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Comments
It just seems that once broken in, these things are just tailor made/ perfect for the USA's open highway or interstates. The "back roads" so to speak are really good places to break in your new TDI. You get a lot of up and down reving and gear shifting!!
After 51,000 miles, the TDI still amazes me. The thing that I almost still can't believe is with the Jetta's 14.5 gal tank (Passat's is probably way bigger) with 44-62 mpg you can go a range of 616-868 miles on ONE tank. And with 22-31 miles to look for fuel!!??
Thank You, mine does not fall into any of those VINs. I would post pictures except I have never had an easy way to do it.
The book says 16.5 gallons. I filled it to 16.46 gallons on one tank. My understanding is if you keep holding the little vent you can get more than 16.5. I am sure I still had more than a gallon left on that tankful. My wife gets nervous when I see how far I can go. I just wanted to get to the ARCO with ULSD and break the engine in right. I did not notice any difference except I think I got a little better mileage out of the ULSD than the Oregon diesel. If I could learn to drive under 70 I am sure that 40 MPG is well within the cars ability.
How do you plan to handle the CA registration business?
And can you tell us again what you paid for the wagon at Armstrong?
And can you tell us again what you paid for the wagon at Armstrong?
I will register in Alaska where my primary residence is. I paid out the door $26,589 cash. It has Anthracite leather W/wood, 17" wheels, splash guards, ESP.
I always thought it was a good Oregon law having them pump the gas until this happened. They were very accomadating. Now I have to try and get that cover replaced here. Hopefully it won't cost more than the estimate in Oregon. I wish I could find a metal one on the after market. That plastic one is flimsy.
PS
Use the Internet guy at Armstrong. Very good email response.
The Jetta is 90 hp/155 #ft of torque,
(yes I am probably going with the (Kerma) Bosio.205 injectors when the stock ones no longer squirt well !
compared with the Passat at 140 hp?/ 255# ft of torque!!!
In visiting with the finance man at Armstrong, he told us that he had leased his wife a Passat. Then when business slowed down he leased her a Jetta. I guess she was not happy with the change. I wanted the Jetta Wagon for the better mileage. My wife liked the Passat and that is what we bought. I can say I am glad, not really knowing the difference. I have not driven a newer Jetta. I am not fond of the new style Jetta and was afraid the Passat would follow suit. Plus I don't think they will bring in the wagons or diesels for another year. We both love the car, which is saying a lot for my wife. She drives a Lexus and Mercedes and Porsche before that.
To drain the water from the fuel filter, this video may be of help to identify the components. ( http://www.cincitdi.com/richc/fuelfilter.html )
You do not have to actually REMOVE the filter to drain the bottom of it. Just loosen the clamp and wiggle the filter up a bit, then reach below it. (leaving the hoses attached.)
Just like any cars, VW has flaws. I bought the diesel because of vast experience acquired handling/fixing problems. VW diesel parts were readily available and the engine then was very simple. TDI involve more electronic and am trying to master those. Basically, I have enough confidence in fixing the diesels. That is a reson for buying Diesel VW only. I
In line with you mastering the electronics, seems like getting together with some VAG.com gurus might be instructive?
Bought a 2005 Passat GLS TDI 2 weeks ago and really like it. My only problem is the car is having rattle issues. Drivers door, sunroof and dsah over speedo, They have now attempted to fix the dash twice, the door once and the sunroof twice. The repair order states they put sticky foam aroun d the lock mechanism(still rattles but more muted) and also same in dash. Car now has 800 miles on it and I am frustrated.I was considering selling my G35 sedan and buying anothe diesel but am bothered by this apparent quality issue. How should I havdle this? I was thinking of sending a letter to the dear owner as I have asked them to replace this car since I found the first rattle after signing the papers and driving it off the lot.
Just yesterday, did a short jaunt from the San Jose area to Santa Barbara, CA (R/T 600 miles) to have lunch with my eldest child. The trip down was absolutely glorious! Fine, clear weather, in spots, NO TRAFFIC!?? Did the trip down in 3.75 hr including a half hour stop. Didn't have to fuel till the return home in SJ!!??; but on the way north took on fuel in Goleta for 48 mpg. At the fuel station, even got a close up look at the CHP supercharged Z-28 white Chevrolet Camaro!!
The trip back was about the same time, but was marred a tad by a three car suv pile up for app a half hour delay. I hope that no one was seriously injured. It was a VERY MESSY crash scene.
This is my first message posted on the forum. I am living in Canada. I own a 2003 Jetta 2.0l and I am very pleased with it, but we need a second car (for my wife) .We decide to go for a 2005 Jetta Station Wagon 1.9 TDI, 5spd, with ESP and side curtains - without any other packages.
I went to the dealer and I get a rough quotation around: Total MSRP of 28,430.0$
But with:
- Admin.Fee65$
- Freight 595$
- PDI 485$
- Air conditioning Tax 100$
It came around 29,675.0$
- My first question to you guy, before I go any further with the negotiations, is if you can tell me how much I can negotiate the price? We would like to negotiate somewhere to 26,000.0- 26,600.0$ CAD. Is this possible? Now with the new 06 Jetta arrived to the dealers can we get any advantage of this?
- We decide to go for this new car. Wouldn’t it be a better idea to buy a TDI with low km instead of a PD engine? Is it the same reliable as the old TDI was?
I would really appreciate if you guys can help us to make the right decisions.
Thank you
regarding your choice about the new PD TDIs vs the older non-PD with low kms... i voted with my $ for the PD - a few days ago i traded my 2003 non-PD jetta wagon 5-spd for 2005 passat sedan so i am betting the PDs will be reliable too. but who knows, the PDs have only been here in north america for about 2 years - nowhere near as long as the previous TDIs. ca va! allons enfants de la TDI!
1. Isn't the TDI supposed to get better fuel mileage?
2. Are there any adjustments required to the engine for using vegetable oil?
3. Who wants to drive around in something that smells like a KFC?
Thanks
2 - i dunno, i think previous dude answered that, but i think i've heard it's
3 - i think it would be nifty to have exhaust that smelled like frenchfries. i actually liked the exhaust smell from my 2003 jetta TDI on dino-diesel. but i can't seem to get any exhaust smell from my 2005 passat TDI
A bientot!
Yes, The TDI is rated better than that....
2004-Newer TDI-PD
Auto 33/44
Manual 38/46
2003-Older TDI
Auto 34/45
Manual 42/49
I have an 04 GLS TDI-PD (manual) and AVERAGE 45MPG per tank, so to me 38/46 seems a wee bit conservative.....
2. Are there any adjustments required to the engine for using vegetable oil?
I have run (1) tank of B2 (2% biodiesel) and (1) tank of B20 (20% biodiesel) through my Jetta (and F350) with no problems or modifications. I have noticed no decrease (or increase) in peformance. It is just too far of a drive for me to get biodiesel to warrant using it on a regular basis, especially when I have premium diesel around the corner.
3. Who wants to drive around in something that smells like a KFC?
People who want to make the masses they pass by hungry.
It doesn't bother me one way or the other....I like the smell of burning dino-diesel, and biodiesel just offers something a little different.
-PR-
03 Ford F350 SuperCrew KingRanch 6.0L Powerstroke
04 VW Jetta GLS TDI
05 VW Passat GLS TDI
If interested, check out www.ultracleanfuels.com for info on the actions of Penna. senators to get Gov't. backing for a production plant in PA's coal region.
The technology is apparently based on work done by germany during WWII and currently at University. Apparently, it's a very low sulfer product that could sell (retail?/wolesale?) around $1+/- / gal.
Curious that Mr. Diesel's original demonstration, way back whenever, ran on coal dust!
Anyway, Bio and Fossil may not be the only games in town.
Hope this ignites some discussion!
Eman
Thanks, Rick
The car will run BETTER on the low-sulfur stuff than on the crap we call diesel fuel in most of the country. It was designed for it, as most of Europe has even lower sulfur content - 5-10 ppm. Before long, the EU will have diesel that is basically sulfur-free,
Incidentally, the low-sulfur standard is nationwide by the end of 2007....not 2010. Frankly, it should have happened at least 2 years ago or more, but we all know the oil industry runs Washington these days, and they need to spend money to make the conversion, so we have this heel-dragging until the end of '07. Anyway, it is a pure benefit from the perspective of anyone who owns a current diesel - and it will allow even better emissions and running performance as soon as it is universal.
I have used the BP ULSD (less than 15 PPM) since the second tank in my Passat TDI. It is very clean and quiet burning. Less smell than the Lexus using Premium Unleaded. I think the EU just mandated starting 1/1/05 that all their onroad diesel had to be no more than 50 PPM sulfur. I think it was 100 PPM prior to that. Ours in CA is maximum 300 PPM and the rest of the USA is 500 PPM currently. The EU mandate is 10mg/KG whatever that works out to be.
Also, it is best to stay with the oem (paper) filter and forgo the oiled media routine. There are of course folks who will disagree and are running it and have no problems or concerns BUT.... (if you want to hear it, let me know)
Also keep ALL silicon materials from the MAF. So if you are one that uses silicon spray under the hood the best is DON'T. If you must, keep it away from the air intake and more importantly MAF. Best of luck!!
VWs are engineerd for ease of maintenance too. All the filters are easy to access and replace. (Unlike Honda where the oil filter is almost INACCESSABLE by a mere human standing over the engine) (Or Dodge where the fuel filter is IN THE FUEL TANK)
The deeper one looks, the more it is apparent that the engineering in VWs has considerd every detail. (Consider the section of that document about the varied spacing on the cam to reduce wear!)
I understnad that in Europe, that same drive for perfection is also seen in the training and workmanship of the VW repair shops there.
It is sad that the same drive for perfection is not represented in many VW service shops in USA. It makes the perception that VWs are not the fine machines that they truly are.
If you want to charge a premium price and be "perceived" as a premium brand, it takes more than nicely-finished interiors, and elegant engineering. Your suppliers have to cooperate to produce quality subsystems, and the dealers have to be able to fix the car properly the first time around. Some can and do, but many don't.
In all fairness to the VW dealers and service people, it should be pointed out that the US versions of these cars have a lot of extra emissions crap to pass CARB mandates. VW dealers in CA have been very limited in the amount of TDIs they were allowed to sell since 2000. If I need service with my TDI prior to shipping it over to Hawaii, I am skeptical that any of the local dealers will be of much help. In Hawaii they sell 50% TDI cars so I imagine they have people that are able to repair them. Following the hybrid board I see complaints of dealers not having a clue what is wrong with both Prius and Honda hybrids. Technology is changing at such a rapid pace that it is difficult to keep on top of it. The dealer I bought mine from told me they get a "technician" trained and someone offers them more money and they are gone. Their senior VW techs are making over $100k per year and asking for more money. I follow this board closely and have not seen any more complaints about VW TDI reliability or service, than many of the other cars including Toyota & Honda. I don't think Asian car dealers have the corner on good service they had at one time.
It is not uncommon in any industry to have trouble retaining the most sought-after employees. It is human nature to desire more $$ and follow the $$ to another employeer. Employee retention is difficult for any employeer.
The folks that tend to stay in one positoin a long time are often the ones that cannot get a job elsewhere and may be lucky to be able to retain the job they have. We (The public) do not know if he is a real wizzard in the shop and truly LOVES his job --- or stumbles into work hung over every morning. I PREFER TO NOT HAVE THAT GUY WRENCHING ON MY CAR!
For a VERY long time, I would NEVER-EVER leave my car somwhere to be serviced. I would insist that I accompony my vehicle into the shop and observe all activities performed on my automobile. After several visits and I was satisfied that the tech. was competent, ONLY THEN would I actually allow my car to enter the shop without my presense.
As for TRAINING on the TDI -- come on... VW has been selling Diesels in North America for over 20 years.
The bottom line is still one of Techs that are not motivated by doing a good job... instead, they are motivated by getting a job done quickly and selling as many parts for the dealership as possible. Dont take my word for it -- ask any automobile repair guy,
It would not be too dificult to resolve this issue -- Follow the "rules of enguagement" that some Asian dealerships have. A tech is not even allowed to TOUCH a vehicle-system that he has not been acredeted and shown compentency on.
Any bonehead can hook up a computer to your car and determine what sensors have set a fault code. Actually DIAGNOSING what the problem is requires thinking and a thorough understanding of theory of operation of the system that is failing.... Most of todays Techs will often just replace the sensor that set the fault code and send the customer on his way. (The original problem is not fixed and will be sensed by the new sensor again in the future.)
Seems to me that they might not have connected it after the diesel pump was replaced. Would the tech need to disconnect the MAF to complete this recall? Could the car start several times and run for 50-100 miles or so without the hose connected and without sending a fault code?
The icing on this was that when I went to pick up the car, the "paperwork" was not ready and they said they would mail it to me. It took several weeks, and several phone calls to both the advisor and the manager, to get this paperwork into my hands. Very odd.
Also, are parts hard to find? Can you do the work yourself? Does the high cost of maintenance balance out the fuel savings?
Any input you have is greatly appreciated, as I may test drive an '03 TDi tonight with 17k miles. Thank you in advance.
To add to the question, are there any owners out there with 150-200K on one of these that can comment on the long-term reliability?
I currently have a 1995 Camry V6 with ~200K, and the car is solid, so I was curious as to whether or not I can expect the same out of a Passat TDI. Thanks...RC
Yes you can do most anything yourself on these. I've got 110k miles on mine and beyond warranty repairs, I've not been back to the dealer. I would recommend finding a good independant mechanic once the warranty is up. I just spoke to a guy today that paid a dealer $600 for glow-plugs, and it can be done yourself for well under $100. Not hard or time consumng either, I have no idea how the dealer can justify some of the prices they charge. I have a guy that changes my timing belt for $200, vs $600 at the dealer.
Intakes can get clogged and effect performance. There are ways to keep this from happening though. With only 17k miles, you shouldn't be in too bad of shape.
Unplanned maintenance is hard to predict --- thus it is called "unplanned".
I can tell you MY 2003 TDI has been a great car and I really LOVE going between 600 - 800 miles per tank of fuel.
PS
My wife's 1990 Lexus LS400 was in the shop a lot the first year until they redesigned the suspension.
my fiance and i have a 2002 VW Golf and the same thing happened to her car just this past weekend...she currently only has 29k miles on her car and is a little under 3 years on her 4 year lease...did you have any problems having this covered under your warranty? was it covered under your warranty? please get back to us, asap! we took it to the dealer yesterday, and they are trying to say that it's only covered under the 12k wear and tear warranty...the service consultant questioned us and asked us how often we parked under trees...this took us aback, b/c we never park under any trees, since we live in baltimore city...there aren't many trees at all!
md4runner
As for the ride quality, that is a personal decesion.
I have never found the AC to not be up to the task.
Any help appreciated.