VW Diesels
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From: Nanticoke
VW Diesels
I have the opertunity acquire a 1989 VW jetta for free. It has 179,000 miles on it and comes witht he natural aspirated diesel. Just wondering if anyone has any kind of experiences with these and if its a good car for going to work to save the truck for hauling and what its suppose to do. Any opinions would be appreciated
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Joined: Sep 2005
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If the body of the Jetta is solid i would say it's a good idea. They get extremely good mpg. One of my friends had a 1990 Jetta turbo diesel (90hp). The problems he encountered were mostly bad starters all the time. So often you might want to have one extra in the garage at all times......
Other than that he fried the diesel pump once and needed a new set of
"pre-heaters". -don't know the english term for them....
The engines will last for at least 200 000miles with ease is you just keep up with the oil changes. My friends were around the same mileage the one you are looking at is having, and it didn't eve puff blue.
As far as fuel saving go i only know my friend never got any worse than 0,5Liters per 10Km. That translates to 47miles per gallon.
I have driven both turbo and non turbo versions of the VW diesels and i have to recommend you to get a turbo version, -or at least install one at later time. Otherwise you will rip you hair out from excess boredom and aggravation....they are definetely slower than you want them to be.
But who is in a hurry anyway when you know you have something good waiting in the garage at home!?
I would go for it!
Other than that he fried the diesel pump once and needed a new set of
"pre-heaters". -don't know the english term for them....
The engines will last for at least 200 000miles with ease is you just keep up with the oil changes. My friends were around the same mileage the one you are looking at is having, and it didn't eve puff blue.
As far as fuel saving go i only know my friend never got any worse than 0,5Liters per 10Km. That translates to 47miles per gallon.
I have driven both turbo and non turbo versions of the VW diesels and i have to recommend you to get a turbo version, -or at least install one at later time. Otherwise you will rip you hair out from excess boredom and aggravation....they are definetely slower than you want them to be.
But who is in a hurry anyway when you know you have something good waiting in the garage at home!?
I would go for it!
Last edited by Got Torque?; Sep 13, 2005 at 01:56 PM.
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I think they are not too bad of a little car but extremely gutless. When I was young and in my prime, I used to ride a 10 speed bicycle to work, around 10 miles. There was a steep hill after a sharp turn on the backroad I used to ride on and I once gave a diesel
VW a run for his money up that hill. I missed a shift and he overtook me . It was pretty exciting.
VW a run for his money up that hill. I missed a shift and he overtook me . It was pretty exciting.
If it runs and gets you where you need to go, you're light years ahead of the game.
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Senior User
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From: Nanticoke
I was warned that the injectors and injector pump are known to go up on these and can be quite expensive. Has anyone had to do this before or know of any other common problems? Thank you fo rthe replies
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Atlanta GA
If it runs, then drive it until it dies. Some parts will be horrid to replace because the parts do not exist in junkyards such as shifter parts and tail lamps. I do not see how you can lose with free. The brakes are pretty easy to work on and not that expensive.
I think one of the worse repairs in this car would be fixing the A/C or replacing the heater core if it is anything like a Fox.
Slide under the car and make sure the body seams by the gas tank are intact and covered with the factory seam sealer. If so, I would say the car is worth minor fixing as long as it runs okay.
I think one of the worse repairs in this car would be fixing the A/C or replacing the heater core if it is anything like a Fox.
Slide under the car and make sure the body seams by the gas tank are intact and covered with the factory seam sealer. If so, I would say the car is worth minor fixing as long as it runs okay.
