new used DD, TDI beetle
 

We traded the old Camry for a 2003 Beetle TDI 5 speed.
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps42992619.jpg

I have one tank through it, 47.8 MPG
No planned mods yet. Just happy to get out of the 30 MPG MAX camry into something with possibilities.

Looks like it's in great shape! I love my TDI Jetta of the same year. The ALH engine you have is widely considered the best TDI engine that has been made. It is flexible, reliable, and efficient, and with proper attention can run biodiesel without issues. It does have some quirks though! I HIGHLY recommend that you register at Fred's TDI Page. TDIClub.com. VW TDI Enthusiast Community and check out their FAQ. Note the oil forum stickies, and educate yourself on diesel runaway that can occur when either the turbo seals leak or the intercooler accumulates oil from the vapor out of the crankcase ventilator. Also, be aware of the possibility that your intake manifold can clog with soot from the EGR and CCV systems combined. Information and fixes for these issues are all addressed there, as are fuel efficiency tips and fuel additives to compensate for deficiencies in ultra low sulfur diesel. If you need any help, PM me over there, I have the same handle both places.

Congratulations on the new purchase!

Thanks! I am over at clubTDI, and have been looking into all the tips and tricks. The car was one owner, with an extensive carfax with 20+ service records. The Previous Owner (PO) changed the oil at 5K intervals; I have 3K to go before I have to do that. The belt was changed at 86K, the car is at 142K now.
I have the "stupid driver's door lock" problem to deal with. It is intermittent. The paint is a bit rough with some scratches and scrapes, and a couple of rusty chips on the hood edge.
I plan on inspecting the manifold for buildup. I am sure it needs attention.

Sounds like you've got things well in hand!

If I might make a suggestion, consider changing the oil at the factory specified interval of 10k miles instead of 5k. Not only will you save money and cut the amount of petroleum derivatives you use, but there is evidence that changing the oil that often can in some cases encourage rather than prevent engine wear.

A properly rated diesel oil like Rotella T6 or Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel Truck is more than capable of going 10k miles in these engines.

That's what I hear from other sources too. I have a punchcard from the dealer good for a free oil change; I plan on going in there and getting all the details I can about the belt change, and what oil they used, etc.

Congrats on the new ride! Looks like you're set up to practically cut your fuel use in half by replacing the Toyota.

Biodiesel is among my favorite alternative fuels, but I'd also suggest you to try pure vegetable oil, either with some dual-tank system or eventually keeping it as a single-tank. A water+meth setup is a good feature to run on alternative fuels with a direct-injection Diesel, since it reduces the occurrence of issues related to glycerin glazing and lube oil contamination.


Getting a blow-by oil catch can for the CCV is a good improvement, and helps to prevent the EGR-related problems. Well, altough it can be blamed for an increase in NOx, I'm not unfavorable to bypass the EGR, or even deleting it entirely, since it's a source of problems while running alternative fuels. A water+meth setup is often reported to keep the intake manifold cleaner too, and if you eventually delete the EGR it might compensate its effect on NOx reduction.

Thanks for reminding me about a catch can.

This car is far more than a replacement for a 30 MPG Camry.
My wife had wanted an SUV for years and years, and I was able to talk her out of it for the first 19 years or so. Then she made up her mind and got a brand new 2005 Honda Pilot.
She loved it, the high seating position, huge carry capacity, good footing on ice and snow.
It drinks gas like there is no tomorrow. 18 MPG average:(
She felt bad about that, but rationalized the decision with how she felt about the "positives".
We have had the TDI two weeks now, and she totally gets it. She loves how it drives, and is thrilled to be saving fuel. I am so pumped!
I drove it 4 days up the mountain and put 480 miles on the tank, and she took it to work today. We will fill it Sunday and see how it went, and next week is my commute partner\'s week to drive. She gets the car and loves it.

Update to the thread and fleet. Wife loved beetle so much, I got her one of her own.
Here\'s the diesel fleet:
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/z...psa68315f9.jpg
New car is an 02 GLS with leather, one owner, 129K miles.