A Diesel for the Long Haul ... 50+ MPG!

FIFTY miles per gallon may not be a big deal for a tiny hybrid. But it seems like a minor miracle in a big, road-tripping sedan.

Yet that’s the real-world highway mileage I observed in the Volkswagen Passat TDI diesel. And considering the Passat’s mission — a family car whose roomy practicality would impress Ward and June Cleaver — the fuel-saving diesel only heightens that appeal.

After sampling all three flavors of Passat — 5-cylinder and V-6 gasoline versions, and this 2-liter, 140-horsepower turbodiesel — I’m certain I would choose the diesel, if only to see how many weeks I could drive without filling the tank.

VW says the Passat, which has a fuel capacity of 18.5 gallons, can cover 795 highway miles on a single tank, based on its 31/43 m.p.g rating. That’s with a 6-speed manual transmission; mileage falls slightly, to 30/40 m.p.g., with the 6-speed dual-clutch automatic.

But as with many modern diesels, the Passat TDI can handily beat its window-sticker mileage rating. I achieved a no-fooling 50 m.p.g. — in the less-efficient automatic version — simply by keeping the speedometer pegged to 60 m.p.h. Diesel highway mileage remained impressive even when I was flooring it: passing traffic at will, and cruising at speeds from 65 to 80 m.p.h., the Passat returned a healthy 45 m.p.g.

What the Passat cannot do is match hybrids in city driving and stop-and-go traffic. A rush-hour highway slog dropped it well below 20 m.p.g., conditions where leading hybrids can deliver 40 m.p.g.

With half of the horsepower of the Passat with a V-6, the TDI is far from quick, clicking off 8.6 seconds from a standstill to 60 m.p.h. Yet this quiet-running workhorse produces 236 pound-feet of torque, just 22 less than the V-6. What that means is surprising passing power where you want it, despite the car’s considerable weight of 3,459 pounds

Read here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/04/automobiles/a-diesel-for-the-long-haul.html?_r=0&pagewanted=print

Volkswagen Golf turns 40 ! HBD

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Volkswagen's Golf – the car that succeeded the original air-cooled, rear-wheel drive Beetle.

Now in its seventh generation, the Golf remains true to its original remit – motoring that's affordable rather than cheap.

Since its inception in 1974, the Golf has sold over 30 million units worldwide, placing it well ahead of the 21.5 million sales record of the Beetle. It was the larger Passat that broke the long-standing VW tradition of boxer engines driving through swing axles to the rear wheels, but it is the Golf that retains a place in the hearts and minds of owners from every social stratum. 

In its first incarnation, the Golf was styled jointly by Giorgio Giugiaro and Volkswagen. By October 1976 sales of the Golf had already passed the one-million mark. Before long the Golf was offered with diesel power and the sporty GTI variant, which became the benchmark for hot hatches in its time. 

"The step from Beetle to Golf was truly revolutionary," says Klaus Bischoff, head of design at Volkswagen. 

"The change from air-cooled rear engine to water-cooled front engine, and from rear to front wheel drive respectively, was a completely new vehicle layout at the time. Creatively, the Volkswagen designers changed from a round to an angular use of forms in those days, thanks to the legendary design by Giorgio Giugiaro. The main design elements of the Golf I, such as the silhouette of the upright, massive C-pillar, the prominent wheel arches and the typical horizontal front with slim grill and downwardly protruding headlights exist in every Golf to the present day."

An open top 'Cabriolet' version arrived in 1979. The first generation Golf became a victim of currency exchange rates in Australia, forcing Volkswagen's hand. With the Deutschmark beating the Aussie dollar into submission, Volkswagen ceased exporting passenger cars here. 

In 1983 the first generation Golf gave way to its successor. Golf II wasn't sold in Australia until the launch of the GTI here in 1990, as part of the relaunch of the marque's passenger cars. Packaging was improved in the follow-up to the first Golf, placing extra distance between driver and front passenger for greater comfort. There was more room in the rear as well, thanks to a wheelbase stretch, and clever stying reduced the new car's drag coefficient from 0.42 to 0.34Cd.

For Aussie buyers, the wait for Golf III wasn't as excruciatingly long as it had been for its predecessor – but it was still a while. Released in other markets in 1991, the Golf III arrived here three years later, but at least there were volume-selling variants in showrooms alongside the GTI by then. And there was also a VR6 (V6-engined) high-performance variant. 

For the first time the Cabriolet (assembled in Germany by Karmann) was no longer based on the original Golf, migrating to the Series III platform instead. Golf III ushered in significant crash safety gains from front airbags and stronger body construction, and saw the introduction of a wagon body style, which didn't come to Australia in that generation. The Golf hatch was larger once again, and more aerodynamic, now boasting a drag coefficient of 0.30Cd. 

New from the ground up, the Golf IV followed in 1998. Volkswagen introduced the (V6-powered) R32 variant, which launched the DSG (dual-clutch) transmission. Syncro (all-wheel drive) versions of the Golf now featured a Haldex clutch and came to be known as Golf 4MOTION. Direct-injection engines and side curtain airbags were introduced in 2002. The Cabriolet version soldiered on in a third-generation body, albeit with frontal styling in the same vein as the Golf IV's. Within three years of going on sale in Australia, the Golf IV had more than doubled annual sales of its predecessor. In 2003, its last full year on sale here, the Golf IV sold 6457 units – versus 2472 in 1997 for the Golf III.

Increased safety was the primary focus of designers working on Golf V, which arrived here in 2005, with more airbag coverage (six) and a laser-welded body that offered a 35 per cent hike in torsional rigidity, the manufacturer claimed. Golf GTI was now powered by a turbocharged and direct-injected engine. And forced induction took another step forward with the Twincharge engine in 2006, although that combination of supercharging and turbocharging has been discredited since, following reports of reliability issues in service. According to VFACTS, Golf V sold 10,982 units in Australia for the calendar year 2007.

For the 2008 launch of the Golf VI, Volkswagen substantially reworked the previous model, reducing the design complexity so the production line could build the new car in a fraction of the time it took to build Golf V. There were more safety improvements introduced – among them a kneebag for the driver. Volkswagen expanded its direct-injection drivetrain offerings and made the shift to a common-rail induction system for the diesel engines in Golf VI. By the end of 2012, the Golf VI had posted 17,289 sales in Australia over its last full year. 

The current Golf VII was unveiled near the end of 2012 and arrived in Australia last year. Lighter and more economical, the seventh generation Golf is also available – in foreign markets – in both plug-in hybrid and battery-electric vehicle form. 

Sales in Australia show little sign of slowing, despite a high-profile media frenzy last year erupting around Volkswagen and its products – including the Golf. Volkswagen Australia has issued a recall notice to check and rectify an electronic fault in cars fitted with DSG transmissions. Yet the recall appears to have had little long-term effect on sales of the Golf. For the first two months of 2014 Golf VII sold 3337 units, a figure 53.7 per cent up on the sales tally of 2002 for the same period last year. Sales year on year from 2012 to 2013 grew by just 53 units, but VW blames that in part on the staggered launch of the latest GTI. 

Now a Wheels Car of the Year winner, the Golf looks likely to rebound from its high-profile PR problems of last year – and with its reputation largely intact. 

Source: http://www.motoring.com.au/news/small-passenger/volkswagen/golf/volkswagen-golf-turns-40-42620
#webautosales

2005.5 MKV VW Jetta TDI on the DYNO

185K+ Miles as of the recording of this video

1.9 L TDI Engine (Diesel) 

DSG Transmission (Auto/Manual) 

300mpg Diesel-Electric Hybrid Unveiled by Volkswagen

The star of this week’s Qatar motor show will undoubtedly be Volkswagen’s “one-liter car,” the diesel hybrid XL1, which is able to achieve more than 300 mpg.

The $60,000 XL1 is powered by an 800cc, two-cylinder turbodiesel powerplant (half a BlueMotion engine), producing 47bhp, supported by a 27bhp electric motor hat fuelled by lithium-ion batteries. The batteries can be charged from a domestic plug, allowing the car to travel 22 miles solely on electric power

Over the past decade governments worldwide have been pressing the automotive industry for better gas mileage, better fuel economy in vehicles, and other sources of energy. The XL1 fulfills all these requirements.

The XL1 also emits just 24g/km of CO2 and has a 0-60 time of 11.9 seconds. Its 10-liter diesel tank gives the XL1 a range of around 340 miles. Adding to the XL1’s remarkable fuel efficiency is the fact that the car has been designed to be as light as possible, with an unpainted carbon fiber skin over a magnesium-alloy subframe.

Efforts to pare weight extend to the engine, transmission, suspension, carbon fiber wheels, aluminum brakes, titanium hubs and ceramic bearings, producing a vehicle weighing only 1,752 pounds.

The XL1 is the brainchild of Volkswagen group former head Ferdinand Piëch, who initiated the project in 1998. Volkswagen’s designers and engineers responded to Piëch’s challenge, immediately setting about producing a carbon-fiber bodied car with tandem seating and a single-piston engine. In 2002, in his last public appearance as chairman, Piëch drove to a VW shareholders meeting in Hamburg in the prototype, and even then managed to beat the fuel-consumption target that he had set his engineers. Following Piëch’s leaving Volkswagen, the project was essentially shelved until Piëch’s replacement, Martin Winterkorn, along with Volkswagen’s research and development head Ulrich Hackenberg, revisited the concept and developed the twin-cylinder hybrid L1, which appeared at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009.

Source: http://goo.gl/8EWL8D

CERTIFIED 2012 Volkswagen Passat Manual TDI DIESEL = 50 + MPG!!

Mileage: 38,132

6 Speed Manual Transmission

50+ MPG

2.0L DOHC 16-valve turbocharged TDI I4 engine -inc: 118 mph speed limiter

LOADED!

Heated V-Tex leatherette seats

Asking….. $22,991

Located in North Attleboro

Email Sean.VWDiesel@gmail.com for questions and to set up an appointment

*********************************************************************************

FIFTY miles per gallon may not be a big deal for a tiny hybrid. But it seems like a minor miracle in a big, road-tripping sedan.

Yet that’s the real-world highway mileage I observed in the Volkswagen Passat TDI diesel. And considering the Passat’s mission — a family car whose roomy practicality would impress Ward and June Cleaver — the fuel-saving diesel only heightens that appeal.

After sampling all three flavors of Passat — 5-cylinder and V-6 gasoline versions, and this 2-liter, 140-horsepower turbodiesel — I’m certain I would choose the diesel, if only to see how many weeks I could drive without filling the tank.

VW says the Passat, which has a fuel capacity of 18.5 gallons, can cover 795 highway miles on a single tank, based on its 31/43 m.p.g rating. That’s with a 6-speed manual transmission; mileage falls slightly, to 30/40 m.p.g., with the 6-speed dual-clutch automatic.

But as with many modern diesels, the Passat TDI can handily beat its window-sticker mileage rating. I achieved a no-fooling 50 m.p.g. — in the less-efficient automatic version — simply by keeping the speedometer pegged to 60 m.p.h. Diesel highway mileage remained impressive even when I was flooring it: passing traffic at will, and cruising at speeds from 65 to 80 m.p.h., the Passat returned a healthy 45 m.p.g.

What the Passat cannot do is match hybrids in city driving and stop-and-go traffic. A rush-hour highway slog dropped it well below 20 m.p.g., conditions where leading hybrids can deliver 40 m.p.g.

With half of the horsepower of the Passat with a V-6, the TDI is far from quick, clicking off 8.6 seconds from a standstill to 60 m.p.h. Yet this quiet-running workhorse produces 236 pound-feet of torque, just 22 less than the V-6. What that means is surprising passing power where you want it, despite the car’s considerable weight of 3,459 pounds.

Read full article: http://tinyurl.com/lz2anh7

Source: nytimes.com

1996-1997 Passat TDI

If you are looking for inexpensive way in to TDI-ownership... Pre-2005 has the 'original' TDI engine in it. They made literally millions of this 1.9L engine and it gets BETTER MPG than the newer ones. That engine is good for about 500,000 miles if the proper oil has been changed regularly.

If you don't mind the older MK3 versions, the 1996-1997 Passat TDI's are the granddaddy of them all, they were still made in Wolfsburg, Germany and not in Mexico...read more here: http://www.fritzgerman.com/NiceCars/79-tdi-articles

96 passat TDI 275K on mine.  40 city and 45 HWY manual transmission.

2012 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen: 19,842 miles

Pretty much in a class of its own, the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen is a great alternative to a variety of vehicles, thanks to its versatility and diesel engine.

 19,842 miles

40+mpg

Manual transmission

Diesel Fuel

Vehicle is in Quincy, MA

Asking: $20,000 obo

Email sean.VWDiesel@gmail.com

“Wonderful car! This wonderful car has it all: great braking, comfortable seats in front, great handling, adequate power, smooth shifting, great fuel economy. This car is fun to drive, it accommodates my leadfoot with great fuel economy (usually 41 with mixed city hwy with air conditioning, wife: 44.) I don't feel bad about cruising the speed I want to drive because I'm not putting that much fuel in it. We have 3 dogs, and with luggage is fairly comfortable for long trips (210 miles to my folks.) The exterior design has grown on me. The back folds down into a smooth platform which the dogs love, and I carry supplies to my country home with ease. I love it!! 10,000 miles on it so far.”

Source: Edmunds.com

#WEBAUTOSALES #VW #TDI #DIESEL

TDI Diesel Cars: Pros and Cons of Turbocharged Direct Injection

The Direct Injection Engine was considered to be the savior of diesel, and there has been a growing market for TDI diesel cars. These cars are perhaps the most interesting in their creation, as they attempt to get the benefits of a gasoline engine, including fuel efficiency and engine power, without sacrificing the low cost fuel and environmental importance of diesel. The TDI is important to car makers as it offers them the chance to produce a car which does not lack for performance power. However, as with any other environmental technology, there are many pros and cons to producing and using TDI diesel cars.

Advantages to the TDI
Unlike other forms of diesel engine, the TDI offers a lot of boost to the engine. This helps it to reflect the speed and rapid gear changes of a gasoline car, although diesel will still hold in the same gear for a while. There have been more improvements in the TDI recently, with the invention of an exhaust gas recirculation unit, which attempts to reduce the pollution produced by gasoline still further. The installation of catalytic converters also helps to reduce even the small amount of CO2 which the ordinary diesel car produces. There are significant reasons for purchasing a diesel car, including the fact that TDI diesel car fuel is often lower in price than gasoline, and that most diesel cars now offer a better engine performance than the closest gasoline engines.

Disadvantages to TDI
For all their advantages, there are still problems with the diesel engine system. The most significant one for the average consumer is their cost. TDI engines take more time, and cost more money, than the regular gasoline engine. This financial penalty is, of course, passed directly to the consumer. Some experts have suggested that the diesel TDI engine can cost as much as 5 percent more to create and install than a gas engine of the same type, or several hundred dollars for each car. Diesel also produces a pollutant called nitrous oxide, or NOx, and there are larger particles of soot produced by the engine. Designers have been working to reduce these affects, so they should be eliminated from the TDI in the near future. Another problem, which is perhaps a minor one but has been mentioned by many diesel cars' TDI review pieces in magazines, is the noise from the engine. Diesel is more noisy, and also a less comfortable ride than the gasoline engine, although as TDI improves this is perhaps something which can be handled.

TDI for Diesel
TDI for diesel cars has helped those vehicles to become the close rivals of gasoline powered cars, but they have not come without cost, which is chiefly centered around how much the customer is prepared to pay for his vehicle. With TDI cars costing more than their gasoline counterparts, they are still only bought by those with a real commitment to the environment, or who want to save money by converting the car to biodiesel fuel.

Top Selling TDI Diesel Cars: A Comparison Guide
Turbo engined diesel cars, also known as TDI diesel cars, are perhaps one of the most familiar of the vehicles which currently use diesel instead of gasoline. As environmental awareness increases among the consumer population, car makers are looking increasingly at making their cars tougher, more hard-wearing and enduring. The TDI uses gas to ignite the diesel, rather than the spark which has to be used in a gasoline car, and this also makes it more efficient. As TDI becomes more familiar, you can expect them to take over the sales of gasoline engined cars. Even now, there are many cars which can be considered to be top sellers.

• Volkswagen Jetta TDI: Perhaps the most familiar of the TDI cars is the VW Jetta TDI. These cars, including the sports utility vehicle known as the Jetta Sportswagen TDI, all have a good fuel efficiency from their 2.0 engine. This car came out on top of a survey which calculated how much diesel cars saved over 5 years compared to their gasoline relatives, with savings of as much as $6,000 over this 5 year period, or around 70,000 miles. This helps to recoup some of the costs which diesel cars include in their original price
• Volkswagen Golf Turbo: Talking about the most fuel efficient cars in America, the conversation has to include the VW Golf. The 2.0L turbo powered engine will reach up to 47 MPG and thanks to the glow plugs in the engine block, colder weather is not an issue anymore with the diesel engines. The Golf, renamed the Rabbit in the U.S. has a similar package than the Jetta TDI, but in a smaller compact version. Customers have given the Golf very high reviews in stating that even though the car is smaller than a sedan, there is still room to move in it 

FAQ

Is Diesel Fuel Injection Service More Expensive than with Gasoline Engines?

Do Diesel Fuel Injection Systems Run More Efficiently than Gas Powered Cars?

Are Diesel Fuel Injection Parts for Repairs Expensive?

Source: http://www.carsdirect.com/car-buying/tdi-diesel-cars-pros-and-cons-of-turbocharged-direct-injection

#TDI #DIESEL #VM #WEBAUTOSALES

1998 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

When James Hutto purchased his 1998 VW Jetta TDI a few years ago it was with the sole purpose of driving to and from work and to shuttle the kids around. But after he rebuilt the motor and decided to add some power adders, the slippery slope to a full custom build was shortly underway.

His plan for adequate power was fulfilled with a K03/04 hybrid turbo upgrade from Kerma TDI, which was complimented by an HKS FMIC and other essential big-turbo parts.

James soon had his 300,000-mile road warrior ready for anything the highway could throw at him.

Once performance was under control, James quickly turned to making the car look as good as it does today. While many hunt for rare parts on eBay, forums or craigslist, James turned to a local fabricating genius to dream up ideas from scratch. Take, for example, the front-end of this '98. If you're a true VAG enthusiasts you'll notice something slightly off about the Mk3. That's because the fascia is from a Mk2. The same goes for the headlights and JOM badge-less three-bar grille.

If you really know your VW stuff, you might have asked yourself, "How did they get the grille to look crowned rather than flat?". That's where James' friend comes in, Jeremiah Watts. He managed to modify the single-light grille to create the crown to match the contours of the Mk3 front-end.

The job took time and diligence, because after seeing other attempts on the show scene James knew if he was going to commit to the mod, he had to commit all the way. After all, he wouldn't dare be seen at the daycare drop-off with a hacked front-end. His son had a reputation to keep...

Finishing the exterior with shaved bumpers covered in Camo Tan matte finish, which should be noted was being "finished" two weeks before SoWo.

Stance was provided by Air Lift suspension and its V2 management system. Tucking a set of 17x8" fifteen52 polished Tarmac wheels isn't as easy as most would think. So James had the rear fenders flared slightly.

Up front, he notched the frame to get it as low as you see today. Nankang Ultra Sport tires (185/35) ensure there's separation between the road and his special wheels.

When it comes to outfitting an interior, many go with new seats and a good steam-cleaning. Sure, you can add extra gauges, a set of shiny pedals and a new shift knob, but that's child's play compared to James' vision.

After swapping in a set of Mk4 GTI seats and Mk3 GTI dash, he had the entire, and we mean entire, interior covered in basketball orange leather with white top-stitching.

The precision that Love's Trim Shop (Locust Grove, GA) executed on James' Jetta is remarkable, to say the least. It's as if the hands of trained Rolls-Royce craftsman had been mentoring these guys for decades.

The unique quilted seat inserts, 45° angled headrests and even the false floor in the trunk all received the same level of attention. In fact, it earned James the much-deserved Best Interior award at SoWo 2013.

When faced with mundane daily tasks, it's a wonder more people don't travel the road James went with his Jetta TDI. Sure, tuned cars can become less practical, but wouldn't everybody enjoy the day more when dropping your four year-old off at daycare and hear him say, "Daddy, I want to hit the button!"

When you hear the release of air from the suspension lines, and your kid light up before running off to school, we're sure everybody's day just got a little better. And if James' son is any indication, the hobby is alive and well.

Read more: http://www.eurotuner.com/featuredvehicles/1306_1998_volkswagen_jetta_tdi/#ixzz2ybhRN4SP

2011 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan TDI (6-Speed Manual)

2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI in Candy White! One Owner, Clean CarFax!

72K Miles

$16,700

Rare 6-Speed Manual Transmission!

42+MPG!

Fully loaded

Volkswagen Certified Pre-Owned

Located in Maine  Contact sean.vwdiesel@gmail.com

Considering a VW TDI 1996-1999 – Must read Buyers

Timing belt replacement interval: 60,000 mile replacement - this must be serviced immediately if there is no recent record of changing it. If this part fails, the cylinder head will be damaged and in severe cases you will need a new engine. This is because the TDI is an interference engine. If the timing belt or timing belt roller/tensioner fails, the valves will hit the pistons and cause damage. Mk4 cars can use a long life timing belt, the Mk3 must stick to the 60,000 mile maximum replacement interval. See 1000q: timing belt removal or check for more details.

Note - if you just purchased this car, many sellers will have the timing belt changed to add value to the car. Many don't know how to properly index the tight tolerances that a diesel engine needs or the procedures for replacing the timing belt on a TDI or have a mechanic who is used to gasoline cars and then does the work on a TDI engine. At least remove the timing belt cover and inspect the parts to see if they look new as some sellers will outright lie or be lied to by a 3rd party. If you have any doubt about the timing belt, have it changed as soon as possible not as soon as practical!

Engine oil change: 10,000 mile change w/filter if you are using synthetic diesel engine oil. See 1000q: diesel engine oil for a list of oils you can use in this TDI. Note that it is normal for the oil to be black, even when new. It is also normal for the engine to consume a little oil between engine oil changes. See the engine oil list for more details.

Plastic belly splash shield present? - While you are under the hood, see if the plastic belly pan is there. It's a black plastic splash shield with sound absorbing squares in it. It keeps water and dirt off the bottom of the engine and belts, reduces sound, and improves aerodynamics. If you can see the ground through the engine bay, it's not there - replacement is suggested.

Diesel fuel filter change: 10,000 mile drain water, 20,000 mile replacement. If you plan on using high percentages of biodiesel, you should change it as soon as practical because biodiesel can loosen up deposits. See 1000q: fuel filter change for more details. See 1000q: intro to biodiesel for more info on biodiesel.

Odometers reset back to 0 at 300,000 so if the car shows unusually low mileage it's possible that the odometer has flipped over.

Apply the parking brake when parking! It's good practice with any car but it is important on VWs because this sets the rear caliper self adjusters. It's best to apply the brake before going into park (auto trans) or first/reverse gear (manual trans) to put stress on the brake instead of the transmission internals.

It's common for the valve cover or EGR to seep oil. None of these will affect engine function but it can cause smoke and a big oily mess. The valve cover seal can be easily replaced but the EGR is part of the intake manifold and has to be replaced as one piece.

Brake and clutch fluid should be changed every 2 years with DOT 4 fluid. See 1000q: brake / clutch fluid flush for some tips. The article is for a later car but it's the same thing. See the maintenance schedule in the links at the top.

If the shifter is difficult getting into 1st gear, it may be because of a worn shifter linkage or it may need a simple adjustment. See 1000q: shifter adjustment for details.

Source: http://www.myturbodiesel.com/wiki/mk3-vw-jetta-tdi-1996-1999-and-passat-tdi-1996-1997-buying-checklist/

Volkswagen Golf Tdi: Best Car I Ever Owned

Some people who know me would call me picky when it comes to cars. I have been through more than a few cars in my time. When I was little, I helped my Dad work on the many cars that went through his hands. He was a "fixer" - he bought broken down cars, fixed them and sold them only to turn around and get another project. In some ways his habits rubbed off on me, but when it comes to cars I am a fanatic about having a steady, reliable car.

I went through several cars before I finally found "the one". Have you ever owned a car you love so much that you started mourning the day it will inevitably die? Nine years ago I started looking for a car because the one I had was driving me crazy. It was boring. It had NO get up and go. It had no personality. It didn't drive well. It was loud. It had nothing to make up for all of these things it lacked. I had only had it for a year, so I knew I had to do a better job researching and testing my next car. It didn't make sense financially to keep buying cars only to need to get rid of them for one crazy reason or another.

It was with much trepidation that I decided to move outside my comfort zone of what I considered reliable - Honda and Toyota. After reading about the incredible fuel economy of the Volkswagen Tdi diesel engine, I decided to give one a try. I took my friend and my son with me to help me maintain a level head. There were only a few VW's on the lot with the diesel engine. I wanted to test both an automatic and manual transmission. The salesman took us out in a "slug" bug with an automatic transmission first. The New Beetle had just been introduced and I really liked the look.

Diesel cars have a pretty bad reputation for being slow, loud and dirty. The Beetle, however, had an incredible amount of get up and go. I actually made the tires squeal a bit - which is quite difficult in an automatic, front wheel drive vehicle. The car drove well. It was so quiet I couldn't even hear it. I was impressed with the comfort of the seats and the amount of room in the back seat. My still growing teenage son had plenty of room. The upgraded stereo sounded terrific!

Next, we took out a Golf with a manual transmission. Some of us remember the Golf being called the Rabbit way back when. As soon as I got in and started driving I knew this was THE car. I liked the Beetle with the automatic transmission, but I LOVED the Golf I was driving. It was so much fun to zip from gear to gear. I was slightly worried that the car might not have enough get up and go in the hills where I lived. But the salesman took us to a road where we could test out the torque to horsepower ratio, also known as "get up and go". One of my chief complaints with my previous car was that there was no uphill power. I couldn't pass in the few passing lanes available in my area.

Fast forward nine years, and 130,000 miles. At first I worried about reliability. I had the preconceived notion that VW was not as reliable. I can happily report that I have had ZERO problems with my Golf Tdi.. I have done routine maintenance and changed the oil per the owner's manual. After 8 years I replaced the original battery. I found some great tires that work well on the car, and got 80,000 miles out of one set! I'm thinking about changing the brakes for the first time.

I love that the car is reliable, but there has been an unexpected side that is incredibly satisfying. I can literally pass another car going uphill in 5th gear. This little 90hp car has so much acceleration power. On top of that, it holds the road like no other car I have ever driven. Volkswagen used the term "fahrvergnugen" commercials several years ago, and I totally understand the concept of "fun to drive" after driving this car. It handles so well that I look forward to the several switchback turns that take me to the nearest town.

Did I mention that I have averaged 45 mpg over all these miles? Sometimes I have gotten as "low" as 42 mpg, usually in the dead of winter. My area uses oxygenated fuel during the winter. I have gotten as high as 50 on an uninterrupted freeway trip. Many folks who frequent the various Tdi enthusiast forums report even higher mileage, but I like the comfort of running the cold air conditioning while I drive.

I can honestly say this Volkswagen Golf Tdi has been the most fun to drive, most reliable and most comfortable car I have ever owned. My darling son has been trying to pry the key from my grip for a few years now. Some days I get in and feel a little sad for the day that I will have to get rid of it.The only thing I would even remotely think about changing is the cup holder.

Source: http://voices.yahoo.com/volkswagen-golf-tdi-best-car-ever-owned-10739527.html

2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 2.0 - Direct from California !

Not a Diesel, but pretty sweet ride/deal
Here in New England, we all love a rust free California car…
126,000 miles
Gasoline
5 Speed Manual
$5,000 OBO
This Jetta is located in Foxboro

Email: Sean.VWDiesel@gmail.com

Conversation: Best year for VW TDI (Diesel)

If you are looking for inexpensive way in to TDI-ownership... Pre-2005 has the 'original' TDI engine in it. They made literally millions of this 1.9L engine and it gets BETTER MPG than the newer ones. That engine is good for about 500,000 miles if the proper oil has been changed regularly.

After that, there was a few years of the Pumpe-Duse engine... The camshaft has 4 additional lobes to drive high-pressure fuel pumps for each cylinder. STAY AWAY from that one. It requires a very special oil and the camshaft still may disenagrate.

A manual xmission is the only way to acheive 55+ MPG. Automatics are too inefficent and waste engine-power.

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Do NOT buy a 2009....just passed 80k on mine...loved it up to this point. The DPF(diesel particulate filter) and catalytic converter have to be replaced. $4000.00 that's right THOUSAND. I called VW customer service and was told they are only required (federally) to cover those parts 8yrs or 80k(Iwas at 80,800) but they would send me a service voucher for $250...Thanks....same week I spent 450.00 for a door latch...and 750.00 for new glow plugs...as a side note I never missed a regular servicing and 75% of milage is highway.......also timing belt is a scheduled change @ 90k($1200-$1400 qoute by dealer) so much for saving money with a TDI! BE CAREFUL

Source:

http://forums.edmunds.com/

Market misfit: poor man’s Porsche or an overpriced VW?

Everything that’s good, bad, wonderful and sad about Volkswagen is right there in the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg sport-utility vehicle.

THE GOOD: It starts with the 3.0-litre turbodiesel, all 405 lb-ft of stump-pulling torque of it. Strong, powerful, quiet and as clean as a diesel gets, it features fuel economy that’s better than the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel V-6 and Mercedes-Benz’s ML350 BlueTEC diesel.
True, both the Jeep and the Merc have slightly more power, but not enough to notice. And in terms of refinement, VW’s diesel is extremely good.

The Touareg is also a refined rig. This shouldn’t surprise anyone. It’s the product of a joint development arrangement with Porsche (Cayenne) and Audi (Q7). The cabin is refined, the ride quality is smooth, the eight-speed automatic gearbox shifts with a seamless precision that feels luxurious and the chassis is robust enough to tow 3,500 kilograms.

Inside, the materials look and feel expensive. The graining of the plastics would be at home in any upmarket SUV. The infotainment system is easy to manage and the gauge cluster has big readouts, offering all manner of data, instantly accessible without reading glasses.

Seats? Comfortable and thickly padded. Room? Lots of it for you and your cargo.

THE BAD: The Touareg is not a Top Safety Pick of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Among mainstream SUVs of similar size, the 2014 Toyota Highlander is. So are 2014 versions of the Acura MDX, Merc’s M and even Volvo’s XC90, all classified as “luxury rigs.”

True, the Cayenne and Q7 are not Top Safety Picks, either, so it’s no surprise to see the Touareg fall short in IIHS testing. And the margin of failure is small. The Touareg rates “Good” in all crash tests, just not good enough over all.

The biggest issue with the Touareg is that it’s too much money for an SUV from a mainstream brand. The least expensive Touareg lists for nearly $51,000 and my test rig listed for $66,560 with freight and options. A loaded Highlander, which is wonderfully reliable and safe, tops out at about $45,000 for the Limited model.

VW will argue its Touareg is so complete and delightful that it’s worth every penny, that it’s a match not for a run-of-the-mill Toyota, but instead a Mercedes and a super-ritzy Jeep Grand Cherokee. VW will argue, off the record, that the Touareg is the poor man’s Porsche, not an overpriced VW.

Maybe. But this goes to the heart of the problems VW suffers in North America. In a nutshell, VW has an inflated sense of its own brand. North American consumers do not see VW as the near-premium brand that VW itself envisions.

But don’t believe me. Listen to what Michael Horn says. He’s the German executive tasked with reviving Volkswagen Group’s fortunes in the United States. He’s new to the job and to his credit, he’s been clear about VW’s problems in the U.S. and Canada. That is, VW’s bosses at company headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany, need to change their mindset.

“We need to push more. Not here, but in Wolfsburg,” Horn recently told Reuters. “It’s about how to translate the American market in Wolfsburg. They need to listen to the market, the competitive situation.”

Exactly. The Touareg is not a mainstream SUV, but VW is a mainstream brand. And, if you believe Consumer Reports’ latest Brand Report Card, not a particularly well-regarded one. VW ranked 17th out of 23 brands in that study – below Toyota, Honda, Subaru and Mazda. Chrysler, Kia and Hyundai, too.

In Wolfsburg, the bosses think the VW brand is superior to Toyota, Kia and their ilk. But in North America, CR brand ratings suggest that VW is not making the best all-around vehicles. Indeed, in quality studies, the Touareg ranks below average.

So yes, the Touareg is everything that is good and bad about VW.

Tech Specs

2014 Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 TDI Highline

Type: Mid-size sport-utility vehicle

Price: $64,950

Gas engine: 3.0-litre V-6 turbodiesel

Output (horsepower/torque): 240/406 lb-ft

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic

Drive: All-wheel drive

Fuel economy (litres/100 km): 10.8 city/6.7 highway, using diesel fuel

Alternatives (diesel): 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel, Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTEC

Source: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/new-cars/new-car-reviews/market-misfit-poor-mans-porsche-or-an-overpriced-vw/article17707144/