Quote:
Originally Posted by redpoint5
What year is your Jetta wagon, and have you had to fix anything on it yet? I'm considering an '03, but very hesitant due to reliability concerns.
|
Actually, my car is a 2003 exactly as you are considering. I keep up with scheduled maintenence myself, except for the timing belt, which I don't feel comfortable doing. I have had three unscheduled issues: clogged intake manifold, a CEL thrown for glow plug issues, and a failed alternator pulley bearing.
The clogged intake was probably partially from the LSD used early in its life and partially from incorrect driving habits of myself and the previous owner. We were ignorant of the fact that it is best to rev the diesel to 3000rpm for most shifts when warmed up, and had taken no steps to deal with the oily crankcase vapors which combined with EGR carbon. Both of those are addressed at the moment, we'll see if I ever have to do it again.
The the glow plug code indicated that the resistence of the plugs was imbalanced, and the easiest and cheapest first course is to replace them, which I did. It turned out that the harness was to blame, which is expensive to replace if you replace the whole thing, but cheap if you keep a small relay or switch or some such device. I replaced only the cheap part, and have had no trouble.
The failed alternator pulley seemed to be a completely random failure, although in hindsight I can see (or rather feel) that it had been failing when I got the car, and I simply didn't know. It wasn't cheap to repair, but I got it fixed at the same time as a timing belt service, and so saved a considerable chunk of change.
At this age, I'm beginning to look for failing rubber boots and such, and I imagine I will have to replace a few on the shocks within a few years to prevent damage. However, at that point it may be time to replace the shocks anyway. I've also installed both an Amsoil bypass filter for the engine oil and a 2-micron fuel filter to protect the expensive fuel components. In general I've been pleased with the car and plan to keep it as long as possible.
Quote:
Originally Posted by redpoint5
What pickup is this? I got the smallest diesel truck I could find in the US; a Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L turbo inline 6. If only they offered the Hilux here... one can dream, one can dream.
|
I misspoke (mistyped?), it is as you stated, a Dodge 5.9L inline 6 rather than a V6. The one we have our eyes on needs a little work, but it should last forever if we take care of it.