Quote:
Originally Posted by yogiyoda
Thanks for all the replies. Wow, so many different opinions to consider.
I was hoping for some insight on how the different vehicles would do when weighted down... including bike racks, roof boxes or camper shells. For instance once you cram the small Jetta Sportswagen TDI with gear including packed roof box and bike, is still much more efficient than one of the larger vehicles without a cargo box?
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Any thoughts on how loading down and "accessorizing" the various vehicles would effect mpg?
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I haven't ever put a roof box or bike rack on my Jetta so have no personal experience, but when you are starting out at ~45mpg with a "clean" JSW (Jetta Sportswagen) (meaning no attachments), you'd pretty much have to put an air brake on it to drop the FE down below 20mpg. From what I gather over on the TDI forums (
Fred's TDI Page. TDIClub.com. VW TDI Enthusiast Community), you ought to be able to keep it in the high 30s without too much effort (unless you intend to do autocross racing with it 24/7). Pretty easy to swap in a taller 5th on the MarkIV (1999.5 to 2004? I think) versions (might be similar in the later versions) or put in a 6-speed to offset the FE loss of the box/bike (the taller 5th is one of the ways I'm getting FE in the 60's with mine).
If you do go the route of the TDI, be sure to join the TDI forum as there is an amazing amount of knowledge there, and there are quite a few folks willing to help out if you need it... whether you are at home or on the road. The VW MkIV's (Golf & Jetta) have their niggling problems but if treated well are pretty bullet-proof... I've got 350K miles on mine!