Last month I celebrated my 2 years with my 2002 Jetta TDI. I bought this car brand new. I have had many problems with it. For those that would like to more about my issues you can checkout Fred's TDI page search for my user ID in the forums:
I really tried to give my TDI a go and make the best of this high maintenance beast. I have treated this vehicle with respect and the car has been very enjoyable to drive. Fuel consumption is very good but everyone's will vary. This car is a highway car. It is not meant for the city. The reason is simple: VW's intake manifold cokes or clogs prematurely. Mine just clogged at 32,000 km. All diesels will clog eventually, but usually not until 90-100,000 km. The dealer advises that VW is very aware of this problem. As of yet, there is no fix. Shifting high doesn't help, legal mods don't work such as the EGR mod Vagcom, using Mobil Delvac high grade oil doesn't help, using the best fuel additives don't help, frequent oil changes don't help. The new PD Diesels *supposedly* are better but like the dealer said, "only time will tell".
All and all, I have had quite a bit of problems with my TDI from annoying noises, bad components (common for VW's made in Mexico) to now this problem. With the rising cost of diesel and regular unleaded now being very comparable in price to diesel I am not sad to say my TDI is up for sale. The break-even point to own a diesel vs non diesel is around 80,000 km (50,000 miles). So, from a cost basis, it's not worth it if one is like me who usually doesn't keep a car past 5 years.
I now have to decide which vehicle to get. I need something is not feminine (to me) but is also priced less than the TDI. I have looked at the Mazda 3 but I really don't like the looks. I also want ABS as standard and Toyota Corolla (kinda ladylike) doesn't have it in their base. I was looking at North American because of the huge factory rebates and because they are getting better and better. I may consider leasing because of all the headaches I have had with vehicles that I have ownded. I realize no vehicle is perfect and without problems but to inheritently have them reoccur is an issue that I have a big problem with. I don't plan to do any maintenance myself on my vehicle so reliability is a must. I was looking at the Chevy Malibu from a cost to features benefit but that has it's share of problems for 2004 and the power is not that good either.
Anyhow, I thought I would post this to those looking at getting the TDI and also to see if anyone can recommend a NEW vehicle that has full warranty as I always have to use it.