2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI: Test Drive

[@ghall7763]

I can attest to the longevity of the TDI. I'm driving a 2006 Jetta TDI I just turned over 270,000 miles on it. I still average mid 40's combined MPG.

[@brettonmage]

Geoff Hall Any other experience with VW? I've got a 2005 Jetta 2.5 with 148,000. At 142,000 my timing chain went causing 4 of my 5 cylinders to misfire and ruining my catalytic converter (bc the value of my car, rendering it not worth fixing). I'm torn between replacing it with a car or truck and if car, I'd get a VW TDI but idk if I can trust VW.

[@ghall7763]

Trevor Thayer We also owned a 2002 Eurovan GLS, drove that til 141K. Traded it in a a 2010 Touareg because I needed a higher Towing capacity, it now has 102K on it. We had a 202 Jetta TDI with 124K on it and my Wife was rear ended that's how we ended up in the 2006 TDI. My Mom drove her 89 Jetta until 345K. The trick with owning a VW I have found is to strictly follow the recommended service schedule. The 2006 Jetta TDI was the only one that we bought private party and did not have access to a service history. That car initially was a repair nightmare, but, once we cleared up the issues related to NOT following the service schedule we have put almost 170K on it with nothing more than Oil, Brakes & Tires as required. A lot of the stories I hear about issues with them are related to people doing aftermarket Tuning ect... all mine have been stock and performed very well for me.

[@enmass90]

+Trevor Thayer You're supposed to change your timing chain at 100k. If you don't it'll surely break and cause catastrophic damage.

[@cherkas009]

Older diesels less maintenance no tuneups for example

[@henryhill3778]

Good Vid. TDI's are full of Torque and regardless of the "dieselgate" people who own these diesels LOVE Them, including myself. Get over it.

[@Reddylion]

Henry Hill ya.

[@simba9844]

Dieselgate is ok by me. Looking around for tdi's and there's bunches that are sitting on lots for at least 2000 less than they should be since they've been on the lot for 100 + days and dealers are looking for a turnover. Seems it's just because of dieselgate.

[@BIGDADDYFRESHx]

yes go ahead and gloss over hundreds of thousands of vehicles emitting 40 times the allowed amount nitrous oxides which are linked to cancer

[@TheRTPatriot]

Nice arguments for TDI. Too sad people rush to inexpensive CVT hybrids to save on higher fuel cost when an extra spending can make them happier on the road with a torquy TDI.

[@cmanlovespancakes]

Well one reason is Hybrid's are also eligible for large federal and state government tax rebates that offsets the higher purchase price. I do not know any state that offers rebates on diesel cars.

[@leslielucci3182]

Diesel engines are built to tighter specs. Properly maintained, a Diesel engine will last twice as many miles compared to gasoline engines, another big savings.

[@nathan-vc8ci]

my 2003 golf TDI has 554,000 km and it still peels like a beast (written after ripping it TNT) sounds great going through the gears loud aggressive sound mines standard and running great

[@nathan-vc8ci]

oh and also after driving it all day with a full tank the needle has not move the slightest bit iv never seen a car with better gas savings and this is a 2003 even

[@Reddylion]

nathan leach nice vw tdi

[@christophermcnally8782]

I just bought a 2015 golf tdi. In Canada they are reselling the cars. they have been fixed

[@3204clivesinclair]

I took delivery of my 9th VW TDI 3 weeks ago. Here in Europe they have been popular for many years - despite Diesel fuel being more expensive than Gasoline. Eve the super high MPG (I get 63mpg in UK) from my Golf. However the Diesle engine Golf costs more and to be truthful unless you do a LOT of miles, you might not end up with cheaper running costs over say 3-4 years. Because of the way I fund my new cars, purchase cost doesn't really hit me - I personal lease for 2-3yrs, then just get a new one. In the UK even TDI's with DPF or DEF or starting to get a bad name for emitting particulates. For me, I think my next VW will probably be Hybrid - Golf GTE

[@jeffreyvanderpost9851]

Where do you live? In the netherlands diesel is cheaper then petrol.

[@3204clivesinclair]

Joffert Van der post UK. And for the first time in about 10 years, Diesel is now cheaper than Gas - Whoa!!

[@TheMattfindlay]

I have a 2015 Golf TDI SEL. It’s the silk blue color. I absolutely love this car. I have had it now for over a year. I did have a pricey 40k mileage maintenance. But overall I’m happy with going diesel. I’m hoping it lasts me for many many years!

[@cmanlovespancakes]

Unfortunately in the northeast the price of diesel in the winter months skyrockets sometimes to 50 cents more than premium. The major reason is many homes still use oil, which is diesel fuel for heating. This is a major knock against diesel in this area. In addition the federal government and states offer rebates on the purchase of hybrid and ev cars while diesel cars don't to offset the cost. This is another major reason hybrids are more popular.

[@lordvader5200]

I found a 2015 Golf TDI on Craigslist for about 14 grand. It only has like 20k miles and the owner has kept it clean and has kept up on maintenance extremely well. Should I buy it?

[@asksmeq3883]

Lord Vader I hope you bought it, that’s a steal

[@AutodromoF1]

California, Arizona, and Nevada get "special" environmentally friendly gasoline, which is more expensive than the gasoline the rest of the country gets. So diesel is a lot cheaper in those states. About a dollar and change cheaper

[@thawhiteazn]

I paid 2:15 per gallon for diesel yesterday here in Houston. It's still about 20 cents cheaper for regular, although if you were to get a GTI you'd have to use premium gas which is definitely more expensive.

[@enniocenko123]

What bothers me is the torsion bar rear suspension. It's 2015 shouldn't we get independent suspension?

[@2005CessnaPilot]

I Liked the Conspiracy on Diesel by "The Man" comment. I'm driving a 2014 Jetta SportWagen TDI 6MT and love it!

[@2005CessnaPilot]

Diesel is falling in price. TDI Drivers Win! www.eia.gov/petroleum/weekly/

[@Heiserton]

Timing belt changes, yes. Timing chains, yes. But not nearly as often as timing belts. Unless a tensioner fails or the car was improperly lubed, the timing chain should last you well over 100k.

[@kc03300]

lots of low end torque which is great for city driving. less shifting if gears. I get 51 mpg with my 2015. less trips to the fuel station to. European emission are stricter and theirs more diesel in Europe. USA wants people to buy gas cars every couple years to keep up sales.

[@lakeseminole]

You did a great review. And watching you was wonderful. Yum

[@DerangoChris]

I’m getting one today!

[@dontchatthings]

this isn't a golf review, it's a diesel review

[@Sci-Fi_Fan296]

Very nice review! I highly enjoyed it & want this car even more now after watching this! lol

[@dreamwhileyousleep]

I'm Deisel curious and love the concept of the Golf but I need a truck-type bed to haul/pull things. Is there any hope VW will reinvent their truck, using the Golf platform, maybe a stronger engine and a 4x4 option? There are no "small" trucks in the market these days and there are NO trucks that see MPG figures in the high 30's. Anyway, great reviews and inside information, Sam.

[@TestDrivenTV]

dreamwhileyousleep Write them a letter and demand they offer this in the U.S.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3OZZKGYnMuho6s

[@NicolaDiNisio]

TestDrivenTV The VW Amarok is not so small, its size is on par with my 2011 Dodge Durango (I see them every day in Germany)

[@juxtagenesis1120]

I'm sorry. I disagree with you. The dealership is the best option. We had a 1986 Jetta that we took to a third party shop and it broke down every other week. I'm always going to the dealer from now on. But yes, I LOVE the VW TDI. Should I get the Golf or the station wagon one?

[@mrburgermaster]

Makes me want a diesel Golf sport wagon.

[@juxtagenesis1120]

Thomas Griffin Me too bro, it is such a hard choice between the TDI Golf and the TDI Golf Wagon.

[@MacTechG4]

How does the downgraded torsion beam rear suspension affect handling? the older Mk6 TDI has independent rear suspension, the Mk7 needed a place to put the AdBlue DEF tank somewhere, so they had to downgrade the rear suspension.

[@Sleepygrinder]

I do still wonder if it's worth it. I bought a 2015 TSI and I've been averaging 46mpg over 16 000 miles. The base engine is so frugal and fun it does make you wonder if the diesel option is still the best one. I thought not and I think I was right.

[@aquateen77723]

Sleepygrinder Don't worry, you made the right decision. I am going to buy the TSI wagon, and don't think the price premium and cost of diesel is worth it. 👍

[@samittin]

unfortunately he skipped a huge point against the diesels which is the DEF filter you have to change anywhere between 80,000 to 130,000 miles and i checked for the passat it cost between $2500 and $3000, that's a lot. i read somewhere that they are under warranty until 100,000 miles but not sure about that. i would have loved to hear his opinion about that.

[@dieselmutt8865]

Sami Binebine You would not have to replace it that often as long as the DPF is able to regenerate occasionally. It takes about 45 minutes minimum of steady, non start stop, driving for this process to fully complete. If proper regenerating is done the DPF's will easily last 250K-300K miles which is well beyond what most people would ever run their personal vehicles.

[@samittin]

thx diesel mutt88, i didnt know they could last that long

[@minnesnowtan9970]

Maintenance - how about the particulate filter? It isn't on the maintenance schedule but it costs a lot.

[@vacuumnut8300]

I have always liked the Golf. Not sure if a diesel would be right for me. I live in LA and take a lot of short trips. Once in a while, I am on the freeway for half an hour or so. Would a diesel car be a good choice for city driving? It would get better city mileage than what I drive now. Really like the fact that diesels last so long. Thanks

[@TestDrivenTV]

vacuum nut If you're in gridlock a lot and sitting idle, diesels have an advantage in fuel economy. When a diesel engine idles, it's far more efficient than a gasoline engine because there's no closed throttle plate for it to fight against. Diesel engines dont typically have a throttle body which opens and closes for power metering, rather its rpm is controlled by fuel delivery from the injectors.

[@vacuumnut8300]

Thank you. I did not know that.

[@dieselmutt8865]

TestDrivenTV True. But one thing to keep in mind about these modern diesels is they do need to be driven occasionally on longer, steady highway type periods for the complex emission systems to be able to 'clean' itself out. They call this process regeneration and it is where the vehicle supplies extra fuel directly to the catalytic converter (DPF) to heat it up very hot to burn the soot build up out of it. A steady highway drive a couple of times a month of anything over 45 minutes would be enough to keep the emissions system healthy.

[@leegutierrez4442]

I drive for uber. Im thinking about getting a 2015 TDI. My question is this, as overall investment it seems like the TDI is better just off longevity. But for driving on average 8-12 hours a day, starting and stopping, idling, is there a big reason as to why the TSI would be better?

[@TestDrivenTV]

With the fact that diesel fuel costs 20 to 30% more to buy, a hybrid that gets the same or better gas mileage is better if you're using for a service. Maintenance costs on a diesel are extremely more than on an older hybrid

[@leegutierrez4442]

@@TestDrivenTV I saw somewhere that the hybrids that aren’t under warranty are pretty costly to fix

[@leegutierrez4442]

I’m also looking to use my car to road trip

[@MrRussian2023]

Diesels makes sense in normal states but not in parking lot california that's why I drive a hybrid

[@JM-qz1yk]

MrRussian2023 Even in stop and go, diesel is much better than gas. Lower idle rpm and better torque coming off stops. It is not only superior MPG on the highway, also city.

[@MrRussian2023]

Jed Marc Kusterer wasn't aware of that

[@PremiumFuelOnly]

I enjoy driving Diesel, but with all of the extra emission parts on the new ones that can break and cause a CEL, plus expensive oil, its more expensive to drive then gas.

[@rkwoosnam]

Premium fuel only ww

[@xTouragx]

Great personal story Sam as is the video. I too have come from a VW background...'88 GLI, '90 Corrado, MKIV Golf TDI and GTi amongst others...you pretty much nailed the diesel experience...the only item I would add is if you are any kind of enthusiast, you will not like the TDI..my personal opinion...tried a mild suspension upgrade on that Golf..tires etc...diesel's are great but enthusiastic winding out of the motor is not one of their highlights...needless to say I traded it in for a GTi...still a great car and I highly recommend them as well...another good site for Diesels to check out is Freds TDi Page...tdiclub.com...great source of info for VW Diesels. Keep up the great work.

[@ElementalMaker]

Such a shame that VW deceived emissions testing. I love my Jetta TDI, and I thought it was great for the environment. Sadly now, it appears it was as bad a rolling coal in a cummins.

[@sjwiley10316321]

Thank you Very straight forward Appreciate the review

[@heisenberg3139]

Hi.. Because of the Fine Dust Diesel Engines maybe no more allowed in Large City like Stuttgart from 2016.... The Politic is Changing in Europe against Diesel Engines. The actually lower Tax on Diesel could be go away. The benefit of an Diesel Car is then only fuel economy and the better Torque. For a normal Daily Use with a lower annual mileage from about 15000 Miles it will not pay of to bye a Diesel Car. Greetings from Germany. Dennis

[@nelsonlopez8389]

I am an absolute diesel fan and if more people tried them I am sure they would be also>

[@phenamenol]

excellent review ...i did learn a few new things ..gave your review 7.9 out of 10 ..phenamenol (jamaica)

[@L_3551]

Great review! Thank you

[@dominic0313]

can you do a test drive on a GTI?

[@oliverbrown2845]

I wish you described how the car handled

[@cherkas009]

Diesel fuel prices High because China and India are more industrial so they take up all the diesel

[@bonvaicu]

Diesel is not 40% more than regular gas... Here in california its about $ 40 cent more

[@skipgap]

How about this....get some camping gear and hit the road along the coastlines and just do it for the experience of it all. And take along some friends because you can just go further.

[@wvmtns6400]

David Spade sounds different doing a car review.

[@charlesb.1969]

That's a Night Blue Metallic .

[@SHoffman]

Melody, watch this too

[@mustanggun]

i love mine

[@GREGMURAKAMI]

I wis we could import diesel motors here! I owned a German 2.3 Pasat TDI V6..Wow great mileage and get up and go! In Germany they had Toyotas, well, all makes came in diesel. I have to agree diesel is easier to manufacture-BIO diesel anyone???

[@walleigh]

I'm sure you've heard this before, but you look and sound just like Ethan Hawke.

[@TestDrivenTV]

Walter Henderson He hasn't heard that as much as Jason Kidd. Will pass it along to him!

[@josephwidjaja3283]

Torsion beam rear axle is a big downgrade

[@TestDrivenTV]

VIDEO It's #WatchAgainWednesday featuring the 2015 #VW #Golf #TDI and why they are good kzbin.info/www/bejne/favYd4ubhJlriNk

[@samolhok930]

downside NOx emissions

[@RoadCone411]

Well, Mr. Clean, looks like you were duped by VW on your CleanDiesel as well as hundreds of thousands of others. VW is in quite a pickle as I write this post, which is too bad, because I like VWs in general and the diesel engine provided very good economy and performance other than its dirty little secret. I fear that this scandal will be the death knell of diesel car engines in this country, or at least set them back a decade or more.

[@TestDrivenTV]

+Bailey&Stella Productions We're taking our ribbing yes. But our positions presented in this video with regard to the pros and cons of diesel cars haven't changed as a result of the current matter of VW vs EPA. First, all the facts of the matter have not yet been established. Second, when they are, it's expected that VW will fix and address the problem and bring their cars into compliance. The current matter is not, we feel, an indictment of diesel cars in general.

[@RoadCone411]

+TestDrivenTV all fair points. Grab some popcorn and see what happens with this.

[@FelixArdLykke]

this model is the worst to own. Engine light turn on and particel filter broke the cost to fix EGR valve 1500 Euro. Avoid VW Golf the worst cars on the market. The worst thing is that exhaust from engine coming in the cabin risk to poisson the driver! VW should be responsible for this issue !!!

[@shippjohn]

You should remove this review based on the news about the faking of emissions controls, or update it!

[@TestDrivenTV]

+John Shipp Our positions presented in this video with regard to the pros and cons of diesel cars haven't changed as a result of the current matter of VW vs EPA. First, all the facts of the matter have not yet been established. Second, when they are, it's expected that VW will fix and address the problem and bring their cars into compliance. The current matter is not, we feel, an indictment of diesel cars in general.

[@TestDrivenTV]

We'll be doing an in-depth later this week on the mechanical and software solutions that may be at hand, and what's in store for owners. VW will be able to address the issue, as the dyno mode that exists currently, makes the car clean enough to pass emissions. In essence it just needs to be the all the time mode. It's not entirely as simple as that, but it will be done. In the interim, this is our special report on the matter as of Sunday 9/20/2015 kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJPHfoCeeN2mfbs

[@TestDrivenTV]

+Kyle Morgese Well those are the questions, what will be the cure. There are three generations of the engine part of this action. The latest model has all the high-end hardware which should indeed allow for a software only fix. Earlier versions may require more. As stated, all three as we now know have a software version that makes them clean enough. What we don't yet know is how drivable, how efficient, and how powerful are they once the clean software is running at all times.

[@НинадаТарапицца]

+Kyle Morgese The diesel cars really have one major problem - they consume too little fuel. And that's bad for oil companies because reduces demand+oil cost and turnover, does it not? So, let's destroy them and save Texas from becoming poor. :)

[@iamatleast21]

+Kyle Morgese To be fair, the stock fell 40% over TWO nights, not overnight. ;-)

[@josephwidjaja3283]

I just got :-)

[@maverickjoe03]

Electric engines has gobs more torque than diesel engines. Diesel is more expensive to refine than gasoline because of the low sulfur requirements. You wonder why diesel is clean? That is the reason why. Otherwise, they are dirty. You must change the timing belt with a timing chain -- this makes no sense. You're right when you say you're biased. I am a proponent of diesel, but please tell it like it is and don't tell half truths.

[@TestDrivenTV]

+maverickjoe03 Diesel fuel is currently significantly less expensive than gasoline in the U.S. This market shift is due in part to the refining capacity and costs coming back down with ULSD. Modern diesels are clean both in part to the USLD and the many after-treatment components in cars now, which is explained in the video. If a diesel engine has a timing belt you replace the belt. If the diesel engine has a timing chain, you replace the chain. There are no half truths here.

[@maverickjoe03]

Source? I am only talking about production and not fuel cost at the pump because there are so many other factors. "You must absolutely must, MUST replace the timing belt with the time chain because if you don't, well that diesel is going to cost you a lot more down the road..." First, your original quote has some merit, but is extremely baseless. The system is a designed for a belt, which means that oil has no chance to lubricate a chain if you replace it. Second, your response is purely tangential. Again, half truths...I understand your fascination with diesels as they appeal to me too. However, you should at least be objective too.

[@TestDrivenTV]

+maverickjoe03 Listen again, states "You must absolutely must, MUST replace the timing belt *OR* the time chain because..." But as stated in the video, the host is making the case for diesel engines and states it. There is no facade of balance here, in fact the very title of the piece says "The argument for diesel...."

[@TestDrivenTV]

+maverickjoe03 And at current, the cost of refining diesel fuel is lower than the cost of refining gasoline, in spite of the added costs associated with ULSD. There was a period of time in the past decade where this wasn't so due to the investments of the refineries to make it and hurricane Katrina taking some refineries offline. Both of these market forces occurred about the same time. But at current, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 71% of the price of gas reflects crude and refinement, 58% for diesel. Diesel is cheaper to make. www.eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/

[@maverickjoe03]

+TestDrivenTV Well, obviously there was confusion here because I heard WITH and not OR and I listened about 10 times. Close captioned even put it as IN and not OR or WITH. Just for the record, 2015 Golf TDI engines have belts and not chains, so the point about chains was completely useless.

[@mikebartlett1828]

treehouse ; ]

[@299lee]

This car weak as shit

[@paulpark1170]

After this diesel fiasco - you must be eating your words especially at the 11 min level...now go away

[@TestDrivenTV]

+Paul Park Our positions presented in this video with regard to the pros and cons of diesel cars haven't changed as a result of the current matter of VW vs EPA. First, all the facts of the matter have not yet been established. Second, when they are, it's expected that VW will fix and address the problem and bring their cars into compliance. The current matter is not, we feel, an indictment of diesel cars in general.

[@maxoobbxxx8032]

+TestDrivenTV The fix will either result in a significant loss of power (software fix), or in installing expensive SCR system. Don't kid yourself it won't affect the pros that you mention, if it was that easy, VW wouldn't have to deceive the EPA and the consumers in the first place.