opinion on TDI?

[slicrick]

I was considering a older golf/jetta with a TDI and a 5 speed, when I am ready to buy a new car. Most likely a 4th generation which are 1999-2005 IIRC



I was wondering if anyone on here knows these things well, any common problems/defects and your opinion on them. I know repairing and maintaining it would cost more than a gas motor because diesel and lol crazy VW designs I'm no mechanic but I could possibly take care of some things myself.

This would be for a DD maybe a few small mods, not "hellaflushing" it or any stance stuff like that.

So tell me is worth putting up with some of VW's odd designs and problems for the TDI or should I just go buy a older econobox till I can afford something a little nicer?

[Sead79]

Hey Slickrick,

Try to find a 2004+ Jetta TDI Sport, they have a newer, more powerful engine and nicer interior finishings.

Sead

[sdubfid]

If I were to get a tdi it would be a 99.5-03 ALH TDI engine. Tons of part availability, lots of write-ups and how tos. Super economy. Stock they are 90hp. Super easy to add power. You can add 40-50hp with a tune and nozzles.

On the alh the most important thing is make sure timing belt has been done recently, and also the egr system FILLS the intake manifold and ports with big chunks of black soot/carbon. I had one engine where it was down to almost 1/2" of airflow and the rest was plugged up. If this carbon stuff breaks off it can hold a valve open and then the rods will bend and the head will be a mess. Just involves taking the intake off and cleaning it.

Unforuntately in north america you have to put up with vws odd designs if you want a small diesel at a reasonable price. Wheel bolts and globe coolant reservoirs non crossflow heads.

[Mr. Chewbacca]

^ what he said. The ALH is super tuneable. I had a friend with an ALH, bigger nozzles, straight pipe, intake, EGR Delete, and a proper tune. It pulled on my MK4 VR6 12v, no problem.