Volkswagen TDI Models

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2551 messages, Last post on Sep 02, 2012 at 2:44 PM

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What is this discussion about? Volkswagen New Beetle, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Jetta, Volkswagen Passat, Diesel, Hatchback, Sedan, Wagon

#145 of 2551 48,000 miles later by railcarman

Jul 27, 2002 (7:48 pm)

I'm new to this list. I've read comments off and on for a long time. I am indebted to those who have written their stories. Now it is time to tell mine.

OWNING THE CAR
I've had my 2000 Golf GLS TDI 5 spd for just over two years and still marvel over it. I have a daily country commute of about 80 miles round trip, so when gas hit 2 bucks a gallon (here in Indiana) a couple of years ago, I started looking for a less expensive alternative to my other vehicle which was averaging 15 mpg.

HOW I FOUND A DIESEL
I started with the EPA's web site that ranked cars in order of fuel economy. I was not looking or considering diesels, VWs, etc., at that time. The Jetta & the Golf (from 1999) were ranked #1 & #2. The Beetle was too new, and the offerings from Honda & Toyota had yet to hit the market. However, I also read the comments posted here and was amazed at the difference between those about the Jetta, versus those posted for the Golf. Needless to say your comments led me to go look for a Golf.

HOW I BECAME A GOLF GLS TDI OWNER
I had no trouble finding diesel Jettas. My work takes afield to cities such as Cincinnati, Toledo, Chicago & everywhere in between. Golf GLS TDIs were a rare commodity here in the midwest. I was test driving one In Toledo, I thought I was going to buy, only to find out it had been sold while I was on the road. So again, I went on-line for help. Using the VW dealer web site, I was able to locate a GLS TDI in Alexandria, VA. The trip to go get it, after buying it long distance, was an adventure in itself, but that's another story. I focused on a 4 door because the 2 door did not come std with cruise control.

REPAIRS
Thus far I've had two air bag "failures." The first was repaired under warranty, with VWoA giving me a free rental for 3 days while a new module was air freighted in from Wolfsburg. The 2nd time was probably due to the technician not connecting a wire tight enough from the first failure. That failure wasn't under warranty. I've also had two headlight failures, both with the left regular/low beam. After paying $30 for the first bulb, I found a pair of Xenons on Ebay for $15. The blue light is too cool.

HEATING/COOLING
As for A/C issues, mine blows very cold. I have a black exterior with tan interior. I've had the rear windows "dark" tinted, while the front sides are legal. I will "vent" the car on hot days, but today with the outside temp at 88, I ran with it on the vent mode and on the first fan speed,

MPG
I'm averaging 44.74 mpg, but that's because I have a bit of a lead foot. My favorite accessory is my radar detector. It has saved my butt innumerable times, not because I was doing 20+ over the limit, but rather because the Ohio State Patrol will pull you over if you're more than 5 MPH (except on the interstates) over the posted limit.

OVERALL
I'm looking into the vegetable oil conversion. Thanks for the links to the biodiesel web sites, the comments about the warranty being void, etc., etc. One site that got me looking was sent to me by my daughter: www.greasecar.com I would recommend the car to anyone in a heartbeat. It is a tight (as in screwed together well), quick, very manuverable automobile, the easiest shifting car I have ever owned. The gauges are the best I've ever seen, particularly at night with the red on the blue. The Golf's trunk is large enough to hold my other "golf" stuff, including my clubs, walking cart, and bag.

Thanks again for your thoughts, comments and insights.

#148 of 2551 Some TDI news by 8u6hfd

Jul 29, 2002 (9:35 am)

Jon Hamilton & Ken Sabo captured third place this weekend in production class at the Maine Forest Rally. They would have gotten first if not for the flat tire.

But they are in first place overall in Production class.

#149 of 2551 Few TDI Questions by gwd17

Jul 31, 2002 (10:32 am)

Hello, TDI owners, I have just joined your ranks and have a few questions. I previously owned a 2000 1.8T, great car, unfortunately I wrecked and totalled it. After reading so many positives about the TDI engine, I decided what the heck, even though I only have a 5 mile commute to work. Anyhow, since my used TDI did not come with an owner's manual (I'm working on getting one), I have a few quick questions for you guys, I would appreciate your feeback.

1) Fuses - Which fuse slots should be empty? I want to make sure the dealer did not remove any of them because of a problem.

2) Is the antenna a simple screw on/off type?? This one was completely broken off and although I think it is screw on/off, it is hard to tell because of the remaining piece in the hole.

3) Any general advice that I may not think of (I've already been told to use synthetic oil only, and to use a mid-grade diesel fuel), anything else out there?

One last thing, should there be a diesel smell at all in the car? There is a slight smell in mine, don't know if thats just the way it is or if there is something more to it than that.

Thanks much.

#150 of 2551 A Few Answers by chmeeee

Jul 31, 2002 (12:39 pm)

Hi gwd, congrats on the new car! I have no idea about your first two questions, but I can help you with some advice.

You have it right about the synthetic oil, the best stuff for this engine is Mobil Delvac1, but its kind of hard to find sometimes. For the fuel you would do best to look out for Amoco or Hess stations, depending on where you live. Around Mass there are no Amoco stations, so I always use Hess. You can use other brands, but they seem to not run as smoothly. The only time I ever get a diesel smell (I assume you mean exhaust) is when I am backing up with open windows and a cold engine. Even then its a faint smell.

Did you buy the car used? If so I would find out if the timing belt was replaced, and make sure to check the maintenance schedule for you car when you get the manual. It is crucial that it be replaced on time. If you have any more questions, feel free to email me. Good luck!

#151 of 2551 by 8u6hfd

Jul 31, 2002 (12:45 pm)

1. Can't answer this one

2. Antenna is screw on type

3. Synthetic only, as 5w40 is only found in synthetic form. Delvac 1 is the best stuff out there. You can use the Mobil website to find a commericial distributor.

4. I get a slight smell during cold start ups.

oil changes are 10k
fuel filter changes are 20k

If you still have your owner's manual from the 1.8T, the maintenance schedule for the TDI should be in there.

Timing belt, for 2002, there's a new belt and idler pulley design which extends the interval to 80k.

#152 of 2551 Smell by natescape

Aug 01, 2002 (6:15 am)

Use PowerService Diesel Fuel Additive or Amsoil Diesel Fuel Additive to get the car to run better on our crappy American diesel fuel. Or, depending on where you live, you might be able to drive your car on biodiesel... the best diesel fuel available in America (and it's made in America from soybean oil, so you keep your fuel dollars in the US instead of sending them abroad... it also burns cleaner).

To learn more about biodiesel, check out http://www.biodieselnow.com (moderators, that link is OK, right? If not, please just remove this paragraph).

#153 of 2551 by 8u6hfd

Aug 01, 2002 (6:33 am)

Natescape...Burke Oil HQ is on 284 Eastern Ave.

But the pump is 4 traffic lights down from HQ towards Rte 16.

#154 of 2551 Extended Warranties by gwd17

Aug 01, 2002 (10:28 am)

Thanks much for the answers so far. If someone has some time to kill and would look at their fuse box to see which fuse slots are empty and report back, that would be a huge help.

I'm looking into purchasing an extended warranty, just wanted to see what some of you guys have done. First off, living in Florida, a lot of extended warranty companies don't even do business here, not sure why, but that hurts. One company, Warranty Gold, who I had with my old Jetta, quoted me a price of $1500 for a 3yr/36k mile coverage. This plan covers basically every part on the vehicle (besides routine items such as brakes, etc) and there is a zero deductible. To me, this sounds on the pricey side, but I do have a turbo diesel and it does have 52K miles already on it.

If any of you have one, I would like to hear your comments and thoughts on this. Thanks much.

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