2009 Jetta TDI test drive - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Hatterasguy · #16 07-30-2008, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racekar

After just changing the wiring harness in my MB for over $500, I don't want to hear about their superior designs. I don't know of many american V8 that have timing chain strech problems like MB's do.

As far as FWD, I live in the northeast, we have snow, MB does not offer a diesel sedan with 4matic. FWD has an advantage in foul weather. An Audi A4 with a diesel and Quatro would be nice.

Apples and oranges. Have you ever seen a timing chain on an OHC vs push rod V8? Big difference, big.

bgkast · #17 07-30-2008, 08:41 PM

Many american V8s still use pushrods...

Hatterasguy · #18 07-30-2008, 08:43 PM

Not to mention if you do a valve job once in awhile a MB V8 will last just as long as any diesel. You couldn't put enough miles on the bottom end of an M119 to hurt it.

warpdriv · #19 07-30-2008, 09:09 PM

i had a 99.5 running on WVO getting 49 mpg. It was a fun car until someone hit me and total it for me. My family forced me to get a bigger replacement car. So I bought my current car, 99 E300 Turbo Diesel. I have had it 3 weeks. I love my family!

Ara T. · #20 07-30-2008, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgkast

Many american V8s still use pushrods...

And get 500 HP and 25 mpg highway doing it. I aint gonna knock it!

Hatterasguy · #21 07-30-2008, 10:29 PM

Isn't the new Z06 OHC though?

Ara T. · #22 07-30-2008, 10:40 PM

Nope.. it's a pushrod engine. Spins up to 7000 RPM which is pretty respectable. At 70 mph they are turning 1800 rpm which explains the 25+ mpg.

Whiskeydan · #23 07-30-2008, 11:07 PM

Don't get me started about how lousy the VW dealers are.

Find out yourselves over on the TDI forum.

husk · #24 07-30-2008, 11:38 PM

Resale on the TDI's are much better than any Mercedes (although the MB diesels tend to depreciate less than their gasser counterparts). Many people have bought TDI's and sold them for close to what they paid for them. They are just very girly looking imo.

JimmyL · #25 07-30-2008, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

Front wheel drive is the work of Satan.

notfarnow · #26 07-31-2008, 01:16 AM

After 10+ years of driving nothing but VWs, I'll never, ever buy another one.

My last A4 Jetta made me long for the quality and reliability of my old Renault LeCar.

My mother in law bought an 07 TDI. I am shocked by the poor fit & finish in that car... chintzy, rattly and already coming loose after only a year. It's appalling. It's an automatic, and the shifter feels like it's hooked up with twine and clothesline pulleys. Plus, it already has a host of electrical gremlins.

No kidding, I would lease a Kia before I touched another VW. At least with the KIA, you're getting what you paid for.

vahe · #27 07-31-2008, 08:22 AM

Some years ago I bought a new VW Jetta for my daughter, the car was burning oil from day one and the dealer service was just AWFUL, the worst service of any car dealership, never again a VW for me.
I am also considering a non MB diesel, I will probably wait for the Honda Accord diesel.
Now if C class 220 diesel ever shows up here I will consider it despite MB quality issues.

Vahe
240D 77 355K

equipmentjunkie · #28 07-31-2008, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

Front wheel drive is the work of Satan.

So true. So true.

Now on to my '09 TDI driving experience... My brother said it best, "I expected to be blown away by the new TDI engine and to find the DSG transmission acceptable. The reverse was true."

VW is definitely on to something with the DSG. It is a phenominal transmission. The DSG offers lightning-fast shifts and the behaviour is perfectly acceptable in stop-and-go driving.

VW cars are not at Mercedes build quality and engineering levels. However, my entire family's VW TDI experiences have been stellar. I would not hesitate to buy a new VW TDI...if I wasn't doing the service work. Modern cars are extremely complicated which makes them unwrenchable for the average guy and that is true for any brand.

I am anxiously awaiting the new diesel BMW 3-series. A test drive in that car will be interesting. ForcedInduction, what is your analysis on this car?

Hatterasguy · #29 07-31-2008, 11:47 AM

What exactly is this DSG box that everyone is talking about?

So far my favorite auto trans are the 722.6, and the Allison in my friends Chevy.

I find the new 722.9 or whatever they call the 7spd to be to busy. It needs one or two less gears.

equipmentjunkie · #30 07-31-2008, 12:15 PM

I will explain it as simply as I can:

VW calls their gearbox a Dual Sequential Gearbox (DSG) which uses dual, oil-bathed clutches coupled to two three-speed manual transmissions. The result is an electronically-controlled manual transmission that functions like a torque converter automatic without the power and economy losses of a torque converter. The DSG-equipped cars have two pedals just like a normal automatic. Most drivers would not be able to discern a difference between a DSG and standard automatics other than DSG cars will shift smoother and faster.