1997 Volkswagen Jetta TDI review from North America
"Buy this diesel!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Timing belt
timing belt tensioner
starter
partly clogged EGR assembly
2 glow plugs
taillight
one front strut
driver side seat bolster wore out prematurely.
General comments?
Most of the things that have gone wrong actually came under the heading of preventative maintainance.
I replaced both struts and shocks with performance Bilstein components.
Also replaced springs with performance units, this lowered chassis by 2 inches.
These modifications improved handling greatly.
I use Rotella T synthetic 5W40 oil and OEM filters (all German/Austrian made filters meet OEM specs) and change oil every 7500 miles.
This car can take a knockin' and keep on rockin'-car took three hits to the front end (took out grille, and busted out portions of bumper fascia and styrofoam backing) and fascia is still attached!
TDI motor just as quick as 1.8L motor!
Uses 1 quart of oil per 1200 miles.
Fuel economy-40 mpg city/50 mpg highway.
Starts first time, every time.
Recommended reviews
  | Never want to give it up - ever! |
| Not with a ten foot pole, unless you plan to impale it! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.9 turbo diesel Manual |
| Performance marks | 10/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 103000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 154000 miles |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Rabbit |
| Date of Entry | 20th April, 2005 |