We own a 2001 Jetta TDI with 51k plus miles on it.  Mileage is running
between 48 to 52 miles per gallon, combined city and highway driving (5
to 80mph....).  I would highly recommend the car.

Downsides are finding oil for the car.  It is "very" hard to find oil
that meets the specs for the engine at your flaps, I have been buying
my oil from the dealer (at $6.50/quart) since I have been unable to
find suitable oil anywhere else.

Timing belt changes are at 40k for an auto, and 60k for a manual  for
the 2001 models (and I believe its longer now with the newer cars).

I am planning on letting the dealer change the timing belt when the
time comes,  I have some of the tools needed to do the job, but there
is very little room for error when changing the timing belt on this
engine (19.5:1 compression).

That said, if we could afford it now, we would buy my wife a 2003 TDI
Jetta Wagon, and when I replace the one I am driving now, will be
looking for another TDI (I drive 140 miles/day commuting).

You can get some info on the tdi engine at www.tdiclub.com.

Hope this helps,
Howard

On 22 Feb 2003 at 8:55, Philip Chidlaw wrote:

> I would appreciate any experienced feedback from Jetta owners and the
> TDI in particular.
>
> My wife and I are considering the very short list of modestly-priced
> 2003 model year wagon-oid vehicles as her new daily driver. She needs a
> new wagon.
>
> Can anyone relate their experiences with recent model-year Jettas and/or
> the 1.9 TDI? Are Jettas any good?
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Philip Chidlaw

hfleming@moosebird.net   Front Royal, VA 2001 Jetta TDI - 85 Vanagon
84 Westy 84 Vanagon GL (spare parts that turned into a project),
1999 Jetta (yet another project...) 1945 Cletrac AG6 (for sale)
1949 Ford 8N tractor