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VW Jetta TDI

4747 messages,  Last post on May 23, 2013 at 10:49 AM

You are in the Volkswagen Jetta Forum.

What is this discussion about? Volkswagen Jetta, Biodiesel, Diesel, Sedan

Messages Page 468 of 475

#4670 of 4747 Re: Strong Antifeeze Smell on Jetta TDI [squatlow] by elias

Jun 10, 2012 (7:31 am)

Replying to: squatlow (May 25, 2012 6:32 pm)
first consider replace thermostat and take careful measurements of coolant level when engine cold to see if there is measurable coolant loss and look for drips on floor under car after its run hot (put big white paper under there if you can to see exactly what it is leaking if anything). big coolant loss would probably indicate some kind head gasket leaking if not thermostat gasket . or water pump. has water pump been swapped as required at 100k? they can drip a bit when they are about to fail.)
another possibility is heater-core. (maybe does the smell lessen a bit if you turn the HVAC system *off*? not sure if it would in that case)
 
but also: there is a spherical coolant resevoir (white plastic i think). inspect it carefully, and all tubes, wires leading into/under it - unplug nearby wiring harnesses - and look for signs of corrosion inside the wiring plugs/harness/conduit. the reason is that resevoir or attachments it can crack and leak coolant *inside electrical wire bundle*, causing major damage.

#4671 of 4747 Re: Long commute with stop and go traffic [rremer1] by carteach

Jun 10, 2012 (7:49 am)

Replying to: rremer1 (Jun 10, 2012 5:50 am)
I definitely plan to get the Jetta wagon. Thie big question I need help with is....given my commute, will it pay to get the TDI or should I stick with the gas version?
 
Thanks.

#4672 of 4747 Re: Long commute with stop and go traffic [carteach] by cosmo

Jun 10, 2012 (10:48 am)

Replying to: carteach (Jun 10, 2012 7:49 am)
As zambag covered in a previous post, there is more to the driving experience than fuel economy. Consumer Reports found the owners of the 2.5 Jetta Sportwagen among the least satisfied and owners of the TDI Sportwagen among the most satisfied. We've owned 3 TDI's since 2004, and have found the fuel mileage to be an "Oh, by the way" advantage. The only significant disadvantage we have found in the TDI's is the slow warm up in extremely cold weather. Thus, VW equips all TDI's with heated seats and electric heaters.

#4673 of 4747 Re: Long commute with stop and go traffic [carteach] by gagrice

Jun 10, 2012 (6:47 pm)

Replying to: carteach (Jun 10, 2012 7:49 am)
The premium on the TDI is well worth it. The 2.5L gas engine is really not that great. And somewhat of a gas hog. What ever extra you pay will be returned when you trade or sell the car. I am surprised they even bother bringing in the gas version Sportswagen. They sell 85% as diesel. It is the one to get. Though you may not get a killer deal on one like you would the gas version.

#4674 of 4747 Re: Long commute with stop and go traffic [carteach] by fho2008

Jun 17, 2012 (12:04 am)

Replying to: carteach (Jun 10, 2012 7:49 am)
Anyone have the epa figures for the 2.5 vs the TDI?
 
 I wanted TDI, but it wasnt available in'08, I'm very happy with my Jetta though, turbo 4.
 
 However when I took car in for a recall--they found nothing was wrong--I got to drive an '09 TDI (a demo), trip computer read 50 mpg at 70 mph, this car only had 1400 miles on it!
 
 So I think the mileage of the TDI is worth getting vs the 2.5, and it did not seem slow at all with that torque!
 
 Drive a TDI and 2.5 and make your decision.

#4675 of 4747 Re: Long commute with stop and go traffic [fho2008] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jun 17, 2012 (9:17 am)

Replying to: fho2008 (Jun 17, 2012 12:04 am)
I don't think you'll get 50 mpg averaged out though. Just about all the longterm tests I read indicate that around 42 mpg would be real-world for most people in mixed city/hwy driving.
 
This would be it about equal to the latest and greatest high MPG gassers, like the Mazda 3 or the Chevy Cruse Eco, but it would have an advantage in driving qualities that's for sure, and probably better resale value. On the minus side, it's going to cost more to buy.

#4676 of 4747 Re: Long commute with stop and go traffic [Mr_Shiftright] by ruking1

Jun 17, 2012 (9:59 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jun 17, 2012 9:17 am)
The system has never been really serious about 50 mpg. Of the 585 models, say this year, how many really do get 50 mpg? I rest the case/case closed.
 
Let's put it this way: the 03 TDI is rated 42/49 mpg. I routinely have gotten 50 mpg (range of 48-52) and it continues for app the 170,000 + miles. But the real important part: who the H--- cares? The 03 Jetta sold app 9,000 units. FF to 2012 for both torquier and less mpg diesels, and they are selling the best ever (many more units) and at record profits (for VW). Go figure.
 
 Indeed VW took the hint and increased the available torque and it dwarfs even the Camry Hybrid. It even gets 8.2% better fuel mileage. (39.6 vs 36.6, www.fuelconomy.gov) Safely and (in hind sight) WISELY decreased the mpg (conversationally) to app 40-45 mpg.
 
I say like the VW products, give the Chevy ECO Cruze and Mazda 3, 5 to 10 years. Both models and name plates have only recently gotten serious about performance and mpg. Both were dogs (mpg wise) before this latest effort. Mazda 3 has been in serious need of refreshment and for a longer time.
 
So for example, the 03 TDI had a diesel premium of MSRP $236. (if I remember correctly) The resale value is 2,532 dollars more for the TDI.

#4677 of 4747 Re: Long commute with stop and go traffic [fho2008] by fho2008

Jun 17, 2012 (10:35 am)

Replying to: fho2008 (Jun 17, 2012 12:04 am)
All I can say is what happened...50mpg at 70mph...thats why I wanted TDI. It was a test drive of a demo.

#4678 of 4747 Re: Long commute with stop and go traffic [fho2008] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jun 17, 2012 (12:10 pm)

Replying to: fho2008 (Jun 17, 2012 10:35 am)
anecdotal evidence is usually the worst kind of evidence, for obvious reasons, but you're right...it's "true" for you, that one time.
 
but if you were plunking down $25K for something, you'd probably rely on more than what your neighbor says over the fence, right? You'd check it out.
 
it's better to be surprised on the + end than the - end I think.
 
So I believe the 42 mpg # would be "my" number if I bought a TDI and drove it in mixed city/hwy conditions.

Messages Page 468 of 475

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