Considering 2009 TDI. Want Honest Owners Opinions

Hi All. I'm seriously considering a 2009 Jetta TDI SportWagen. However, I previously owned a VW that gave me a lot of problems. I have to admit I'm a little hesitant to buy another VW, but I am attracted to what I've read about the SportWagen's combination of economy, practicality and performance.

If you own a 2002-2008 TDI model of any kind, I want your honest opinions and experiences. Don't sugar-coat it or be a rah-rah VW fan-boy/girl. Whether the problems are directly engine-related or not, I want to hear it all. The problems I had on my '00 GTI were both engine and non-engine related.  

hummmm i was also looking to get a jetta with the 2.0L TDI and a six speed man. i hear that they are projected to get somewhere between 50-60 hwy mgs??? is that right?  

Hey bigorange! Yeah, they're supposed to get really good economy. Although I think those initial estimates might have been in imperial (British) miles per gallon, but that still means 40-ish city and 50-ish highway. Still darn good, and a heck of a lot more fun-to-drive than a Prius!  

We have ordered the 2009 TDI but I'm concerned that the 50-60 mpg is diminished because of the higher cost of diesel fuel.  I't $4.16 to $4.26/gal in Roanoke area, which is about $1./gal higher than gas purchased at Sams Club.  Maybe we should reconsider.  

DieselUSER:
We have ordered the 2009 TDI but I'm concerned that the 50-60 mpg is diminished because of the higher cost of diesel fuel.  I't $4.16 to $4.26/gal in Roanoke area, which is about $1./gal higher than gas purchased at Sams Club.  Maybe we should reconsider.

No, I still think it's a smart move from an economy standpoint. My concern was the reliability experience with TDIs. Besides, I just saw a story today where oil prices (by the barrel) were FINALLY going down. So we may be getting some relief after all (we can only hope!)  

i dont think those estimates were in british measures, i think they were english, but anywho anyone heard of the final release date? i thought it was october something? but idk  

bigorange, last time I heard, they were supposed to start having demo cars in dealerships around July, and they'd have actual vehicles for sale sometime in the Fall, probably October or November.

On a related note, the EPA figures for the '09 TDI were released today, and they're 30/41 for the manual and 29/40 for the DSG. Still pretty good, but a lot lower than original estimates and predictions. However, I've been cruising some of the other TDI boards, and they're saying generally, these cars get a lot better mileage in real-world driving than the EPA figures. What are your guys' experiences?  

DieselUSER:
We have ordered the 2009 TDI but I'm concerned that the 50-60 mpg is diminished because of the higher cost of diesel fuel.  I't $4.16 to $4.26/gal in Roanoke area, which is about $1./gal higher than gas purchased at Sams Club.  Maybe we should reconsider.

esanchez:
No, I still think it's a smart move from an economy standpoint. My concern was the reliability experience with TDIs. Besides, I just saw a story today where oil prices (by the barrel) were FINALLY going down. So we may be getting some relief after all (we can only hope!)

There is no hope  
Let the good coal roll
I thought I was wrong once but I was mistaken!!!

my mother had a tdi bug for a few years and never had any trouble with that. it rocked fun to drive plenty of power i would buy the jetta if i was shopping for a car. that bug got over 45 consistantly and that was a few years ago it was a standard trans. go for it Sanchez i dont think its a bad way to go! and it's a diesel          
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Well, I figure if I'm going to have any "cred" with you guys, I should probably roll a diesel.    

now you know Sanch.. after we do the turbo and injectors and a few tricks to your TDI you will be rolling in a VWVK  ( Volkswagen Vette Killer )  and you will be hooked for life sporting a BSG banner on your front windshield think of the possibilitys        
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nmlakerat:
now you know Sanch.. after we do the turbo and injectors and a few tricks to your TDI you will be rolling in a VWVK  ( Volkswagen Vette Killer )  and you will be hooked for life sporting a BSG banner on your front windshield think of the possibilitys      

Ha ha! Maybe! I know the TDIs have major tuning potential. Even though the new ones have all that emissions crap (and I live in California,   ) They should be easily capable of 200+ hp and 300+ lb./ft of torque with a few bolt-ons and chip tuning. Probably more if you're willing to be a little adventurous.  

i think it would be a great vehicle. and you workin for DP can do project TDI. all related to performance Mileage etc. maybe even sponsored perf products for you to " test"  
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get an all wheel drive if you can or those front tires will roast due to all the diesel power  
Let the good coal roll
I thought I was wrong once but I was mistaken!!!

bluetech151:
get an all wheel drive if you can or those front tires will roast due to all the diesel power

That's why I can't wait 'til Audi starts bringing over some of their TDIs, 'cause they offer Quattro on almost all their models. Their 3.0L V6 supposedly puts out 224 hp/406 lb./ft factory. A little tweaking, probably close to 300 hp/500 tq.