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Zedbra · 02-22-2014, 05:12 PM

from 99-2003 the motors were a 90hp ALH motor. Lots of DIY people like these motors as there are many options for modding them over 175hp. Most people don't go that high on hp, so there are reasons to consider the 04-05 BEW motor. These were the first Pumpe Duse motors and though you will read about cam issues with the PD motors, it is usually always from BRM the motors from 05.5-08. Those motors it seems to be more of a matter of when the cam lobes flatten versus if they will flatten. Hence, pricing on the newer body styles are lower. Also, the BRM dual mass flywheels are known to explode - most replace with a single mass.

Avoid automatic transmissions from 09-03 - they are called 01M. The triptronic autos from 04-06 are a solid automatic that may need some work after 300k but most have never needed replaced. These are coded as 09A.

Recap:

99.5-05 (06 on the wagon) are called MK4. They made millions of these cars and therefore parts are cheap and DIY write-ups are everywhere.

99.5-03 Jetta, Golf, Jetta Wagon had ALH motors. Easy to work on, fuel pumps can go (costly), and the intake gets clogged (fun to do the redneck clean - google that video). Their automatic transmissions are shite these years. These motors get great mileage.

04-05 Jetta, 04-06 Jetta wagon, 04-06 Beetle had BEW motors. Solid 100hp motor, first year Pumpe Duse motors. With a simple turbo upgrade, 3 bar map, and a tune, you can roll 160hp and 270tq - all while getting 42-46mpg. Makes for a fun DD. Autos are solid these years. The KP39 turbos will eventually blow making a good excuse to upgrade. No need for larger nozzles on these motors unless you are aiming at 200+hp.

05.5-09 are called MK5

05.5-07 were BRM motors - also a Pumpe Duse. Cams will go - just a matter of when. Parts are $1000ish plus labour. Clutch flywheels will eventually disintegrate, most should have been replaced by now. Comfortable care to drive, just needs TLC.

09+ are the newer common rail motors - MK6. I'd avoid these for many reasons, but I've typed enough about the years you are really looking at for now.

VW TDIs are great cars if you pay attention to maintenance. They do require special tools for certain jobs, but they are easy to find and usually relatively cheap. I have owned a MK5 TDI Jetta and now own a MK4 TDI Jetta that I have put 225k on it and plan on putting 250k more on it - it is fun to drive and cheap to maintain.

02-22-2014, 05:12 PM	#20
Zedbra Meet on the Level and Part on the Square Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Squampton Posts: 1,662 Thanked 2,093 Times in 669 Posts Failed 187 Times in 69 Posts	from 99-2003 the motors were a 90hp ALH motor. Lots of DIY people like these motors as there are many options for modding them over 175hp. Most people don't go that high on hp, so there are reasons to consider the 04-05 BEW motor. These were the first Pumpe Duse motors and though you will read about cam issues with the PD motors, it is usually always from BRM the motors from 05.5-08. Those motors it seems to be more of a matter of when the cam lobes flatten versus if they will flatten. Hence, pricing on the newer body styles are lower. Also, the BRM dual mass flywheels are known to explode - most replace with a single mass. Avoid automatic transmissions from 09-03 - they are called 01M. The triptronic autos from 04-06 are a solid automatic that may need some work after 300k but most have never needed replaced. These are coded as 09A. Recap: 99.5-05 (06 on the wagon) are called MK4. They made millions of these cars and therefore parts are cheap and DIY write-ups are everywhere. 99.5-03 Jetta, Golf, Jetta Wagon had ALH motors. Easy to work on, fuel pumps can go (costly), and the intake gets clogged (fun to do the redneck clean - google that video). Their automatic transmissions are shite these years. These motors get great mileage. 04-05 Jetta, 04-06 Jetta wagon, 04-06 Beetle had BEW motors. Solid 100hp motor, first year Pumpe Duse motors. With a simple turbo upgrade, 3 bar map, and a tune, you can roll 160hp and 270tq - all while getting 42-46mpg. Makes for a fun DD. Autos are solid these years. The KP39 turbos will eventually blow making a good excuse to upgrade. No need for larger nozzles on these motors unless you are aiming at 200+hp. 05.5-09 are called MK5 05.5-07 were BRM motors - also a Pumpe Duse. Cams will go - just a matter of when. Parts are $1000ish plus labour. Clutch flywheels will eventually disintegrate, most should have been replaced by now. Comfortable care to drive, just needs TLC. 09+ are the newer common rail motors - MK6. I'd avoid these for many reasons, but I've typed enough about the years you are really looking at for now. VW TDIs are great cars if you pay attention to maintenance. They do require special tools for certain jobs, but they are easy to find and usually relatively cheap. I have owned a MK5 TDI Jetta and now own a MK4 TDI Jetta that I have put 225k on it and plan on putting 250k more on it - it is fun to drive and cheap to maintain.