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VW Beetle TDI
beetletdi
Member Posts: 1
When I purchased my 2000 Beetle TDI, I was getting 45 mpg. I complained to the dealer, the ads stated 50mpg. I drive many miles, that was one of the selling points. The dealer told me that the engine had to break in. I have almost 30,000 miles, and I am now getting 40-41mpg. Any suggestions or feedback would be welcomed.
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Current technology diesel is very good. The diesel in VW's is TDI which is direct injection and turbocharged. The torque is comparable to 1.8T motor which provides excellent drivability.
The smoke and diesel odor of older style diesels is eliminated.
The need to use synthetic oil is a non-issue. ($20 for synthetic oil every 10,000 miles, so what) Maintenance cost is comparable to gasoline VW's, some services are higher and some lower.
The big cost for the VW diesel is having the timing belt changed. The interval for this service is 40K for automatic and 60K for manual. Typical cost is $350 to $450 to have the timing belt changed.
40 to 50 MPG, lower cost of diesel fuel, and excellent torque, diesel is an option well worth your consideration.
$600 for timing belt, I was just quoted $285 for timing belt change on TDI at VW dealer, I stated $350-450 as this was the average cost at dealers in Midwest. $600 for 3 hours labor and $85 in parts is absolutely ridiculous.
Why do you suspect that oil is going to be added several times on the way to 10K? I (and others I know who own TDI's) do not add oil between oil changes. Even if you did have to add oil you are out another $4.00, Ouch.
Maintenance is free for first 24K and 24 months. What "fuel system servicing for $150" are you referencing? Drain Water Separator, change oil, change oil filter, change fuel filter, and check condition of timing belt are the TDI specific maint. at 20K, and it is FREE.
The brake fluid is to be changed at 24 months regardless of mileage and this is common to all the VW's and it is free at 24 months regardless of whether you have 18K or 45K miles.
The TDI does pass NY and CA emissions. The TDI is sold in CA and NY in limited numbers, due to FLEET emissions standards. I do not know where the urban myth started that it is illegal to have a TDI in NY or CA or that they fail emissions tests, but it is not true.
The air behind TDI is no more or less breathable than the gasoline vehicles I own (my opinion).
Anyone who takes the time to research the FACTS can verify the timing belt, maintenance, and NY CA emissions status that I stated above.
Having bought a 2001 Jetta GL TDI automatic on 3/30/2001 from Romano Ford-VW in Fayetteville, NY, I can state for a fact that you CAN but a new TDI in New York and register them without difficulty. I bought one of the first batch of 5 2001 TDI's to arrive at that dealership. Your sole difficulty will be finding the scarse TDI model of your particular desire. end quote-
quote from Shawn of Moriches, NY-
I've called the DOT and they have a preparred stament that the DOT of New York has no problem registering VW TDI's. end quote-
quote-
You can register ANY U.S. spec VW TDI in ANY state... period. In 2001, VW has put a cap on the number of TDIs they'll sell in California and New York (and Mass. too maybe?) due to state regulations that would cost VW $ if their corp. fleet emission average passes above a certain point. Selling too many TDIs (as a percentage of ALL VW sales in a state) would raise their average, so VW has decided only to sell a fixed number of TDIs. In 2001, the cutoff for TDIs in CA was originally suppoosed to be 1500 cars, but was later revised downward to 800. I don't know what the '01 sales cutoff number is in NY, but I'd suspect it was a little less. end quote-
You still don't believe that TDI can pass emissions test in NY!
Diesels are exempt from the test(all new vehicles are exempt also), so what test can they possibly fail?
quote from the above link (which is the NY DMV Emissions Site)
Q. What vehicles are exempt from the new program?
A. Vehicles less than two model years old, or more than 25 model years old, diesels, electric vehicles, motorcycles and vehicles with historic or farm equipment registration are exempt.
end quote-
There is no "fuel system servicing" other than the replacement of fuel filter which is part number 1J0127401A and is $37.23 for the part.
There is no change from VW on the replacement of timing belt on MK4(1999 to present) VW's with auto, it is at 40K, and this is not a change from earlier TDI's as the MK3(pre 1999) Jettas and Passats as they were all manual transmission.
I am not personnaly offended, but why not let someone choose to like or dislike TDI's and diesels in general based on accurate information?
another quote-
Now, before I get too far, I know some car buyers may recall General Motors Corp.'s ill-fated diesel that was installed in some Oldsmobiles in the 1980s. Basically a gasoline engine that was converted to diesel, it stigmatized auto diesels in this country because of widely publicized problems and resulting lawsuits. end quote-
TDI=it isn't an Oldsmobile diesel. It is a 40-50 MPG car, it has more noise at idle than gasoline engine, it has torque (1.9-liter TDI diesel engine is rated at 155 lb-ft of torque at a low 1900 rpm, while the 2.0-liter gasoline engine only offers 122 lb-ft at 2600 rpm), it lasts longer than gasoline engine, it costs about $1000 more than 2.0 gasoline equipped VW, resale value is very good but they can be hard to find new or used.
VW in Alexandria, VA quoted me the price for the fuel system servicing. I know what the parts cost but many of us have no garage or the ability/facility to do our own work. Three VW dealers have told me that the TB interval for the auto was changed....I also believe this is posted on the VW TDI forum on vwvortex or some other site. Not questioning the lack of a TSB on it as it may apply only to later production TDIs and may not be retroactive. That is why I referenced the later production models with the revised highway EPA number. That could explain the lack of a TSB.
I have a question for you. Is the turbocharger and injection system covered for the 10/100 or the 2/24?
I fully agree with you about being accurate. The bottom line though is that mpg is not the only cost factor in determining whether or not a car is economical, which was what my original post was intended to answer. I dare say that an Echo would cost a lot less to maintain, drive and ensure over 100,000 miles than a TDI. The issue is whether you want to drive an Echo. For that matter, total cost of ownership of a gas VW vs the TDI might be the same over 100,000 if you buy the 2.0L. The initial cost is less, the discount from list probably greater, TB less often, etc. Then again, do you want an oil guzzling 2.0?
Thanks.
This is the Limited Powertrain Warranty for all 1994 and newer VWoA vehicles (excluding Rialta and Eurovan):
10 Year/100,000 mile coverage, whichever occurs first, for the first owner and registered immediate family members.
5 Year/50,000 mile coverage, whichever occurs first, for subsequent owners.
Engine:
Cylinder Block
Cylinder block and cylinder head includes all internal parts
Flywheel
Repairs resulting from an outside influence such as damaged teeth due to a defective starter or clutch wear are not covered.
Cylinder Head
For defects in material of workmanship.
Valve Train
Includes valves, camshaft, timing gears, timing chains, and spur belt.
Oil Pump
For defects in material and workmanship.
Water Pump
For defects in material and workmanship.
Note, slight seepage is normal and is not considered a defect.
Water Pump Pulley
Not Covered.
G-Charger (Turbocharger)
This item as an emission warranty component. See California emission component coverage section.
Fuel System Controls
Not Covered
Injection Pump Not Covered. This item may be covered as a emission warranty component, See California emission component coverage section. Pumps must be repaired by an authorized Bosch Diesel Service Dealer.
Intake Manifold
For defects in material and workmanship.
The above apply to the 10/100 warranty. The turbo is covered according to several VW dealers as it is considered an internally lubricated part.
Several people worry that the turbo is covered only under the CA emissions warranty and have requested additional documentation. I have not seen, nor do I know of anyone obtaining additional docs. from VWoA or dealer.
I do know that there have been turbo failures that were covered after the 2/24 warranty period.
You will have to come to your own conclusion on the turbo warranty status.
The injection pump is covered only under the 2/24 and not the 10/100 warranty. If I had an injection pump fail I would start to pray for divine intervention as it is a very expensive item, although it can be replaced by dealer, only Bosch supposedly has the skills to repair or rebuild them.
I only trust what the dealer says when I can see in writing some documentation from VWoA so I know they are not lying or ignorant about what they are telling me.
It is possible that at one time the replacement interval for the timing belt was 60K for auto, but I am 100% certain that the interval is 40K now. Replacement of timing belt is absolutely critical on the TDI as the motor is interference type and you will most likely have to replace head and possibly pistons if the timing belt breaks.
I agree that the TDI is by no means the lowest cost per mile of ownership. This would only be true if gasoline goes even higher than it is now.
Vehicle Warranty (b2b): 4 yr/50,000 (wear and tear and adjustments excluded after 12 months/12,000 miles)
Powertrain Warranty: 5yr/60,000
Anti-Corrosion: 12 year unlimited mileage against corrosion perforation
Roadside Assistance: 4yr/50,000 24 hour eoadside assistance
Maintenance: free maintenance eliminated for 2002
Only time will tell if this happens. VWoA is currently denying any change in warranty for 2002.
As for an extended warranty, about $800 will buy a 10/100 diamond wrap from Warranty Direct which is represented as being an extension of bumper to bumper warranty to 10/100.
The two items I think have the greatest possibility to fail on VW TDI are the MAF (mass airflow sensor) and the power window regulator.
If the MAF or pwr. window regulator fail then I will attempt to get compensation from VWoA if I am in warranty or not.
For someone who is concerned about VW reliability or someone who is uncomfortable doing basic mechanical work then the warranty could be a good deal. If for nothing else than the sense of security.
The VW warranty is not worth the cost in my opinion as there are some very good aftermarket warranty providers with same coverage for less cost.
Anyone willing to risk a Hyundai should be comfortable with VW. And I know that Hyundai has improved their quality greatly, not enough time has passed to tell how much though.
While the Rabbits lasted forever, I am sure some people wished they would die so they had an excuse to get a new car.
Also, I was never told of any 20k fuel service by the dealership, and $600 for a new timing belt is high. I may try to purchase another TDI soon. I just wish we could get the 150 hp TDI here in the States.
The goal is to have maximum performance with affordable maintainance. From what I understand, you spend $600 annually on a gas engine for tune-ups and such. What would the annual fee be on a TDI and on a gas (2.0L 115hsp)?
My concerns on the TDI:
1. the life span of the turbo....when it goes it costs about $4000 with labor How long should the turbo last?
2. Someone has mentioned the injection pump, the heart of the engine. What is its average life span?
3. Someone else above had a TDI for only a year and the relay killed the glow plugs. Is this common or is this a fluke car?
4. What is your fuel system service fee annually?
But I know the TDI has excellent mileage and diesel engines are in long lasting work vehicles. And I enjoyed the ride.
Which one overall will have higher maintenance, the GLS TDI automatic or the GLS (2.0L) automatic? Which one will be the greater investment?
I know the TDI has an injection pump, which is about $1600, whereas the gas GLS has a regular fuel pump. The TDI also has a turbo, which is very expensive to replace, but the service men (who work for the dealers) tell me that if you keep up with everything, that you should be fine. Can you confirm this?
Please give guidance. Thank you.
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1. The 2.0 may not be around too much longer, or may be relegated to the base GL model soon. Your call. It is a rather dated design and is known to burn oil. Many people I have talked to say get the 1.8T but then you have a turbo to deal with and premium fuel.
2. I owned a Rabbit diesel. If diesel is in your blood (figuratively anyway) it is a great car to own and fun to drive. Otherwise, you do take a chance as you mention with some potentially huge repair bills, although many posters here and at vwvortex.com will tell you they are driving trouble free. Keep in mind that VW may change the 02 warranty from 10/100 to 5/60 and from 2/24 to 4/50 and eliminate the free 2/24 maintenance currently offered.
3. Gas tune ups should not cost $600 for 100k.
4. Diesel maintenance is generally higher...timing belt, fuel filter, synthetic oil requirement, etc.
5. You might do better with a gasser. Looked at Celica for example? I own the new Elantra 5 door GT hatch and love it. Go see and drive one and look at the level of equipment you get including leather, 4 wheel disc ABS, traction control, roof, keyless entry, fog lights, alloys.....for around $16k. Best warranty in the industry too.
Good Luck!
It is now verified. The warranty will be 4yr/50K miles new car warranty, 5yr/60K miles powertrain, and no more free maintenance.
Calling VWoA even last week and they denied that the warranty would change for 2002. What a bunch of liars.