Anybody here have a diesel vehicle?

[RZM]

Specifically a diesel Jetta, which I'm thinking of getting. Any thoughts? Is the mileage as good as advertised? Ever have trouble filling up? What about the smell? Any and all observations would be appreciated :)

[MiddleFingerMom]

1. I had a 1979 VW Rabbit Diesel -- 52 MP-freakin'-G.

.
.
.
It only had a 10-1/2 gal. gas tank and I regularly made a trip
that was about 560 miles each way. It used to piss me off when
I HAD to stop for gas somewhere along the way for lack of that
last 10 miles or so worth.
.
A GREAT car -- almost NO troubles (I remember a fuse going out
under the hood), a little loud and ugly on the idle, no real smell
(diesel fumes -- from me and my bad diet/habits I will refrain
from commenting). This was early 80's and I had no trouble
whatsoever filling up -- it was a RARE occasion that a station did
NOT have a diesel pump... though I remember it being somewhat
CHEAPER than regular gasoline and I don't think that's the case
now.
.
.
197-FUCKING-9 and 52 mpg. 30 years LATER and our culture goes
WOW over cars that get better than 25.
.
.
What the hell has happened to us?
.
.
.
When the fuse went out (I didn't know what the problem was then),
I had the car towed to a VW shop run by two German brothers that
had been recommended to me. I called them and told them that I
would be pretty happy if the repairs were under $200, but to call
me if they were going to be more (I was obviously a clueless driver).
.
They called an hour or so later, told me it was a $1.75 fuse (total
bill about $10) and told me to COME ON DOWN!!!!
.
.
I stayed with them and directed TONS of business their way for YEARS!!!
.
.
.

[TorchTheWitch]

2. I used to have a diesel rabbit

back in the early 80's. Fuel was a bit more expensive, but it did get good gas mileage. I never noticed any fumes, but I'm sure the people driving behind me did. I don't know if it was just the car or common of diesel cars, but it drove like a dog. Totally lame acceleration like no other car I've ever driven... so much so it wouldn't go more than 35 mph up hill with the peddle to the floor and a running start. Yes, back then gas stations that provided a diesel pump were more difficult to find, but I don't think that's such a problem these days.

[HopeHoops]

3. A diesel Jetta would be great if it was really an F-250 pickup.

Can you get it that way?

[Bucky]

4. And if you do have a Diesel, what's its Vin number?

[Lance_Boyle]

5. I have a 2001.5 Jetta TDI.

Don't know much about the new common rail engines, but I know that the PD engines from 05 (maybe 04?) to 08 are not as good as the ALH engines from 99-03 in terms of fuel efficiency or longevity (they eat cams routinely). I suspect that the ALH efficiency (45+ MPG easily with a manual trans) is not readily obtainable in the newer, heavier cars. But 40 might be do-able.

DO NOT BUY ANY VW AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. EVER. If you make that mistake you can swap in a 5-speed when the auto grenades. They are somewhat better now than the 01M auto in the ALH-engine cars, but to be avoided all the same. Plus they take away 5-10 MPGs. Just so you don't have to shift for yourself. NOT worth it.

Smell and noise are not an issue in the newer common rail cars. Well, you will want to carry something to wipe your hands after filling up. Diesel pump handles are always grimy.

Fit and finish is VW-esque. You will have rattles. If you don't want rattles pony up for a Merc with bluetec diesel.

Oh, and lastly, DON'T let the dealer's service dept near your TDI. They don't know diesels. Go here: http://forums.tdiclub.com/ and find yourself a local trusted mechanic (or better yet a guru). These are cars that can easily run half a million miles. Take care of it to make it last.

[RZM]

6. Wow thanks

I'll take your advice. I had manuals for most of my life but my current car is an automatic and I find I kind of miss the shifting. Glad to hear that's the way to go. Much appreciated!

[Lance_Boyle]

7. Be sure to check out that link to Fred's TDI club discussion forums.

You will learn everything you ever wanted to know (and then some) about TDIs there. It's an invaluable resource and an awesome online (and meatspace) community. The TDI 101 forum in particular is pure gold.