If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#24
|
|||
|
|||
"I decided to buy a 2002 VW Jetta TDI for fuel economy on my long
trips. It seemed to have good reviews (except from the Car Talk Guys) and in real-life better gas mileage than the Prius and I though more reliable technology." JS> Did you buy it new in 2002 or did you buy it used. A diesel powered car may car get better fuel milage but the cost to properly maintain a diesel can be more than on a comparable gas engine car. They usually take more oil, require more frequent oil changes, have more expensive filters. Glow plugs and injectors require maintenance. "At about 65000 miles there were only a series (5 or more) check engine light episodes. " JS> I've had the check engine light come on on my Volvo's...no big deal, just get the problem resolved (usually minor). "We had been happy with the car up until then despite several problems related to knobs breaking off, wheel well liners and front air dams tearing off on roll stops, etc." JS> Gotta break some bad news to you. Parts break on cars in direct relation to the way the car is driven and mishandled. If you are breaking off air dams on parking stops it is because of your poor driving habits. " Nothing all that expensive. The drive train seemed solid. About a month ago, the acceleration of the car became intermittently poor. I took it to the local dealership and the problem was diagnosed as a faulty turbo that would cost $1,500+ to replace. I was dumbstruck. There went all the fuel savings for the life of that car and more. However a second opinion from a local non-VW mechanic suggested that the essential problem was a defective waste gate valve on the turbo. The diagnosis was made by observing that disabling this valve made the intermittent problem constant. The mechanic thought he could fine a replacement valve for less than $200. After many hours of searching it was apparent that Garrett (the maker of the turbo) and/or Volkswagen had made sure that replacing this valve was not possible. Obviously they wanted to sale a $1500 turbo rather than a lousy valve. So they get my perfectly good turbo, clean it up, paint it, replace the valve and resale it for $1500. What a racquet!!! In my book this thievery. " JS> So was there a question here? I thought that emissions systems had longer warranties than the rest of the car. On my Volvo diesel the glow plugs went out at 65,000 miles but were covered under the emissions warranty - you might want to check that. Otherwise, you have to realize that eventually all parts will eventually break or wear out - it is just a question of when. Since the turbo went south on this car, can you tell me about the maintenance. Have you had all scheduled checkups done and have you been changing oil frequently in this engine? I just wanted to let you know what will happen to you if a valve goes bad on your turbo. |For me, I have bought my last Volkswagen. |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Nationwide Crash Repair BEWARE Poor quality repair | Frustrated Car Owner | Technology | 16 | June 14th 05 08:36 PM |
Forza Car List | Rob Berryhill | Simulators | 19 | May 7th 05 11:37 PM |
New *FREE* Corvette Discussion Forum | JLA ENTERPRISES TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATION | Corvette | 12 | November 30th 04 06:36 PM |
Consumer Advocacy Organization Takes Aim at Auto Repair Shop Rip-offs. Please Help! | Kenneth Brotman | 4x4 | 2 | January 6th 04 06:21 PM |