run (unless you keep the thing for 300,000mi; in which case it wins hands down and it WILL last that long); but try this: Drive a Toyota, then drive the VW. The VW just feels alot more solid (it is), and my feeling is that you're sitting in a little Audi or Beemer (quality-wise).
I've owned Toyota's and they were the most dependable car I've ever owned. I now own a 00 Golf TDI (German built) and it's WAY more fun and solid than my Toyotas. Gas(?) mileage? Who knows, it's so damn good I don't keep track, just hit the truckstop every 2 or 3 weeks:). Only time will tell if it ends up being as dependable as the toyotas, but at 17,000miles all is well. Worth the extra few grand. (Auto trans, BTW).
I have a 2000 New Beetle. Getting only about 36 mpg so far. Drvie it pretty fast, ususally highway about 75 (interstate). Currently has about 18,000 miles on it. Will MPG get better? Should I expect more mpg, even though its automatic?
for regular unleaded right now is $1.67 here in Dallas and is expected to increase, while the average price for Diesel has been $1.49 at most locations. However I am still finding a few fina's selling Diesel for $1.39 still....My engine has over 30k miles on it and is still running fine. Check engine light came on a week ago, but took it to the dealer and nothing was wrong. This has been happening to alot of VW's so I've been told. No big deal in my opinion because the car is still under warranty so no money out of my pocket.
Anyone hear anything new about TDI's in NY? In Jan, 2000, I went to Greenwich Ct, thinking I could test drive one. Once the salesmen learned I was from LI, he totally refused to even let me quickly test drive one. What a shmo! So on the way back I tested a regular 4cyl at Bayside, but it was auto and had the power of a hampster wheel.
I emailed the NYDMV about TDI registration. The reply they sent me may have well been written in Russian. It gave me no clear answer.
That sounds low--with this car, I don't think the automatic is supposed to cost you that much in mileage. I have a manual and still manage 35-40+ in the winter with the same speeds you mention. In the summer I will get 45 mpg or even higher, depending on the city/highway distribution. That might be worth asking about next time you have it in for service.
1. VW will not sell new TDIs in NY or CA because any appreciable sales will bring their corporate motor vehicle emissions standards into the penalty fine zone. 2. TDIs cannot pass NY's motor vehicle emission requirements. Therefore, you cannot get an emissions sticker to accompany your registration, so you cannot register a new TDI in NY. 3. There is one way to do it. You must register the new TDI legally in another state. That usually means you have a residence there and unless you are in the military, pay taxes there. If you can do that, and avoid having that state declared as your primary residence for tax purposes if you don't want it to be, you can register it in NY used after you put 7,500 miles on it or own it for several months or a year...I forget. Right now, this is the only way to get it done. Hope this helps. On a side note, don't think you will save a ton with the TDI, even with gas prices where they are. TDI routine maintenance is very high, and includes mandatory use of synthetic oil at several bucks a quart. I know the engine will/should last longer, but do you want a car with 300,000 miles on it?
Does a TDI really cost that much more to maintain? I mean I know about the timing belt issue and stuff, but then again maintenance on my VW 2.0 has hardly been cheap. Sure an oil change will cost more but even still it is pretty cheap compared to most other sorts of maintenance.
The TDI is a technological marvel but it comes at a price. You pay more for the engine to begin with, and due to scarce supply, more for the car in most cases relative to MSRP. If you do your own work, maintenance is less of an issue. I have been quoted as much as $550-600 for a timing belt change at the dealer, and they are more frequent than the gas motor. VWs have never been cheap to maintain....just look at the cost of ownership tables in magazines like the Kiplinger auto issue. Consumer Reports no longer recommends the Jetta due to reliability problmes. The 20k fuel filter and fuel system change is also very expensive. So are the various filters. Some parts are not available at the local auto store and must be bought from VW. If the turbo goes after warranty, look out. All in all, TDIs will still save you money over gas guzzlers, and then there is the "I wanna be different" crowd. Finally, the 02 year may be the last for this engine. VW should be introducing a new more powerful diesel in 03, unless US emissions standards kill the whole diesel car thing. There has to be a reason why Mercedes no longer sells diesels here. Perhaps it is because diesel fuel standards are getting tougher, which will raise the price of the fuel.
I read on another website that VW/Audi offers a diesel engine with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in Europe. The CVT in the gas-powered Honda Civic HX delivers 12-15% greater mileage that the regular automatic tranny. If VW/Audi does as well, that diesel engine/CVT combo should be a real fuel miser and I only hope its gets over here to the USA
That's not all. VW has Passat diesels in Europe. So too do a lot of other manufacturers. The Civic HX with a 5 speed does even better. I wish they offered it in the 4 door sedan. At 36/44, who needs a diesel. Why it is in the coupe is a mystery. If you want flat out mpg, look at Echo. I know they are weird looking, but sit in one. The space inside is awesome and many are averaging in the mid to high 30s with automatics.
Saw a story today, in fact, about diesels capturing 30-plus% of the new car market in Europe. I'm afraid we're still jaded about diesels here in the US following the GM/Olds disaster of the early 1980s. Hey..I agree with you mpgman. Honda should put the CVT tranny in a Civic sedan...sales would definitely improve.
Comments
ekkoh99:
There may be some good news after all. I read on Fred's page (www.tdiclub.com) that a 2001 Passat TDI is due next year. Hope its true. Meanwhile, I ordered the 2001 Honda EX V6 Coupe, since it was no comparison to the Jetta. My only regret will be when I go to gas station...
At 10,000 miles I added a performance chip which gave it a total of 115 h.p. and 185 ft.lbs. of torque and the car is a real blast to drive. It has surprised many other gas powered 4cyl. and 6 cyl. cars.
I consistantly get 47-52 m.p.g. out of every tank of both city and highway driving and I have a heavy foot.
I have never owned a car that has given the satisfaction that this Jetta T.D.I. has. Every time I get behind the wheel I can't seem to drive it enough. It has been 100% trouble free and can't wait until the T.D.I. Passat arrives here if it ever does.
VW has just began producing this same 1.9 litre engine in Germany with 150 h.p. and lots more torque, hope that it makes it over here.
thanks..........
Next question: will it continue to pass CA emissions tests if and when they get more stringent?
When I was searching for my car I found dealer names at the VW web site. You could enter your Zip and the distance you were willing to travel, and it would give you names, phone numbers, and addresses. From there I used their names to find websites so that I could use email or toll free numbers (not everyone had those). I found a number of friendly dealers throughout the country.
Thanks!
Quinn
Regarding jellying of fuel, it's a good idea to add a few oz. of Power Service diesel fuel supplement (available at Wal-Mart & other places) in each tankful. You'll quickly get in the habit.
Believe everyone when they say how great this engine is. It's true!
TDIs are perfectly legal in CA and NY. But carmakers have to meet "fleet" emissions standards as well as certifying individual engines. VW was having difficulty doing so. The TDI represents such a small percentage of their sales in North America that I suspect this was more of an indictment of their gas engines than the TDI. But for whatever reason VW has told their dealer network to refuse to sell TDIs to residents of CA or NY. If you can find a dealer willing to break that rule you'll have no problem registering it in any of the 50 states, including CA and NY. (Used TDIs above a certain mileage don't count against VW's corporate numbers.) This is VWoA's story. Take it with a grain of salt. I've also heard that TDIs are once again on the lots in NY, and that a limited number will be available in CA so keep your eyes peeled.
TDIs start and run just fine in cold weather. The glow plugs are a relatively new design, and heat up very quickly. If you get in the habit of putting in the key and turning on the plugs before you put on your seat belt the plugs will always be hot by the time you can get strapped in. It's absolutely NOT a big deal. "Winterized" diesel is sold during cold months where appropriate. This is a mixture of normal #2 diesel fuel and lighter #1 fuel. This will protect you from fuel problems down to near zero degrees F. or lower, depending on the mix. (Refiners mix for the local market, so if you fill up in a warm climate then drive to a cold one be sure to add plenty of anti-gel additive.) With the use of a winterizing additive there isn't a climate on earth cold enough to bother a TDI. They do tend to warm up slowly, which is simply a side-effect of their amazing thermodynamic efficiency. Any engine that cranks out as much torque as a TDI with that little fuel consumption will produce very little excess heat. But this is also No Big Deal...it's about like waiting for a big V8 gasser to warm up. You can also buy oil pan heaters for winter use. Unlike old-fashioned diesels they are NOT required to start the engine...they're just for your personal comfort in the morning.
VW would have you believe that a TDI is practially maintainance-free. This is obviously nonsense. But the timing belt issue has been exaggerated. The latest word is that 5-speed TDIs need belt changes every 55,000 miles and the automatics every 40,000. (Due to the higher injection pressures of the autos...something to do with emissions.) To put that in perspective, the 1.8T Turbo gas engine needs a belt every 60,000. The 2.0 base engine needs a belt every 90,000. All current VW engines, with the possible exception of the VR6, are "valve benders" and will suffer severe engine damage if the belt fails. In fact, most current automotive engines from ANY manufacturer are valve benders, so this is certainly not a "diesel problem." When you factor the extra cost of belt changes in a TDI remember that you need to allow for the cost of changing them in the gas engines too! And don't pay a VW dealer to do the changes. Any experienced do-it-yourselfer can handle the job. It's time-consuming, but not complex. Any competent independent mechanic can easily handle the job, and probably for a lot less money than the dealer. (No, you don't have to pay the dealer to do it to maintain your warranty.)
Gassers need oxygen sensors periodically. Ever priced one of those things? It's pretty ugly, and each car has at least two of them. Gassers have more complex systems to make the engine run...diesels have no need of an "ignition system" at all, so all that complexity is eliminated. If you plan to keep your car for the long term bear in mind that diesels, on the average, last approximately 40% longer than comparable gasoline engines. That's no small item...ever priced a new engine? Meanwhile, your direct-injection turbodiesel is using about 40% less fuel per mile than a gas engine of comparable displacement and power output.
Speaking of power: Do you want a 120hp 2.0 gasser or a 90hp TDI? The 2.0, right? WRONG! "People buy horsepower, but they LIKE torque." The TDI makes 155 lb*ft of torque at a low, low 1800 rpms. That's far more than the 2.0, and at a much lower rpm. Remember that horsepower is just torque multiplied by RPMs and divided by a constant. Horsepower is a function of torque! What's really important to your driving experience is how much TORQUE the engine makes and at what engine speed that torque occurs. When you test drive a TDI don't rev it up like a gasser. You're used to having to rev small displacement gassers like mad to get them to make any useful power. With the TDI it's running out of torque at about the same rpm the 2.0 gasser would be starting to sing. Shift EARLY...no later than 3500 rpms if you really want to make time, but more like 2500 for everyday "keeping up with traffic." Don't be afraid to let the engine do some work! When cruising on the freeway in top gear stomp the pedal to the ground without downshifting. Feel that? That's called "acceleration"...IN TOP GEAR! TDIs are absolutely miraculous on the open road. Acceleration is effortless and the well of torque seems to go on forever. Don't get the idea that I'm comparing a TDI to a race car, mind you, but it's by far the most powerful and flexible "ecnomy" motor you'll every drive. Try one!
Somebody here at Edmunds was complaining that TDIs need an $800 intake system "cleaning" every 20,000 miles or so. I tried to find the exact thread so I could laugh at that fooling notion but couldn't dig it up. If you see it, ignore it. The EGR valve does cause a diesel's intake manifold to build up a thick coating of very nasty-looking goo. And it doesn't take very long for it to happen. However, the goo will not seriously affect the engine's performance for a VERY long time. (Some of our memebers at the TDI Club have over 150K on their engines. The gunk is horrific to look at, but the engines run just fine.) When you do finally decide to have it cleaned out it's a matter of removing the intake manifold and soaking it in solvent for a while. Yes, a dealer would probably charge you $800. And they'd probably sell you a penny gumball for fifty bucks if you're dumb enough to pay it. Get an independent mechanic.
-mickey
p.s. The place to be is www.tdiclub.com if you have any other questions. We can tell you all about maintaining TDIs. We can tell you how to soup them up into 50 mpg VR6 killers. We even have a section devoted to such scintillating topics as the length of your toenails. It's all there! Check out the TDI Forums. And try not to pay too much attention to that "mickey" guy. He's pretty annoying.
Regards
carlady/host
You are correct the moonroof is only an option if you buy the GLS trim and AT transmission. Check out the details here:
VW TDI Jetta
Jim
With manual transmission you may get the luxury package as option which includes the moonroof and alloy wheels. But, you may not get the moonroof (by itself) with manual trans..
I have verified this with my own eyes at dealerships with actual cars and on VWoA website.
Also, with automatic TDI the alloy wheels are standard equipment.
668, do you agree with the above?
TDI
(2) belts $46.00 each
(2) fan belts $17.00 each
(2) tensioners $78.00 each
(1) water pump $80.00 each
(1) Thermostat $12.00
(5) qts of coolant $8.00
(6) injection pump pulley bolts $.90 each
(6) fuel filters $42.00 each
(6) air filters $22.00 each
(6) pollen air fitlers $15.00 each
(12) oil filters $7.00 each
(49.2qts) of synthetic oil $6.00 each
(2666) gallons of fuel 45MPG average with a chip (so far for me anyway) $1.30 Chicago fuel prices, Currently at $1.23
Labor costs $75.00
(.6) 10K oil change and service
(1.2) 20K oil change and service
(1.8) 40K = 20K+Brake fluid change
(4.1) 60K service including timing belt
---------------------------------------------
Total labor for TDI over 120,000 miles is 16 hours labor cost
Labor $1,200.00
Parts $1,240.60
Fuel $3,456.00
_________________
Total=$5,896.60
Here is my opinion of the Jetta TDI.
Drives wonderfully. Fun and performance is more than adequate.
The front end is too low to the ground and this results in damage (cosmetic and structural).
Should have a standard CD player instead of cassette in $20,000 car.
Very, very safe car in crash test results.
Quality is not equal to Toyota and Honda but is still good. Consumer reports rates the VW Beetle as used car to avoid and Jetta with worse than average reliability. This corresponds with what I have read on www.tdiclub.com and www.vwvortex.com in reading about the problems experienced by the TDI owners. That said, almost all of the owners are happy with the TDI.
Most important, the TDI will not save you money compared with a high MPG gas car such as Civic or Corolla unless the cost difference between gas and diesel gets much larger.
The main reason I didn't buy the car was its soft suspension tuning, and I didn't like the driving position/forward visibility. But I would consider it again in the future if/when I need a commuter car.
I've owned Toyota's and they were the most dependable car I've ever owned. I now own a 00 Golf TDI (German built) and it's WAY more fun and solid than my Toyotas. Gas(?) mileage? Who knows, it's so damn good I don't keep track, just hit the truckstop every 2 or 3 weeks:). Only time will tell if it ends up being as dependable as the toyotas, but at 17,000miles all is well. Worth the extra few grand. (Auto trans, BTW).
Happy Motoring..............
In Jan, 2000, I went to Greenwich Ct, thinking I could test drive one. Once the salesmen learned I was from LI, he totally refused to even let me quickly test drive one. What a shmo! So on the way back I tested a regular 4cyl at Bayside, but it was auto and had the power of a hampster wheel.
I emailed the NYDMV about TDI registration. The reply they sent me may have well been written in Russian. It gave me no clear answer.
Thanks for any info! Gary
1. VW will not sell new TDIs in NY or CA because any appreciable sales will bring their corporate motor vehicle emissions standards into the penalty fine zone.
2. TDIs cannot pass NY's motor vehicle emission requirements. Therefore, you cannot get an emissions sticker to accompany your registration, so you cannot register a new TDI in NY.
3. There is one way to do it. You must register the new TDI legally in another state. That usually means you have a residence there and unless you are in the military, pay taxes there. If you can do that, and avoid having that state declared as your primary residence for tax purposes if you don't want it to be, you can register it in NY used after you put 7,500 miles on it or own it for several months or a year...I forget. Right now, this is the only way to get it done. Hope this helps. On a side note, don't think you will save a ton with the TDI, even with gas prices where they are. TDI routine maintenance is very high, and includes mandatory use of synthetic oil at several bucks a quart. I know the engine will/should last longer, but do you want a car with 300,000 miles on it?
I always want something I can't have.
Something only few other people have.
Do I need therapy?