Do I really want an MK4 VW TDI that bad?

I have been thinking about getting an MK4 Golf or Jetta TDI, not really because I like them all that much, but just because 45 MPG would be nice, and diesel is rarely much more expensive than premium gas. Since I need a new car anyway (my 300SD needs more work than im really interested in doing, and there are problems that Im not interested in living with anymore that I can't fix my self or afford to have someone fix them for me), it somewhat makes sense.

But, I'm having a hard time convincing myself I want to pay $5k for a 12 year old VW with 250k+ miles and bad paint, or $8500 for one with 100k thats in reasonable good condition. Especially when even one with 100k likely needs a timing belt as soon as i get it, and one with 250k probably needs that plus a full suspension rebuild and then a new turbo and injectors sometime in the next 50k too. Are they really that amazing that its worth paying that kind of money? It seems like it must be, because all but the highest price ones or ones advertised as needing a lot of work seem to sell within a day or two, but I don't get what makes them so exciting.

I was in a similar position last year but I was looking for a newer TDI and found the same problem. The 2010-12's were high mileage averaging 30K per year. I ended up buying a new 2012 TDI I found sitting on a dealers lot unloved due to being a base model. I have not gotten less then 40mpg since I bought it, with a high of 50.5 mpg! I expect to get even higher once the engine is broken in.

I'll say this. I have a 99 golf TDI. I'd be upset if I only got 45 mpg haha. I get 50+ all the time, only in the COLD winter did I dip into the 40's due to all the idling I did for pre-heat and time sitting on I-75 due to accidents.
Mine has 256K and I'm looking to do a timing belt on it. As far as the turbo, injectors and such. I don't see that coming any time soon, and the suspension feels as taut as any DD I've had. But, search for one with manual everything to avoid the VW electrics. The only repairs I've had to do to the car have been electrical. Fortunately, most problems are well known and well supported.

By all means, yes!

I test drove a 2012 Golf TDI and FELL IN LOVE. The car was so torquey, so refined, so quiet and smooth, it was awesome. You owe it to yourself to at least drive a modern TDI.

But then I did the math and realized that, given prices at the time, it would save me less than $100/year over my not-very-impressive Honda Fit fuel economy. It seems like the relationship between the cost of diesel and regular unleaded is to variable and unpredictable that it's really hard to figure out if diesel is going to save you any money. Even harder is trying to compare the cost of a diesel over a few years with the cost of a hybrid, where you have to consider both the fuel price fluctuations and the (eventual) cost of battery replacement.

50 mpg is a seductive drug and as modern cars go, the Mk IV isn't too bad to work on. Especially older ( up to 2003) models. As mentioned, maintenance and repairs are well documented (tdiclub.com) and these cars have had a strong DIY'er following since new.

The interior is a very nice place to spend time in and still holds up well against cars a decade newer. The Mk IV really set a standard for interiors in economy cars that every manufacturer is still trying to match, even VW themselves (for as many cars as they sold, the Mk IV wasn't terribly profitable and subsequent models were cheapened up a bit). I'll sit in brand new cars at auto shows and only cars in the $50K+ range have interiors that equal the tan leather interior in my '03 Jetta.

Personally, the electrics on my car have been fine. The only screwy bit was a sunroof that seemed to have a mind of its own and would open/close at random with no switch input, but since I never use it anyway, I 'fixed' it by pulling the fuse - one nice thing about modern cars: most components have dedicated fuses. I don't like sunroofs and only got it because it's part of the GLS package that was required if I wanted leather (I ordered my car new).

At 329K miles, I'm currently in the process of replacing the turbo in my car. I'm fairly certain the seals have gone and it's been sucking oil. New injectors may happen as well after this is all done. I change the fuel filter at the 20K intervals, but eventually they do wear out. It'll be interesting to see if I resist the temptation to upgrade... My car has remained stock since new, but I'll admit there are times when I've lusted for more power. Great low-end torque or not, 90 hp is still only 90 hp moving a 3000 lb car and it won't win many drag races.

If there's one thing I've had to replace that's a bit annoying, it's the front wheel bearings. The kit isn't that expensive, but if you don't pre-load the bearing 'just' right, you'll be replacing it again within a year. My original set lasted 175K miles. The next about 50K. There seems to be a very narrow torque window between too tight and too loose, and you have to do this odd thing where you torque it, loosen it, roll the car a few feet, then re-torque.

DrBoost wrote: I'll say this. I have a 99 golf TDI. I'd be upset if I only got 45 mpg haha. I get 50+ all the time, only in the COLD winter did I dip into the 40's due to all the idling I did for pre-heat and time sitting on I-75 due to accidents.

If I remember correctly you posted what you paid for yours when you got it, and if I could get one for that price I would be on my way to buy it right now. But, they sell for more like $7500 here for something similar. From what I have heard 300k is a good time to replace the turbo, I know someone who had one fail (shaft snapped in half) pulling away from a stoplight, and even though he knew what happened within a few seconds and shut it off, it had already pumped all the oil out of the pan and into the intercooler plumbing, and enough into the engine to slightly bend one rod. Its still running with a new turbo though, just has a little lower compression on one cylinder.

My father had an late 99 (early mkiv) TDi, I did kerma injector nozzles, vnt 17/22 hybrid, vr6 clutch disc with g60 PP, a reflash, SRSVW suspension and that would flat out haul and I still never saw less then 45mpg out of it. I love TDI's but would love them a lot more in the $3500 price range (and in golf or wagon trim)

Used TDi's attract stupid prices, in my opinion. I used to have a 95 Golf TD (IDI - it was before the TDi's were made) and really like that car but I can get way more car for less money than what the TDi's go for.

Travis_K wrote:

DrBoost wrote: I'll say this. I have a 99 golf TDI. I'd be upset if I only got 45 mpg haha. I get 50+ all the time, only in the COLD winter did I dip into the 40's due to all the idling I did for pre-heat and time sitting on I-75 due to accidents.

If I remember correctly you posted what you paid for yours when you got it, and if I could get one for that price I would be on my way to buy it right now. But, they sell for more like $7500 here for something similar. From what I have heard 300k is a good time to replace the turbo, I know someone who had one fail (shaft snapped in half) pulling away from a stoplight, and even though he knew what happened within a few seconds and shut it off, it had already pumped all the oil out of the pan and into the intercooler plumbing, and enough into the engine to slightly bend one rod. Its still running with a new turbo though, just has a little lower compression on one cylinder.

Yeah, I paid $4K for it. I got a decent deal, but I did my research and was ready to jump when I found it.
It's a good car, but like IanF said (I think it was him), it's not fast, but the torque is nice.