So what's the deal with TDI prices? I am finally starting to get serious about replacing The Infamous Beater, an a coworker recommended VW TDIs to me as a neat car that is good on fuel and not too bad to drive. Seemed good to me, and he said I ought to be able to get a decent one for my price ($4000). I looked on CL and people want $4500-$6000 for 175k-250k mile 2001-vintage TDIs! That is ridiculous! Why are people setting such high prices for quarter-million mile cars?
TDI prices. What the heck?
- Thread starter nedfunnell
- Start date
Because cars last a lot longer than they used to, particularly diesels. That many miles in a 2001 is also indicative of lots of highway time, which is gentle to an engine. German cars are seen as higher end than basic economy cars, and the TDIs get excellent mileage and range, which also boosts the value.
Those prices are more or less on par with KBB estimates.
That said, I'm not sure I'd trust a VW with that many miles either.
Those prices are more or less on par with KBB estimates.
That said, I'm not sure I'd trust a VW with that many miles either.
I think it's crazy. Newer cars are better, yes, but not $4500 for a quarter-million-mile-car better. Heck no.
Suggestions for the best DD for $4k?
Suggestions for the best DD for $4k?
Late 90s, early 2000s Civic or Corolla. Absolutely bulletproof cars that get good mileage and are very practical. Boring as hell, of course. When searching, maintenance history should count for more than mileage...a car that has had the proper timing belt changes, transmission fluid changes (important!), standard tuneups and oil changes is automatically better than one with no maintenance history.
- Oct 28, 1999
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SpatiallyAware
Lifer
- Sep 7, 2009
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As others said, $4k isn't enough money to buy a decent used german car, let alone a german diesel.
At $4k you shouldn't pick a specific car and look for that one. Troll craigslist and find something well-maintained. Post it up here and we will super negative critique it
At $4k you shouldn't pick a specific car and look for that one. Troll craigslist and find something well-maintained. Post it up here and we will super negative critique it
Subyman
Moderator <br> VC&G Forum
- Mar 18, 2005
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4k isn't a lot for a TDI. We bought a 2008 Jetta TDI new and I think it was around 26k. It was a fantastic car. Average interior, but the drivetrain was pretty much perfect. I've never driven a manual that was easier to row through the gears than that Jetta. The engine was the best part though. It was the only car I've ever driven that didn't need to down shift out of the top gear to roll over Mount Eagle at 70-75mph without struggling. Getting 42mpg was nice as well. However, depending on the area, some service stations do not carry diesel. We had to try to fill up a truck stops sometimes, and the head for truck pumps is much bigger. Talk about a mess...
They command such a premium because the diesel option is 3500 more and rather rare. They run 500k miles no problem though. That engine has been around forever and parts are widely available, so repairs aren't too bad.
It would be a great car if you do a lot of highway driving.
They command such a premium because the diesel option is 3500 more and rather rare. They run 500k miles no problem though. That engine has been around forever and parts are widely available, so repairs aren't too bad.
It would be a great car if you do a lot of highway driving.
So if I WERE to go for a TDI, what do you say of this one?
http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/3150178588.html
http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/3150178588.html
Looks alright but nothing great. Definitely needs to be looked at by a mechanic. Budget money for repairs because it will need something - usually suspension, exhaust are the most common on high mile cars. Cash only request is a bit odd. Becareful on that.
That was my next question. Sure, the engine might be good til 500k, but the rest of the car is still susceptible to wear. Surely by 250k a lot of it has been replaced, but it could even be due for another replacement.
What other cars could I look for if I would be content to get just 30-35 MPG but not pay the German diesel tax?
What other cars could I look for if I would be content to get just 30-35 MPG but not pay the German diesel tax?
No it's not. Every single time I've sold or bought a car on craigslist, it's been cash only. Mind you, they might well be willing to take a cashier's check if asked nicely, but given the high rate of fakes, I can't blame them for wanting to go the safe route.
When I was looking for a new beater in the $3k-5k range I really wanted a subaru wagon but good god those things are over priced around here. After months of looking I ended up buying an 03 pontiac vibe(toyota matrix) with 200k miles on it for $2300. It has more miles on it than I wanted but I got tired of looking, it was just down the street, and it is a toyota. I don't put many miles on a car a year anyway so it should last me a while. My last beater was an 89 dodge caravan that I kept for 13 years so this is a big step up.
ViviTheMage
Lifer
Those 01-04 TDI's got like 45-50+ MPG ... the newer ones seem to get low 40's. Personally, i prefer the mark4 body style anyway...the new ones are weird looking...I do like the new golf though.
- Oct 28, 1999
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First couple years had some issues that needed to be hammered out. After that they were pretty nice little cars (for the time).
Tdi prices of VW and derivatives are ridiculous in the UK too. Golfs, Skodas, Seat, TDi's all fetch daft money for literally work out 140k cars...people don't realise things like the suspension and other mechanical parts also wear out, even if the engines are good for a lot more.
That is possibly why the old ones still fetch good money, even when they are high mileage. They do a genuine 50mpg + whereas, as you say the newer ones don't..but they are 'cleaner'.
hanoverphist
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vshah
Lifer
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Leymenaide
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I listed my TDI on Craigs list above blue book and it was gone in under 24 hours. I drove it for over 200 K and on the highway it got 47 mpg.
ViviTheMage
Lifer
Pretty much this, wish I could snag me up a lower mileage 02 TDI golf, would be happy!
halik
Lifer
- Oct 10, 2000
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