[Vwdiesel] thermostat?

[Chris Geiser]

Hi all;

Here in WI it dipped down to 5 degrees (F) this AM.  This is my first cold
weather with the new-to-me 04 TDI. Car sits outside at night.
I did a bunch of city-type driving initially this AM dropping kids at
schools, then I was on the highway for about 20 minutes before I got to
work.  The car did not reach full operating temp during the 30 min of easy
driving (30-45 mph) - temp gauge needle made it about 1/4 of the gauge,
when it usually sits dead center once warm.  It only reached full operating
temp (center of the gauge) once I got on the highway.
I believe the gauge to be accurate from feeling the heater output, which
got warmer as the needle rose.

Anyone else in cold climates -> Is this normal for these cars to have
trouble warming up, or should I think about changing out the thermostat?

TIA;

Chris