OT VW Golf diesel - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

coachgeo · #1 03-02-2006, 11:41 PM

there is a 2003 turbo 1.9 for 13grand or so around here. I am thinking on buying it and selling our car. 54,000 miles on it. Any thoughts?

Im about to do a Blue book search. I'll report back here once I find out more.

Thanx in advance

Dana B. · #2 03-02-2006, 11:50 PM

It's a VW TDI, last of the rotary injection pump models. Best economy, fewest bugs. Go to www.tdiclub.com, read the FAQ. Check the TDI101 forum; cross-check the classifieds.

My opinion: TDIs are fantastic. Make sure it's been properly maintained, especially it's last scheduled timing belt change (a pricey but necessary job).

coachgeo · #3 03-03-2006, 12:09 AM

Well blue book looks to be around 15grand for a 2003 TDI Golf so that part looks interesting.

It's mom's call cause it would be her money and her car in theory but technically little different. Car in my name legaly for Estate Tax purpose. Also, I do all the driving cause she can no longer drive. (81yrs old)) Not sure she can get in and out of a car that sits lower than our SUV though. Her joints not too good.

coachgeo · #4 03-03-2006, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dana B.

It's a VW TDI, last of the rotary injection pump models. Best economy, fewest bugs.

Rotary? As in the design is like a Stanadyne or Lucas Cav?

Quote:

cross-check the classifieds.

LOL. Yeah right, there are like maybe only a couple dozen auto diesels in a hunderd mile radious of here. You almost NEVER see one for sale thats not an 80's model MB and that is rare.

Quote:

My opinion: TDIs are fantastic. ... especially it's last scheduled timing belt change (a pricey but necessary job).

Now that is good info. Mucho thanx!

coachgeo · #5 03-03-2006, 12:55 AM

Did a search over there. Good stuff. Don't really want to join another B.board just yet. HOpe you don't mind my questions here. Particularly intersted in finding out if the VE IPump is simular to Stanadyne/Lucas Cav. A search over there said there is a concern with these critters running WVO cause it was a VE pump but not no easly found detail on why. Is it cause VE type is simular to the Lucas Cav/Stanadyne that is known to have issues with WVO?

greasybenz · #6 03-03-2006, 01:05 AM

VE TDI's get amazing mileage some record up to 60mpg with good driving and a manual tranny. Also they run wvo easier because they use a lower pressure then the new pumpe duse TDI's (like our passat TDI) so they are tolerant of thick fuel and PD (pumpe duse) TDI's MUST have low viscosity fuel so you could only use diesel or biodiesel in them to prevent damage.

They are more robust then the PD TDI's the PD's wont last as long as a VE, so getting that golf would do you a big favor since they are more reliable.

coachgeo · #7 03-03-2006, 10:11 AM

just bumping to keep it on the first page for the day. Thanks for the insight thus far and sorry for being slightly Off Topic

rwthomas1 · #8 03-03-2006, 11:17 AM

Coachgeo,
Do a search here on TDI's. There is a recent thread on them and also quite a few previously. The '03's are the last of the VE's and IMHO the best to own. Has the VNT turbo so turbo lag is almost non-existant. I lucked out and ended up with an '03 and so far it has been great. I love the car.

Regarding using WVO it has been done successfully many times on TDI's. No rotary pump is as robust as an inline so you have to be more careful to make sure the WVO is very well filtered and that the WVO fuel system keeps the fuel hot right to the IP, at least 160*F going into the IP.

The reality is that the MPG's are so good anyway that unless you drive many many miles a month the WVO conversion takes a long time to pay off. Doing the math, our Jetta averaging 47mpg costs 5.5 cents per mile to drive. My work truck costs 9.8 cents per mile to drive. Obviously the conversion on the work truck would pay off quicker given the same miles driven.

I think you would be very happy with the VW. Just remember that its not nor will it ever be a MB. Its an apples and oranges comparison and the selling prices reflect it. I am sure someone here will object and say how expensive timing belts are, etc. I have done the math and the fuel savings alone more than pay for the difference in maintenence costs between a MB and a TDI.

Lastly, my wifes grandmother is 93 years old and has trouble moving about too. Whenever we visit her we take her on errands, shopping, get her hair done, etc. She has no problem getting into and out of the Jetta and thats the same front passenger seat as the Golf you are considering.

RT

coachgeo · #9 03-05-2006, 04:18 PM

bought it for 12grand. Will take a day or two to get all stuff transfered.

kingkos · #10 03-07-2006, 03:14 AM

congrats! I love the TDI's. I actually drive a 2000 Golf tdi right now, and just did the opposite and buy an '81 300D. I plan on keeping both for now and converting the 300D to 2-tank Veggis system this spring. Enjoy

matteus · #11 03-07-2006, 11:22 AM

Coachgeo, Congrats on the buy!

Don't forget to keep us posted about the car. Would love to see pics also.

have fun with it!

boneheaddoctor · #12 03-07-2006, 01:18 PM

I keep thinking about one of those when I have enough to buy a new one...but I am in no real rush since I have two good running Benzes and no car payments.

Mismost · #13 03-07-2006, 02:29 PM

BONEHEADDOCTOR

I keep thinking about one of those when I have enough to buy a new one...but I am in no real rush since I have two good running Benzes and no car payments.

priceless! good logic too. I keep telling my 18 year old daugther that paid for is beautiful, what ever color it is! (but she is a tough sell)

Austin85 · #14 03-07-2006, 03:01 PM

Nice find CG;

I love the way VW's handle. Fun to drive...Please post pics of some hairpin turns in the mud!!!!
aa

boneheaddoctor · #15 03-07-2006, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mismost

BONEHEADDOCTOR

I keep thinking about one of those when I have enough to buy a new one...but I am in no real rush since I have two good running Benzes and no car payments.

priceless! good logic too. I keep telling my 18 year old daugther that paid for is beautiful, what ever color it is! (but she is a tough sell)

and when you figure out just how long it will take to pay for the car by doubling your fuel milage when everything you have is paid for, runs well and should run well for many more years ..then you remember its really not so important to get another after all. You have years to dump the savings into your 401K instead of a new car. Its all in differentiating between wanna have and gotta have.