Need some help with possible TDI purchase

[Cobrargc]

Hello everyone. I am new to the forum and seriously considering the purchase of a Jetta TDI or Passat TDI. I’ve owned Ford Powerstroke diesels, so I have some knowledge of the diesel world, including the 40-50 cent more per gallon that diesel cost locally. I love the torque and fuel economy of a diesel, but I’m not sure if I want to get back in. I’ve always been a staunch American car buyer and this would be my 1st purchase of an import. I rode in and drove several VW diesel products while on a business trip 10 years ago in Germany. It seems like a large portion of the German car/truck market has been diesel powered in Europe for many years and they really have the diesel engines down to a science. I have a few questions though.
1. I’ve been looking the forum over for a while and noticed the older TDI’s tend to get the better mileage. Is this due to the ongoing emissions on the newer cars? If so, what a shame!
2. Locally the price of diesel is about 12-15% higher than gasoline. Would the additional fuel expense nearly offset the better fuel mileage of a diesel?
3. How is winter starting? It will be garaged at home, but parked outside at work.
4. What is maintenance like? I’ve turned my own wrench for years and do so for part of my living. I’ve heard that VW designs their cars to be unfriendly to the do-it-yourselfer.
5. Automatic or manual equipped? Does the better mileage go to the manual?
6. The Passat’s are assembled in the states and the Jetta’s in Mexico?
7. Which is a better car? My wife and I are empty nesters with a grandchild in a car seat from time to time. The Passat appears bigger than the Jetta, but gets a tad better mileage??
8. Finally, what are the things I need to look out for? I think every manufacturer has pro’s and con’s. What do I need to know about VW diesel ownership? I plan to spend some time this afternoon looking at them at a local dealership. These cars a fairly sought after and good deals are few and far between, correct?

[Keithuk]

Welcome to the forum.

The extra cost of diesel fuel it warranted for the extra mileage you get.

Have a read of the buyers guides in FAQ.

[chittychittybangbang]

1. Partially, the bodies have also moved way upmarket and heavier/larger. Current Jetta is size of old Passat.
3. No problems at all.
4. Unfriendly compared to old American cars but buy a few special tools and you're all set.
5. manual = better mpg
6. Yes
7. Yes, I like the Passat more, Jetta was somewhat decontented this generation.

[JazzBeBop]

Originally Posted by Cobrargc

Hello everyone. I am new to the forum and seriously considering the purchase of a Jetta TDI or Passat TDI. I’ve owned Ford Powerstroke diesels, so I have some knowledge of the diesel world, including the 40-50 cent more per gallon that diesel cost locally. I love the torque and fuel economy of a diesel, but I’m not sure if I want to get back in. I’ve always been a staunch American car buyer and this would be my 1st purchase of an import. I rode in and drove several VW diesel products while on a business trip 10 years ago in Germany. It seems like a large portion of the German car/truck market has been diesel powered in Europe for many years and they really have the diesel engines down to a science. I have a few questions though.
1. I’ve been looking the forum over for a while and noticed the older TDI’s tend to get the better mileage. Is this due to the ongoing emissions on the newer cars? If so, what a shame!
2. Locally the price of diesel is about 12-15% higher than gasoline. Would the additional fuel expense nearly offset the better fuel mileage of a diesel?
3. How is winter starting? It will be garaged at home, but parked outside at work.
4. What is maintenance like? I’ve turned my own wrench for years and do so for part of my living. I’ve heard that VW designs their cars to be unfriendly to the do-it-yourselfer.
5. Automatic or manual equipped? Does the better mileage go to the manual?
6. The Passat’s are assembled in the states and the Jetta’s in Mexico?
7. Which is a better car? My wife and I are empty nesters with a grandchild in a car seat from time to time. The Passat appears bigger than the Jetta, but gets a tad better mileage??
8. Finally, what are the things I need to look out for? I think every manufacturer has pro’s and con’s. What do I need to know about VW diesel ownership? I plan to spend some time this afternoon looking at them at a local dealership. These cars a fairly sought after and good deals are few and far between, correct?

I love my Passat SE TDI w/moon roof, DSG, and no navigation, white on white; it is perfect for these scorching north Texas summers (currently wrecked & in the shop). My opinion tells me to tell you to definitely get the Passat. If you're used to the Ford trucks, you would feel a little cramped in a Jetta, especially if you are tall. My brother has the Jetta Sportwagon TDI with the big roof and it is nice: drives very European-ish-ly or sporty on the suspension, but the Passat seems much more elegant and YOU ARE CORRECT: the Passat gets slightly better fuel mileage. We both have DSG's and were staunch manual tranny advocates, but if you ever think of selling it, then a dsg would be SO much easier to sell. This winter I had NO issues with it being "too cold". My brother likes the ride on the Passat much more and is being tempted to trade it in because he was notified that the dealership is looking to buy his JSW. Don't take my opinion, go to the dealership and make those sales people salivate.