Volkswagen Diesels - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 08-14-2003, 12:11 PM

Any feedback on Volkswagen diesels--particularly form the 1980's? I am looking to buy an old Jetta turbodiesel--1.6 liter. Think I can pick one up for less than $1000.

Any info or advice appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Bud

rickg · #2 08-14-2003, 12:31 PM

I looked into them a bit some ten years ago. What I found then was that they were a 100K-mile engine, then needed a rebuild. But up to that point were fairly reliable.

#3 08-14-2003, 12:32 PM

I had a couple of diesel rabbits.

I thought that they were good cars. Enjod driving them.. THey are very slow and would not consider an automatic.

THey get great gas milage and are reliable for the most part. THey have problems with head gaskets so be sure to replace the temp sensor on the radiator which turns on the fan and a new thermostat would be good also.

good old simple transportation

They were my first diesel.....I liked them very much.....would not buy one now as I got benzo fever and enjoy the safety aspect of a larger more durable car. I would not like to crash a rabbit again.

good luck.

bob

rickg · #4 08-14-2003, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Bob
ITHey have problems with head gaskets so be sure to replace the temp sensor on the radiator which turns on the fan and a new thermostat would be good also.

Yeah, maybe that's what I heard about. I knew it was something to do with the engine.
I'd still consider one, if the engine was in good shape and not too high mileage, for a work car.

#5 08-14-2003, 01:09 PM

These days it usually doesn't take much more than $1,000 to get a decent 240D if you just look around. A 240D will be much longer lived in many ways.

Good luck,

rickg · #6 08-14-2003, 01:11 PM

No arguement there, except even a 240D won't pull off 40 mpg

#7 08-14-2003, 01:17 PM

I really would like a wagon (maybe an old Dasher or Quantum). Yeah, a 300TD is the best, but realisitically can't get a good one for $2000. (Am I wrong?)

I seem to have this pursuit to buy the cheapest car possible (diesel only) and prove to myself (and my friends, etc) that I can make it run somewhat reliably.

Almost bought a Rabbit for $400.

I want something to drive to football games this fall and if food/drink gets spilled-oh well.

Rick Miley · #8 08-14-2003, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by GoWolfpack
I seem to have this pursuit to buy the cheapest car possible (diesel only) and prove to myself (and my friends, etc) that I can make it run somewhat reliably.

I bought my 240D for $500 a couple months ago. I've put about $400 more into it, and about 5000 miles on it already. It had one bad week with three separate problems, but other than that it is ultra reliable. Mileage is about 26 with most driving either at 70+ or sitting still in traffic. A/C is on all the time. Yes, my $500 240D came with working A/C. They are out there.

Antony · #9 08-14-2003, 03:25 PM

My family has put on over 700,000 miles on '80s vintage diesels. Great reliability, easy to fix if no A/C. The one comment about the head gaskets is correct. Very sensitive to overheating. With regular maintenance well more then a 100,000 mile engine and drivetrain. The most was a '78 rabbit with 325,000+ miles with the head never removed, continued to maintain compression (but the body did disappear to rust). My $0.02. Best of luck finding one, I don't think it will dissapoint.

The Warden · #10 08-14-2003, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by GoWolfpack
I seem to have this pursuit to buy the cheapest car possible (diesel only) and prove to myself (and my friends, etc) that I can make it run somewhat reliably.

I feel the exact same way...and that's why I picked the 300D. Because I wanted to stick with diesel and didn't have all that much to spend, I was pretty much left with a choice between a Benz and a Volkswagen. I was concerned about how little the VW's accelerate (really bad thing around here), and also prior maintenance issues and how that might affect the aluminum cylinder head or the timing belt. I decided that the VW's were too much of a gamble, simply because you don't know how well the previous owners maintained them, and for all you know, the head cuold be warped to the point where it's about to blow the head gasket (BTW, for the same reason, I wouldn't want an OM603 unless it could be proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that the car's always been treated properly). I didn't want to take that chance, so I got the Benz instead. I haven't regretted it yet.

That said, I wouldn't mind buying a new TDi...but only if it were new off the showroom floor.

#11 08-14-2003, 03:40 PM

over on biodiesel.org -- I think that it was a turbo, too, and in a southeastern state. Oops, I think you now have to enter through biodiesel.infopop.net or biodiesel.infopop.cc

#12 08-14-2003, 04:04 PM

Buyer beware the aluminum head on the old VW diesel!!!

Veedubs were definitely built to a cost. I tried to buy a beater to use as a junker. The timing belt had slipped, and valves got intimate with pistons. The head was warped .010 with a max tolerance of .002. A new head and rings couldn't bring that car back. Had excellent results on leakdown, but couldn't get compression over 150psi. As it was a turbodiesel, pistons were $400 each, on a car not worth $500.

It finally got dumped off at the local high school after only two days of putzing around on the roads. The turbodiesels were quite a bit more troublesome than the NA engines. VW seemed to get the problems solved by the time the 1.9L IDI NA and turbo diesels were being sold in Canada. The TDI hasn't had any head gasket or warped head issues that I've heard of.

#13 08-14-2003, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by GoWolfpack
I really would like a wagon (maybe an old Dasher or Quantum).

There's a 83 Quantum Wagon Turbo Diesel on Ebay right now, but it's an automatic. Has 180K. It's real close to you too, in Madison, N.C.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2427971080&category=6060

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I bought my 240D for $500 a couple months ago. I've put about $400 more into it, and about 5000 miles on it already. It had one bad week with three separate problems, but other than that it is ultra reliable. Mileage is about 26 with most driving either at 70+ or sitting still in traffic. A/C is on all the time. Yes, my $500 240D came with working A/C. They are out there.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There's also one 240D on Ebay right now in Texas with a BIN of $500. Not a very big detailed ad though.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2428008575&category=6329

kerry · #14 08-14-2003, 10:29 PM

The sociologist in me says that since MB's were much more expensive than VW's to start with, that the owners of MB's could afford to be more meticulous with maintenance that VW owners. So old high mileage MB's are more likely to be in better condition than a similar vintage VW.

rwthomas1 · #15 08-15-2003, 12:29 AM

I used to work for a VW dealer and own a diesel Jetta. The Jetta is flat out the best car I have ever owned. It has over 300K on it and still runs like a watch although the tappets now rattle a little when cold. Never had the head off. I have seen many, many, many VW diesels with over 200K on them and a few over 300K. The heads are not a problem and don't just "wear out" like MB alloy heads. Just don't overheat them. This "lower standard" crap is BS pure and simple. The TD versions are the most powerful and most sought after. VW diesel parts are cheap and they are very easy to work on. A complete rebuilt NA 1.6 is $1000, with a warranty. Do that with an MB. Don't get me wrong, love my MB but the Jetta has been with me longer and served much harsher duty without complaint. The truth is that as a less expensive car they are often not maintained as well so finding a good used one can be a chore. The same is painfully true with an MB. I bought my Jetta in 1998 for $2250. I just spent over $3000 on bodywork and paint since my wife smacked a toyota. Looks like new now. Why'd I spend the money? Where else can I get totally reliable, rust-free car that I know the complete history on for $3K? That and I simply won't part with it. Look for a TD Quantum wagon. Tough to find but a great car. 86 Jetta TD would be my other choice. RT