JamesBr wrote:
The TDI is proven in europe and used everywhere as a city and non city car. Myths based off the late 80's diesels based on todays are just not the case. A friends 2003 TDI has 210k miles on it now, other then maintinence has had no problems and all those miles are spent in stop and go traffic 35 miles each way from their home.
Workhardplayharder,
Without a doubt, this is the best answer here. If one hasn't owned the TDI VW, any model, then speaking of "Diesels" in terms of in town driving problems and issues is completely unwarranted. I've owned two of the TDI bugs. One was an '03 and one an '04. I sold them for various reasons when I did and both times I was kicking myself for doing it.
BOTH of them never went below 42 mpg, even in town although 95% of my driving for work etc. was combo driving. Don't ever compare the late TDI VW engines to the absolutely worthless Jetta diesel of the 80s. That thing could not get out of its own way.
The available torque in these motors is phenomenal for the engines size. In our area, San Diego County, we have several grades. NOT ONE OF THOSE GRADES has any effect on the HP out put and speed retaining capabilities of those engines. You can put one in 5th gear at the bottom of any of them, with 4 people in the car, air conditioning on, at 55-60 at the bottom of any of those grades and it will not only hold that speed but accelerate if you'd like. They also have phenomenal acceleration. They'll absolutely kill the "yesteryear" Jetta. And, they'll do it while getting considerably better gas mileage due to their latest technology.
Those engines are speculated to achieve close to 400K miles before any form of rebuild is necessary.
The ONLY reason we did not chose one for our latest toad was because VW does not concede them to be flat towed. The Honda CRV is a no brainer for towing and has been that way for years so, that's the one we chose. But, again, those engines, the TDI ones that is, will run "commute" status for as long as you will ever own that car, PERIOD! You certainly don't have to take my word for it, just talk to any of the techs at a VW dealer, not a salesman, they're clueless.
It amazes me that we (American technology) will not take stock in those little engines. They're incredibly dependable, phenomenally quiet compared to yesteryear's small and or mid size vehicles with diesel engines. And one more thing, THEY'RE NOT "STINKY" ANYMORE!!!!! They have converters, just like gas engines do and, they've undergone extensive smog certification compliance.
Again, we'd have purchased one in a heartbeat if, VW had/would allow for flat towing. Even though we just purchased a brand new 2011 CRV, if VW comes out next year with new specs and is flat towable, there's a 98% chance we'll have one in our driveway.
Scott
