same with me. I ordered a 2006 Package 2 TDI because there were no 2005.5 package 2's in the country. The dealer stated no changes but when the car came in it had no rain sensing wipers, no wood trim, no garage opener and no electric seat on the passinger side. As my wife and I both have bad backs we really needed the electric seats on both sides cause the lumbar support is much better. It was a big dissapointment to say the least. I really think the dealer just didn't know of the changes
Make no mistake, the TDI engine is soooo efficent that thre is not much extra heat left over for the passengers.
I know for a fact that when the outside temp is below -10F, I can drive for an HOUR and not have much heat inside the cabin. (blower on high will actually COOL OFF the engine temp.) I found that if I turn the blower down, then the engine temp. comes up and I get some heat.
BOTTOM LINE: The seat heaters are a MUST for cold weather. I also have a plug-in engine heater and cover the grille to keep the cold air out of the rsdiator.
I have owned GM vehicls all my life because of a family member. Well they ( the big 3 ) better get their act together real soon, and offer consumers some real choices with gas mileage around 40-50 mpg I am looking to buy a VW jetta diesel. Great fuel economy.
I too have heard the same thing about the 2006 vs. 2005 package #2 features. My partner is about to buy the 06 and doesn't know of all the omitted features from the dealers information supplied to him. He was just told of the wood grain treatment being deleted???
I have the 05 TDI with package #2 and it has all the things that are now being deleted from the 06?
VW has to rethink it's package options since the new 06 Passat 2.0T doesn't even come with the same features as the 05 New Jetta? And it costs more. Why pay $38K for the features in an 06 Passat V-6. When you can buy them for less in the 05 Jetta? At that price you are forced to get things you really don't need. :confuse:
Did the dealer give you a price break? They knocked off $250 because they were just as surprised as I was. You would think the dealer would have a clue about the 2006 features.
I have a 04 TDI auto. I have heard some people talking about the correct synthetic oil to use...I have heard some people talking about the MOBILE brand for diesels, verses the factory oil...I belive it is 5w-30.....Any info on this/
Your 2004 TDI has the "pumpe duse" engine. That engine requires oil that meets strict specifications. Using a lesser oil will damage the camshaft. MOBIL does not sell any oil in North America that meets the requirements.
BTW... I beleive you mean 5w40....5w30 is for kiddie cars ;-)
I have the opportunity to purchase a 2003 GLS TDI with 55,000 miles on it. I know that the timing belt/chain is due at 60,000m which will cost around $800. I can get the car for $12,500 near nashville, TN. Anyone have any advice on what I should ask other than the obvious, (previous damage, accident, services?) Is this a good deal?
This past weekend I test drove a 2006 Jetta TDI and walked away extremely impressed. Before I drove the car, I thought the 100hp 1.9L engine would feel average at best. But when I actually got behind the wheel there seemed to be plenty of power (no doubt thanks to the turbo). The car was also very responsive on a short stretch of curvy road. The ride was smooth and I didn't notice any shaking or rattling over bumps. Overall, the car felt very solid to me (the only other car I ever drove that felt better put together was a 2003 VW GTI).
The Jetta I drove was pretty much a base TDI. The only options I could see getting would be the alloy wheels (the hubcaps on the car I drove, while nicely styled, looked as if they were made from cheap plastic) and, of course, the sunroof. I think both of these are available in a single package, but for $1,900.00+.
My only complaints were with the price (around $22,900 seemed steep for the one I drove even though it probably is justified). I didn't try haggling because I'm at least 6 months+ away from being able to purchase. I also don't care for standard power windows and other electronic dud-dads that I don't need. Dual climate control is a gimick in my opinion.
The other thing that might have bothered some people was the diesel chatter. I was surprised at how loud the car is from both the in- and outside. Personally, I enjoyed the sound, but I'm sure it would irritate most people who aren't use to it after awhile.
The only other version of the Jetta I'm interested in is the GLI, but at a price starting around $28,000 - $29,000, I may pass.
Bottom-line: The 2006 Jetta TDI is on my list of possibilities.
in response to a message on the previous page, according to my VW dealer, with the re-designed jetta, vw started from the ground up. they didnt just fix the problems with the wiring harness. they found new suppliers for the components. but with any product some may be defective. thats why we have lemon laws (at least in nj) after 3 problems with a new or dealer purchased car in 2 years, they have to give u a new car at no cost.(well there is always fees). also VW has a great warrentee program. 5 years 50k miles. never the less go test drive the 2006 jetta tdi with manual tranny. its alot more powerful then i thought!! i was surprised as to which features that were optional on the 05 were standard on the 06. when i get my license in november im goin down to spend all my hard earned money on a car that will last me for many years.
Personally, I'm glad they got rid of the wood. I just ordered a red TDI with the PLL package. Went diesel - being a cheap Canuck with gas here at $1.18/l or about $3.50 US/US gal!
Three other reasons:
- no wood trim - power memory driver's seat - 6 speed auto DSG transmission
It looks as if I was off on the GLI's pricing. Apparently it will base between $24,000 and $25,000. If gas prices ever go down, I just may take one of those over a TDI.
I'm in the market for a new car. I am looking for something with good gas mileage, and something that is very reliable and will last for at least the next 5-7 yrs. I'm pretty impressed with the new Jetta's and would like some feedback from those of you who have them.
Thanks in advance for any advice/info you can give me!
I'm interested in purchasing a Jetta TDI up here in New England. I don't have a heated garage so my question is for cold weather owners: Can you start one of these diesel engines when its 0 degrees outside?
I just purchased a 2004 Jetta TDI last week and was wondering about the fuel mileage. How many miles per gallon are people getting in the city and on highway? :surprise:
I have a 2005 (A-4) Jetta GLS TDI, manual transmission. In the city I average approx. 43-45 mpg, on the interstate I average 53 mpg (when I'm pushing it), and 60 mpg (when I'm on cruise control at 60 mpg).
The TDi engines will start witn no problems down to -30F.... the question is when you try to DRIVE the vechicle. If your fuel is not properly protected against gelling, you may only travel a couple miles before it quits.
I am in Vermont and myTDI sits outside all the time. I always use fuel-addititive when I fill up. Never had any gelling problems.
Do not forget that the TDI is sooooo efficent, that it does not produce any heat for the passengers when outside is -10F. There are "tricks" to help alleviate this.
just purchased a 2004 tdi wagon 5 speed . bought it in La crosse WI, drove to Sst Paul MN (freeway) and drove an additional 20 miles of city driving - in all drove 260 miles on 5 gallons or about 48 MPG. Then drove another 667 miles on 13.8 gallons and got 49 MPG. Car had 10800 when purchased with 11,700 today. EPA rated at 47 highway and I drove conservatively at or below the posted speed limits.
Hi, so I'm new here...One previous post got no responses so I thought I'd try one more time. I am probably going to purchase a 2006 VW Jetta TDI next week. I've done a fair amount of research and thought I was totally happy with this car until I found this board. After reading some posts here it sounds as though these cars can have a lot of problems and the general upkeep is much higher than that of other cars. I want/need a car that gets good gas mileage, and is reliable. I can handle general maint. and upkeep, but in return I need a car that will get me from point a to point b without trouble. That being said do those of you who own this car think it will be the right car for me??
In my humble opinion, you can't go wrong with a TDI vehicle. VW has changed the body style of the Jetta with the 2005 1/2, 2006 (also known as A5), from the previous body style, known as A4. However from what I read the TDI engine is used in the New Beetle, Golf, Jetta and Passat. The PD (Pumpe Diesel[sp]) TDI engine has been in use from the 2004 model year. When you are reading the post concentrate on the model year, 2003 and earlier is a different engine from 2004 to 2006. From what I read the newer PD TDI engine is more efficient and reliable than previous TDI engines. However this could also be that the newer engines don't have the use/mileage as compared to the older engines. Regardless, if you do an internet search on the TDI engine. You will find several websites devoted to the TDI engine in all its variants. I have read some post where early TDI engines have between 300,000 to 500,000 miles on them and are still going strong, with proper care and maintenance! Anytime a manufacturer introduces a new model of vehicle there will invariably be bugs that need to be worked out. With the new body style of the Jetta there may still be an issue or two VW will need to solve, but the engine will now have 3 years of production and use in the field. Most of those engine/powertrain issues should be resolved. I have a little over 6000 miles on my 2005 (A4) Jetta. I have had zero (0) issues with it to date. I have received a lot of intrest/envy from co-workers who wish they could bail out of their SUV's and get into a TDI. And probably most importantly, my wife has actually said she is very happy with my decision to purchase such a fuel efficient vehicle.
I had misgivings about buying a Jetta based on problems with my first experience (1990 gasoline engine) and the horrror stories I heard about recent models. However, I thought it would be great to get the mileage of the TDI and the new 2006 model. A co-worker has a 2005 and claims she has never had any problems. I bought my 2006 Jetta TDI on the evening of 8/31/05. I drove it to work on 9/1/05. On the way home I noticed the airbag warning light came on and the cruise control didn't work. Took it to the dealer where it has been ever since. Only about 180 miles on the odometer. Never even had time to remove the protective plastic from the floor! The dealer has been in touch with VW and the regional service manager is involved but basically they have no clue. Something about the "airbag module isn't communicating with the main module".
I just purchased the dealers last 2006 TDI Jetta. (So they say) Black on Black. I have been shopping for months for a new or used car that had both good MPG, Reliability and didn’t look like you were driving a little grandma car. This was the first time I even sat in a VW and I have to say that I was so impressed that I didn’t leave the dealership without it. I pride myself at getting the best deal possible on my cars so when they said they would not budge on sticker I decided to go to work to see what I could get thrown in. There are a lot of extras for this car but I think the best upgrade that adds both performance and looks are the 17in rims with the low pro tires. They had the 17’s on the Jetta GLI and it looked awesome but they wanted $1500 to upgrade my stock 16’s to 17’s. NOT TRUE!!! If I had bought them separately they would cost me that and I would still have my 16’s with the rubber to sell on Ebay. So we bargained and I got them switched out for $500. There’s my deal! That’s all I got.
I also opted for the unbelievably cool 6-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic because it had a very responsive dry clutch and you can switch it over to manual (paddle shifting) at any time with the Triptonic, like the BMW’s M3’s.
This car has it all. Its surprisingly fast, coroners on rails with the 17’s, looks amazing, gets great MPG, has longevity and is very roomy. Not to mention the Germans attention to detail, I was floored when I found out that both my glove-box and center counsel-box are cooled by the cars air-condition for a pop or a bottle of wine. Now you taking.
What more can you ask from a car.
Total OTD (Out The Door)with extras, taxes, title and a extended 6yr – 100,000 warranty = $29,700 :shades:
I just took my TDI in and they told me that there was a problem with the Wastegate valve in the turbocharger stopping up with sludge from the previous owner not getting the oil changed frequently enough. I have an extremely limited knowledge of cars but I was wondering if this would describe a fairly low gas mileage (38 mpg highway). Secondly, I am looking at purchasing a Turbo off ebay in an effort to cut someof my costs, but I have no idea what I'm looking at or for. I woudl appreciate any guidence...
I was intersted regarding your comment regarding the longevity for the TDI engine. We are looking at a 2002 with 97,000. By what you said, I assume I should see 300,000 with normal maintenance. Am I correct?
What year is your TDI? There has not been a "wastegate" on a VW TDI for many-many years.
Dealerships (not being very well trained in diesel nor turbochargers) will often suggest replacing the turbocharger when it is NOT the real issue. It is also an "easy sell" for them to make some quick $$. Would you replace your entire car becasue it was dirty because the last owner never washed it?
You asked for guidance: Turbochargers generally do NOT have issues on VW TDI engines. Instead of just replacing the turbocharger because a dealership says that an NON-EXISTANT component is "stopping up with sludge from the previous owner not getting the oil changed frequently enough"...I suggest you gain more knowledge about things first.
1) Research TDI on the internet. 2) Research VNT (Variable Nozzle Turbocharger) [NO wastegate!!] 3) Research how to Check your intake-plenum to see if it is plugged. 4) Research how to clean the soot off the VNT vanes and free up the sticky components.
I've been checking dealers around the south west in and near Arizona. It seems VW ships the TDI Jetta with at least package 1 on all of the cars with automatic transaxle.
We really do not want a sunroof on the car. After a few years here in Az the sunroof leaks air / water or both.
Any high volume dealers I could check that may be at the end of the USA?
From what I read on the TDI websites 300,000 for a maintained engine would be realistic. Notice "maintained", do not run it until a dash light illuminates. I've met a lot of people who believe the dash lights mean it is time to service the vehicle. Typically dash lights come on when you've exceeded the normal maintenance interval.
I've been researching the Jetta TDI and have driven both the manual and automatic. I have pretty much decided on the automatic. Most of the in stock models have at least package 1 which I don't want and pkg 2 is too expensive. Has anyone had any experience ordering a car? They say they come from Mexico and should take about 8 weeks. All input is welcome.
Therre is no such thing as "ordering" a Volkswagen. You can submit a request for a specific mix of options /engine/color and they will earmark it for you if one comes off the assembly line. (You must put your name in early in the model year for fall delivery)
Another approach (the one that I chose) was to ask the dealer to get on his computer and search for the car of my choice ON OTHER DEALERS LOTS. Since there is no "ordering" of VWs, the dealerships have some kind of "swap" deal that they can do with other dealerships. Using this method, the dealer was able to locate the EXACT vehicle I wanted (at the agreed-upon price) and have it on his lot within a week ready for delivery to me.
(The entire deal was done OVER THE PHONE without even stepping foot in the dealership.... until the day I picked up my Jetta TDI)
It goes without saying that the more "leinient" you are with specific options/engine/color, then your chances improve for a match.
You can also search dealer inventory on VW's website. It's not 100% accurate, but might get you going in the right direction. Just keep searching further and further from your home zip and see what you find.
:confuse: I have an 04 Jetta TDI Auto...where is the oil filter located on the TDI engine? I am due for an oil change. The manual doesnt show location.
The oil filter on the TDI engine is NOT the "normal" spin-on filter that most automobiles have. Instead, you just replace the "element" and a couple o-rings and put the cover back on the housing.
The oil filter (including o-rings) is available at Wallmart in a box that says "Fram CH8530" for about $12, but the contents of that box is a german-made "Mann" filter just like the one you can buy from the dealership for a lot more money.
If you choose to do this task yourself, DO SOME RESEARCH FIRST! The biggest mistake is to forget to remove the old o-rings and put the new ones on right over the top, the doubled-up o-rings then cause a massive oil leak because they do not seal well. You will find that most folks choose to NOT mess with removing the 14 screws that hold the bottom cover on. Instead, the complete oil-change can be done from under the hood using an "oil-sucker" (about $40 one-time purchase)
Also, be aware that the filter-cartridge is labelled "OBEN/TOP"..that end must be on the top when it is installed.
I assume you already know that your 2004 TDI engine has very special oil requirements. Do not use anything less than oil that meets the VW 505.01 specification.
I also have beeen looking for a new car including the TDI Jetta. The reports on the Jetta are mixed, some seem to get excellent service and others seem to have one woe after another. It is clear to me that if you get a good TDI it is worth the money. Also I've looked the the Sonata and the Amanti ( an awesome car, by the way). The Amanti (larger than the TDI) and the Sonata's have much better warranties( 50000/100,000 drivetrain), much stronger than VW unless VW has changed the warranty this year. You'll have to ask yourself what you want in a car. The TDI is stiffer in ride while the Amanti rides like a Lexus and the Sonata is in between.The most reliable smaller car that I'm familiar with, in my opinion, is the Camary, which has, I believe a 36000 mile warranty. But I think Camarys are unattractive. Good Luck!!
I do agree that the Jetta ride-quality is stiffer than other vehicles, but it HANDLES better than most too.
To me, the ONLY warantee on the Jetta that I care about is the 12-year/100,000 mile corrosion warantee. Here in Vermont, if a vehicle is not 100% galvanized steel (or plastic) it will rust out before it wears out. Asian vehicles rust far too fast for me to consider them. (especially Hyundai and Kia...where do you think they are skimping to make the price so low? ...the cheep recycled steel and the corrosion-protection!)
Ask a Hundai or Kia dealer if there is galvonized steel anywhere on their cars....they wont even know what you are asking about!...or lie through their teeth ;-)
I found a dealer in Edmonton, Alberta that will order your TDI directly from Mexico with your name on it. Just tell them what you want and in 8-10 weeks your car will be ready. The dealership did say that they were one of the FEW that will do this. I was very impressed as I only had to put $1000 deposit (Fully refundable) down to ensure I got my car. I personally went with the package 2 upgrade. but you can pick whatever option you want upon ordering.
"I do agree that the Jetta ride-quality is stiffer than other vehicles, but it HANDLES better than most too." When you are cruising on the freeway, you feel more stable with a Jetta than other sedans of a similar size because its' more heavier and handles better. Also its standard safety feature includes ABS and stability control which other brands doesn't care too much (only in the options). Have you ever see a deadly casualty involving a Jetta?
I thought I'd make a reply to your post being a past VW diesel owner. I've owned serveral diesel cars over the years, one being a Diesel Rabbit. The worst milleage on a tankful was 42 mpg being pushed hard in some rolling hills here. The one thing I didn't like was having to add injector cleaner about every 3rd tankful to make the performance perk back up. A friend of mine who owned a older Jettta diesel told me he put cleaner in his VW every tankful. I dont know if one still has to add cleaner to these new engines but it's something you need to ask.
Also, Auto diesel fuel starts to gell at about 20F and unless you add anti-gel to the fuel you might find yourself on the side of the road
A VW mechanic told me that VW's require more maintainance than a lot of other cars ( a general statement I know) but they do have advantages, also.
Also, where I live, I can buy a new Camry for under $16,000. ....Null
We have an 06 Jetta TDI DSG Pkg 2 XM on order for 2% over invoice. Back in 1983-1984 I used to drive a Chevette diesel. Fifty-Five hp and 55 MPG. Never had a problem with it however my brother could never get it to start in cold weather(< 10 deg f). I on the otherhand never had the same problem. I just let the glow plugs heat up for about a minute before even attempting to start it. Started first time about 90% of the time. In cold weather climates they change the diesel formulation to prevent gelling.
I believe the winter fuel is called diesel #2, but I'm not positive o that.
I've been told that bio-diesel will clean out your tank and fuel system, but can cause debris from dino diesel buildup which the biodiesel breaksdown to clog your fuel filter.
Thank you for your response to my post. You asked some thought provoking questions that I'll pose to my car salesman tomorrow. One point I'd like to make is here in Atlanta auto diesel fuel can be .30 cents per gallon HIGHER than regular gas. When you add the price of injector cleaner which I had to add about every third tankful to my diesel Rabbit makes for an addtional expense. Do you have to add cleaner to your fuel and if so how often??
I put the additive in EVERY FILLUP. Not only does it quiet the engine, increase power, reduce smoking and lubricate the expensive fuelpump... it also increases MPG
It goes without saying that additive needs to be put in during the winter to eliminate gelling.
A remote starter may be a very poor idea for TDI engine. Not only does the glowplug time need to be allowed for... there is no reason to pre-start the TDI for any reason.
The TDI engine is NOT like a gasoline engine that actuially warms up while idling. A TDI engine can be started at -15F and idled for HOURS and will never warm up. (But that could really gum things up by runnig the engine while cold for so long.)
What's the difference in No. 1 and No. 2 diesel and BD, if any?? Also, if I use No. 1 diesel would I still have to put cleaner in the fuel tank?? Can each of these fuels be used in the TDI??
Comments
I know for a fact that when the outside temp is below -10F, I can drive for an HOUR and not have much heat inside the cabin. (blower on high will actually COOL OFF the engine temp.) I found that if I turn the blower down, then the engine temp. comes up and I get some heat.
BOTTOM LINE: The seat heaters are a MUST for cold weather. I also have a plug-in engine heater and cover the grille to keep the cold air out of the rsdiator.
I am looking to buy a VW jetta diesel. Great fuel economy.
I have the 05 TDI with package #2 and it has all the things that are now being deleted from the 06?
VW has to rethink it's package options since the new 06 Passat 2.0T doesn't even come with the same features as the 05 New Jetta? And it costs more. Why pay $38K for the features in an 06 Passat V-6. When you can buy them for less in the 05 Jetta? At that price you are forced to get things you really don't need.
:confuse:
Sandro
BTW... I beleive you mean 5w40....5w30 is for kiddie cars ;-)
The Jetta I drove was pretty much a base TDI. The only options I could see getting would be the alloy wheels (the hubcaps on the car I drove, while nicely styled, looked as if they were made from cheap plastic) and, of course, the sunroof. I think both of these are available in a single package, but for $1,900.00+.
My only complaints were with the price (around $22,900 seemed steep for the one I drove even though it probably is justified). I didn't try haggling because I'm at least 6 months+ away from being able to purchase. I also don't care for standard power windows and other electronic dud-dads that I don't need. Dual climate control is a gimick in my opinion.
The other thing that might have bothered some people was the diesel chatter. I was surprised at how loud the car is from both the in- and outside. Personally, I enjoyed the sound, but I'm sure it would irritate most people who aren't use to it after awhile.
The only other version of the Jetta I'm interested in is the GLI, but at a price starting around $28,000 - $29,000, I may pass.
Bottom-line: The 2006 Jetta TDI is on my list of possibilities.
Three other reasons:
- no wood trim
- power memory driver's seat
- 6 speed auto DSG transmission
jet
Thanks in advance for any advice/info you can give me!
Cassie
I'd like to have some goodies and leather with NO sunroof. It seems impossible.
Tony
I am in Vermont and myTDI sits outside all the time. I always use fuel-addititive when I fill up. Never had any gelling problems.
Do not forget that the TDI is sooooo efficent, that it does not produce any heat for the passengers when outside is -10F. There are "tricks" to help alleviate this.
Now that my TDI is broken in, I have registerd up to 57MPG on long, highway trips.
Thanks again!
Cassie
In my humble opinion, you can't go wrong with a TDI vehicle. VW has changed the body style of the Jetta with the 2005 1/2, 2006 (also known as A5), from the previous body style, known as A4.
However from what I read the TDI engine is used in the New Beetle, Golf, Jetta and Passat. The PD (Pumpe Diesel[sp]) TDI engine has been in use from the 2004 model year. When you are reading the post concentrate on the model year, 2003 and earlier is a different engine from 2004 to 2006. From what I read the newer PD TDI engine is more efficient and reliable than previous TDI engines. However this could also be that the newer engines don't have the use/mileage as compared to the older engines. Regardless, if you do an internet search on the TDI engine. You will find several websites devoted to the TDI engine in all its variants. I have read some post where early TDI engines have between 300,000 to 500,000 miles on them and are still going strong, with proper care and maintenance!
Anytime a manufacturer introduces a new model of vehicle there will invariably be bugs that need to be worked out. With the new body style of the Jetta there may still be an issue or two VW will need to solve, but the engine will now have 3 years of production and use in the field. Most of those engine/powertrain issues should be resolved.
I have a little over 6000 miles on my 2005 (A4) Jetta. I have had zero (0) issues with it to date. I have received a lot of intrest/envy from co-workers who wish they could bail out of their SUV's and get into a TDI. And probably most importantly, my wife has actually said she is very happy with my decision to purchase such a fuel efficient vehicle.
I have been shopping for months for a new or used car that had both good MPG, Reliability and didn’t look like you were driving a little grandma car. This was the first time I even sat in a VW and I have to say that I was so impressed that I didn’t leave the dealership without it. I pride myself at getting the best deal possible on my cars so when they said they would not budge on sticker I decided to go to work to see what I could get thrown in. There are a lot of extras for this car but I think the best upgrade that adds both performance and looks are the 17in rims with the low pro tires. They had the 17’s on the Jetta GLI and it looked awesome but they wanted $1500 to upgrade my stock 16’s to 17’s. NOT TRUE!!! If I had bought them separately they would cost me that and I would still have my 16’s with the rubber to sell on Ebay. So we bargained and I got them switched out for $500. There’s my deal! That’s all I got.
I also opted for the unbelievably cool 6-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic because it had a very responsive dry clutch and you can switch it over to manual (paddle shifting) at any time with the Triptonic, like the BMW’s M3’s.
This car has it all. Its surprisingly fast, coroners on rails with the 17’s, looks amazing, gets great MPG, has longevity and is very roomy. Not to mention the Germans attention to detail, I was floored when I found out that both my glove-box and center counsel-box are cooled by the cars air-condition for a pop or a bottle of wine. Now you taking.
What more can you ask from a car.
Total OTD (Out The Door)with extras, taxes, title and a extended 6yr – 100,000 warranty = $29,700 :shades:
Dealerships (not being very well trained in diesel nor turbochargers) will often suggest replacing the turbocharger when it is NOT the real issue. It is also an "easy sell" for them to make some quick $$. Would you replace your entire car becasue it was dirty because the last owner never washed it?
You asked for guidance:
Turbochargers generally do NOT have issues on VW TDI engines.
Instead of just replacing the turbocharger because a dealership says that an NON-EXISTANT component is "stopping up with sludge from the previous owner not getting the oil changed frequently enough"...I suggest you gain more knowledge about things first.
1) Research TDI on the internet.
2) Research VNT (Variable Nozzle Turbocharger) [NO wastegate!!]
3) Research how to Check your intake-plenum to see if it is plugged.
4) Research how to clean the soot off the VNT vanes and free up the sticky components.
We really do not want a sunroof on the car. After a few years here in Az the sunroof leaks air / water or both.
Any high volume dealers I could check that may be at the end of the USA?
Another approach (the one that I chose) was to ask the dealer to get on his computer and search for the car of my choice ON OTHER DEALERS LOTS. Since there is no "ordering" of VWs, the dealerships have some kind of "swap" deal that they can do with other dealerships. Using this method, the dealer was able to locate the EXACT vehicle I wanted (at the agreed-upon price) and have it on his lot within a week ready for delivery to me.
(The entire deal was done OVER THE PHONE without even stepping foot in the dealership.... until the day I picked up my Jetta TDI)
It goes without saying that the more "leinient" you are with specific options/engine/color, then your chances improve for a match.
Sandro
The oil filter (including o-rings) is available at Wallmart in a box that says "Fram CH8530" for about $12, but the contents of that box is a german-made "Mann" filter just like the one you can buy from the dealership for a lot more money.
If you choose to do this task yourself, DO SOME RESEARCH FIRST! The biggest mistake is to forget to remove the old o-rings and put the new ones on right over the top, the doubled-up o-rings then cause a massive oil leak because they do not seal well. You will find that most folks choose to NOT mess with removing the 14 screws that hold the bottom cover on. Instead, the complete oil-change can be done from under the hood using an "oil-sucker" (about $40 one-time purchase)
Also, be aware that the filter-cartridge is labelled "OBEN/TOP"..that end must be on the top when it is installed.
Link to West Marine Oil sucker
I assume you already know that your 2004 TDI engine has very special oil requirements. Do not use anything less than oil that meets the VW 505.01 specification.
Link to Historical Gasoline /Diesel fuel prices
I do agree that the Jetta ride-quality is stiffer than other vehicles, but it HANDLES better than most too.
To me, the ONLY warantee on the Jetta that I care about is the 12-year/100,000 mile corrosion warantee. Here in Vermont, if a vehicle is not 100% galvanized steel (or plastic) it will rust out before it wears out. Asian vehicles rust far too fast for me to consider them. (especially Hyundai and Kia...where do you think they are skimping to make the price so low? ...the cheep recycled steel and the corrosion-protection!)
Ask a Hundai or Kia dealer if there is galvonized steel anywhere on their cars....they wont even know what you are asking about!...or lie through their teeth ;-)
When you are cruising on the freeway, you feel more stable with a Jetta than other sedans of a similar size because its' more heavier and handles better. Also its standard safety feature includes ABS and stability control which other brands doesn't care too much (only in the options). Have you ever see a deadly casualty involving a Jetta?
I thought I'd make a reply to your post being a past VW diesel owner. I've owned serveral diesel cars over the years, one being a Diesel Rabbit. The worst milleage on a tankful was 42 mpg being pushed hard in some rolling hills here. The one thing I didn't like was having to add injector cleaner about every 3rd tankful to make the performance perk back up. A friend of mine who owned a older Jettta diesel told me he put cleaner in his VW every tankful. I dont know if one still has to add cleaner to these new engines but it's something you need to ask.
Also, Auto diesel fuel starts to gell at about 20F and unless you add anti-gel to the fuel you might find yourself on the side of the road
A VW mechanic told me that VW's require more maintainance than a lot of other cars ( a general statement I know) but they do have advantages, also.
Also, where I live, I can buy a new Camry for under $16,000. ....Null
I believe the winter fuel is called diesel #2, but I'm not positive o that.
I've been told that bio-diesel will clean out your tank and fuel system, but can cause debris from dino diesel buildup which the biodiesel breaksdown to clog your fuel filter.
One point I'd like to make is here in Atlanta auto diesel fuel can be .30 cents per gallon HIGHER than regular gas. When you add the price of injector cleaner which I had to add about every third tankful to my diesel Rabbit makes for an addtional expense. Do you have to add cleaner to your fuel and if so how often??
It goes without saying that additive needs to be put in during the winter to eliminate gelling.
The TDI engine is NOT like a gasoline engine that actuially warms up while idling. A TDI engine can be started at -15F and idled for HOURS and will never warm up. (But that could really gum things up by runnig the engine while cold for so long.)
What's the difference in No. 1 and No. 2 diesel and BD, if any?? Also, if I use No. 1 diesel would I still have to put cleaner in the fuel tank?? Can each of these fuels be used in the TDI??