2004 Volkswagen Jetta TDI from North America - Comments

The trunk latch button on the inside of the driver door does not release the trunk lid mechanism. It makes a sound like it is working, but never does. We just use the remote key button to open the trunk.

The engine light comes on randomly for no apparent reason.

VW emblem in center of steering wheel reflects sun glare into eyes as does the passenger side seatbelt chrome when no passenger is using it.

Plastic grille is not very sturdy - It broke when I hit a tumbleweed on the interstate.

We have put 33,000 miles on it in one year without a hitch.

The TDI is difficult to start in cold weather.

Pick-up is excellent.

Braking is excellent.

Handling is excellent.

33,000 miles without a hitch? Did you already forget about the check engine light coming on and off randomly or the trunk lever not working or the VW front grille breaking?

I purchased a 2000 Jetta TDI last week with 115,000. I like the performance and handling and of course I believe I will like the gas mileage. I have read the comments about glove compartment latches and glare and other comments related to concerns about what I consider minor inconveniences. The glove box sounds like it could become annoying, but I have driven a GMC Sonoma for a number of years and I could go on about these same type of problems. Perhaps we should all buy Toyota's and be happy we don't have these annoyances, but then again I thought driving was suppose to be enjoyable. By the way I test drove a Toyota Prius and still bought the TDI.

Just to be clear... gas mileage or mileage in general is used to convey the fuel consumption rate. Whoever it is that feels they have to comment every time somebody uses gas in place of fuel or diesel is just being anal and cares more about correcting someones non-error than providing positive feedback.

Sorry for the rant, but I came here trying to get info on TDI's and I keep having to read these tools freaking out about word useage.

So, did I make a spelling mistake... was there a grammar error...

I came to this site in hopes of obtaining information about the vw jetta. I don't care what the fuel is actually called.

Gas or Diesel. Isn't it the same thing when we say Coke machine and we actually purchase a Pepsi. Someone please let me know about the mechanics and fuel economy of a jetta.

I own a 04 jetta tdi wagon. I have had it exactly 2 years and have put 72,000 KM on it (that is around 43,000 miles). I have not had many problems. The biggest is that the check engine light came on. It was traced to faulty glow plug relay switch. I get excellent mileage (I can get over 600 miles on a full tank of fuel. I would definately buy another one.

It's been 117 000 kilometers so far and I have had no problems with my tdi. My best tank got me 1254.9 kilometers and I could have easily made 1300. Yes if you know how to drive it you can make 60 mpg with it. But again that's only if you know how to drive it. With the tuning box installed I have 140 hp and 260 ft lbs of torque!! 2 years with the car and no problems here. I love my jetta. And 800 miles is possible.

I have a 2004 TDI; at 150,000 miles the troubles started. Turbo replacement, head replacement, MAF sensor, 6 months in in the shop because mechanics couldn't figure out what was wrong with the vehicle, repair bill 5000.00.

At 229,000 the turbo went again, 1968.00. I have no choice but to make the repairs, car is not paid off yet. The car is fun to drive but I dread bringing it to the shop. $$$$$$$

2004 TDI was great for the first 70,000 miles (2 years) but then the fun started. First problem was a leaking exhaust. Then the EGR valve went out. Then the dreaded worn cam at 160K miles (don't lecture me about oil).

Last three years when it has had to go to the dealer for repair it has been at least $1K. This last time with the cam they wanted $6500.

Great mileage (45 mpg), but reliability is not there and parts are overpriced.

I bought the TDI for mileage and to run 300K miles. My Dodge Stratus did 230,000 miles with just regular service. Sorry VW, I won't be buying again.