VW diesel opinons

[SOCALCRICKETT]

With the fiancee starting back in school its time for a commuter car and park her JK, she will be driving 100+ miles 4 days a week. Thinking about a diesel volkswagen sportwagen, anybody have experience with them?

Im thinking a lowered diesel awd sportwagen would be a fun little ride for her and last minute havasu trips

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[mjc]

I had one until diesel gate if they hadn't given me more than I paid for it I never would have traded it in. We loved it at an great, avg 43 mpg and was a nice riding and handling car.

 

[PaPaG]

We bought 2 new 2013 Passat and Jetta...the Passat got an average of 48-50mpg from Vegas to Texas or Vegas to Tahoe at 78mph...rode like it was a 50k car, smooth, fast, very comfortable for long rides. The Jetta actually got a little less mpg around 46-48mpg average rode much tighter, smaller less roomy but really fun to drive. We put 50k on the Passat and no issues at all, if the VW did not buy them both back for more than we paid we would have kept both...great cars in my opinion. I had also joined a few forums and folks on there were getting 300k+ miles out of them...

 

[bigdawgmini]

As a dealer we have been trying to keep one or two of the repromgramed wagons in stock..
People love them!!! Great value under 10k.

 

[Flatsix66]

We had a TDI Sportwagon, really enjoyed this car. Had a major issue at 85k miles where the high pressure fuel pump failed and metal shavings went throughout the fuel system, literally the whole fuel system had to be replaced. Dealer want $11k for the job but VW of A paid for the repair.

 

[PlanB]

The wife had a 2013, and the the motor was awesome. The car was an electrical nightmare though. Sunroof would stick open. Gas door would not open etc... After it ruined a trip to Sedona, it was sold. I would never own another VW product again.

 

[Andy B.]

Sell it before warranty expires! I'd buy a BMW or Mercedes repair costs are similar Volkswagen is proud of their cars but not worth when it you get above 100k expensive to maintain.

 

[DEEZNUTS]

Great cars, great mpg. That hpfp is $9-11k repair but I believe is covered for an additional 100k miles with the new software update/consent decree that allows them back on the market.

There are a ton of TDIs on the market and they are dirt cheap. One of the best used vehicle values right now IMO.

Classic chariots in vista always has a ton of TDI options on their lot. No experience with them, I just see that they have a good selection of these little oil burners.

 

[SOCALCRICKETT]

Thanks for the input. Ive never owned any volks/audi products but they seem to nice stamping on the sheet metal and fit/finish seems to be there

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[SOCALCRICKETT]

As a dealer we have been trying to keep one or two of the repromgramed wagons in stock..
People love them!!! Great value under 10k.

Do you have any your sitting on now? We are headed to murrieta volks later to look at a TDI wagon they have

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[bigdawgmini]

Yes..but I'm located in Oregon...2011 79k one owner, all updates done..$8900 plus fee's...RDP price... you should be able to buy one in your area for something close to that..if not I can help.

 

[RCDave]

I just picked up a 2015 Sportwagen TDI 6 speed manual trans with only 17.5k miles. It's vw CPO with all the required diesel updates. Came with a 163k mile warranty that covers the engine long block, turbo, and all emissions stuff.

Super fun car to drive. Lots of power and exceptional gas mileage. From simi to encino and back, 50/50 freeway and side streets it got over 50 mpg, the first day I drove it. I think it will average in the mid 40's mpg overall

 

[SOCALCRICKETT]

Pulled the trigger last night, 2014 20k miles and all the retrofit. Bought for 14k.

Looks like i have a new river runner, 40mpg, ill take it!

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[RCDave]

Sweet! Nice with the ivory leather

 

[rivermobster]

Pulled the trigger last night, 2014 20k miles and all the retrofit. Bought for 14k.

Looks like i have a new river runner, 40mpg, ill take it! View attachment 714719 View attachment 714720 View attachment 714721 View attachment 714722

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Good call. I have a 2011 I just made my mind up to keep.

They make tuners for the DSG and the engine ECU. And another company makes all the exhaust components for it.

I'll probably just do a stage one kit...

Most guys are reporting 53mpg. Stage 2 kit gets closer to 60. I'm still doing my homework.

Shoot me a PM and we will keep in touch on what I end up doing...

 

[SOCALCRICKETT]

Pm sent. Im looking at suspension set ups now, think im going to run the eibach sportline kit, trying to get it to sit a little higher then this...

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[rivermobster]

Pm sent. Im looking at suspension set ups now, think im going to run the eibach sportline kit, trying to get it to sit a little higher then this... View attachment 714831

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Bilstien makes a 20-30mm drop kit. It's not much, but it should make it sit real nice.

There are guys that make Stupid power with these cars. Overseas, you can get an all wheel drive Sport Wagon. 600+hp

They call em Vette killers. LoL

Kinna pointless on a front wheel drive car, but you can buy all the parts here to make em all wheel drive.

Probably a bit above my pay grade...

 

[rivermobster]

Pm sent. Im looking at suspension set ups now, think im going to run the eibach sportline kit, trying to get it to sit a little higher then this... View attachment 714831

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https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cu...ike-to-drive-a-modified-jetta-tdi-sportwagen/

 

[MohavValley]

Family member had 3 of these and the autos got 30-35mpg but the manuals got 45mpg, that still true autos get in the 30's or they get 40+ now too?

 

[F14]

You can get a lot of information on TDI club.com and VW forums

 

[lake p.a.l.]

F14 has a couple of badass VW diesels. I believe his auto Passat gets 45+ mpg most of the time

 

[rivermobster]

Family member had 3 of these and the autos got 30-35mpg but the manuals got 45mpg, that still true autos get in the 30's or they get 40+ now too?

Well...

First off, they do not have automatic transmissions, at least in the traditional sense. They use a dual clutch 6 speed manual transmission, that is completely computer controlled. BMW started the concept a long time ago with their SMG transmission in the M3. VW has pretty much perfected it with their DSG transmission. It does feel like a fully auto trans in normal mode. In sport mode, it's a whole different animal.

If I'm driving the car (and its pretty fun to drive, so i'm pretty aggressive with it) I average about 34mpg around town. I only drive 12mi to work and never see the freeway. On the highway, like to the river or mammoth, it gets in the upper 40's. Like 47 or so.

If my wife is driving, she gets around 37 around town.

With all the tuning mods available now, most people are reporting 50-60 on the highway, and 40ish around town. But the power change is dramatic, and that's what I'm looking for, while keeping it reliable still.

It's a diesel. So it responds just like your diesel truck does to tuning and aftermarket mods. And there are a ton of them for this car...

 

[Ultra912]

Bought my son a 2009 Audi A3 Sportwagon (Pretty much the same car). Not a diesel though. Same motor as VW GTI 2.0T. No issues and bought it with 58K miles about a year ago for 9K. It can move. Chews up and spits out my 69 Porsche, LOL

 

[MohavValley]

Well...

First off, they do not have automatic transmissions, at least in the traditional sense. They use a dual clutch 6 speed manual transmission, that is completely computer controlled. BMW started the concept a long time ago with their SMG transmission in the M3. VW has pretty much perfected it with their DSG transmission. It does feel like a fully auto trans in normal mode. In sport mode, it's a whole different animal.

If I'm driving the car (and its pretty fun to drive, so i'm pretty aggressive with it) I average about 34mpg around town. I only drive 12mi to work and never see the freeway. On the highway, like to the river or mammoth, it gets in the upper 40's. Like 47 or so.

If my wife is driving, she gets around 37 around town.

With all the tuning mods available now, most people are reporting 50-60 on the highway, and 40ish around town. But the power change is dramatic, and that's what I'm looking for, while keeping it reliable still.

It's a diesel. So it responds just like your diesel truck does to tuning and aftermarket mods. And there are a ton of them for this car...

What's the year range /motor package on ones that can be tuned and get 50+ mpg

Also is it the Passat only or are there other models?

And as for tuning is it plug and play or is it ECM flash and dodr extra weight (egr/dpf)?

In market for commuter car and looking at older Mercedes TD's that get 40+ and this might be a good alternative.

 

[Halvecto]

What's the year range /motor package on ones that can be tuned and get 50+ mpg

Also is it the Passat only or are there other models?

And as for tuning is it plug and play or is it ECM flash and dodr extra weight (egr/dpf)?

In market for commuter car and looking at older Mercedes TD's that get 40+ and this might be a good alternative.

The VW 1.9L TDI is highly regarded for it's simplicity and longevity. Engine code ALH in the various body styles. Mostly pre-2007. They don't have any smog-test issues. It can be hard to find low mileage & manual transmission, but worth looking. The 1.9L is similar to the Ford 7.3 diesel, in that it is sought after by people looking for reliability and don't care that the rest of the car/truck has all the current bells & whistles. I had a 2006 Golf TDI manual. Wish I never sold it. Car was a blast to drive, 40+ mpg and low maintenance. I "chipped" a regular gasoline Passat 1.8L many years ago. It was a simple plug and play chip insert. Car woke up big time, but I wouldn't do it again. Keep it simple and running.

 

[Mandelon]

I like it, but you are spending how much $$$ to save from buying gas for the Jeep? LOL

My daughter's friend has a Jetta, and my buddy's daughter has another. They both really like them.

The last VW I owned was a 1979 Scirroco. That was a blast to drive and ran great until a week after I sold it. Felt bad for the buyer...

 

[SOCALCRICKETT]

Lol, well its kind of a 2 fer, with her driving the wagon i can drive the jk and keep the miles off my 2500hd.

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[Mandelon]

Ah Hah! You have an ulterior motive.... Good Job, then. Carry on!

 

[RCDave]

So after the first tank of diesel in my 2015 golf sportwagen TDI 6 speed manual. 52.8MPG......Mixed city/highway driving of about 40/60%.

From simi to temecula and back yesterday 57mpg

 

[SOCALCRICKETT]

Ah Hah! You have an ulterior motive.... Good Job, then. Carry on!

Lol, life is a game of chess my friend, little pre planning and you win in the end!

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[rivermobster]

Lol, life is a game of chess my friend, little pre planning and you win in the end!

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Solid gold advise.

 

[DLow]

Great thread. I’m going to look at an ‘09 Audi Q7 TDI for my wife later today. What’s the word on buying returned TDIs that VW has “fixed”? I know they changed the emissions and programming and are now offering 150k warranties on the engine. Any issue with buying one? Also, thanks for the above links. I’ll be doing some heavy research.

 

[rivermobster]

What's the year range /motor package on ones that can be tuned and get 50+ mpg

Also is it the Passat only or are there other models?

And as for tuning is it plug and play or is it ECM flash and dodr extra weight (egr/dpf)?

In market for commuter car and looking at older Mercedes TD's that get 40+ and this might be a good alternative.

Basically the older VW's, as Hal pointed out, we're very basic simple cars.

I think mine, 2011, was the first year of the newer TDI models. The TDI engine came in almost all of their cars as an option. Even the bug had one at one point!

The early ones, like mine, are the most basic of the late model cars. No bird piss, and minimum exhaust features on it.

The Audi TDI had bird piss from the start. I worked at an Audi dealership at the time, but that's the reason I went with VW. No bird piss. Plus it's a bit bigger car.

I'm not sure what year VW added the bird piss in, so you'll have to just ask if what you are looking at, has the tank for it, or not. I would definitely try and find one without it.

As for after market performance, obviously the early cars, like mine, will take less effort to mod, as they have a lot less emissions stuff on them.

I think performance and milage gains will go hand in hand with how much money you spend...

Any of the lighter cars will get 50 plus easy with just an ecm and trans flash, if you get the non stick shift option.

When you do the exhaust mods (stage 2 flash) your now in the 56mpg range, and a Whole lot more power! A stick shift car would be even better than that.

The owner of Timmons VW is a good friend of mine. I also know the guy that is doing all the TDI sales at Bozani very well.

Shoot me a PM if you want, and I can put you in touch with either place .

 

[SOCALCRICKETT]

So the car i got is a buy back with the fix. I was given 2yr unlimited mileage and it still retains the factory 7 yr 60k bumper to bumper.

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[RCDave]

My 2015 TDI came with a 163K long block / turbo / emissions warranty.

 

[RCDave]

From the research I did, the 2011-2014 TDI's require a bunch of hardware/software modifications to make them EPA legal. The 2015 TDI's do require Urea but only require a software ECU mod to make them EPA legal. From what I've read, the Urea tank only requires refilling about every 10-15K miles.

 

[rivermobster]

From the research I did, the 2011-2014 TDI's require a bunch of hardware/software modifications to make them EPA legal. The 2015 TDI's do require Urea but only require a software ECU mod to make them EPA legal. From what I've read, the Urea tank only requires refilling about every 10-15K miles.

Yeah...

but this thread is not about making them legal.

 

[rivermobster]

I wasn't going to post anything like this until I had made up my mind, but because of all the interest...

There seem to be four major players in the TDI market for tuners....

I'm posting this one first, cause it's the one Pronstar told me to use. His recommendations are usually spot on.

https://www.goapr.com

 

[rivermobster]

Next on up is Malone Tuning. I'm leaning towards this one because I have yet to hear one bad thing about them. Pretty crazy in this day and age...

https://www.malonetuning.com

 

[rivermobster]

These guys are in the running too. They seem to have a solid following. I want a handheld that I can flash and reflash with at my convenience.

https://www.kermatdi.com

 

[rivermobster]

These are the guys that make all the exhaust stuff. I'm told they are next door to Malone, so they work very closely with them...

https://www.rawtekinc.com

 

[sintax]

Next on up is Malone Tuning. I'm leaning towards this one because I have yet to hear one bad thing about them. Pretty crazy in this day and age...

https://www.malonetuning.com

ya, these are the go to dudes for VM tdi tuning.

 

[rivermobster]

ya, these are the go to dudes for VM tdi tuning.

What do you know about them? Have you used their prouducts before?

Thanks.

 

[Halvecto]

For various parts, and "hacks" (stronger armrest hinge, key fobs, etc.), this guy has some good items.

www.fixmyvw.com

 

[sintax]

What do you know about them? Have you used their prouducts before?

Thanks.

I have not, but did a lot of research on tuning before I bought my BMW 335d instead of the TDI

 

[Halvecto]

@SOCALCRICKETT Couple of things that came to mind.

Check out the Neuspeed Sport Spring Kit vs the Race Spring Kit. I ran the Sport on my Passat and it lowered it enough and gave it a slight rake. The Pro/Race version will drop it quite a bit and will definitely change the ride quality. The Sport Spring allows you to stay with the OEM shocks and it was noticeable drop and improved stance.

I installed the Bilsteins on my Golf. Great ride, very solid when driven hard.

Be sure to clean your sunroof drains. VW and Audi are notorious for getting clogged drains and then water intrusion can be a problem in some of the electronics in the floorboard and side panel. Trust me, I had a major snafu problem with this on two of my VWs in the big rains a few years ago. With the rain expected this week, you may want to check it. Now, each year, I run weed wacker line down into the drain and then poor hot, soapy water in the inlets until it came out of the grommet valves underneath. Do a Google search for Audi VW sunroof drains clogging and you will see various threads about it. VWVortex.com has great info, along with TDIclub.com.