Anyone have a 2011 or newer Jetta TDI?

[69Charger_440]

My 2001 Honda Accord is starting to go downhill (so much for reliability), so I'm starting to research new/used cars.  I'm looking at the Jetta TDI's only because of the mpg they are advertised to get.  I have a buddy who has one and he claims that he can get up to 55mpg (strictly highway use).  My questions are:

-I have heard that diesels are expensive to repair and/or the parts are expensive.  Would this be accurate?  If so, does anyone have any ideas on what parts would be the most expensive?
-If anyone has one, do you have any complaints about the Jetta TDI as far as reliability issues go?
-I'm also looking at the Chevy Cruze, Mazda 6, and Nissan Altima. 

Thanks for any input.

Fernando

[Mytur Binsdirti]

The older diesels (pre-2010) are great, however, the new "clean" diesels do have more complicated emmissions controls which translates to more stuff to go wrong. Because of this additional emmissions crap, new diesels get less mpg than the older models. Also, as with all German cars, you will find that they are overcomplicated and very finicky when things do go wrong which unfortunately does translate to expensive repair bills. IMHO, if you want a reliable economy car, get yourself a Civic.

[1970Moparmann]

Yeah since 2010 things went downhill thanks to our Government and the EPA.   The Jetta's that still get top dollar are the early 90s believe it or not.  These thing run and run. 

If you get a newer car, look at the new Chevy Cruz diesel - just get the extended warranty.  First year of anything isn't good in my book. 

Do some research and get behind the wheel of a few cars.   

[chargerboy69]

I would stay away from the newer TDI.  My buddy has a 1999 TDI Jetta and got 55mpg.  He threw in a set of smaller injectors and now gets 65mpg. He has close to 400,000 miles on it, and she runs like a champ. If you want a Jetta I would highly suggest a 4spd., the automatics are not as peppy. VW's also are plagued with little issues like power locks, power windows, radios, ect. . . . good luck.

[Mytur Binsdirti]

VW's also are plagued with little issues like power locks, power windows, radios, ect. . . . good luck.

That and those annoying fault codes that pop up which are a bitch & expensive to get rid of.

[471_Magnum]

I looked at them briefly when replacing the wife's totalled Pacifica. Several issues drove me in a different direction. Unless you drive some pretty insane mileage, the economics of a diesel just don't work out. VW reliability is a little shakey too. Finally, the size of the wagon just didn't fit our needs.

[Todd Wilson]

How well do the new and old VW diesels  handle the cold weather? Like start up after sitting a day or 2 in the cold?


Todd

[duanesterrr]

I agree with the comments that the newer TDI's just aren't worth it.  The EPA required a whole bunch of crap that has taken the MPG down to the mid 30's.  You will not make back the investment over the gas model (IMO).

The older ones are good though... I have heard of guys switching out injectors and getting into the 70's for MPG.  You def aren't going anywhere fast but if MPG is your thing they are the best bet for the dollar invested.

Pretty much exactly what chargerboy69 said... guess I should read the whole thread before posting.

[69Charger_440]

Thanks for the input, fellas.  I'll do some more research and see what happens.  Maybe I'll just pour more money into the Accord and hope that the bugs don't continue. 

[Troy]

A girl here in the office bought a Golf TDI a couple years ago and really liked it (she commuted 45 miles each way). She only sold it because of the smell after filling up (I also think it's because she got a promotion and bought a Range Rover). She parked it in the garage at home but I don't remember her having any winter starting problems here at work. She used to work for VW/Audi so she might be partial - but I know she never had it in the shop for anything major (she blew a tire once).

The thing about diesels is that the fuel is so much more expensive now. It used to be that diesel was 60-80 cents per gallon cheaper. Then, I bought a diesel and that flipped. So, when you factor in the 15-20% price premium you need to get at least that much better mileage to break even. Most of the time the math doesn't work out. Factor in the additional cost to purchase the car and you're better off buying a Corolla (for example) that gets 40 mpg.

Troy

[471_Magnum]

Do your homework on VW TDI maintenence cost too. Your fuel savings can evaporate pretty quickly.

As an engineer, I  was very intrigued by their potential, but l just couldn't make the case economically work out.

[odcics2]

An Omni stick can get upwards of 48 - 52 mph strictly on the highway...        

[bull]

VW's also are plagued with little issues like power locks, power windows, radios, ect. . . . good luck.

That and those annoying fault codes that pop up which are a bitch & expensive to get rid of.

I heard that's due to some issue with moisture in the floor pan where all the wiring goes. It gets wet and/or corrodes and you start getting funky electrical problems.

[charger_fan_4ever]

01 TDI here 55mpg on the highway. Had a guru plug in a laptop and delete the egr function and set a constant value for MAF voltage as they crap out often. Other than a lil oil thirsty its a good commuter.

[Nwcharger]

2001 accord is a good car. i work on honda's for a living so if you have any questions or concerns about it i may be able to help you out.