Opinions wanted on Jetta

2 - Can't help too much...Live in Florida. Drove it to OH last December and it always started up in 10 - 20 deg F mornings...That was a brand new car though...

4 - Whacked out greenies can't see the trees for the forest...Get your car...just make sure you don't run counter the long arm of the law..

Roy, Go to

I'm on my third VW. VW's, in general, do not have the same reliability as most Japanese and domestic makes. You will need to be repair-savvy yourself and/or have a good independent mechanic (the dealer service is spotty also). Good news is that there are many specialists in VWs, and they know all the quirks and failures well (but these issues are not all "quirks"--some models/engines are known to have major expensive failures). Check the reliability stats on the model you are considering--I think the Jetta has been somewhat repair-prone, but it can vary based on year. I think the TDi engines are generally reliable, but do have some maintenance issues due to the absence of low-sulphur diesel in the USA.

VW has said that the TDi will meet USA 2007 emissions requirements, so it is possible it may be sold in all 50 states. Also, I think ultra-low sulphur diesel fuel will soon be required in the US, allowing the use of catalysts to deal with certain emissions.

In several states, you cannot buy them new (Cal, NY, Mass, Vermont, Maine). VW withdrew from California market voluntarily in 2000, likely because California (and also New York, I think) view diesel particulates as toxic. However, in California, you can register them "used" (exceeding 7500 miles), so there is a robust market for used TDis with 8-10K miles. I don't know about NY--check your local laws to be sure-- you not only need to purchase, but also register. Alternatively, you will certainly be able to find a "slightly used" one. Just beware of the "wacked out greenies" (and those who purport to know all about them).

There is a site dedicated to VW diesel owners you might want to check:

Should have all the info you need to know.

I drive a 2003 TDI.

No problem here. No engine heater : stock. Just get the proper synthetic oil. (Québec, darn cold winters)

I bought one of the last Jetta GLS TDI wagons that you could get in Massachusetts (at least until 2007 when the lower sulphur fuels come out and you can buy TDIs again here). I have 35K on it and so far no problems.

Winter was no problem. I add Stanadyne additive (approved by VW) to the fuel in the winter. Started everytime.

I have been told that even the new low sulphur US diesel is still not as clean as the current European diesel. I have also been told that the Toureag with the Audi 6 diesel engine is going to come to the US. That is an awesome combination.

Six states banned diesel passenger cars until 2007 based upon the emissions issue and the low sulphur fuel availability.

Tom

Volkswagen reliability is generally very good for engines, their new transmissions (02J, etc) seem to be fine (no idea about automatics), they have occasionally had stupid problems like the window regulators, but their electrical stuff is of questionable reliability. Hard to know about new models though.

No idea, however, they do make block heaters for just that problem. Also on TDIs you need to run synthetic oil so it should flow better in winter. One of the biggest problems is diesel tends to gel at low temperatures so you need to make sure you get the right blend.

Europe has much lower sulfur diesel than is readily available in the US. At one point, there were regulations in place that would have mandated low sulfur diesel as of January 1, 2006. I have no idea if thats still in place, and considering the whole Katrina/Rita thing I have my doubts.

Diesels have much higher NOx and particulate emissions than gas powered cars even though the HC and CO emissions are lower. The switch to low sulfur diesel will allow new emissions equipment that will result in lower NOx and much lower particulate emissisons. Even after the switch the NOx emissions will still be substantially higher than is legal in a gas powered car, and unless there is some sort of exemption for diesels its unlikely this will change. There are NOx emission reduction technologies (such as urea injection) but they are unpopular.

As for your scheme to get one in CT and NJ you might want to check on the legalities of doing that. In California they don't restrict the sale of new diesels they restrict the registration of new diesels. In otherwords, you could buy a diesel in Nevada and then find that you can't register it. I have no idea if New York does something similar.

As others have pointed out, you can't buy (or even register) a new TDI in NY and the other Carb states. It will have to be used with 7.5K miles.

I bought a new 02 TDI auto wagon. It now has 120K miles on it. I live in western Massachusetts and winter is no problem so it shouldn't be in NYC. As long as you buy your diesel fuel from a reliable source, all it means is waiting for the glow plugs to heat up before you can start (instantly above 35F and for as much as 30 sec around zero F). Block heaters are not necessary at these latitudes unless you can't wait.

We love our car. The auto tranny has been excellent although the typical Jetta driver scorns them. I still get 42 mpg in normal driving here in the Berkshires. You'd probably get in the middle-upper 30s in NYC. On the highway, expect 45 mpg and up.

These are all the unscheduled repairs I've had in 120K miles: left front wheel bearing - at 60K ($175) coolant temp sensor - at 80K ($8)

These have been the maintenance items: Timing Belt replacement - at 80K ($650) - next one sched. for 180K (I also replaced the water pump at this time as a precaution) Cleaned out the intake - at 80K ($200) - Eventually this becomes necessary with TDIs as the EGR slowly clogs the intake. Rear brakes and disks at 105K ($150) Front brakes are still original! Expensive synthetic oil every 10K - I use Mobil Delvac 5-40

Parts and labor can be expensive, as you can see, but these are more than compensated for in my book by the freedom from ignition issues, the low fuel consumption and, especially, the driving experience. My TDI is the most satisfying long distance driving car I've ever owned.

One final caveat: Jettas don't have great ground clearance - about 4.5 inches. If your NYC streets have frost heaves and other like hazards you need to be careful. The oil pan is aluminum. I recently raised my wagon by one inch and now feel much more relaxed about winter driving.