My 02 Jetta Wagon Build

[V6MustangFTW]

Filled up today. 283.6 miles, divided by 12.43 gallons equals 22.81 mpg. Kinda disappointing, but under similar stop and go driving I'd be lucky to get 20 in my truck, so I guess I shouldn't complain too much. Still, seems kinda low. Time to start modding.

[JSH]

I had a 2003 Jetta Wagon TDI with a 5 speed. I did a grill block on mine on the middle grill opening. If I remember correctly it has 2 horizontal fins to make 3 openings and I blocked 2 of them. Popped out the grill, closed them off with black duct tape and popped the grill back in. I thought it might be an issue in the summer but I never had a problem and I lived in Alabama at the time.

[V6MustangFTW]

Sorry I don't have anything more exciting, but I felt the need to post something here. Basically what I did was unscrew the oe antenna, took it to the hardware store to match the threads and picked up an allen head bolt and lock washer I found aesthetically pleasing. In hindsight a set screw would sit flush and look better, but meh. Looks fine to me and only cost me a dollar If I had an unlimited budget I'd remove the whole base, patch the hole, wash rinse and repeat for the body side moldings as well, fix dents, and repaint, but oh well. At least I can dream.

[freebeard]

Needs a racoon tail.

I just bought two 1/4-20 shoulder bolts to solve a problem. They were $2.49 each!

[V6MustangFTW]

Originally Posted by freebeard

I just bought two 1/4-20 shoulder bolts to solve a problem. They were $2.49 each!

Prices are crazy nowadays. I hate to complain but its just silly how one tiny bolt and one tiny lockwasher can cost a whole dollar. A lot of times I just buy the bulk hardware packs from harbor freight if I think I'll actually use them up. Why spend a dollar on a single bolt when you can get like 100 for what is it? Maybe nine or ten dollars?

[freebeard]

Everything I make uses 1/4-20 for that very reason.

The shoulder bolts will accommodate my banana seat on the new bike. (I got the bike for $15)

[Blacktree]

Unfortunately, the gas engines in these cars aren't very fuel efficient. For good fuel economy from the factory, you'd have to get a TDI.

But since your fuel economy is fairly low, marginal utility will be your friend. For example, if you can get 5 more mpg from your car, the money you save will be greater than, for example, taking a 40 mpg car to 45 mpg. Since it's burning so much gas, every mpg you can squeeze out of it will make a difference.

That said, you might want to do a cost-to-benefit analysis of a more fuel efficient car vs this one. Figure out how much money you'll spend on gas in a year. Then compare it to how much you'll spend if the car had 40mpg or something like that. You might find that a 40mpg car will pay itself off in fuel savings after a few years.

[V6MustangFTW]

Originally Posted by Blacktree

That said, you might want to do a cost-to-benefit analysis of a more fuel efficient car vs this one. Figure out how much money you'll spend on gas in a year. Then compare it to how much you'll spend if the car had 40mpg or something like that. You might find that a 40mpg car will pay itself off in fuel savings after a few years.

That involes math, and that makes my head hurt I may do that one rainy day when I have some free time though. Speaking of numbers, my lastest fill up was 23.89 mpg. I'll attribute the gain over my last tank due to getting a new job with a pretty good commute for fuel economy. Its a few miles closer than my last job, with a lower speed limit (45mph) with long stretches between traffic lights. Still disappointed, but at least its an improvement.
I've also noticed a slight fuelly smell at the rear of the car after driving. Maybe its running rich and that's part of why my numbers suck?

[Blacktree]

Seems plausible. Any trouble codes?

[V6MustangFTW]

I have a P0420 code I've been procrastinating on fixing. I have a new cat converter assembly that came with the car. Probably not related, but I'll probably throw in a new thermostat as well because it seems like it takes way too long to warm up. I really need to take a look at everything and see what's really been replaced by the previous owners and what looks crappy, and just replace everything related to fuel management.