I'm currently hunting around for a 2000-2006 VW diesel of some kinda. I'll most likely go with a jetta or Passat. From what I've read on here so far 2003 TDI's are the ones to target engine wise, but with the Jetta's being built south of the boarder the rest of the car might be a problem. What's the Passat's track record like, and how do the auto trannys hold up in the cars after 100,000. Most of the cars I've found have around 80,000 or more on the clock. I know Timing belt, water pump, and intaking cleaning are all things that should have been done if the car has been maintained properly. What are the other things I should be looking for to clue me in on how the cars been taken care of, and if it's a good bet to buy? I've seen alot of people state in adds that they've used mobil-1 (not delvac just mobil-1) in the engine since new, and as of now I think that's a bad thing since it's not diesel rated. What kind of oil is best for these, and what oil filters are a good sign the owner has done their how work? I'm guessing fram is a bad sign, just like on the dodge cummins? Any and all info, tips, things to check out and knowledge would be a great help.

thanks,
Justin

 

Ive been researching this a bit and looking a bit too but havent bought one yet. Near as I can figure, the best years are 2001-2003 and the 5 speed is supposed to be the way to go.

You will want to use a diesel rated engine oil - I would suggest something in the Amsoil line. as for the oil filter, I would look for one from VW....and yes, anything BUT a FRAM. For me, the optimal car would be one that the owner has service records/receipts for.

 

Justin the upkeep (maintenance) on these cars is VERY expensive. I have gotten it from alot of VW mechanics on my route that they are great cars with great milage but are expensive to own. I know you are real picky about this kinda stuff so keep that in mind.

 

Let me tell you what i know.
Volkswagen has its own specs on o Oil recommandations.
You have to use that Oil with that specs! Otherwise you risk engine damages. You will recognize VW uses relatively big filters compared with other cars. You will be fine with every brand filter.eg Mahle, Bosch, Mobile etc.On the other side you will recognize a intelligent oil change interval. the car usually tells you when to change the oil.The Mileage to the oil change varies on the driving habit, if you go hard, oil change has to be done earlier and vice versa.
When you change the timing belt, you also have to change the pulleys.
Timing is difficult -it has to be done static and dynamically.
Have a look at the axle U-joints. They have rubber boots which require attention, but they are cheap to replace.
Usually the engines and the transmissions have no leaks, if they have - something is going wrong!
TDI's are very very common in Germany, and they run also very fast and very cheap in fuel consumption. They are a pain in the a.. for gasser, because they accelerate so quick, and they are fast. If you go stock, there is no need to put e-xtra gauges in it.
Pay attention to the electronic system. bugs are not easy to get out.This is the major problem. Usually there is a disconnected cable or malfunction and to discover the problem is time and money consuming. The transmission usually lasts longer than the engine (manual), even at Autobahn speeds. They are very reliable. The Passat is a typical business car, for people which constantly have to travel. The Jetta is more unusual.
Everybody prefers the Golf. Cheaper, lightweight, faster than the Passat with the same engine and transmission.
Look for the TDI's with the Red D and I.
DIY is difficult, you need a lot of expensive special tools.Everything else is metric. Head bolts require for example so called Ribe bolts. Just a special "torx" to get the DIY'er to the VW dealer.Rear Brakes require special tools to reset the brake pads. Push and turn together, they have a thread inside.

 

Its not that I dont believe you - but how so? What is expensive? Timing belt? Cleaning the intake?

I thought the 2001-2003 TDI's were relatively pain free? I wouldnt touch a new one though.

 

This raises some questions...


I though you only have to use the VW oil on the newer ones?

So, every time you change the timing belt you have to retime it?

 

No, they started the special oil since introduction of the turbodiesel.
It started with the VW 50500 or also covered with ACEA B3. It is capable to stand the charger heat.
The modern the engine the higher the oil quality requirements.
Don't nail me for exact specs on different cars. It doesn't have to be a VW oil- but it has to meet the specs!
To use the longlife interval Volkswagen requests for expensive specs. Otherwise the car computer is set to standard oil change interval even with synthetic oil.
e.g. PD engines require VW 50501 for warranty claims. Usually a special energy conserving 5 W 30 with diesel exhaust filter protecting abilities. very expensive about 27€ per liter.
There is also VW 50507 it must be used for engines equipped with particle filter- I don't know of these cars are avilable over there.
Changing the timing belt ( 60-100.000km depending on the model) is done by fixing the pump wheel. opening and adjusting the pump with a bolt and measuring clock. TDI's use a special longer measuring bolt. Today everything in the pump is controlled by electronic. Thats the bad news.
That was the static part.
The dynamic part is done by electronic diagnosis. The pump is very, very sensitive to adjustment. Just one or two degrees out, and the engine won't run.
Common rail pumps are more complicated to adjust due to their pre-injection.
In the old fashioned diesel days adjusting was simple.

The TDi are stuffed with sensors- if you try to trick them, it can and will set trouble codes and voila, here you go to the dealer to have a reset, because the computer knows there is something going wrong.

Let me seek for some british forums so i don't have to explain in detail. I will give you an example: belt change and timing adjustment is easily reaching 300€-500€ I have seen people paying 500€ for an inspection.This is mad.

 

Doc I'm really not sure

This is just what all the VW techs at the dealer ship tell me. I'll ask when I see them again.
They all say they are REALLY good cars... just REALLY expensive to up-keep.
I know I sell ALOT of VW specialty tools to the techs.

 

I have a 06 Jetta TDI with the DSG automatic. It is by far the best auto I have drove in anything, and after having it I wouldn't even consider a manual.
Timing belt is 100,000 miles. I believe on the 01-03 it is 80,000 miles.

Oil for my 06 is Castrol Syntec 505 oil that is what the VW dealer put in and it says to use in the book. The book says to change the oil every 10,000 miles. A lot of people from the TDI Form do oil samples and from what I have read changing your oil before 10K miles is a waste of money. The Castrol Syntec cost's me about $8 a quart and the oil filter was $9. So changing the oil doesn't break the bank.

The 01-03 Jetta's are smaller have 10% less power but do get better MPG and from what I read the auto's are junk and kill the Fuel milage.

The Fuel mpg on the newer DSG auto's are rated 1 mpg less then the manuals.

 

There are a diffrent engines out there. Depending on your modell year, engine, injection pump, horsepower and emission control you need diffrent oils. If your manual requests for 505- then go with it, you will be fine. For better details show your engine ID nr. Usually Three tall letters.