Matthew, can't say too much about the 2003 Golf  TDI or gas but
.............................did own at one time a 1986 Jetta gas that was
extremely reliable and finally traded it in with 200,000 km for a 1990
Jetta TD.  The gas motor Jetta was in superb condition both mechanically and
cosmetically.  I still have my 1990  Jetta TD now with 403,000  kms   -
engine has never been opened up, mechanically and cosmetically in great
shape and still going strong.  Again, we're talking year vehicles here.  In
my particular case the diesel is a jewel.  I can only say that there has
been several times i wished my 1987 Vanagon  GL  transporter was as reliable
as my diesel Jet (Vanagon content).
Whatever you chose i would suspect you will do well.

Claudio Cella
1987  Vanagon GL  7 pass.
1990  Jetta  TD
----- Original Message -----
From: "Matthew Libby" <mlibby1@cfl.rr.com>
To: <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
Sent: Sunday, November 03, 2002 9:13 AM
Subject: VW's Diesel vs. Gas

Im looking to buy a VW golf (2003), and cant decide between the TDI (diesel)
or the gas.  Im torn.  The diesel is 2k more than the gas and offers only
90hp compared to 115hp in the gas.  However, it offers 20ftlbs more torque
and almost 50mpg!  Can anyone tell me anything about these two engines,
reliability, longevity, maintainence, perfomance...

PS- im selling my westy to pay for this, any buyers?