I'm thinking about getting a 2006 VW Jetta TDI. I have been doing some research on them, but a lot of them are requiring cam changes from the lobes wearing out. The new TDIs 2009+ have issues with a high pressure fuel pump that requires the whole fuel system to be replaced when they go out... So now I'm looking at a Camry. I test drove a 2009 TDI auto, but I want to get a manual. I did enjoy the test drive. It had plenty of room. I enjoyed the styling, and driving/suspension. What are you guys' thoughts?

 

I have a 06 TDI 6 spd auto. Its been a great car, right at 98k miles on it. Its teh wifes primary driver and she drives the hell out of it. The only issues we have had so far is the chrome peal on the shifter and the buttons on the radio has started to peal off.

I chose the 06 due to me wanting to make Bio Diesel next year. My buddy has a 06 5 speed with a flash and loves it. Plus it hard to beat 43mpg and its got enough power to get around others.

 

did your friend lose any mpg when it was reflashed? and how much power can you gain?

 

I think he didnt loose any as long as he drove it right. Think it was around 15-20hp, but he said it felt like more power down low and good top end. For a car that only put down 100whp 200fptq to the wheels thats a big improvement.

 

Ever consider a 2006 Passat TDI? Those cars are also great. I have heard that the cams are less likely to fail in the Passat 2.0 PD engine versus the Jetta 1.9 PD engine. That, and the Passat gets 130HP versus 100 HP in the Jetta.

Anyway, one more thing to keep in mind is that the engines use timing belts and are interference design.

 

06 has no emission system (dpf) and 09+ does.

I'd get the 06 personally, I've got a tdi golf now, had 4 of them before my current one. Honestly best one to get reliability and efficiency get an 03 with the alh motor.

I get 55mpg highway and about 44-46 city

 

what is a ahl motor?

 

ALH= engine code years 99.5-03