[Vwdiesel] tdi suggestions

[Matt]

Yep, should have specified about the new beetle. I also have an 01 Golf TDI manual. It currently has 244K miles on it and still gets 46 mpg reliably. It's been a great car. 

Matt

On Jan 5, 2012, at 4:46 PM, Tad <tadc at europa.com> wrote:

> Minor correction: except for New Beetle, the ALH engine and A4 chassis didn't start until 99.5.  
> 
> Agree that the ALH engine with a manual tranny is the way to go.  Being the driver of an 01 Golf myself, I'd recommend it. :)
> 
> Jettas are much more common though but otherwise pretty much identical.  
> 
> Beetles are a bit harder to work on due to cramped quarters.
> 
> I'd avoid the first year (99.5) for the usual first year issues and oddities.  DEFINITELY avoid the automatics.
> 
> 03 would be both newest and most plentiful of the ALH/A4 cars.
> 
> Look closely for injection pump leaks, both where the top/bottom of the pump join and at the shaft seal, which shows up as a dribble underneath the pump on the flange.  
> 
> Check the intake for clogging by pulling off the big rubber 90-degree bend hose going into the intake and look for near total obstruction.
> 
> Try to make sure the PO has been using proper diesel synthetic oil (not just diesel or just synthetic).  10k changes are perfectly fine if you're using the right oil.
> 
> Pull the timing belt cover and check for obvious signs of trouble (chewed edges, ridges, oil).  
> 
> Make sure the Tbelt has been changed at the proper interval (60k, 80k or 100k depending on year/belt type).
> 
> Fiddling interior bits like glove box door, console latch and power window switches tend to break, but manual windows are rare.
> 
> Avoid sunroof if you can help it, the drains are prone to clogging and leaking.  
> 
> That's all I can think of off the top of my head... good luck!
> 
> On Thu, Jan 5, 2012 at 12:13 PM, Matt <matt_lisa at sprynet.com> wrote:
> Avoid automatic transmissions through 2003. 1998-2003 are the ALH engine which is pretty sought after, as it uses a  VE pump, and gets better mileage overall. The PD engines have had some issues with premature wear on the cams (2004-2006).
> 
> The newest cars (2009+) are a bit too new to tell. People are terrified of a high pressure fuel pump failure, but I wouldn't read too much into it. Just don't put gas in it!!
> 
> Matt
> http://matt_lisa.home.sprynet.com
> 
> On Jan 5, 2012, at 2:31 PM, Chris Jude <vegbenz300 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> > Folks,
> >
> > I've been driving old mercedes and VW diesels for years now, and am
> > considering a TDI.  I would want to find something reliable, but am a
> > little nervous about all the new car computer-control and emmissions
> > controls and such.  Does the list have any recommendations, or
> > cars/engines/transmissions to avoid on 1998-2006 VW Tdi's?  I think I'd
> > prefer a manual Golf, but I'd consider a Beetle or Jetta.
> >
> > Chris
> > Silk Hope, NC
> > 1985 Vw Jetta NA Diesel
> > 1987 MB 190D
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