I drive both. The TDI has much better performance. Overall it's a very reliable engine. The timing belts have been redesigned and are now good for 80-100K miles. There have been problematic relays, and the intakes may clog up unless you disconnect the EGR. Nothing too major, and there's an excellent website (tdiclub.com) with many knowlegeable people who are very helpful. There are people with over 300k miles on these cars. VW dealers offer terrible service, so it's best to find a good independent mechanic. There are guys in the tdi club that travel around and do timing belts and other jobs for members. For long trips I actually prefer my Passat to the Mercedes. It's quieter and much faster and get twice the mileage. Larry

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1985 300TD
2001 Jetta TDI
1996 Passat TDI wagon