(advice needed) looking at a 2006 VW jetta TDI
 

hey RSer's looking to buy a used 2006 Jetta TDI. as we all know diesel gets great millage, but I am not familiar with VW s and its reliability, it has 170k and body looks good but I am more concern with the electrical and power train reliability of that year. I had a TL, TSX wanted to switch it up. so if anyone with VW background would like to leave a comment it would be greatly appreciated.

I had a 2006 Jetta TDI. Nice car, more room than the MK4 body style, but there are some things to be aware of. I suggest you go to TDICLUB and do a little reading.

* if it's a standard, the flywheels are known to grenade. Ask if the clutch has been replaced - if not, it will need it very soon

* this year TDI had a BRM Pumpe Duse motor. These motors are notorious for having shitty cams, which will wear prematurely if incorrect oil was not used. And the oil VW uses at the dealer is not the best oil for these motors. Costs about $1000 to replace if you do your own labour.

* the timing belt is due. If it hasn't been done, it must be done immediately. If the guy did it himself, take the car to a reputable shop and have it done. If this is not done correctly, it will take out your motor. Dealers are way overpriced, there is a list of trusted mechanics at TDICLUB

* Electrical gremlins were addressed starting in 2002 and by 2004 the same company that makes the Toyota harnesses were making the Jetta harnesses for North America.

TDI's are fantastic cars but they do require maintenance. Overall, that is still cheap relative to other cars' costs of ownership. I now have a 2005 TDI with a BEW Pumpe Duse and an auto trans - I drive it hard (have a large turbo, tune) and I still get 42-44mpg.

If at all feasible, look for a late MY MK4 TDI instead. The 06 was the first year of the MK5 and while all the quirks should be fixed by this point, I'm always wary of buying one. I've got an '00 (or maybe it's an '01? lol) Jetta TDI and apart from general maintenance, the only thing it's needed recently is a new timing belt. And that's after hitting the 300k mark.

This is a personal opinion but I also feel the MK4's look much better than the MK5's.

Thx guys, its auto, and at a non vw dealership
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Actually, the first year of the MK5 was the 2005.5 model. I have a 2005 MK4. The BRM's were in the 2005.5 Jetta and the 2006 Jetta. They started using these motors in some 2004 Beetles.

Again, overall it is not a bad engine, but the cams and lifters will eventually go. Replace them with newer designs and you will get another 300k out of the motor. If it was a really good deal, I wouldn't hesitate to buy one, knowing that the cam job is inevitable. Factor that into your pricing.