I have always wondered why Consumer Reports and other rated VW’s below average for mechanical reliability when my experience, and that of my TDI owning friends like Michael Surls who owns two of ’em, has been nothing short of splendid reliability. Today I read this:
While Volkswagen has had a somewhat spotty record with the mechanical reliability of some its gas-engined cars over the years, the diesels are generally considered to be almost bulletproof. – Autoblog, 2009 VW Jetta First Drive
That would explain it. And that means that I really should not be going to test drive the 2009 Jetta this afternoon. Especially not knowing that my Jetta will still get me a very nice trade-in value. Don’t do it Matt. Don’t do it.
Its actually quite hard to find a disel engine made by anyone that isnt down right bullet proof. Fords powerstrokes are really good for 200-300K miles.
I’ve seen the same thing with VW. I’ve known a few VW owners. Those with the turbo disel have had almost no problems. On the other hand it seems like the gas powered ones especially in the last 5 to 10 years have a TON of issues. My cousins wife just got rid of her 02 Golf because it was breaking down everyone other month for a year now.