2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI Wagon from North America - Comments

Nothing.

Excellent fuel economy.

Great low-end torque.

Excellent handling and brakes.

Very high standard of workmanship.

So far only 1000 miles, but no problems to report.

I also have a 2004 TDI wagon and love it, HOWEVER the dealership failed to inform me that the car requires a specific type of oil that is only sold by VW and the cost of an oil change is $100. Just as important is the fact that the use of an unapproved oil may lead to serious damage to the engine and voiding of the warranty. My grievance has to do with the fact that part of the reason I bought the car was for its high fuel efficiency and if I spend $300-400/year on oil changes that negates any fuel savings I may have gained!

The oil change is not $100 - the oil is about $6 a quart - an oil change for my 2004 PD TDI Jetta wagon is about $55 at the dealer. Being that you only need to change the oil every 10,000 miles - that makes it cheaper than a gas engine which needs an oil change approx. every 3000 miles.

You must use a special kind of oil, only sold by VW dealerships (= prepare to pay for it). Furthermore, the TDI being a turbodiesel engine "famous" for its oil consuming habits, you have to top up using this particular oil. Failure to do so, will lead to an even higher oil consumption and (inevitably) lower degree of engine protection.

Don't forget that in a turbo engine, the oil has a far harder job to do (compared to the normally aspirated engines), as it has to cope with extreme temperatures (turbo fan bearings and axis) which lead a normal oil to lose its lubricating properties VERY quickly.

I wouldn't agree that the TDI runs at high temperatures... Diesels certainly do not run hot - just observe how long it takes to heat up in the winter! I've often had my oil changed at the dealer and it won't run over $50-60 Canadian (and that's synthetic oil). Perhaps the dealer is throwing you a line!

I too have a 2004 VW Jetta TDI, and also was shocked at the price of an oil change. I called a dealer and they sold me the oil and filter and drain plug and my husband it going to attemp to change it. They said that as long as I kept the receipt and noted the mileage and date it would not affect my warranty. Just FYI.

I really like this car so far.

2004 tdi jetta

where is the oil drain plug at?

Great and fun to drive, but minor mechanical problems.