Liking for a new to me old diesel

[bandit86]

Something in the 90s, cheap, jetta maybe. Found a 93 diesel but can't find fe info on it, anyone? Worth spending more on somehing newer?

[Arragonis]

Can't see 1993 Jetta but there are figures for the 1996 model which I think is the same here.

Advantages - usually well run/broken in , can be more suitable for WVO (simple rotary pumps can take more punishment), can be modded with old fashioned tools, cheap.

Disadvantages - more modern you get more power with FE - circa 1993 you are looking at 75-90hp for 50 mpg, go post 2000 and its more like 110hp with the same FE or now up to 170hp with 50+ mpg. Also older diesels tend to be dirtier in terms of exhaust emissions and generally noisier.

The Mk3 Golf/Jetta is not the best IHMO - not so good build quality. There were rumours in the early 1990s of the night shift in the factory being employed in fixing problems caused by the day shift. If you can I would hold out for the later Mk IV models I would.

BTW Mercedes had similar problems :

he W124 series replaced the W123's in 1985, and German Taxi Drivers were so disgusted with the poor build quality of the initial W124's that hundreds actually drove in convoy past the Mercedes-Benz HQ in Stuttgart to register their dissatisfaction.

[sallen]

I agree with Arragonis, I have a '96 Golf and it lacks the build quality I have come to associate with German cars (from previous cars of mine), it is a rattly, rusty heap, and very loud inside - no better than the equivalent Ford or Vauxhaul.

If you must go mid 90's I would suggest engines in the following order of preference:

• Turbo, Direct Injection (TDi);
• Non-Turbo, Indirect Injection; and
• Turbo, Indirect Injection (TD or engine code AAZ).

You will get 10% more fuel economy from the TDi (typically 90/110bhp) than the others (non-turbo 60bhp, TD 75bhp). Also the TDi has a gerbox with a much bigger 5th. The TD and non-turbo will rev at over 3000rpm at 70mph, making them noisy and thirsty on long journeys.

There is also a rare engine called an SDi which had direct injection and no turbo, and apparently runs for years and years, not sure if it made its way into the Golf, but certainly was in Polos and some Skodas.

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by sallen

There is also a rare engine called an SDi which had direct injection and no turbo, and apparently runs for years and years, not sure if it made its way into the Golf.

It was available in the Golf, though most people got the TDi.

[bandit86]

I'm not picky on the years. The cheaper the better

[Arragonis]

What about an old Pug Diesel, say a 505 or a 504 - User Rusty Marina has a couple.

[bandit86]

No such cars around here that I know of

[Dave's Civic Duty]

Originally Posted by bandit86

Something in the 90s, cheap, jetta maybe. Found a 93 diesel but can't find fe info on it, anyone? Worth spending more on somehing newer?

86,

What did you end up getting? I brought home on a trailer an 84 300D a few weeks back. A very solid Fl. car. Need to update all the fluids & a few odds & ends!

Dave