15,000 mile Review of our 2012 TDI Jetta Sportwagen.

[@chrisl1832]

I just drove my deleted 6speed wagon from WA to IN in a blizzard. We were beating the storm around Dec 13 when it caught us. I90 was closed but we stayed on. This thing powered through ice and snow, we passed flipped semis. Had to put chains on take them off but we literally powered through. In South Dakota i90 was sketchy as hell and closed with a arm across the highway. Forced to take the state roads with a foot of fluffy snow, we drove for about an hour till the snow too high. Blizzard full on mid day at this point. A sheriff pushed us out with his big truck and we powered through knowing if we stopped we would be stuck. We revved through the deep snow making it to the next town. I’m really dumb and thought we could make it from this little gas station town to the next small town with a motel. It was mid night at this point, we followed a trucker on this state road, he plowed through snow drifts 5 feet high no lie. After about 30 minutes I spun out managed to keep it in the middle of the road. But we were facing the wrong way and there as no way we could turn around in this snow. So I had to hurry up back to the gas station. The tracks we left just 5 minutes before hand were completely covered and we got stuck again… 5 days later I’m in my moms 2022 tacoma and we’re trudging along the state road looking for my abandoned 2014 deleted sportwagen. We pass cars completely shredded by snow plows. I’m terrified now. We find my tdi only scratch is the bumper from being saved the first time a week ago, almost. Tdi is frozen only the hatch is able to open. It took 3 different trucks to yank it out of the snow. My poor tdi wouldn’t start. We dragged it along with my moms tacoma and my uncle got it to start with the church in and in second gear. Miracle. Miracle that it started. -10 outside and with an engine bay caked in ice the tdi fucking started. Insane. Die hard VW tdi fan forever.

[@DeanofMachines]

Thats one heck of a story! Glad you made it out!

[@pho3n1xb1u3]

I have a 2012 Jetta TDi Malone stage 2, straight pipe. I’ve made it from Toronto to Montreal on a half tank, driving back I had to fill up in Napanee. 900kms to half tank or about 2.8L /km. Excellent cars, to bad they got rid of them. Definitely a keeper.

[@DeanofMachines]

I really liked mine. Seems like they were great for a while.

[@muskokaboats]

Who did you get to tune it in TO?

[@pho3n1xb1u3]

@@muskokaboats I got the tune done outside of Guelph

[@johnmohanmusic]

Sure hope you meant 2.8L/100km. Otherwise you got troubles. LOL!!!

[@pho3n1xb1u3]

@@johnmohanmusicyes your right, that’s straight highway driving, not city driving.

[@artbran]

I'm not sure if you'll see this, but if you don't want to fix the sunroof shade, take the car to a tint guy/shop and have them throw 5% tint on the sunroof. It'll help quite a bit.

[@DeanofMachines]

Thank you! This sounds like an excellent idea. It's something we have been toying with.

[@artbran]

@@DeanofMachines Just did this on mine which is why I suggested it. Helps quite a lot with the sun.

[@iareburgman]

Did the same. Had a mechanic recommend this instead of trying to fix it which is an insane amount of work for anyone diy or not. Such a stupid part. Tint shop was cheaper for tinting the entire car by several hundred dollars than paying to fix the shade.

[@timbre7999]

Love TDs; effortless and ideal for relaxed cruising on the highway

[@DeanofMachines]

It is a great highway car!

[@DarkAttack14]

@@DeanofMachines Out of curiosity what kinda MPG are you getting on the highway? My 2012 passat TDI full delete and a stevenson tune is averaging 48-50 highway mpg

[@DeanofMachines]

@@DarkAttack14 im a bit heavy footed but would pull 40 mpg at 75-80

[@67FORDTRUCKF250]

I have a 13 golf tdi with the kerma tune and I easily see 47 at 85 or 90......

[@DeanofMachines]

@@67FORDTRUCKF250 Very interesting! Is that hand calculated? Do you live in a rural area without hills or stop lights? Most of my experience was with city driving with 5 or 6 multi day road trips where there were long flat stretches of 80-85 mph driving. (5+ hour stints, no stopping) We could get about 40MPG at 75.

[@Alexjay1234]

My daughter loved the little hand! Great video!

[@DeanofMachines]

Thanks Alex!! We try to have fun around here.

[@ronnelson7157]

Thanks for having so many cars. I was finally able to tell my wife 6 VWs is not alot of cars. Hahaha!

[@DeanofMachines]

You should see how many we have now! (P.S. Tell her she's right anyway)

[@alberttaylor7364]

Have the same car. Appreciate your good input. Savannah GA Here.

[@DeanofMachines]

No problem! Check out the 25k video. Its great!

[@StreetBikeMitch]

Tow springs most definitely recommended.

[@DeanofMachines]

You mean I shouldn't tow with drop springs?

[@davidbrock4506]

i have the same engine in my grand caravan. at 90k miles no mechanical issues yet.i got the 6 speed manual and get better fuel economy with malone stage 2 tune.

[@DeanofMachines]

Thats a cool swap!

[@SmoothBunzzzz]

Have a look into ceramic window tint for the pano roof. It blocks a good bit of heat from coming in and would be cheaper than getting the top shade fixed

[@DeanofMachines]

That's a great idea! We've been looking into it but haven't decided yet.

[@Ruhdiculus]

Second for ceramic window film. And if need be for the side windows I highly recommend. Severely cuts down heat, and protects interior and your skin!

[@georgeosborne1231]

Yes, this is the way we should use our rides. Wagons are great.

[@DeanofMachines]

Just gotta spread the word! #buildmorewagons

[@larrytompkins4408]

our 2013 TDI sports wagon , 1 item turbo replaced under warranty 2, item intake manifold under warranty , then at 180 k dual clutch , $$$ , still get 37 MPG at 80 Mile per hour loaded with three adults three dogs and lots of luggage driving thru TX , with no engine mods just the diesel gate factory mod , and same sun shade issue and don't forget to clean the sunroof drains or your cat r get full of water after a rain or car wash

[@DeanofMachines]

We truck our 2 pups around along with fishing gear. I give the car a lot of shit but its now been 22,000 miles since the motor swap and its still trucking. Just needs wheel bearings

[@prplays5482]

I’ve always twisted the chains a couple times if there going to drag, just a helpful tip. good vid

[@DeanofMachines]

I hope you understand, all of that was done for humor. I wouldn’t normally tow a 20ft equipment trailer with my tdi

[@justin_g9883]

I've driven 13,000 miles on the 2012 a3 tdi, and no problems so far its currently at 146,000 miles

[@DeanofMachines]

Excellent! They are easy to put a lot of miles on.

[@michaelohara6614]

I love mine. All my springs broke. All of them. Looked hot slammed before I replaced them.

[@DeanofMachines]

Truthfully, I love the concept of the car. Broken springs are a known issue with this car.

[@agenericaccount3935]

Something that economical and useful kind of makes driving for no reason fun again. Georgia to Mississippi, for lulz. The cost comes down enough to make it not guilt inducing.

[@DeanofMachines]

Bring back the American roadtrip!

[@agenericaccount3935]

@@DeanofMachines And wagons. We need more. One of these days automakers will have a novel "never tried before" idea and lower their SUVs, make them longer, and give them a car-like ride while emphasizing cargo and fuel economy. Not sure what they'll call them. No idea.

[@vrtah8488]

pro tip/ if you can, leave the windows cracked so heat doesnt stay trapped in and damage the interior over time

[@DeanofMachines]

You are right. Though in the Altanta area there's often a lot of dust or pollen in the air so I leave it closed up for cleanliness.

[@philiplawson230]

Pro tip, if you chains drag on the ground, just keep twisting them until they are good.

[@DeanofMachines]

If you let them drag long enough the problem solves itself!

[@philiplawson230]

@@DeanofMachines Sparks are like fireworks, your a man of entertainment!

[@bonitocarrado8988]

i love mine 80000km so far and zero issues

[@DeanofMachines]

Barely broken in! 40k miles!

[@samsonite187]

@@DeanofMachines I just bought a 2013 with 60000km on it.

[@DeanofMachines]

@@samsonite187 thats like 35k miles! Nice!

[@mscozz]

I love that you did this

[@DeanofMachines]

Thanks for watching! Hope it gave you a laugh

[@turdferguson1945]

If you have one of these under the dieselgate warranty, the dealer fix for the p2015 is to replace your entire intake manifold, for free. Also, do yourself a favor and wrap your roof in white vinyl, solves the water entry and miserable heat dome properties of the sunroof perfectly.

[@DeanofMachines]

I like the vinyl idea. The dieselgate warranty was a shit show for me here in ATL and I didnthave the time to fight about it so I ate the costs

[@turdferguson1945]

@@DeanofMachines uff, I got like 15 grand worth of crap replaced for free, including the whole cylinder head, over the course of my warranty. But I was all over the country at different dealerships. Only bad experience I had was at the dealer in Boulder, CO. But they still eventually(after 21 days) replaced the whole intercooler...

[@DeanofMachines]

@@turdferguson1945 Sounds like you got a deal!

[@turdferguson1945]

@@DeanofMachines yeah, but the dieselgate deals are getting harder to come by. Also, my first out-of-warranty repair was... HPFP. Yep, uff da.

[@DeanofMachines]

@@turdferguson1945 I do have to say, with as much as I drive mine, my issues have been just the stupid stuff since the motor swap. I'm actually doing wheel bearings this weekend.

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

Thank you for loving VW. Greetings from Germany

[@DeanofMachines]

Hello there!

[@Sambodeany]

Love the video! For the single mass, look at getting a fluidampr, should quiet it down a tad (jack cecil has a video on his tdi build with one on youtube), but help with longevity and life of the tdi and that flywheel. Also, tint your sunroof! Did it on my touareg tdi's giant one and it was a million times better.

[@DeanofMachines]

Thank you! Ill have to look into the fluid dampr. Once I put another motor in that is.

[@Deepwaterjew]

Sp glad i shopped around for one without the panoramic sunroof

[@DeanofMachines]

My first one didn’t have one and it was fine

[@Deepwaterjew]

@@DeanofMachines it took months for me to find with low miles, it was at 32k and scooped it up for 9k. Came with a complete service history, and receipts for everything the previous owner had ever purchased for it, with the mileage written on them, dn thing even had a clean Carfax. The only thing wrong with it is that one of the side mirror caps had a tiny scratch on it.

[@DeanofMachines]

@@Deepwaterjew Sounds like you found yourself a peach! I found this black 2012 to replace my 2013 that I had put 40k miles on. I settled on this 2012 as it was the nicest I found in 6 months of looking. It had 108k on it when I bought it. Sits with 0 oil PSI now on the second motor I've put in. It's amazing how one car can be great and then another can be garbage. My first one only got replaced because it had reached 100k miles and was a DSG car. I thought a manual car would be more reliable...

[@Deepwaterjew]

@@DeanofMachines it's still not exactly what I was looking for, but I truly don't think that even exists. I wanted that orange, with no sunroof, with a 6 speed. Only exception I was willing to make was if it's an auto and it's orange. But yeah, I had zero luck finding one, or finding that one even exists. I was absolutely not willing to make an exception for a sunroof though, I live in Texas. I don't think I need any other explanation.

[@DeanofMachines]

@@Deepwaterjew In GA the sunroof is just a giant hot plate. The orange colored cars are my favorite as well. I think they only came fully loaded (including a sunroof)

[@linuxman51]

Dean! you shrunk your hand!

[@DeanofMachines]

It’s my strong hand!!!

[@tommybally03]

Great video! Thanks for documenting everything. I do have a question. I’m looking at purchasing a 2014 tdi Passat with auto transmission, and just under 90k miles, will these same mods work?

[@DeanofMachines]

The jsw and passat have different parts. Thanks for the love!

[@wallacegrommet9343]

My 2012 Audi A3 Tdi got 50 mpg highway with the emissions cheat software. Drafting tractor trailers got me 70-80. Then, it pulled a total lemon limp mode, so I sold it back to Audi.

[@DeanofMachines]

I try not talk about the forbidden MPGs here on the tubes. Drafting is the cheat code. Sorry it went full lemon party on you.

[@alexanderrichardson5048]

Hi! I just got my 2012 Sportwagen tdi (with the sunroof) and I’m shocked to read these comments! I’m worried about my car now. Sitting at 75k mi. I was aware of the sunroof situation though

[@DeanofMachines]

Fear not, maybe your car is perfectly fine and you’ll have 0 issues. We have multiple videos with this car so binge away!

[@clothestravel]

FWIW - I have a 2014 JSW TDI with the pano and navigation system. I have not had any problems with sunroof leakage, although I did have the drains cleaned once at the dealer, and my car is garaged at home, and also at work. Obviously, there are several variables that will impact whether you have this issue, and despite widespread reports of this occurrence, I wonder how common it really is. At this point, I worry more about a clogged DPF, as my round-trip commute has gone from 20 miles to 2 miles, so I try to take her out weekly for a longer drive so she can stretch her legs. I did have the HPFP go out, but thankfully, it was covered under warranty, and thus, I was spared from having to pay even a penny of the $4,500 bill.

[@DeanofMachines]

@@clothestravel You lucked out on the HPFP! Having a car garaged is the best way to keep it mint for it's lifetime.

[@agenericaccount3935]

Oh lord. The state of the Roof Shade 😂 I suppose you could slap some very heavy tint or vinyl on the inside surface of the glass. Much less than 2k.

[@DeanofMachines]

I was quite mad about it when it happened. Wish i was filming as the fabric slowly fell from the ceiling. Looking at double 5% tint. Poor car just cooks in the sun. Windshield is already tinted atleast

[@daryleng3617]

Dean, looks like you also enjoy working on alternative ICE engines, rotary and diesel? Been there with a Mazda Cosmo and now my 2010 MkV TDi Jetta Cup car is throwing codes like a Xmax tree. One of which is the P2015 Code. Can I take you up on your bracket fix? Also wondering if deleting is a better direction than fixing? Your thoughts?

[@DeanofMachines]

Deleting is better than fixing in my opinion. We had a cosmo a couple years ago. Hit me up on insta @brapbrapdean im pretty sure i still have the spare bracket

[@perrosdemaiz]

I get 42 in my 2012 undeleted golf on the highway.

[@DeanofMachines]

Thats great!

[@blumobean]

South Bend clutches are the best. Audi A4, 350hp, no problems.

[@DeanofMachines]

I wish they were available three years ago when I needed a clutch.

[@getmoneynow9876]

Great content and information

[@DeanofMachines]

Thank you! Be sure to check out the other videos in the series

[@spinner4life2]

Synchro's are more than likely getting slapped around with that single mass flywheel. Generally not recommended as the synchro's for that generation aren't quite as robust as prior offerings

[@DeanofMachines]

@@spinner4life2 its possible. The car lived a fairly easy life after the first motor grenaded

[@colaroga8036]

Hey, I have a 2012 Golf TDI and noticed your car has a sagging rear end when towing, mine did that as well when I had 400lbs of people and stuff in the trunk. I installed some $50 Tiguan rear springs from FCPeuro that gave it a 2" lift so I'm no longer worried about ground clearance when the car is loaded in the back. Does the 2" hitch receiver allow for more than 200lbs tongue weight btw? I got the MRtuning stage 2 several months ago and love it, averaging 46mpg highway with the manual gearbox and 2.5" downpipe while it runs up to 180whp and 340tq on stock clutch/dmf.

[@DeanofMachines]

My car is on drop springs but I do feel like it's always squatting in the rear even unloaded. I've looked into the tiguan springs and overload springs. Never pulled the trigger. I would not put more than 200lbs of tongue weight on this thing.

[@michaelcrash7848]

Do you have a link for the tiguan spring please?

[@kgamaseg]

That pointer! 🤣🤣🤣

[@DeanofMachines]

It’s tough to hold tools but it gets the point across.

[@xobk]

Yo Dean, where in GA are ya? I'm in Smyrna. My JSW needs a therapist. Warranty just ended and it's time to delete.

[@DeanofMachines]

Hey there, I dont take one outside work. The best I can tell you is Zekes Auto Works out near Asheville

[@Escape.Idiocracy]

Have you hooked up VCDS and read your EGT’s with this tune??

[@DeanofMachines]

Great question! I have not. I’ll see if i can borrow one

[@Escape.Idiocracy]

@@DeanofMachines if you do, can you let me know what your seeing. 👍🏼🍺

[@DeanofMachines]

@@Escape.Idiocracy Absolutely!

[@charlie225]

Hey Dean, nice job back getting that boat trailer on and off the other trailer, sorry not a fan of the VW!🤪

[@DeanofMachines]

If you can believe it, the tdi jetta series is the best performing series I have.

[@charlie225]

@@DeanofMachines come on man its not the cars that brings the views, its ur charm and personality!😂

[@ShawnTheGreek]

Referencing a 1939 movie would normally go over most heads like a flying monkey.

[@DeanofMachines]

I hate to think wizard of oz is an obscure movie reference now. But it just might be!

[@ShawnTheGreek]

@@DeanofMachines nah. The play Wicked is still on Broadway, so Oz will likely be around forever.

[@jonathanpasquale4331]

Would love to delete, i do have an emissions inspection in my state; I have heard that a stevenson tune will leave my vehicles emissions in a state of “ready” when plugging it into the obd2, so if that's the case i would pass despite having lost the hardwear. Can you shed any light on this for us?

[@DeanofMachines]

I wouldn’t tune it if you have emissions in your state. Im not sure what your state would consider a “fail”

[@turdferguson1945]

Don't even try it, it smells so bad even if you get a high-flow cat, you'll fail before they get in your car. Everyone tries to downplay the smell, but like my car just reeks now, even when not running. It's a bummer that deleting is the only way to make these cars reliable and run like they're supposed to... I hear the kerma tune gets you more performance and mpg while extending the life of the dpf, but it's pretty hard to believe from my experience so far(110k miles)...

[@DeanofMachines]

@@turdferguson1945 i think the smell is case by case. Once in a while ill smell exhaust fumes but its rare and barely noticeable. Different folks are probably effected differently

[@fayizd654]

Is there a shop near by marietta that would do the delete and tune for me? I'm not confident enough to do the delete myself.

[@DeanofMachines]

I don’t believe there are any shops that will do this in the US due to liability reasons

[@Cristian121212100]

How did you blow the engine? And what can I do to not blow up mine?

[@DeanofMachines]

Both times, oil pressure loss. I still do not know why I suddenly lost pressure. I intend on tearing into both motors this weekend for answers. Video in the future.

[@Bark3rd]

@@DeanofMachines probably oil starvation from driving on a track without oil pan baffles. Common newb trackie mistake.

[@DeanofMachines]

@@Bark3rd First motor, maybe. I did the parade lap and then by the second lap it was knocking. Second motor did the same thing without a track day.

[@vrtah8488]

i just picked up my 2014 with 49k miles!

[@DeanofMachines]

Hell yeah! Keep up on the maintenance and keep it stock!

[@SkribuAlex]

isnt this just a golf 6 avant ??

[@DeanofMachines]

Maybe? Its the mk6 Jetta sportwagen here in the states

[@SkribuAlex]

@@DeanofMachines jetta in europe is only sold as a sedan, golf 6 as a hatchback or avant

[@DeanofMachines]

@@SkribuAlex interesting! Funny how the states gets their own names

[@ConnorSportRacing]

Can I have that bracket just in case 😅

[@DeanofMachines]

Shoot me a msg on instagram @brapbrapdean and if I can remember where I put it, you can have it!

[@Co-Co-k9h]

Anyone know of any capable handy people that are capable of performing deletes/tuning in Washington State? Seattle area, Tri-Cities, Spokane...

[@DeanofMachines]

Not today EPA!

[@davidsalazar5354]

i have a 2013 Jetta Sportwagen TDI, and I will like to do this to my car, can you do it for me? I am in Raleigh nc, I can drive to Georgia, where exacly are you in Georgia?

[@DeanofMachines]

Hi David, I am just outside Atlanta. Unfortunately I've a little backed up with projects at the moment.

[@gentjancami]

I need one please

[@DeanofMachines]

Sold out! Thank you!

[@wallacegrommet9343]

I get 36 average, but I drive like an old man. Which I am. Almost.

[@DeanofMachines]

MPG really depends your driving habits and environment. I never had flat runs with minimal traffic for miles.

[@matycee]

do you find that the stock seats hurt ya ass??

[@DeanofMachines]

Great question! I find the seat comfortable though My lady and I are both on the thicc side so we have extra padding.

[@matycee]

@@DeanofMachines solid reply... thx

[@DeanofMachines]

@@matycee Anytime!

[@Co-Co-k9h]

Hey peeps anyone know of a handy person that is capable of doing deletes/ tuning in Washington State, like Seattle area, Tri Cities, Spokane...

[@DeanofMachines]

Negative ghostrider. Thats illegal!!!

[@peterschmidt2849]

😎🔥🇺🇸

[@DeanofMachines]

Thank you!

[@anthonywhse3266]

California weather kills you with the sun ruff, get some carbon fiber film, and it looks nice and less heat

[@DeanofMachines]

Thats a good idea. Its either that or I weld a panel in the roof LOL

[@PatHaskell]

You could make this video a hell of a lot shorter/tolerable if you cut out all of the BS.

[@DeanofMachines]

You’re probably right. But why would I make it again?

[@americafirst8218]

Hi there, quick question? Do you have to have emissions done on your VW, I would like to do a DPF and EGR delete, but am on the fence because of the NOx emissions.

[@DeanofMachines]

Where I'm located it is not required. I would not recommend this is emissions are a concern

[@jacknisen]

Does it warm up slower in cold weather without the egr? Do you have permanent fault lights? Do you get better accelleration?

[@DeanofMachines]

It warms up just as fast, no faults acceleration with the eco tune is similar to stock but you can get the stage 1 tune which is a nice kick in the pants

[@colaroga8036]

Mine does warm up noticeably slower with EGR delete, takes like 10 minutes of driving for the coolant temp gauge to point up, with ambient temps around freezing like today.

[@Coolblaster6]

​@@colaroga8036 get the dynamic idle tune