Thoughts on 03 Jetta TDI

jeepinmatt

jeepinmatt

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Im kinda looking for a DD as im driving about 37 miles one way to work every day. I reallylike the MPG of the Volkswagen TDi's. I think Ive found an 03 Jetta TDI with a 5spd manual for about 10% below blue book. Anyone got any personal experience with these cars or good recommendations on what to look for or avoid?

Thanks in advance.
 
my grandpa had one that vintage (now my aunt has it) It has over 100k miles and has had no major or minor problems, just change the oil and go. They are great cars in my opinion.
 
I'm torn on the newer VWs. I'm a VW nut, but around 97 or 98, their QC started dropping. I heard about them having a LOT more problems than they used to. It could be a great car, it could be a money pit. You have to keep the oil changed regularly, but you NEED to use the oil recommended by VW on these cars. Usualy, I don't use the "recommended" oil, but I've seen many problems caused by using the wrong oil on them. It's a specific synth, and it's a little more expensive than most. If you don't, the IP can go bad, the turbo can coke up, amongst other problems. Get the full service history of the car. Take it to a trusted mechanic and get it looked over, somebody who knows these cars. Get on vwvortex.com and see what folks there think. The jury still seems to be out about the viability of biodiesel in these cars.

If you really want it, be careful. Don't jump on this one thinking it's cheap. There may be a good reason!
 
The price isn't too far off market. Im going to drive it and look it over tonight, so that will tell alot.
 
My dad has an 01 5spd with over 200k on it. Mechanically, it hasn't been a bit of trouble. There have been a few dumb QC/cost cutting issues with it... things like speakers crapping out... some problems with the doors or power windows or something. I don't exactly remember.

They're not fast, but the worst fuel mileage I've ever managed in it was 48mpg. It's usually over 50.
 
buy stock in whoever makes window regulators for them...otherwise nice cars. They have to have regular services or it will have major problems, more so than most all other cars.
 
I used to have an 89 GTI and that was a fun car. Kind of small for me since I'm like 6'5". Those new ones look pretty cool. I've thought about getting one for a DD too.
 
We have an early 05 TDI Jetta wagon (old body style, no wagon yet in the new body style). 5-speed. It's my wife's car. We bought it new, and bought a 100k mile extended warranty.

We've got 71k on it already (used to commute from Burlington to Cary every day), and no issues other than the sunroof motor dying. It stuck in the tilted-up position. Was a $500 repair, but covered by the extended warranty.

Have had the oil changed at the recommended 10k miles using the VW recommended Castrol synthetic.

I really like the car, and agree that they are great if maintained. That's why we bought a new one - we hope to keep it a LONG time, and now know it's been maintained because we're doing it.

As suggested, check the service history of that car, esp for the oil changes and type of oil. And get a good TDI mechanic to check it out.

And make sure someone has not been trying to run grease in the car and given up on a failed project.
 
catfishblues said:
If you don't[use the recommended oil], the IP can go bad, the turbo can coke up, amongst other problems.
Click to expand...

I have no opinion of the car as I have no experience. But I am curious, what effect does oil brand have on an IP?
 
What is an IP? I dont' know that acronym.
 
Doh! Now I do. Thanks.
 
SkyHiK5 said:
I have no opinion of the car as I have no experience. But I am curious, what effect does oil brand have on an IP?
Click to expand...

On the Pumpe-Duse motors, I'm not sure. I'm not a mechanic, just a concerned VW fan who's heard the stories from friends who work in the service dept over at Flow. The pump has moving parts, is it not lubricated by the oil?

Edit: One of my Flow employee friends is coming over tonight. I'll see if I can get some more straight poop for 'ya.
 
catfishblues said:
On the Pumpe-Duse motors, I'm not sure. I'm not a mechanic, just a concerned VW fan who's heard the stories from friends who work in the service dept over at Flow. The pump has moving parts, is it not lubricated by the oil?
Edit: One of my Flow employee friends is coming over tonight. I'll see if I can get some more straight poop for 'ya.
Click to expand...

Dont mistake me please, I am not doubting you, I am trying to learn something new.

My understanding was the the IP was "external" and the only internal lubrication would come from the fuel oil itself.

This could be 100% wrong.
 
Went and looked at the car tonight. Salvage title and had a lot of missing or broke little things such as inner fender skirts, radio knobs, etc. So it's a no go. Rode and drove great, but for the price with a salvage title, no way. Would have been nice to have known that before I went.
 
i know its a no go...just wanted to throw this in anyway. I had one, a gasser though. damn plastic water pump kept goin out. i dunno if the tdi had a better fan in it or not.
 
Well, its still a go, just not for that particularly car.
 
Everything I've seen on VW is crap but the engine and drivetrain which are assembled in Germany. The rest of the car will fall apart around it, but at least it will still run.

I don't know how many electrical and assembly issues I've heard of lately. I'd love to own a new GTI, but my friends is quite a PITA with little issues here and there.
 
oh yeah....dont scratch the dash!!! that supid "rubber" coating rubs right off!
 
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