Diesel is normally more expensive in the winter too. Probably due to higher demand for home heating oil, etc.
You've seen the list of common issues here: http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q_how_to/a4/newowner.htm
that the TDI can have, some preventative checks are a good idea. I also saw that you wrote the timing belt had been changed by the dealer, some dealers do screw up the timing belt job and very few change the motor mount bolts - they are stretch bolts and if they fail the engine falls down. It's happened a few times to people. If it's lasted this long it should be fine but something to be aware of.
Do you know how to vent yet? This can add a few gallons to your fuel capacity. I can get 1000 miles/tank on the wagon because it holds 26 gallons when vented all the way. Unvented, the fuel handle clicks off at 20 gallons. You have to press on a button with the fuel nozzle to release the trapped gas.
Gewilli on tdiclub made a good writeup with pics on removing the vent on your car, it's hosted here: http://www.inmud.co.uk/page26.htm it should let you hold a few extra gallons of fuel. In theory it should decrease fuel economy slightly when you're topped off because you're holding additional weight, maybe 30 lbs, but obviously this is not statistically signifigant or noticeable at all.
You've seen the list of common issues here: http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q_how_to/a4/newowner.htm
that the TDI can have, some preventative checks are a good idea. I also saw that you wrote the timing belt had been changed by the dealer, some dealers do screw up the timing belt job and very few change the motor mount bolts - they are stretch bolts and if they fail the engine falls down. It's happened a few times to people. If it's lasted this long it should be fine but something to be aware of.
Do you know how to vent yet? This can add a few gallons to your fuel capacity. I can get 1000 miles/tank on the wagon because it holds 26 gallons when vented all the way. Unvented, the fuel handle clicks off at 20 gallons. You have to press on a button with the fuel nozzle to release the trapped gas.
Gewilli on tdiclub made a good writeup with pics on removing the vent on your car, it's hosted here: http://www.inmud.co.uk/page26.htm it should let you hold a few extra gallons of fuel. In theory it should decrease fuel economy slightly when you're topped off because you're holding additional weight, maybe 30 lbs, but obviously this is not statistically signifigant or noticeable at all.