Keep in mind, the whole Mexico vs Germany built TDIs are a myth. There are several Mexican built TDIs that are just as reliable as the European built counterpart. And they can also be just as problematic as the European counterpart. I would say it is just the luck of the draw of issues that may come up with these cars and what was stated earlier. My friends 2001 Jetta (gas model) had a bunch of electrical and small rattling issues, and that car was built in Wolfsburg. She ended up trading it for a Prius a few years ago.

But with that said, I would think the 2003 model would be the best to get since it is not a PD and had a lead in production for a few years to getting all the little issues ironed out.




.

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1983 123.133 California
- GreaseCar Veg System

The efficiency angle was always used by the dealers since day one on the poor heater present on the tdi. I am not positive I buy into it. Perhaps just folklore by now.

The engine uses much more that three quarters or more of the fuel of the older non tdi that would drive you out of the cab or actually burn you if you held your hand near a vent.

I suspect the real cause is a very stupid major change in design. The old engine circulated head heat only through the heater core. Either way whatever the truth it is one poor heater. I considered it a major step backwords at best.

Remember the tdi really only gets about ten miles per gallon more than indirect engines did. Actually far lower after 2004 or so. Maybe three miles per gallon greater. The tdi would not fare well in really cold climates.

It will start at ungodly low temperatures we found if in good shape. Just not keep you warm. I also predict on the next true generation of this engine the problem will not be present.

I can only hope they do not depress the milage even further. When I heard the newer tdi was getting progressivly less and less milage. I wondered if they had rocks in their heads to systematically eliminate a bit at a time of why people purchased these cars.

I began living on the "dark side" as soon as I could back in '97. I bought one of the first Jettas. I have owned two TDIs ('97 Jetta & '00 Golf), my sister/b-i-l have two Passat TDIs with over 200K each, my parents have a '00 Golf auto (lousy tranny) and a co-worker has a '98 with over 200K. All of us have had good luck with the TDI engine. I'd probably would still drive a TDI if I could have found a used one affordably.

Having made the jump to the Star, I reluctantly gave up about 10-15 mpg and a manual transmission to own a finer motorcar...and I use the word "motorcar" on purpose. I am not sorry that I made the switch to Mercedes. My W124 is a far better vehicle overall than my VWs were. I can work on my E300D far better than the VW. The Mercedes appears to be designed to be maintained and repaired. My VWs appeared to be designed to be assembled and that's it. However, I intensely desire better fuel mileage and a manual transmission. Oh well, life is full of compromises...

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Nothing cranks me like compression ignition.

- '95 Mercedes E300D "The Great White"
- '98.5 Dodge Cummins 24V 4x4 - "The Green Hammer" (Sold 12-08)
- '81 VW Rabbit diesel w/GTI suspension - "The JackRabbit"
- '00 Triumph Sprint ST for when I need speed

OP leg me know if you want to sell that euro hitch.

Also feel free to PM me any time with VW questions. Compu-85 is a great Tdi resourse also.

To the guy who enjoys blowing the doors off tdi's. Come race mine.

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87' 300DT (Grey w/ red leather)
87' 300TDT (silver w/ palamino tex) SOLD

2012 VW JSW TDI (on tdiclub.com all the time "btcost")

I never found out what the top end of a vw tdi is. The indirect injection older car could manage 180 km or about 108 miles per hour.

It apparently took awhile to get up there. I never did it. The tdi being more robust should do better.

It was always the local opinion that the best vw diesel car they ever built quality wise was the 1986 jetta. The company even acknoledged they owned the cars back then.

By 2000 we found the company useless in Canada as far as standing behind their product with customer service. Most dealers had slipped in their service departments as well. I believe the brand has paid a price for their policies.

the TDI was our first diesel and continues to be the workhorse of our stable. Other than the usual plastic rattle/breakage stuff it has been reliable, comfortable, economical and fun to drive. Unfortunately we are driving the dreaded 01M auto trans so I have begun a search for a 5 speed donor car. Anybody out there got one for sale?
Since then we have sampled the other flavors of diesel and each has its "points".
Ths Cummins is a beast and the Benz just makes me smile... what can I say?

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1981 240D 143k 4 spd manual -SOLD

2004 VW Jetta TDI 5 speed 300k -still driven daily

VW has never been consistently good at second-guessing American consumers - they have had as many hits (new beetle) as they have had misses (Phaeton). I like VW cars a lot (I've owned all VW's except my 240D for 2 years) but their corporate mind has never been in sync with the US.

and as for losing mileage -
They are depressing the mileage to gain power and compete with the 4cyl gas motors in their competition.
Toyota Camry, Chebby Malibu, Pontiac G6, Accord/Civic, none of these cars would sell with the 115hp of the last gen. TDI motor. Most of the listed competition come with optional V6's (or upgraded 4's) that offer 200+hp

I agree that its foolish to lose mileage in a TDI, but I also agree that if you are trying to snag buyers from the GM lot (where cars are just as big but cost a LOT less) then you at least need to compete in the Horsepower arena.

-John

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2009 Kia Sedona
2009 Honda Odyssey EX-L
12006 Jetta Pumpe Duse
(insert Mercedes here)

Husband, Father, sometimes friend =)

I went your route also after seeing an ad in CL for a Beetle with a blown engine. It became my summer reclamation project and after rebuilding the 20vTurbo engine the Benz can now sit in the warm garage when its snowy. The 5 speed is alot of fun to drive and it easily takes most cars off the line. However, for an evening out on the town, it will always be in the Benz.

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2001 E320
1991 350SD 265,000 - SOLD
2000 VW Beetle 1.8Turbo - restored
1997 E320 - SOLD
1988 190E - SOLD
1969 Mustang - SOLD

I'm updating this thread...I have really enjoyed the VW and I know it is blasphemy to post this here but I just ordered one of these for spring delivery:

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/2010-volkswagen-jetta-tdi-cup-street-edition-arrives-in-januar/

I decided to get one in black on black, sell my C43 and the '01 TDI and combine something with a little sportiness with something that is practical as a daily driver. The TDI is chippable up to 170 HP so it should reduce the 0-60 times to about 7.5 ish seconds which isnt' too shabby for a car which returns 40+ mpgs.

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Marty D.

2013 C300 4Matic
1984 BMW 733i
2013 Lincoln MKz

Congrats! That's a sweet ride. My Dad has a '09 TDI and he loves it.

Do now you HAVE to sell me that hitch!

I will travel to you and do all the work

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87' 300DT (Grey w/ red leather)
87' 300TDT (silver w/ palamino tex) SOLD

2012 VW JSW TDI (on tdiclub.com all the time "btcost")

Hey Marty, what was the price for your 210, if you don't mind me asking? Thanks. /Brian M.

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1998 E300D, 287k, barely broken in.

I've also enjoyed VW diesel powered cars, both TDI and IDI. The TDI has been a great car, very easy to maintain and although not a lot of advanced gadgets also not a lot of failings.

Be sure and mind your timing belt changes, that's the one weak link on these engines. If you lose the belt there will be damage.

steve a

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Steve A
92 W140 OM603
97 VW Jetta TDI
90 Passat variant TDI 6 speed MT
94 Chevy K1500 6.5TD
05 E320 CDI
+ others