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2003-2005 Jetta TDI opinions??

Good day, ' I'm looking into picking up a 02-05 Jetta 1.9 TDI and I was wondering if anyone has input as to which model might have fewer problems? As an example, I've heard that there were problems with the seat warmers, window clips and also possible electrical issues with the radio on the 2003 models?? As I understand it all the Jetta TDIs were manuf in Germany rather than Brazil or Mexico (I'm not sure it really makes that big a difference if any).

I've heard that you shouldn't rev these motors very high??? Is there any real truth to this? I would hope that the computer would keep me out of the danger zone?? If anyone has any advice about these motors and these vehicles in particular I'd be interested in hearing about it. Yes I have searched online, yes I have consulted Lemonade, and I've also looked in Consumer Reports. It seems that CR has a poor opinion of these vehicles but that when owners online (forums) report out, they seem to really enjoy them.

Thoughts?? I have never owned a VW and my mandate for this purchase is fuel efficiency/hassle free ownership, and to have room for a mountain bike and my family (son/wife).

Thanks, Andrew.

Reply to
AWN
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I have owned a 2003 for the past 5 years. I have 180,000 miles on it. No window clip problems. I think they fixed that by 2003. No radio problems. I have replaced an EGR valve. I have done the timing belt which is a scheduled service. I think the interval is 105,000 miles. The other day the injection pump sprung a leak. I spent $10 to fix it doing an unauthorized procedure. Official repair is maybe $1,500. I gather that lots of diesels may suffer this problem. The Cummins engine uses a similar pump so it may also have issues.

My wagon was assembled in Germany from parts all around the world. I think the wiring harness was from Poland but I am not positive about the country. I do know it was not from Germany.

This VW diesel has a redline of about 4,500 rpms. Did you have some desire to be reving up to 6,000. Many diesels have a top rpm of jsut a few thousand rpms. Diesels are just not designed for the most part to rev like crazy. They make lots of torque while many gas engines rely on rpms for good scoot. The VW has some sort of rev limiter.

So far I c>Good day,

Reply to
Jim Behning

Thanks Jim! As for my reving tendencies... I've always driven higher reving imports so it will be something to get used to. Although I also have a GMC 4x4 that doesn't get up very high in the band either. I will have to note that $10 vs $1500 fix and tuck it away for a rainy day.

I appreciate the feedback and I have looked at the tdiclub site but as of yet, I haven't joined.

Thanks again! Andrew.

Reply to
AWN

You won't even want to rev it high, the power feels like it drops off above

3,000 and you'll want to shift. The power band is between 2,000 and 2,500 RPM on the TDI.
Reply to
Erik Dillenkofer

It will certainly take getting used to in terms of having low band accces to gobs of torque. I will make due I'm sure. Thanks again, Andrew.

Reply to
AWN

On my Rabbits I usually shifted at 3,000 with a redline of 6,000. On my Toyota with no tach I would guess I shift about 2,500 with a redline I am guessing at 5,000. On the TDI I shift at 2,000 with that

4,500 rpm redl>It will certainly take getting used to in terms of having low band accces to
Reply to
Jim Behning

What was the true redline of the Wankel engines? Maybe 7500 rpm but I think they could go up to 10,000 rpm Fuel mileage suffered though! lol

BTW why the TDI? Maybe to save fuel? ;-)

One day I will drive one of these Lotus Tesla Electric Car

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work on them!

Reply to
dave AKA vwdoc1

Reply to
Jim Behning

The motivator for the TDI is definitely fuel economy. My commute to work puts me through a few tanks of gas every week and I'm looking to minimize that. The car I have gives decent fuel economy but not even anywhere close to these TDI motors!

Thanks, Andrew.

Reply to
AWN

Thanks Jim! Yes - 10k rpm redlines are rare in cars but 8600 isn't all that rare in the import lineups. I think my 93 Integra hits 8k before the limiter cuts fuel (it might be 7800). I had a Nissan that would max out just above 9k.

Thanks, Andrew.

Reply to
AWN

Then I believe that you will love it and it will love you! ;-) Do the regular maintenance on time along with high quality parts and you should enjoy it.

I wish I had a TDI, but I really don't drive 1 car enough to warrant it! ;-)

Reply to
dave AKA vwdoc1

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