not a GM question but id like to know

[c1500]

If anyone noticed i ahvent posted in a while, but its because i bought a new car and my truck has been at home. my question is my parents are wanting to buy a tdi jetta or passat...how reliable are they if anyone knows. i have read reviews but everyone will say something bad about anything so if anyone on here knows it would be greatly appreciated.. thanks

[zeake]

Only Volkswagon dealerships can work on the electronics. From what I have heard. Ask a dealership how much to change an injector and program the computer to that new inj.

[ShagNasty]

They all have their problems but I would say that the TDI's are very reliable as long as the proper maintenence is done on them and the correct oil is used (yes the type of oil makes a big difference in the newer TDI, I've seen cam lobes flattened from using the wrong oil, but that is off the subject). Overall they are good cars but if you are buying a used one then make sure you get someone to check it over first. I know you can pay for 1 hour of labor ($105 at my dealership) and have the car inspected from front to back.

If you have any questions let me know. I've been a VW tech for about 5 years now so my opinion might be slightly biased due to the fact that I only see broken cars all day long, as opposed to the ones that never have any problems. I can honestly tell you that they are overall good cars though. What year were you looking at buying?

[ShagNasty]

Only Volkswagon dealerships can work on the electronics. From what I have heard. Ask a dealership how much to change an injector and program the computer to that new inj.

This is true for some things (ie. programming keys to the immobilizer system) but there is an aftermarket scan tool called VAG-COM that is the equivilant of HPTuners. You can do a lot of stuff with the vag-com and any reputable german auto shop should have that available. So, no the dealership isn't the only place to get them serviced, just on certain things.

[c1500]

well my parents are wanting a decently priced newer passat or jetts tdi and my dad wanted me to find out as much as i could about their reliability issues, but since you a a v-dub mech i know you know your stuff..and it wont be modded in anyway unless there is a way to even improve more on their fuel mileage

[ShagNasty]

Check out this website and forums. You can ask over there and I'm sure you will get some straight answers as to the problems people are having, if any.

Fred's TDI Page. TDIClub.com. VW TDI Enthusiast Community

[txarkitekt]

I am not huge into V-Dubs by any means, but from being around I understand that they are fairly reliable. Just like with any new-age, high-pressure common-rail injection diesel motor, you have to stay on top of maintenance. Shag--you are right, you have to use the factory specified oils (Volkswagen oil specification 505.01) or you WILL ruin the motor. Those TDI's run at about a 19.5:1 compression ratio and the fuel system operates at about 30,000 psi. There are a lot of high pressure components associated with the motor, but with extreme proper maintenance, they can last forever.

[ShagNasty]

Here is an interesting article about the highest mileage diesel found in america.

Highest Mileage Diesel Volkswagen Found