Just about to switch... need some advise!

[en13]

Hi all :)

I'm just about to switch to a Diesel (either Polo of Golf) but I'm wondering if I could get a better idea of how it feels like to be driving a diesel. My understanding of it is that it's more economical, it has a bit less power (which isn't an issue for me).. and if anything goes wrong, it's very very pricey.

What has been your experience with diesel? Everyone seems to sing praises of it but I'd really like to know if there's a flipside that is 'unspeakable'.... :confused:

I'm almost ready to get my new diesel car... the contenders for the moment are- Polo, Golf and Astra (don't kill me). Of course I'd like to stay in the VW family, seeing as my Golf 1994 GL has served me well but at the moment, it's just about budget!

So hit me back with any input you have, I'm really quite new to this so I hope I'm not doing anything wrong! :oops:

[EL Burito]

well the Astra is a little povo spec but its a good drive with the sports mode on

the auto is also a waste of time chews same fuel as the petrol models

[en13]

Thanks El Burito!

I just read another thread about switching to Diesel.. but I'm still interested in servicing costs and whether anyone has had to change any parts... is it going to be a constant source of worry?

I've had to change tube by tube, every single bit of my Golf.. so once bitten twice shy, ain't doing that again! I'm not a carhead and don't have a clue what goes on underneath that thing.. I just want o get from A to B safe.. and fast :)

Any thoughts on Polo vs. Golf for Diesel?
How about 2nd hand diesels? Is there a greater risk involved when purchasing a 2nd hand diesel?

[BeigeJet]

Hi all :)

I'm just about to switch to a Diesel (either Polo of Golf) but I'm wondering if I could get a better idea of how it feels like to be driving a diesel. My understanding of it is that it's more economical, it has a bit less power (which isn't an issue for me).. and if anything goes wrong, it's very very pricey.

What has been your experience with diesel? Everyone seems to sing praises of it but I'd really like to know if there's a flipside that is 'unspeakable'.... :confused::

en13,

I was a little hesitant about going to diesel but after taking delivery of my Jetta TDI manual and looking back I wish I had made the switch earlier. To give a quick comparo the Jetta (103kw/320nm) is noticably quicker than our V6 Camry (145kw/284nm) point to point. And uses half the fuel to boot!

I've 29,000km on the Jetta now and ave about 6.1 l per 100k around town. Gets down to 4.6 on a long interstae trip. 1st service was $275 @ 15,000k.

I suspect that diesel servicing and repairs is really no different to petrol in the long run when you consider fuel usage, wear and tear etc. This is provided that you maintain to vehicle correctly and have it serviced at the prescribed intervals. This applies to any car, petrol or diesel.

IMHO just go for it!

[jets]

I have switched all my cars to diesel, 4 registered & 1 vehicle used as farm vehicle.
Downside is when refueling, if previous customers have not been carefull you are stepping in diesel & bring it back onto your carpets. 2 The injection system used by VW [unit injector] requires a special oil that is expensive & not readily available. 3 I would worry about buying used unless you are convinced PO always used the correct oil. 4 I have read of a couple of turbos needing replacement on caddys [under warrenty] very expensive. This may also be the case with petrol engines. 5 The price of diesel is dear compared to unleaded, not so much difference with premium unleaded [oil Companys are ripping us off] It has been suggested that because the price of petrol is being monitered the oil Cos are turning there attention to more profit on diesel.

If I was to buy another diesel it would be another VW, lots of experience & millions produced [future spares availability]

[Seano]

Drive style between petrol and diesel is different....petrol gets up and goes immeadiately so quick off the mark (due to big kW) but TDi is relentless......(due to big Nm over wide rev range).....personally I prefer relentless.

Servicing can be deadly (especially when the k's get up - VW Tdi's need belts and water pumps every 80,000 to 120,000km) but general service intervals for TDi are getting longer due to better quality fuel and oil. Best way to find out is ask the service department about costs for service intervals out 10 at least 150,000km for petrol and Tdi Polo/Golf and add them up....

...personally, I would always choose a TDi over a petrol engine....unless that petrol engine is a Boxer

[en13]

wow, thanks for all that input everyone.
i'm just about zip off to test drive some cars now.

Jets, you said something about the injection system and oil being expensive... will this be done by the service guys when I send it in for servicing or do I have to keep extra in my garage? I'm not a car person almost at all. What I want from a car is just for it not to cost so much when I'm topping it up, a fair bit of speed and steady (my starlet used to feel like it'd get blown off the freeway)..

Thanks Seano, Biegejet & El Burito! Any other input always welcome!

I'll go ask the service dept about average cost of servicing :)

[The_Hawk]

It's a good idea to get the servicing costs worked out, but also consider your driving patterns (how far you drive mostly). If it works out you will have $20 week on diesel there is $1,000 / year your better off :D

You may find the Diesel has more power than your current GL anyway :P

Enjoy your test drives. It's worth asking if the dealer will provide a longer test drive, like over a weekend or for a full day during the week. You never know, they just might. Mind you maybe you want to save that little request for after the initial test drive and after you get all the other figures. No point test driving a car if you think it's TCO (total cost of ownership) is going to be too high with servicing etc added in. Also consider resale value since one day you will want to replace it.

[Jarred]

Unless you get the GT TDi golf, (125kW and ~340Nm) you really should consider the polo IMO, it'l' be that little bit zippier than the equivalent 1.9Tdi golf. Defiantly get a manual, as auto's and diesels just don't match.

You driving style will need to change. In a petrol, where you have to rev it's guts to get up and go, and deisel, (cause of the massive tourqe) only needs to be rev'dto about 2,500 - 3,000 rpm, and you are already at max power and torque (well nearly), and then you can shift at 4K rpm, cause there is no point in revving higher.

IMO, go for it, chances are you'll love it to death!

[shogun2]

Now had my TDI Golf for nearly 2.5 years. Couldn't be happier with it (except for the stupid P plater who shunted us in the side doors, and now one is hard to shut). I came out of a twin turbo Subaru, so was used to the kick of the turbo. I haven't been disappointed at all with the 2L TDI. Of course the "chip" helps.
Can actually get wheelspin in 3rd! I'm trying to wear out the tyres so I can go to something with a bit more grip. We consistently get some 4.5l/100Km - except when the other half drives - then it goes up to 6.
Rod

[GermanwithaVdub]

wow, thanks for all that input everyone.
i'm just about zip off to test drive some cars now.

Jets, you said something about the injection system and oil being expensive... will this be done by the service guys when I send it in for servicing or do I have to keep extra in my garage? I'm not a car person almost at all. What I want from a car is just for it not to cost so much when I'm topping it up, a fair bit of speed and steady (my starlet used to feel like it'd get blown off the freeway)..

Thanks Seano, Biegejet & El Burito! Any other input always welcome!

I'll go ask the service dept about average cost of servicing :)

the service costs between a petrol golf and a diesel golf is not going to be so great. and you only have to service the damn things every 15000 so you're gonna be re-couping a lot of dosh inbetween services.

that being said, it'll take you 2-5 years to recoup the cost of buying the 2.0tdi compared to the 2.0fsi

the driving style of the two is completely different too, the diesel has nothing till 1800 revs and then explodes, its really VERY noticeable that you're driving a turbo (some people dont like that feeling) and also, the tdi has a short first and second gear - 1st gets you to 40 and 2nd only gets you to 60km/h, although it sings in 3rd, pulls all the way from 50 to 100 :) (exactly how i lost my licence haha). but if you get the dsg, you wont have to worry about that.

and who ever said anything about the diesels being slower than their petrol counterparts? the 2.0tdi is barely slower than the 2.0fsi in manual, and faster when they're both in auto. not to mention the gt sport tdi which is a rocket :D

dont know about reliability, except that its as good or better than most other car companies. basically you're up **** creek with ANY new car if it breaks down, all the electronics etc.

just buy one you wont regret it hehe

michael.

[jets]

wow, thanks for all that input everyone.
i'm just about zip off to test drive some cars now.

Jets, you said something about the injection system and oil being expensive... will this be done by the service guys when I send it in for servicing or do I have to keep extra in my garage? I'm not a car person almost at all. What I want from a car is just for it not to cost so much when I'm topping it up, a fair bit of speed and steady (my starlet used to feel like it'd get blown off the freeway)..

Thanks Seano, Biegejet & El Burito! Any other input always welcome!

I'll go ask the service dept about average cost of servicing :)

If you take your car to a vw dealer for servicing you should be ok, it's only if you need to top up in between oil changes or you take your car to someone who is not aware of the special oil requirement that there will be a problem.
I have seen a photo on an American site where cam followers were damaged from the use of wrong oil being used at from memory around 20,ooomiles.

[dmm_au]

Defiantly get a manual, as auto's and diesels just don't match.

That an interesting perspective. Not sure I'd agree.
Manual is going to give you more control but not sure your actually going to be able to use that control for a better result in many cases.

I've just ordered a auto diesel Touareg. Off road auto has other advantages for hill starts and water crossings. Possibly not so good for engine breaking on descents, but there are electronics and sports mode for that.

[GermanwithaVdub]

That an interesting perspective. Not sure I'd agree.
Manual is going to give you more control but not sure your actually going to be able to use that control for a better result in many cases.

I've just ordered a auto diesel Touareg. Off road auto has other advantages for hill starts and water crossings. Possibly not so good for engine breaking on descents, but there are electronics and sports mode for that.

dsg is an automatic shifting manual so you still get the responsiveness and performance.

off road wise though, if your stuck in a ditch and you have a manual you can just rock the car back and fourth or try and stick it in low range mode. if you have an auto you can rock it back and fourth to try and get out of trouble.

[en13]

the driving style of the two is completely different too, the diesel has nothing till 1800 revs and then explodes, its really VERY noticeable that you're driving a turbo (some people dont like that feeling) and also, the tdi has a short first and second gear - 1st gets you to 40 and 2nd only gets you to 60km/h, although it sings in 3rd, pulls all the way from 50 to 100 :) (exactly how i lost my licence haha). but if you get the dsg, you wont have to worry about that.



thanks for all the input!!! i really appreciate it. i drove the golf today and really liked it- i'm still torn betwen the astra or the golf, they're both the same price so it's really a toss up between extras (the astra has extras) or just going standard with the golf.

sorry i don't get how i have to drive it differently.. it's just city driving (and the ocassional freeway)... are you talking about driving it differently if i'm racing it? i'm just errr... happy to drive it as per usual but am concerned if i have to learn how to drive it differently in order to help with my fuel economy...

the polo is out of the race btw.. i'm just used to more space in a car... decisions decisions!!!! argh!! :(

anyone driven as astra CDTi or knows anything about it? i heard horror stories about holdens but i'm not sure how reliable the stories are.... any input of the manufacturing for golfs?

[en13]

If you take your car to a vw dealer for servicing you should be ok, it's only if you need to top up in between oil changes or you take your car to someone who is not aware of the special oil requirement that there will be a problem.
I have seen a photo on an American site where cam followers were damaged from the use of wrong oil being used at from memory around 20,ooomiles.

Thanks Jets!!! I plan to send it to the dealer.. I want to keep this car long term, so I'll definitely take good care of it :)

[GermanwithaVdub]

thanks for all the input!!! i really appreciate it. i drove the golf today and really liked it- i'm still torn betwen the astra or the golf, they're both the same price so it's really a toss up between extras (the astra has extras) or just going standard with the golf.

sorry i don't get how i have to drive it differently.. it's just city driving (and the ocassional freeway)... are you talking about driving it differently if i'm racing it? i'm just errr... happy to drive it as per usual but am concerned if i have to learn how to drive it differently in order to help with my fuel economy...

the polo is out of the race btw.. i'm just used to more space in a car... decisions decisions!!!! argh!! :(

anyone driven as astra CDTi or knows anything about it? i heard horror stories about holdens but i'm not sure how reliable the stories are.... any input of the manufacturing for golfs?

dont worry its not going to be a like learning to walk again just because you're driving a diesel, we're just saying that its a different feel :P

ive heard bad things about the astra diesel, i mean just read ANY diesel review and they will trash the astra and put the golf on top of all the others. the astra has a cheap tacky interior and even an astra with extras wont touch a standard golf. and if you're after an auto, forget about the astra; the diesel auto is a waste of time.

oh and despite the extra power of the astra (110kw for the astra compared to 103kw for the golf) the golf is actually faster :) and you get a much much better made, engineered and designed car.

GL with your search, only one of the two cars you're contemplating will leave you completely satisfied ;) :P

[neil]

thanks for all the input!!! i really appreciate it. i drove the golf today and really liked it- i'm still torn betwen the astra or the golf, they're both the same price so it's really a toss up between extras (the astra has extras) or just going standard with the golf.

sorry i don't get how i have to drive it differently.. it's just city driving (and the ocassional freeway)... are you talking about driving it differently if i'm racing it? i'm just errr... happy to drive it as per usual but am concerned if i have to learn how to drive it differently in order to help with my fuel economy...

the polo is out of the race btw.. i'm just used to more space in a car... decisions decisions!!!! argh!! :(

anyone driven as astra CDTi or knows anything about it? i heard horror stories about holdens but i'm not sure how reliable the stories are.... any input of the manufacturing for golfs?

If you are wanting an auto for the Astra or Vw the only choice is Vw.
check out the economy on the two and the vw blows the Astra away.
I drove the Astra first and found it a lovely vehicle to drive but I could
not justify the price difference over the petrol model. where as the diesel
model in the Vw is not that much greater. From memory Holden wanted
7 and a half grand more than the petrol model.

Have had mine a few weeks now (Jetta) I have been driving it normally or
as in your words "happy to drive it as per usual".... I get the same
economy even when I drive using the torque.

[gpk_gti]

Hi all :)

I'm just about to switch to a Diesel (either Polo of Golf) but I'm wondering if I could get a better idea of how it feels like to be driving a diesel. My understanding of it is that it's more economical, it has a bit less power (which isn't an issue for me).. and if anything goes wrong, it's very very pricey.

What has been your experience with diesel? Everyone seems to sing praises of it but I'd really like to know if there's a flipside that is 'unspeakable'.... :confused:

I'm almost ready to get my new diesel car... the contenders for the moment are- Polo, Golf and Astra (don't kill me). Of course I'd like to stay in the VW family, seeing as my Golf 1994 GL has served me well but at the moment, it's just about budget!

So hit me back with any input you have, I'm really quite new to this so I hope I'm not doing anything wrong! :oops:


hey mate,

I borrowed my mates 1.9 tdi golf and I was extremely suprised by its power! its not as sluggish as you think and infact the way it continuously pulls makes you feel like you could tow a truck!! I even drove a CHIPPED 2l tdi dsg golf and that was truelly AMAZING!!! that will def be my next car!!!!
The europeans are hooked on the TDI's and they are not wrong!! you wont be disappointed !!!!:cool:

[gldgti]

Defiantly get a manual, as auto's and diesels just don't match.


i disagree.... im a manual diehard all the way, but vw put a lot of effort into making an auto trans to work well with the tdi engine, and did a great job. it uses the torque properly and isnt just a petrol engine swapover thing. if someone wants a tdi auto, then by all means...

[en13]

wow!

thanks so much for the input. yeah, i just did a search on the economy of the astra and was really surprised that it was almost the same as a 1.8L petrol car! the main reason why i'm switching to diesel is cos i want to save on fuel... so it looks like the golf is the winner!

now i have to decide between a brand new manual Golf Trendline, or a semi-automatic 2005 Comfortline that has done 47000...

any has thoughts on 2nd hand diesels? i know it's up to me at the end of the day.. but it's really tough cos the comfortline does has extra perks but i don't know much about the '05 model so i'll have to go test drive it and see.... i'm more concerned about it being 2nd hand than anything else... the difference in price is about $2.5k (new car being more expensive).

opinions? :)

[jets]

A saving of 2.5K is not nearly enough for a car that has done 47000km, I'll bet that was at a VW dealer.That car is now 2 years old & the average Joe will say it's half worn out[we know better of course] & it's past halfway in time warranty. When I bought mine even the salesman told me that I was better off buying new.If you buy new you can negotiate a better deal. I phoned interstate to get prices & used them as a bargaining tool.
Take your time in buying, search the net. including Trading post & ebay & something will turn up.

[gldgti]

i agree with jets - the engine is only run in at 47,000km, but thats probably 1/3 of the shocks, a couple of rattles, and no more new car smell. for 2.5 grand less, i wouldn't bother. be a tough customer and you might save some on the new one anyway.

the other part of me, the greenie, says take the 2nd hand car. it is the best thing to do environmentally...

cheers,

aydan

[en13]

thanks everyone!
i've decided to go with a new car, just a standard trendline 1.9L :) i'm sure i'll be a happy camper driving it around!!!! :D

[gldgti]

i'm sure you'll be well treated by your new vw.

dont be put off by the fact you cought the 1.9, 77kw car rather than the "better" 2.0l beast. if your keen, you can get plenty of performance out of your 1.9 TDI - and economy too.

www.vwdiesel.net is a great source of info - look in the tdi section. theres a guy on there that converted his 1.9tdi from 77kw (105hp) to a dyno proven 187hp, 290ftlbs, with just a handful of resistors!

happy motoring,

aydan

[en13]

thanks gldgti!

i'm just glad i made a decision.. i don't have enough expertise to mess around with any engine parts, so i'm just going to leave the car be but thanks for the heads up! :)

[GermanwithaVdub]

wooo congrats!

[en13]

Hi all,

now that I've decided (will probably sign papers tomorrow but get it next year so that it's 08)... I read in this forum that there's things to do about running a diesel in...

Was directed to "interesting articles" and there was something about revving it up to a certain amount, making sure I don't stay at the same speed for too long.. does this still stand for the new cars now?

What's your take on it?
I really like this forum, everyone's so encouraging and replies just fly in! :)

[GermanwithaVdub]

yes its best to run it in with varying your revving, it still stands for the brand new cars. check www.tdiclub.com for more info. also, change the oil yourself after about 6-8 thousand, its not a hard job. glad you're enjoying the forum!

[gldgti]

there was a big thread on running in a TDI, but its pretty simple - for the first 3000k, don't rev the car past 4000 rpm too much if at all. dont use the cruise control, accelerate hard up to the speed limit, and if possible try to do a few down changes so the engine is revving a bit while slowing down. you want to vary the load on the engine as much as possible, so the rings bed in properly.

for the first 1000km, i wouldnt rev it past 3500 if you can, all other rules apply.

BTW for everyone -

i have some engine oil info thats interesting. check new thread.

[en13]

good stuff, thanks everyone.
i've read the thread on running in oils and i'm just as confused... maybe i should just wait till i've actually gotten the car, which will be feb next year (most probably). i'm waiting out for 08 compliance.

thanks again everyone, now i just have to choose colours... and i might start a new thread for that, i've always wondered if black cars are hotter (temp wise hahhaah) :)

[GermanwithaVdub]

good stuff, thanks everyone.
i've read the thread on running in oils and i'm just as confused... maybe i should just wait till i've actually gotten the car, which will be feb next year (most probably). i'm waiting out for 08 compliance.

thanks again everyone, now i just have to choose colours... and i might start a new thread for that, i've always wondered if black cars are hotter (temp wise hahhaah) :)

consider white (with the bumpers colourcoded), its a really rich full white and looks great imo, sadly i cant change my order now unless i want to wait another 3 months :( and yes you'll get scorched in a black car j:

check out the white dubs in this thread http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/showthread.php?t=9864

[mikinoz]

any has thoughts on 2nd hand diesels? i know it's up to me at the end of the day.. but it's really tough cos the comfortline does has extra perks but i don't know much about the '05 model so i'll have to go test drive it and see.... i'm more concerned about it being 2nd hand than anything else... the difference in price is about $2.5k (new car being more expensive).

opinions? :)

Good negotiation will get you more than $2.5K off a new car!
:cool:

[gldgti]

black cars are hot... mine is...

and they are dirty as soon as you leave the garage...

its a similar story with dark blues..



:-(

[gregozedobe]

You live in Perth and you're seriously considering a black car ! And the air-con VW fit to Golfs isn't known for quicKly producing icy cold blasts of air either. Brave or masochistic ?

I live in (coolish) Canberra, and haven't bought a dark coloured car for about 30 years. It is OK when your car is parked in the shade, but getting into even a white car that has been in the summer sun for an hour or two can be unpleasant to say the least.

[OvaltoJetta]

The Spice Red with beige leather and tinting isn't too bad on hot Perth days. It just depends on how often you get in and out of the car. 30+ outside and the a/c copes well with 23 inside around town. BTW tomorrow is going to be34. Ever thought of a test drive on a "hot" day?

[neil]

black cars are hot... mine is...

and they are dirty as soon as you leave the garage...

its a similar story with dark blues..



:-(

I've got the graphite blue and after 3 weeks 600km of driving in mostly
rain the thing still does not need washing.
Everyone thinks Ive just wash it until you make them look a bit closer
around the wheel arches.

I'm very happy with the colour.

[en13]

hahahah thanks for that everyone. i've decided to not go for black- yes, it does get terribly hot here in WA so i've got grey.. which is still a dark colour and a tad too popular for me.. but i really like it.

i just read in the MKV forum that they're stopping the comfortline 1.9 next year though and the last batch is dec?

can anyone verify this?

and what would this mean for me??? am i going to have something that can't be sold in the future!?!!! :(
and i was so pleased because i just signed today but now i'm like... freaking out... i'm trying to google that but it's nowhere to be found!!

[en13]

The Spice Red with beige leather and tinting isn't too bad on hot Perth days. It just depends on how often you get in and out of the car. 30+ outside and the a/c copes well with 23 inside around town. BTW tomorrow is going to be34. Ever thought of a test drive on a "hot" day?

you have a gorgeous car!!! i love that red!!!!
unfortunately it's not available for the golf.. it's a brighter red :(

[gldgti]

dont stress mate.

your 1.9 tdi will still be worth good money in a few years - like any vw diesel, it will hold its value regardless. and, servicing costs etc for you, new parts blah blah blah will all be readily available, since VW engineers all of its cars to share parts. there is very little in the way of model specific parts in the vw world.