06 - 09 Jetta 2.0 TDI questions

[li21]

hi all,

Sorry for starting another Jetta thread, but this time want to concentrate on the Jetta TDI, looking at 2nd hand 2.0 one.
I've been looking at all different VW/Audis and Jetta TDI seems hard to beat..

Some questions I have about the car...

* I've read some rave reviews from the US about a "Clean Diesel" that achieves 40mpg and rivals Prius for greeness and consumption.. Is this the same 2.0TDi we have been getting in Australia since 2006 ?

* Are there any differences between the early 2006 TDis and 2009 ones?
Are they all common rail diesel?

* Does owners have any REAL world city driving consumption figures?
How many kms to a tank ?

* How is the fun factor / handling for corners and spirited driving?
I can see the 320nm of torque being the most fun bit about them but one reason I never considered the Jettas before is I feel Golf would be more fun to drive... in Sportline trim anyway due to the sports suspension.
If you had to compare the ride/handling to another VW... would it be closer to say a Golf comfortline (which is too soft in my opinon)?


* Why is it none of the TDis have fog lights? (not really a question, more of a comment)
How could VW miss this when Golf sportlines and pacifics have them.
Important styling cue in my opinion. Can they be installed as after market?


* And only 16" sotck wheels is a let down, although they do look good.
Are there any issues with going to 17"s or 18"s with tyre pressure meter/ worse performance / consumption / since the car doesnt have very high power output?

* Cost of servicing? Any repair or maintenance issues to steer me away ?

* any other comments in general ?

oh I will only be looking at 6SP manuals as preferred transmission.

Thats all for now

[neil]

I'll answer a few.

You might be referring to the blue motion diesel which is not out here yet and will only be 1.6 TDI approx 4.1 L/100
The only difference between the year models you mention will be a few cosmetic changes + the earlier models
up to about MYO8 do not have the DPF which can be a good thing to stay away from. Do a few searches on here
re: DPF filter.
Again the earlier ones are pumpduse direction compared to the later common rail but no noticeable difference
in fuel economy.
Fog lights were an option on all TDI's approx $400 extra, you can pickup these on ebay for next to nothing if
you just want the look and no actual connection but I think you have to have the top lip colour coded.
Don't think you can get original harness as it is built in if you option it.
Fuel consumption for me is overall average since new 3 years in November 4.8 L/100 but I spend 95% time
driving on Newcastle/Sydney freeway.
Servicing costs for me have been 380 and 440ish for 15000 and 30000.
Only downside for me has been the overall buying and servicing process, the car has never been a problem.

Mine MYO8 DSG TDI no options

[maca]

* Does owners have any REAL world city driving consumption figures?
How many kms to a tank ?

- I get at most 6.4L/100km out of my tank. I always forget to

* How is the fun factor / handling for corners and spirited driving?

- I have had my car lowered, but the stock height is a little boaty around corners. Remember, the car isn't based on performance so a set of $900 springs WILL go a long way.

* Why is it none of the TDis have fog lights? (not really a question, more of a comment)

- You can buy the sets online frim sites as TM Tuning and OEMPLUS.com. But VWA won't retrofit them. They are optional on all models but the new highlines and the TFSI.


* And only 16" sotck wheels is a let down, although they do look good.
Are there any issues with going to 17"s or 18"s with tyre pressure meter/ worse performance / consumption / since the car doesnt have very high power output?

- I started with the stock Atlanta rims, went to 18x8 aftermarket rims and now am back to OEM Denvers. You won't have any problem with any of those issues. Remember though that decent tyres are a must, it's got far more torque than the petrol models.

* any other comments in general ?

- GET IT TUNED! Up to 125kw and 380nm. Something you will not regret.

oh I will only be looking at 6SP manuals as preferred transmission.

- All I can say is drive both. I have the DSG and am thankful. I got given a manual TDI as a loan car and it felt really sluggish, not to mention it's a lot more effort to keep it in the torque range should you be doing some spirited driving.

[wokwn]

hi all,

Some questions I have about the car...

* I've read some rave reviews from the US about a "Clean Diesel" that achieves 40mpg and rivals Prius for greeness and consumption.. Is this the same 2.0TDi we have been getting in Australia since 2006 ?

No idea, probably the one with the DPF is the clean diesel one.

* Are there any differences between the early 2006 TDis and 2009 ones?
Are they all common rail diesel?

Depends on how you define common rail. Technically they all are (just like technically the DSG is an auto box), but up to late 2008 they were Pump Duesse engines (unit injector) which is not the current definition of common rail. The CR engines are a little quieter, a little smoother but it's not a deal killer.

* Does owners have any REAL world city driving consumption figures?
How many kms to a tank ?

MY07 Jetta 2.0 PD BKD engine, I get around 800kms to the tank with my normal city driving with an average of around 6.5. It goes down to low 5's on the freeway at 100, mid 5's at 110 and like 4.2 on the ring road at 80km per hour in the right lane trying to get the idiot in front of me to move left. Doing non-stop highway driving you'll get 1000-1100 km's to the 55l tank no trouble.

Note that the engine doesn't really break in until 50,000k's ish so your economy will start off comparable to an efficient petrol engine and get better from there.

* How is the fun factor / handling for corners and spirited driving?

It's fun with DSG. It's not a sports car however.

I can see the 320nm of torque being the most fun bit about them but one reason I never considered the Jettas before is I feel Golf would be more fun to drive... in Sportline trim anyway due to the sports suspension.

I think the Golf looks like a running shoe and prefer a sedan format. You can upgrade the suspension to your hearts content but I find the default on my car is more than adequate.

If you had to compare the ride/handling to another VW... would it be closer to say a Golf comfortline (which is too soft in my opinon)?

I can only compare to a MKV MY05 GTI which is a bit firmer but not by much.

* Why is it none of the TDis have fog lights? (not really a question, more of a comment)
How could VW miss this when Golf sportlines and pacifics have them.
Important styling cue in my opinion. Can they be installed as after market?

Don't need them, it's foggy where I live maybe 2 days per year and they are illegal at all other times.

After market OEM is easy, you just need the lights and trim ($250ish) and a switch ($70 ish) and some wiring (DIY). After-market non-oem is cheaper but may involve hacks. For me, I'd either upgrade the CECM and install the cornering lights or install the Hella after market cornering lights (kit is around $700 US for lights, trim, controller and all wiring)

* And only 16" sotck wheels is a let down, although they do look good.
Are there any issues with going to 17"s or 18"s with tyre pressure meter/ worse performance / consumption / since the car doesnt have very high power output?

Yes, bigger wheels and tyres are almost always less fuel efficient, noisier and worse in the mud. Power output will not be a problem with the 2.0TDI as you get a huge lump of torque at 1750RPM that you could use to plow the lower 40. Chip it for more fun and wider torque. I did the Superchips and haven't looked back.

* Cost of servicing? Any repair or maintenance issues to steer me away ?

I go to the dealer as I have my extended warranty with them. They are expensive compared to a GM or Ford car for example, but I've never had any complaints with what they do. I just get a little antsy with them when they try to sell me bogus **** like air con sanitisation or intake de-carbonisation. Have had two warranty claims (diverter valvle and door module) and both were trouble-free.

* any other comments in general ?

Solid unassuming car thats a great freeway cruiser. Has interior rattles but those are traditional with VWs.

oh I will only be looking at 6SP manuals as preferred transmission.

Up to you... I love my DSG and don't have to compensate for a small **** by driving a 'mans car'.

[li21]

Thanks for the detailed responses guys. Been real helpful.

I guess i'll be looking at around 2006-07 to avoid the DPF models.

The ones I have read about and see on yourtube appear to be just a regular 2.0 TDI.. but they call it "Clean Diesel" over in the US.
Not sure if thats a marketing thing..?

I know DSG is the future of trasnmissions.. but I really need a clutch to enjoy driving
90% of Jettas out there are all DSG so its going to be tough to find a manual, let alone test drive one
Search continues

[maca]

Thanks for the detailed responses guys. Been real helpful.

I guess i'll be looking at around 2006-07 to avoid the DPF models.

The ones I have read about and see on yourtube appear to be just a regular 2.0 TDI.. but they call it "Clean Diesel" over in the US.
Not sure if thats a marketing thing..?

I know DSG is the future of trasnmissions.. but I really need a clutch to enjoy driving
90% of Jettas out there are all DSG so its going to be tough to find a manual, let alone test drive one
Search continues

DSG might be the future of transmissions, but I think it comes down to whether you want an "automatic" or "manual" drive. Disregard the fancy technologies the DSG incorporates and don't let that sway you away from what you really want. I wanted an auto so I had no choice but the DSG, but in saying that, I miss having a clutch all the time (to the point where I drive my dad's Kangoo just to relive the experience ).

[Von Richthofen]

I have an 07 (No DPF) TDI manual (Bluefin tuned) with the following factory fitted options from new:

Fog Lights,
Leather seats,
Alarm,
Towbar,
Rubber Floor mats,
Boot liner & lip protection.

After market: Door sill protectors, Tint & Blue tooth.

Love driving it..... The manual is a buzz (as mentioned elsewhere a bit sluggish mainly in 1st but once underway brilliant.)

Averages 5.7 l/100km overall (currently 74,000km) Regularly gets 4.7 l / 100km when driven at 80km/h.

Not for sale...... yet. Waiting to see what the mark VI model looks like when it comes out.

[li21]

Looks the good Von Richthofen!!
I must say those stock 16"s look like 17"s

Does the TDI engine take a long time to warm up? I do alot of short trips, like just 5 mins down the road and back
Are short trips going to hard life or consumption of a TDI?

Is there a way I can identify the non DPF models to be sure?

Getting ahead of myself.. but how much are Bluefin and other sorts of tunes/remaps?
Are they all safe ? What soft of improvements in acceleration do they make ? 0-100km ?

cheers

[neil]

Talking about the smart diesel above and I mentioned the blue motion in my response,

It might be worth investigating when Australia gets the new blue motions diesels.
Going from the last VWA magazine it seems the blue motion will apply to all diesels.

It states the Passat will be capable of traveling 1600km on one tank of fuel.
It has the stop start feature when at lights or in traffic , braking system to generate current for the battery
and I suspect the new 14 % fuel saving alternators, which only works when your foot if off the accelerator.

[Lams]

My brother has a 06 TDI, and my inlaws have a 06 and a 09

Make sure you check that the aircon blows cold air instantly. aircon faults particularly the compressor are common and expensive to repair.

The '06 Jettas we have had some cold starting issues, still sorting them out...

but overall, very good cars, good performance when demanded, and they're nice and classy but not snobby.
I put my brother's on GTI springs and struts, and 17" with 235 tyres and it drives and corners great. I like the 6th gear too (as my caddy is a 5speeder)

The car's sturdy too, my wife was driving when a friend rear ended it with a Falcon. The falcon was written off, the Jetta needed a new bumper and a bit of paint. Great cars!

[wokwn]

Does the TDI engine take a long time to warm up? I do alot of short trips, like just 5 mins down the road and back
Are short trips going to hard life or consumption of a TDI?

Yes it takes quite a while to warm up. There is an electric boost heater in the water path (called 'coolant glow plugs') that help a bit but you won't get warm air in 5 mins unless you drive on the freeway. North america and canada got a 1kW electric heater but we didn't get that here.

Short trips are hard on a diesel. It doesn't get efficient until it warms up (due to all the emissions control crap). As long as every week or so you do a decent trip to burn all the crap out of the engine, short trips won't make a huge difference to engine longevity but you won't get as much efficiency benefit from the diesel compared to a petrol. Also note that you need to thrash it occasionally to stop the turbo variable vanes from getting carboned up. If you have a DPF all short trips is out as it will never regenerate.

Is there a way I can identify the non DPF models to be sure?

Sure, look at one of the web part list decoders like www.oilshop.ro which can show you which 3 digit codes are for the DPF. You can then look on the sticker in the spare wheel well in the boot which shows all the 3 digit codes.

Getting ahead of myself.. but how much are Bluefin and other sorts of tunes/remaps?

Are they all safe ? What soft of improvements in acceleration do they make ? 0-100km ?

Bluefin is around 800$ depending on what specials are on offer. They are, in my experience safe, although it depends on how much of a douche your VW dealer is with regards to warranty claims. Regarding improvements in acceleration, who cares. How often do your short trips involve 0-100km/hr dashes? Check the web sites, they usually give before/after torque curves.

[Bizi]

Hi, I have a MY07 and love it.
17s are easy as a wheel/tyre upgrade.
I'm not going to get a tune etc for mine. It gets 5.9L/100km and great mileage per tank - often driven very hard.

PM me for more details.

My advice would be to get one still in warranty and get the VW Factory warranty extension. Mentioned in this forum; some dealers like our contact here at Southern Classic, Wollongong, will sell it below RRP. Peace of mind considerning the cost of replacing the DSG gearboxes.

[li21]

Wokwn.. when you say it takes long to heat up.. are we just talking about the fan ?
What if I have the AC turned on max heat? Will that will warm up the car on a cold winters day quickly?

Also my short trips are to pickup and drop off mrs from the station.. thats about 1km away, 5 -10 mins round trip including waiting time. Too short?
Work is about 15 mins drive, 7kms away, but i take the "scenic" route cos i like my driving and cornering..

Bizi - Im wanting a manual not only to avoid cost of DSG servicem but because i love clutch/shifter action and blipping the throttle as i drive.
Looking at a Diesel's narrow torque band.. im guessing no one blips / heeltoes on these cars?

AND DAMN its hard to fine a Manual TDI!!
On car sales theres like 3 in sydney, none close to me, all not the color I want.. i gues thats the pain with buying used
Looks like theres nothing to check out this weekend.

[Bizi]

btw, Jettas only come with DSG; if you want a manual, you will need to get a Golf, AFAIK; at least for Australian models.

OOPS! I meant the TFSI only came in DSG; yes, as you have seen, there are a few TDI manual Jettas on the market. There was a black one with tan leather and manual.

Listings: http://www.carsales.com.au/used/volkswagen/jetta/tdi/

[BeigeJet]

Wokwn.. when you say it takes long to heat up.. are we just talking about the fan ?
What if I have the AC turned on max heat? Will that will warm up the car on a cold winters day quickly?

Also my short trips are to pickup and drop off mrs from the station.. thats about 1km away, 5 -10 mins round trip including waiting time. Too short?
Work is about 15 mins drive, 7kms away, but i take the "scenic" route cos i like my driving and cornering..

.

li21,

Yes far too short in my humble opinion. I have manual and it takes a good 15 to 20 min for mine to get to full operating temp on the gauge on these cold winter mornings here in Melb. I leave home about 6.45am every morning and it takes a good 10km along a 80kmh road to get to temp.
The aircon fan will warm you up in about 5 min but engine takes longer! BTW my long term ave after 98,000km is 5.99L/100km that includes 75% city ave 6.32 and the 25% highway ave of 5.13L/100km. All with Caltex diesel.

Good luck car hunting,

Cheers,

Neil