Possible buy '85 VW Jetta TDiesel

[Taco Bowl]

Hi, returning member here.

I know someone thats selling a running 1985 VW Jetta Turbo Diesel 4door, 154,000 miles, Five speed, body is in decent shape. He is selling it for a pretty low price.

I'm kinda interested in purchasing it as a Daily Driver so I can start building up my Tacoma for Off-roading.

Anyone have any experience with this particular engine? Is it reliable or complete garbage? Possible MPG ratings it can pull?

Thanks.

[tasdrouille]

I had the non turbo version of this 1.6 engine in my 1990 VW Golf. I also had it's bigger brother, the 1.9 liter turbo in my 1991 VW Jetta. I was able to pull in the 50s with the Jetta. I liked this engine. The good thing with these engines was that the water pump is not on the timing belt, so even if the wp seizes, your engine is not destroyed.

[Taco Bowl]

Thanks thats good to know. I'll still change the belt regardless since its an old used vehicle.

I know that the Toyota Diesels have the water pump on the timing belt and very prone to failure if the timing belt isn't maintained.

[moTthediesel]

I've had a bunch of those engines, including the one that I put in my old Porsche, and I LOVE them.

The bottom ends are very strong, almost indestructible in fact. The only place they give trouble is with the heads. As stated above, you must stay on top of timing belt maintenance. The good news is they are much easier to work on then the newer TDI engines (we have some of those in my family too) and the parts are inexpensive and easy to find, as close as your nearest NAPA. Having done both, I'd say that a timing belt job takes less then half the time for an old IDI engine compared to the same job on a TDI.

Here is a good forum site for information on these engines: Welcome to VolksWagen Diesel

As to economy, it's true that they are slightly less fuel efficient than the newer direct injection engines, but they can be bought in good shape for thousands of $ less, and that will buy a lot of fuel