Volkswagen MK4 TDI Buyer's Guide | 1998-2006

[@Paul_VanGo]

Not a single wrong word is said here. Even in Germany, where they potentially rev at 4500 all day long, there's nothing to say wrong about that engine. The later dual mass flywheel... Yes. Gearboxes... Yes Gaskets... Yes But normally only after the car has been at least up to the moon. Invest a bit extra upfront: Pluck the engine out, change the distribution, the flywheel, clutch, and crank seal, throw it back in, use the right coolant and oil and you can drive all the way back from the moon, without any major issues.

[@ajdahun]

Distribution?

[@Paul_VanGo]

@@ajdahun ...also known as timing belt kits. Semantics.

[@knwgt5426]

1.4 petrol mk4 can go there and back no engine pull needed.

[@karispomer1882]

What’s the right oil?

[@Paul_VanGo]

@@karispomer1882 Genuine VW Quantum 5w - 40

[@dickmiller8900]

I bought my 2001 Jetta TDI 8 years ago from the original owner, for $300. It needed a TB set, clutch, windshield, tires, injectors, and a few minor other things like an intake manifold cleaning. I put a new cam & followers in it too, just to be safe. It now has 634,000 km on it, and aside from another TB change, the engine has never been touched, and runs like new. I just can't imagine how anyone could build a better car, plus it's cheap to run, and a blast to drive. And everything on it still works perfectly.

[@AC-db4ek]

TB means turbo blower?

[@dickmiller8900]

@@AC-db4ek TB=timing belt

[@richardgg2889]

@@AC-db4ek Timing belt

[@knolez1546]

Tiny budoo

[@godfreyberry1599]

Jetta MK 4 even by todays standards is the most balanced beautiful designs ever conceived and has certainly stood the test of time with flying colours. The 2.0 l / TDI / limited edition VR 6 were and still are phenomenal.

[@dsruddell]

except for interior parts 😂

[@godfreyberry1599]

@@dsruddell Unfortunately VW 's philosophy has changed substantially since the day's of the Beetle. Yet generic suppliers are making a small fortune from VW mechanical parts supply, which is patently shortsighted. A pillar and C pillar interior trim, centre console, glove box lid & boot central locking mechanism suffer from really poor design faults.

[@Daniel-vs7qm]

I love them so much that I have an alh and bew. My favorite cars I've ever owned and my first diesels. I'll never go back to gas lol

[@marathonmatt9813]

spot on. a clean Mk4 looks great compared to newer compact/subcompact designs of today.

[@frankhoward7645]

@@godfreyberry1599 "...centre console, glove box lid & boot central locking mechanism suffer from really poor design faults." All three can be traced down to the excessive use of plastic rather than metal. I know. I've fixed all three.

[@antesosic1600]

Literally the best engine ever built. 1.9 TDI is peak preformance

[@firsttimediesels6289]

My father was dailying one, then my father passed away. Really gunning it for his car man... that's the last thing I can keep around of him. I miss you dad and if I get that car it'll be the coolest trailer queen you could have imagined.

[@redhicks]

My dad and I have been building alhs for close to 20 years. Loved it

[@mmiracastro2347]

Love it man ! I’ve had so many diff cars in my life but the mk4 Jetta alh wagon is my fave car I have ever owned. So much character so fun to drive and I love when it turns heads when I’m at a light or in a parking garage! Brings me smiles!!

[@vernon44427]

I have a question. I have an O2 golf TDI that I'm wanting to add a Little more power too, but I live in an emission state that is very strict. Mainly they check for faults through the OBD2 and they do a visual so it has to have the EGR and the cats. What all can I do to this car to add power and still maintaining missions?

[@redhicks]

@@vernon44427 tune injectors turbo cam worked head

[@vernon44427]

@@redhicks will it still pass emissions if hooked up to obd2 and won't be throwing codes?

[@redhicks]

@@vernon44427 what state

[@eurodriven2507]

One note about the transmissions - The 01M is in the ALH cars, a 4spd auto box that was also in the 2.sl0 gasser cars. The 09A 5spd "tiptronic" is found in the BEW cars, this is the same trans as the 1.8T auto's iirc. It is generally looked upon more favorably than the 01M, but the 3 pedal config is always the right choice. Especially on a car like these, the motor will outlast the auto trans 3 or 4 times, no matter how well you maintain the trans. That being said, to counter one of your comments, a TDI project with a bad auto trans and a good motor/chassis could be a great choice. Grab a 5spd (or 6spd from a GLI/GTI) and drop that in, saving a TDI that would have otherwise been scrapped/parted out!

[@SlowSTEN]

The 01M also came in the 1.8T cars, but they cannot handle the stress and are unreliable if you push boost up beyond stock, they really are the weakest link in the car (beyond the dreadful stock suspension)

[@danielbarnett5499]

One thing people should know/do is the need for a belly pan. I live in Alaska and ice dropped from vehicles in the winter can take out the oil pan as it is only 4.5" off the ground and it is the first thing hit. Also it's cast aluminum and it is very fragile. very good post

[@DELOS13]

I own a 05 Golf TDI and it's hitting 344k+. Engine is bullet proof!!! Drives like day one

[@metallicafu11]

I found a bone stock 2003 golf a few years back, most amazing car ever! only thing done to it was a straight pipe, single mass fly wheel clutch, EGR delete with a stage 2 tune. I feel like this is all the modding this thing should get, super nimble and reliable car. GREAT video by the way!

[@jims8446]

What kind of tuner are you using

[@jamesward5721]

My daily driver is identical.. I used drive a Skyline.. I now prefer my Golf.

[@masterkane5340]

I have owned a couple thru the years, excellent cars. A buddy of mine jus offered me one with over boost condition for $500 so pretty sure I can NOT pass up that deal, cars immaculate and stupid low miles... Prob gna jus snag it up in about 3 hours here. lol Go thru the hoses, swap the n75 for good luck, throw a new belt on it to be safe, and throw these big injectors I've had kicking around for 5 years into it and jus run it... These cars rly are bullet proof. Great on fuel too.

[@masterkane5340]

Much to my surprise, It was actually a PD car not the ALH, 04 not an 03. Win. I bought it. Needs the typical intercooler hose. 66k Miles. $500 lmao

[@Tysmal]

@@jamesward5721 only people who hate on golfs are those who havent driven one it seems

[@tonyb6657]

I had a 2000Jetta tdi that lasted 425,000 miles before it died in 2017. Loved it.

[@a_drewski]

Stage 5 ALH running 28psi and I have 350k miles on it now. Bought it in 2010 for $500 with a broken timing belt. BULLETPROOF!

[@SteveFloresCoach]

I found a stock 99.5 Jetta that was in good shape. Only to find out that when climbing up the mountain to where I lived at the time, it would lose power. During the test drive, I would hear a loud hissing sound. 🤔 guy said “it’s from the turbo”. I didn’t know much about cars at the time so I went with it. Thankfully, it was only a slight cut on the turbo inlet pipe. Bought a new one and it’s still running 16 years later with 290k miles. The engine itself has been great but the parts around it can’t compare. Turbo, DMF, AC box, things like that, do require some work but overall, the best car I’ve had!

[@Pichycena2011]

I have a 2000 Jetta GLS VR6 (manual) (also says Bora not Jetta on the back; came like that from guy I purchased it from) It is my first car, I bought it back in 2011. I got a new car in 2015 and I just couldn’t get rid of my Jetta. It sat in my garage for about a decade and a couple months ago I decided to bring it back to life. It has 158,000 miles on it. It drives perfectly for now…. My hope is to now give it the love it deserves and someday in the near future start building it.

[@infinity9821]

I have the 115hp 1.9 TDI manual 6 speed, no issues whatsoever, i drive it everyday

[@etasi5619]

What year? How many miles?

[@SleepyJoesDiaper]

Mine is a 2003 Golf five speed. It has egr delete, bigger injectectors, and a tune. I’m loving it, actually had it parked for about three years. It’s 20 years old and only 153K on it. Does three gear burnouts and gets 40+ mpg.

[@masterkane5340]

Ive done 60+ miles on the fuel light in my old Jetta TDI and was having a stroke at the prospect of havin to Purge the fuel system on the side of the road, lmao I forgot fuel, was like, "Meh, this things ridiculously good, I can make the next station..." Next FOUR I passed, didnt sell Diesel. lol I had to do a 60ish Mile loop, and made it all the way back around to the original gas station I missed, no problem. Never did run it dry the whole time I had that car.. Still got an electric pump with gator clips to keep in the car after that, Just in case. Doing it with my mouth the first time I started it after a head swap was enuf for me to never want to have to do that again. lmao

[@k-mar9587]

Awesome Video, I’m still driving my black 02 Bora ARL 4motion Variant with 420k km on it. Thank you for keeping the spirit alive!

[@HalfassDIY]

I found a manual 6-speed and kit from overseas (Dutch-something was the name) to replace my 01m when it went bad...but it never went bad. Running at 255,000 miles and the auto transmission still works great !

[@dksaevs]

James, you hit this out of the park... I've changed 3 CAMS for other people. They all had over 150K miles.

[@jonytube]

Great video! Here in Europe, TDIs are analogous to the venerable LS. You find them literally everywhere, parts are ridiculously cheap and plentiful and they will pretty much run forever. Plus, the diesel scene here is huge (on most europoor countries diesel usually costs about 1/2 to 3/4 of gas), they return great MPG even if tuned and you can easily double whp for under €1000 so they are a no brainer for those who want a bit of go-fast-action on a very tight budget. For reference, MK4 GTIs sell for about 6 to 8K and its TDI brother sells for 5K regularly. It's crazy haha.

[@MottoGrotto-ht1yg]

It’s the opposite in Canada. Nice km mk4 tdis are going for 5k+ more than any gas mk4

[@jonytube]

@@MottoGrotto-ht1yg yeah that's what I'm saying except for the gti version, any tdi costs more than triple of base gas versions

[@roykowalski4125]

Just got back from a month on mainland Greece. Diesels are king there, all our relatives have them and not just vw's. I have 2 Golfs, an 02 four door and an 01 two door, both TDI's and MT. Unfortunately here in Canada, diesel is 30 cents per liter more than gas. Not sure why....in Greece diesel was 30 cents (euro cents) less than gasoline...same in Italy.

[@jonytube]

@@roykowalski4125 ALH! Sweet! Love that mechanical pump rattle. We've had several TDIs, one of them was in the family since 2001 and was my mums daily from 2009 to 2020. I miss that wagon very much, she's the reason why I love TDIs (I'm not a huge diesel head unless it's VW diesel) and the reason why I got me a TDI Mk4 as my first car. She's a 2000 Highline 2dr, very well optioned from the factory. AJM engine, the 1st PD ever if I'm not mistaken. Pretty much my attainable, sensible dream daily. I just love how TDIs drive, all the torque hitting ya at 1900RPM never gets old. Also, you have to love those 02M VW transmissions, they feel absolutely fantastic and they can take a beating.

[@daddybowser]

I'm still rockin' a '04 Jetta TDI wagon going strong at over 320k miles. Surprisingly not had to replace the camshaft yet (thanks 5w-40 oil) but had to replace some bigger items over the last few years like the suspension, throttle body, and tandem pump. Original clutch lasted to 210k 🤯Still need to replace the O2 lambda sensor to clear the CEL and get some pep back. Overall been a pretty solid car for so many miles but I'm definitely looking to upgrade sometime soon cuz I'm getting tired of expensive yearly repairs lol.

[@Superduty_59]

I agree. I have a small fleet of 4 TDI's. ALH 5 speed Beetle, BRM DSG Jetta, CJAA DSG Jetta, and 2015 Passat 6M. I also drive a 2015 F550 PS. Love your channel so far, just found it today! BTW My wife's from Thornville!

[@blackknight5018]

Some time ago I acquired in my country (Mexico) a jetta tdi mk4 "classic" version, that had a redesign in the front and rear, the car is basically the same mechanically speaking. Mine had the 1.9 tdi engine but AXR code , it is very similar, and I can only speak wonders about this car, tremendously noble, economical in consumption, more than acceptable power, it never gave me a single problem, I bought it with 30k kilometers on its odometer, almost new and when I sold it it had 160k kilometers, it never gave any problems at all, just normal maintenance (brakes, oil and filter change, battery, etc) I sold it to acquire another vw, a jetta mk6 and also a tdi, I am delighted with it too, quieter and more refined in its handling, in addition to being very comfortable due to its 6-speed DSG transmission, they are highly recommended cars, the only thing they ask of you it is maintenance on time and quality parts, with that you can go and put a lot of kilometers on them without any problem, highly recommended cars👍

[@marquetteautomotivevwparts]

I delivered parts to a customer today with two ALH cars that have a combined 910,000 miles.

[@yodasbff3395]

Interesting video, 👍 made me subscribe, thanks. My 02 tdi manual wagon has 425k miles, all original, no mods. Alternator and A/C compressor are the only parts on the engine that have been replaced, even has original the exhaust system. Timing belt and water pump get replaced every 100k miles. Averages 50mpg plus all day long.

[@mulerman91]

I've got 2001 Passat b5.5 with avb pd100 TDI engine. Got 484k km on Odo. Still going strong, but flywheel is start to get noisy. But still satisfied with the car. 💪 About your video, yes, you got it right. Old engines are stronger and more reaible. I know few owners That got almost 1 million km on Odo with AHL engines and car is Still going great.

[@christiann7320]

I would be happy if my 1.9tdi ASZ Sharan will hit your mileage! Now at 328k, bought it 1mo ago at 325k, happy with it, clutch is a little worn but its okay because it is 1.8tons so its normal.

[@wojciechgromek250]

Our Alhambra had 475k km and we sold it haha

[@christiann7320]

@@wojciechgromek250 nice hopefully mine will get there too, drives nice for now

[@wojciechgromek250]

@@christiann7320 now we have a 04 Alhambra, beautiful 1.9 TDI but it's starting to rust everywhere and my dad for some reason don't wanna fix it

[@christiann7320]

@@wojciechgromek250 yeah, well, sometimes its better to get another car. The Ford Galaxyies are the same and in my country they are cheaper than alhambra/sharan so maybe get one of those, better price and less rust. I got a deal on my 2004 Sharan 1800€ but usually they are a minimum of 2200€

[@Misesian86]

I sold mine to a friend in 2019 and bought it back at the end of’21, I regretted selling it. I repainted it, stage4 Malone Tune, PP764 injectors, straight pipe w/resonator only, Air Dog unit, FMIC, VNT17, all new suspension, single mass flywheel, PTP turbo blanket, paint and body, new differential Peloquin LSD, extreme diesel oil bypass, Motul 8100 oil. Even with all the mods it still gets mid 40s around town and over 50 on the interstate. I highly recommend Malone. It doesn’t smoke or roll coal. Regarding stage4, it’s just a name. The stage 4 Malone tune I have and all the mods, I’m making about 150-160hp, 250 or so TQ. As long as you’re not hammering the throttle, it won’t hurt durability or fuel mileage.

[@rafavsky9126]

Excuse me how tf with all that stuff you only making 160hp? I only have a 1749vb and an ECU tune and I'm making that. Everything else is stock. (PD100 engine)

[@Misesian86]

I could be making a lot more, but chose their stage 4. Beyond that you’d need more customized tuning. I could make around 200-225, somewhat safely. It’s too risky to me. And, as you increase fueling to make that power you start running into piston and rod questions. There’s plenty of examples out there of people melting pistons, or bending rods, because they start adding a lot of fuel, not enough boost, too much TQ, and too high compression. I chose to keep it safe at 150-160 hp and 250-275TQ. Mine also burns clean, even under heavy throttle. If you’re the rolling coal type, you’re putting in too much fuel and will eventually damage your piston(s).

[@rafavsky9126]

@@Misesian86 ye I don't like rolling coal diesels... I don't get what's the need of it on a daily. If it's a track weapon like the seat Ibiza from pcteamboost garage (a monster with a 1.9tdi but, running merely 528hp with 828TQ) then meh, coal is expected, but anything under 250 why even want the smoke... Interesting point of view tho. I will keep that in mind. Looking forward to get a bit more power out of my engine 👀

[@officialsked]

Mighty engines, my first taste of them was my dads 2000 mk4 golf with an ASV code TDI. about 15 years later I've found myself reunited with another ASV TDI bolted to a 2003 SEAT Toledo, engines had a hell of a rough life with a snapped belt, porous EGR & a horrible idle shake but still refuses to lose that power.

[@masterkane5340]

Snapped belt at Idle on an ALH usually means a top end swap lol ask me how I know... -_-

[@youtubeleavemealone]

I've had an ALH Jetta for a while now. My first big scare was the knocking noise that it started to make about 2 years after I got it. I thought it was throwing a rod. It was just the duel mass clutch/flywheel gizmo. It got pretty loud & chattery. A single mass replacement worked well, I used the heavy one. My second big scare was a loss of power due to the turbo not spooling up. That turned out to just be a split vacuum hose. Vacuum controls turbo response in that engine. I had issues with the injection pump leaking. A seal kit was cheap enough, but then I needed to get Vag Com software & a dongle to talk to the brain so that I could set the injection quantity back into the correct range. MPG went from 47/39 to 51/42 highway/city. I've had to replace some door latches & put a repair kit into a door lock cylinder. I just got a full coolant hose set for it after the one on the bottom of the reservoir failed. I also just replaced the oil dipstick tube which got brittle from age & broke easily when I leaned against it. It was only a $10 part from some suppliers, but the local guy with one on the shelf wanted $25. Still not too bad. It was a 2 minute change. The thermostat was done recently. I was able to reuse the old housing, even through the tangs were broken off, so the housing would not hold the thermostat during installation. I had to put the O-ring & thermostat in place first, then carefully place the housing over it. The first AC problem was the classic blend door failure due to the foam material deteriorating. Several hours of disassembly/learning, & 10 minutes with some aluminum flue tape, solved that issue. A couple of years ago it got a new AC compressor & condenser. The aftermarket condenser fittings needed some hand fitting. The receiver dryer that came with the AC kit was trash. I ended up getting another from NAPA that was better quality. The new orifice valve from the kit is out of cal, it blows about 25 degrees F, which means that I get some icing in the evaporator after an hour or so & I then need to shut it off for a few minutes so that it can melt. OEM AC parts are better. I'm probably going to put the original valve back in when I get around to it. I've replaced a serpentine belt & tensioner. I recently replaced a tie rod end. I've replaced the alternator, which was a very tight fit & much more difficult to change compared to most other motors. I get about 5 years out of a set of tires, 2 years out of a battery, & 4 years out of a set of brakes. I went looking at new cars recently. I could not find anything that performed as well to replace it with, so it's getting refurbished. Right now, it needs a head liner & some plastic door parts. The head liner is looking to be a hassle. The car is also going to get a timing belt soon. Then I think I'll be good for a few more years. I'm at about 230K miles now.

[@williamriedel1686]

Headliners aren’t that bad, take your time and apply lots of quality spray adhesive, about two cans.

[@Aidangiranferry]

Picked up a 03 Jetta wagon with 158k for 2k, gave it an oil change and 2 front tires, drove it 8500 miles around the country, only problem it had was the exhaust falling off from rust. Now it’s at 178k and climbing

[@cyclonus01]

What's your highway mpg?

[@vwbeachboy83]

I loved my 2001 TDI Jetta loved the gas mpg and had so many fun road trips in my 20s. Never had engine problems but I did change belts when recommended especially the timing belt. I did have some electrical issues but not to bad.

[@LovensPresume]

The design of the car aged very well 🔥

[@Benjamin-ko1fg]

I have a 1993 Audi 80 avant with the first 1.9tdi, the 1Z engine. Still going strong at 367000 kilometers/228000 miles

[@skylinefever]

The USA did get the 1Z engine in a few versions of the B4 Passat. I think it got one in 1996 and 1997. I heard there were a few differences in the American variants. We got a wastegate turbo before the A4 went on sale. I heard Europe always got the VNT.

[@wheresfuninthat]

The 1Z is a champion of an engine. Bulletproof.

[@WhiteTiger916]

My VW bora is at 192k miles, still going strong, of all of the cars I've owned and driven, this is my baby

[@aaronthomas6732]

I have an 05 BEW wagon with the five speed. I bought it for $2k with 271k miles on it about 4 years ago. I changed the timing belt right away and now it has 382k miles on it and is ready for a timing belt replacement again. It has basically given me zero problems. I’ve replaced the brakes, starter, and glow plug harness and plugs. I love the car but the cancer is really bringing it down now which really sucks! I’ll probably replace the timing belt one more time.

[@dand2334]

I have an 06.5 MK6 TDI, it has had both the camshaft and dual mass flywheel replaced. They really made a great upgrade to the transmission with the DSG. I normally drive 70mph and see mileage in the 40+ range. Love my TDI. Great video

[@robbmoose2542]

I bought a 2005 golf BEW. $1000 335k miles. It's a shitbox cosmetically, BUT, has a vnt17 turbo, kerma intake and full exhaust, 3 bar map, "stage 2 clutch", and a dieselgeek shifter. Well I've crested 350k and only have had a glow plug light come on. Now also has 20th anniversary gti brakes, knuckles, Calipers, EBC rotors and pads, r32 bushings, 034 motor mounts, GTI seats, TT fat fives with summer tires, solowerks coilovers, H&R sway bars, and more. Best shitbox ever. The BEW has never let me down.

[@donaldplamp9704]

Probably the best car IVE EVER HAD! ALH was a great engine!

[@alexdeliperi4328]

Bought a 2005 Golf 1.9tdi with 300 000km's, sitting now at 390 000 and goes like stink. The oil and filters are changed every 6000km, cambelt etc, goes like crazy. Don't buy planned obsolescence, if I won the lottery tomorrow, I'd still stay with the same car, hands down!

[@roykowalski4125]

Amen Bro... I would keep my 2002 Golf TDI with 6 spd Manual (swapped out)...but I would get it painted, windshield replaced, and a few other things. Mine is modded with a stage 4 tune, nozzles, VNT 17 turbo, single mass flywheel, egr delete, Hella headlamps, recaros, etc.. still gives me 4.5 to 5 litre/100kms economy...388,000 kms on the clock and going strong, you can't beat that instant acceleration when you press the pedal down.....lol...except maybe with electric...but I still wouldn't trade

[@jruerph]

Thanks for the video. My commuter and highway hoopty is a 5 speed swapped 2003 Jetta Wagon with a Stage 1 Malone tune and updated with rebuilt injectors with Italian 7 Diesel nozzles. An easy 40 mpg in city but I always drive too fast on the highway to know the max mpg. Ultra reliable and has been cheap to maintain. It was originally a TX car (first 10 years) and the body has no rust but the interior plastics are deteriorating and headliner is falling. But I don’t care with the excellent economy, good handling and fun to drive quotient of the torquey diesel. One of the few times VW produced an excellent vehicle.

[@cavemanjoe79]

I have a 2001 Golf tdi with the automatic transmission, I changed the torque converter and the valve body and haven’t had any problems with the transmission. I’m sure regular fluid and filter changes also help.

[@wc4260]

aye can i have your fuel pump

[@cavemanjoe79]

@@wc4260 probably never, lol. The way I see it, if I ever did get a mark4 tdi with a manual transmission I would pull out the bigger fuel pump and put it into the manual tranny car.

[@wc4260]

Lol I have shoot the shot. Ihave the 10 mm pump lol. I have bigger injectors and a map, and eyes on a 2260 turbo

[@johanverster5638]

Best car I ever, still have and will NEVER sell !

[@patrickbrodersen688]

be so kind as to mention that on 1996 -1999 mechanical pump engines the crank-belt pulley might start to work itself loose and will break off the big pulley bolt. Pistons will hit valves, new head or head overhaul is needed with new head bolts, head gasket ... Many thousand engines died this way, you can monitor the injection timing, if it shifts, the thing works itself loose. A new pulley and bolt will not help, because the front of the crank will be no longer 90 degrees angle and will need machining. And no, the 90 hp IZ or AHU mechanical pump engines did not have dual mass flywheels, they have solid!

[@vwaudiwelder]

Awesome video. BEW camshafts made of taffy: NO THANKS!!! I just got a 128k ALH for $200 an a 144K ALH two days later for $125. My current black battle beast Jetta is at 362K and going strong. I cannot wait to stuff one into a motorcycle!

[@iosifd2409]

1.9 TDI's really solid units , with periodic change of oil and filters , and running premium diesel from time to time , they could last forever mostly built like truck engines . There is another slower brother for TDI which is called SDI , you cannot kill that engine it could be like a zombie if the chasis is destroyed :))))

[@1.9tdilove71]

Hey friend, that's a really good insight about 1.9tdi. I am also having 2006 1.9tdi ALH skoda Octavia diesel 5 speed manual, clocked 100000 kms , I want to know that should I change gear oil in it? Which type of gear oil? Thank you brother.

[@jonytube]

@@1.9tdilove71 you have a tdi with only 100 000km?

[@1.9tdilove71]

@@jonytube Yes brother .

[@1.9tdilove71]

@@jonytube should I keep it?

[@jonytube]

@@1.9tdilove71 I would do the best to my ability to confirm if the odometer hasn't been tampered. I think that independently of your country you can ask the institution in charge of automobile inspections for an inspection history which should keep record of how much kms a car has per inspection. You might have one of the lowest kms TDI out there. It's super hard to find one below 300k, let alone one below 200k. Keep it, take good care of it. Use good quality fuel and oil, do maintenance every 10K kms or every year (whatever comes first). Use good quality coolant, flushing the system is not fun and it can get somewhat pricey, think around the cost of tank of fuel. Better spend a bit more on routine stuff and ensure everything's properly taken care of than spend money on repairs down the road. My TDI is at 330K and still starts first time even if it's been sitting for a week and the temp outside is almost freezing. Tdis across the board have some chronic issues and the MAF sensor is one of them. It will fail on you but it's not an expensive nor difficult repair! Other than that, the ALH should be good for more than 400 000km without anything done to it.

[@29Suckit]

Got an 03 Tdi Jetta, love that car. My 16 year old is learning to drive on it. I also had a 7.3 excursion but traded it in; worst life decision I ever made getting rid of that rig.

[@danthatguy9686]

That excursion would be a boss of a rig they're worth alot rn

[@HowtoRestoreHeadlights]

Bro! Mad Quality video! I was like 60 seconds in and subscribed just due to that quality! Keep it up!

[@JamesCooperider]

Yo thanks so much!!

[@ZYGY98]

I have VW Bora for well over year now(Eu version of Jetta mk4 in the US) in the variant version with 96kW (130HP = PD130) 1.9TDI and 6speed manual transmission and its really really good daily driver, i have it like 25kilometres to my job and like 55kilometres to my parents house, more like half of it is on the highway, and I must say, the 6 speed is so good, I hope i will have that car for much more years, its really cheap to maintain and even more cheap to daily drive it despite gas/diesel prices..

[@CortyCze]

Yeah, the ASZ is quite bulletproof, still has the small intercooler unlike the ARL.

[@adventurewagen]

I have both now a bew and alh car, the bew I bought from my neighbor with a blown auto trans and swapped in a 5 speed. Well worth it since I had a parts 5 speed car. It now has 320k on it and still runs perfectly fine.

[@DemitriPagonis]

Very informative. I was smiling when you talked about the dual mass flywheel rattle. I just had that replaced with a single mass. I had sideways glances when I did since the car had 268k miles on it.

[@ZeroForce96]

Just bought a well maintaned 1.9 TDI 2000 VW Bora (Jetta in the US i think) with 285k kilometers on the clock and plenty to go. I specifically wanted an ALH engine because of their proven realiability.

[@Mr617583]

The VE pump cars had a weak spot which was the injector tips, don't go over 150k miles on a factory tip or your risking the tip disintigrating and destroying the piston. Maybe some aftermarket tips that are DLC coated could go a lot longer safely. Would be worth checking into. The PD cars weak spot was the tandem pump on the side of the head, don't go over 100k miles before rebuilding the pump with a new seal that keeps the 110 lb fuel pressure from getting into the head and diluting the engine oil. That's where a lot of the cam and lifter wear came from. Also the cam lobes were a little narrower than the VE cars which didn't help either. So the answer is forged steel billet cams and change the tandem pump seal fequently. The factory injector tips were much more durable than the VE cars, I think they had about double the life. And you can get aftermarket DLC coated ones in oversises that are better yet.

[@huntermyers4607]

any clue where to find rebuild kits for the tandem pump? i just replaced my original LUK pump with a Bosch unit and i would prefer to never have to buy another one. i was unable to find seals to repair my original..

[@cdeN1ne]

Never ever selling my 02 Jetta Wagon TDI manual. Best practical beater car ever!

[@Adam-nx9vo]

They are ALL projects at 20 plus years old bud!!! My 03 TDI is at 300k miles and runs great after new turbo, vac lines, and injectors! Need to fix locked rear caliper, airbag light stuck on, headliner falling out... Typical 20 y/o VW stuff :-D

[@johannesmller3019]

I have a mk4 golf with the AXR 1.9 TDI. It's the 101hp version, and mine has only done a little over 220k kilometers. Planning on bolting on turbo and injectors from an ALR (150hp) which bolts right up to the AXR

[@loxlyons]

I’m currently buying one with 316K on it for $1700 and luckily it’s completely stock, Just needs a fuel filter change.

[@bobbaran]

We have a 2002 Golf TDI with the ALH and manual transmission. Consistent 45 mpg and is a blast to drive. 230,000 miles and counting.

[@admsoccer]

Makes me regret selling back my mk6 Golf. Miss the diesel clatter and that amazing torque!

[@horatiohornblower3757]

I love the more boxy look of the 04 than i do my 06 Jetta. The headlights just bring the word "bubbly" out of me when i look at the 06. Love my 5spd TDI though. Talking about the car itself outside the engine. The interiors do not tend to hold up well in humid enviorments. The radio began to peel very quickly and while its been ridden hard and put away wet, the "leather on the doors began peeling and the roof cover began sagging. Its going to take some doing, but id really like to attempt to restore it as close to "like new" as i can.

[@Spector-yj5hk]

I'm a testament to the 1.9 TDI motor I almost have 310,000 on a 01 beetle with its original motor and automatic transmission

[@cleenlivin]

I just came across your channel. I own an auto and 5 speed PD Jetta. The auto is my daily driver and has been through several timing belt changes. The 5 speed several since I’ve owned it. These cars are definitely for someone who doesn’t mind working on them themselves or has a knowledgable mechanic. The internet and enthusiast sites have been my friend on learning to do much of the maintenance myself. Regarding the 09A transmission one of the big problems was touting life time fluid. I’ve changed mine (need to do again) and is definitely recommended. A good engine tune will definitely liven up these cars up too. My 18 year old Jetta is still my daily driver and still performs well aside from the clear coat peeling, ac vent lining gone, window issues and door lock problems. Oh, yeah I’ve found these cars can have small gremlins they csn be very frustrating and cause huge drivability problems and will leave you scratching your head. Good times though.

[@casselts1]

I owned an ‘04 Jetta BEW with a manual trans- it was an excellent car. Sold it 9 years ago with 240k miles and I really wish I still had it. Currently I’m considering a 2001 ALH auto in rough shape with 275k miles with the intention of driving it until the transmission fails and swapping the ALH into my Cherokee…

[@tylerbergeron4222]

Great video man keep it up …. Very helpful I have a 2004 jetta tdi wagon and I love it

[@dominiqueeybers9186]

Im driving my 2002 tdi sins 2010. Over 370k km on the clocks. Best buy ever.

[@281CubicInchesOfFreedom]

Very informative video! Great videography and storytelling, too. I'm looking into getting an ALH TDI to replace my Expedition EL on daily duty (16 MPG is getting old). Definitely earned a subscriber!

[@Scharwerk]

Stock New Beetle April '98 1.9L here, and I still love it. Now, if only I could get it started again.

[@mujjuman]

Lots of good info in here, you really know your TDIs! I appreciate all the knowledge you shared in this video. Thank you. I owned a 12v VR6 Jetta (MKIV) that I bought new in 2001 and owned it until 2021, It was very hard for me to let that one go but it did end up going to the junkyard. 250k miles. It was plagued with electrical issues.

[@izodope]

i have a 1.9 tdi pd AXR with 357000 miles on the clock still running daily.

[@zacklynch1249]

I bought a 2000 tdi Jetta it ran away . Bought for 400 bucks and put 1200 in it new rods Vnt17 egr delete and a tune a single fly wheel and a taller 5th gear I get about 60mpg runs like a top looks bad but runs great I would buy one of these regardless pretty easy to work on a lot help out there from the tdi community

[@jacksonreid6412]

Awesome video, guy! Picking up a 2004 Jetta TDI tomorrow

[@jovannihernandez3537]

Just got a 2005 BEW 354k miles 5 speed wagon. Going too do everything you said.

[@jovannihernandez3537]

It’s runs and drives with no problems. Just needs a tie rod,has a cracked oil pan with jb weld. I got the replacement yesterday and some 5w-40 oil

[@andrewhamel15]

I love the way u edit your vids they remind me of top gear

[@Jonjones30003]

I had a 06 wagon tdi, best rig I owned has 500k kms when I sold it. Still running

[@Noah-ch8ee]

We bought a 02 golf from a junkyard with 224k on it. Figured the auto tranny had went but to our surprise it runs and shifts flawlessly

[@lenghtofpull]

Just bought my buddies car that Eurowise built, its impressive for a diesel.

[@nathanlong8295]

Had one crashed it but it was the smoothest first car I driven. Though it has breaking issues and leaks with rust in places that one can expect and a spoiler mod plus it was automatic.

[@mikeacree4838]

Mine is in NE SD. 400k plus some rust runs good. Needs glow plus sensor, comes with Diesel geek timing belt kit, has a short in the fuse box. I disconnect battery everywhere I go putting on ebay in the spring. Its ALH stick. 03

[@romanelectrics6166]

I’ve always loved how that engine sounded ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@marcelkslhgkjgkjasgh]

I got a 05 BEW Auto with 323000 KM still smooth shifting, I believe it's the OG tranny, but I have 5 speed in the garage just in case. Also a 05 BEW Golf With 180000 KM, fun cars!

[@zekeclinton3191]

One thing you missed with the auto trans in mk4s the beetle with the bew had the dsg instead of the 09a like the jetta and golf

[@jakemower9346]

I put stock 1.8t flywheel, pressure plate and clucth disk in my bew. Its tuned and 15k miles later its still great!

[@PadmaDorjee]

I cant believe how informative this was for such a short video. Im planning to buy a 2009 A3e here in Australia which is the equivalent to the Blue motion Golf with 5 speed. You mentioned VW suggested the "wrong oil", can you please explain more or can i contact you for advice?

[@mattalki]

the 01M auto in the '98-03 is garbage, but '04-up uses a different one that isn't too bad. I bought my 2001 Golf TDI brand new and drove it for 400K miles (it was a manual). Had it for 18 years, and only sold it because I got a helluva deal on a mk7. It's the best car I've ever owned. I sold it to a guy who flew 1500 miles to my house and drove it home. It ran like a watch and looked sharp too!

[@robertkeefer2128]

Awesome man I really miss my 04 tdi Jetta traded it in on an 06 automatic then the transmission took a dump so then bought a 2019 gas that my wife drives and she just really wants a diesel again

[@SlvrWlf88]

I had a '04 bone start TDI absolutely love that car tell a deer ruined it that car had great highway miles and felt sporty as hell thanks for all that torque/turbo. Would buy again

[@RickGTI2019]

I would buy a diesel in a heartbeat, but unfortunately there are no new ones. And I’m too old for used cars ! Thanks again, RickGTI….. 🌴

[@brennanreus5563]

Very well said! I have a 04 tdi GLS drove it across Canada twice bought it in Vermont at 165K miles, now at 220K miles just changed the clutch. stills runs great but i feel the rack and pinion starting to go

[@nego1erry]

The last pooint on maintanance. My mom has the same Mk4 (Sadly not a TDI) on 5 years she didn't take it into maintanance until the car start failing. She had to put a lot of money on it and the car is mechanically fine. Right now has a rare sound on the left wheel when she pass a speed bumper at 20km/h. But ignoring that fact it's fine. It's a reliable car but of course if you do his maintenance on time you'll save a lot of money. That car is really reliable. My mom had 3 cars in total, a Ford fiesta, A Chevrolet Optra and this VW Jetta. From all those cars the Jetta has been the most reliable car ahead ever had. Why? Easily. The fiesta and optra in some point let her in middle of nowhere waiting for the tow truck. The Jetta after 30 minutes start over again and let her reach a safer place or even home. (I can't remember what was the problem with the engine that time where the car suddenly turn off, but once the mechanic find out the issue it never happens again).

[@khcaver]

I totally agree with you when you say to go ahead and change the timing belt. But the price you quote for the belt may be cheap, it is not an easy job for the average car owner. Hiring a pro to do the job will run $1200 to $1400 (or more). Although your advice is still accurate, it can definitely get into a person’s bank account.

[@jwlandscape]

I picked up a bone stock 2000 Jetta with 65k miles on it last year. I looked for a long time but i refused to pay $4-5k for a 20 year old car with 350k on the odometer. I will probably have it for a long time. I can't justify having a different daily driver. It won't win any races but it passes plenty of fuel stations. Rising fuel prices really aren't any concern when you get 45-47 mpg without even trying. For $4800 I couldn't pass it up. 100% correct on not buying a "modded" car too. My kid bought an 01 for $1200 and it was straight piped and has "different" injectors, pump, and turbo. It needs a lot of work and will probably cost more than my stock car in the end.

[@TroyOt2]

2004 Tdi back new with less then 10 miles on it . Motul Specific SAE 5 w 40 . Oil changes NP

[@jakelist5575]

Love the video man! We have the same car and truck!!! Keep it up, clearly you have good taste.

[@mikethemechanic7395]

First new car I ever purchased was a 05 Mark 4 TDI. I don’t like any other mark. I was getting 40mpg. I had a Borla exhaust on it and an intake. The build quality was junk. I waxed it all of the time. The paint faded and the plastic in the car was peeling at 5 years old with 99k. Had the timing belt and trans serviced before I sold it. The mechanic said the transmission fluid looked new. I purchased it for 24k and sold it for 10.5k

[@mikehancho1613]

Driving one now 01 tdi golf, she rolls! Been using 10% bio fuel for a while now runs like a top

[@faithful53]

Vw needed you to come back to the dealer!!!

[@jamescallahan6166]

You talk at length about the importance of changing the belt, but don't actually say why. I think it's important for people to know the damage it will cause if the belt breaks and the pistons meet the valves. Otherwise this video was absolutely fantastic, well done.

[@JamesCooperider]

I appreciate the critique, thanks!

[@mujjuman]

I had 2 VWs with the 2.5l 5-cylinder and those were the most reliable cars I owned... sadly both of them got totaled by drunk drivers.

[@fourseasonsnorth]

Wow, you do so good! Thanks for the info and great attitude! :)

[@unclejoe6811]

You should do a video on the GM Cruze Diesel (s) I've heard good things but they are stupid expensive right now.

[@user-zb3zn7yx6b]

Very informative video. Thank you for this. Will possible be looking for one soon.