Sounds like you are not happy with the '95 VW. Early VW's were great, 50's, 60's and 70's. Then in the 80's and 90's they declined. I think around 2001 or 2002, they beat Honda and Toyota for quality, and though I haven't asked a lot of people, I think the consensus on the diesels is, they're damn nice cars and give great mileage. Pricey because everyone wants them, and there's not enough of them.

jeff

+1 id be all over that car!

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Current:
05 E320 CDI
07 GL320 CDI
08 Sprinter
05 Dodge Cummins
01 Dodge Cummins

Previous
2004 E55 AMG
2002 C32 AMG (#2)
1995 E300
1978 300D
1987 300D
2002 C32 AMG(blown motor :[
1981 300SD
1983 300SD
1987 300SDL
2002 Jetta TDI
1996 S420
1995 S500
1993 190E 2.6
1992 190E 2.3
1985 190E 2.3 5-Speed

I don't. I don't really like the new ones either, I can't comment on there quality but they are crazy expensive and not any more interesting to drive than there Japanese counterparts.

A loaded Passat is over $30k, no thanks I'll buy a BMW.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I wouldn't consider a 1990's onward gasser VW, but the TDI models are fantastic. They have the typical VW problems with door handles, power window regulators, etc. but the drive train is rock solid, easily equaling MB in reliability and longevity. (Yes, I did say that).

I'm in the process of changing the head gasket on our OM606 engine, and it's a massive undertaking in comparison to the VW TDI. The TDI is simple and easy to work on while the 606 takes hours and hours and hours longer for the same tasks. Just as an example, I can change the glow plugs in about 10 minutes on the TDI, easy peasy - search the forums here for "606 glow plugs" and see the difference. Same with the fuel injection system, the TDI has none of the air-leak problems with 100 different plastic lines and 300 O-rings that the 606 has.

Not to mention the fact that my 1996 Passat TDI has dyno'd at 150 hp & 265 ft/lbs (it's got a few mods; chip, injectors, ARP head studs, etc.) while delivering 45+ MPG. That's much better mileage and a lot more power than our 606.912 could ever hope to achieve.

They're very different cars and the W210 chassis is certainly quieter, smoother, and generally more pleasant cabin environment, but I'm certainly not getting rid of the Passat TDI any time soon.

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'98 E300 turbodiesel

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/13/automobiles/autoshow/13-audi-r8.html?em&ex=1200459600&en=42c6bbe917819b0c&ei=5087%0A


just saw this... audi diesel concept car

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Well, historically VWs of tne past couple decades have had only a poor to fair reliability. Flimsy door handles and window regulators don't inspire confidence, especially in someone like myself that tends to shop for 'pre-owned' cars. Plus, don't the VWs have a timing belt that requires changing religiously - or else!
I'll wait for the Accord diesel and see how that works out.

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW