Turbo Problem?

[bjebert]

This is my wife's main car, so I do not drive it often. But, since last Summer the car has seemed to have lost it's "get up and go." Pedal to the metal, the car lags the ability to get up to highway speeds like it once used to quite noticeably.

Is it possible the turbo needs repair/replacement?
The car is a 2001, with 115k.
Suggestions of things to check out? From what I have heard and understood, doing anything with the turbo system can be quite costly, so would likely put it off for a year or two until we start putting more money into it with repairs and replacements.

Any suggestions or thoughts are greatly appreciated. Basically, the car just isn't as enjoyable to drive anymore (for me at least) after driving a new Audi all week, and it bums me out because I enjoy the Beetle.

I'd be happy to provide answers to any questions as well.

Thanks everyone.

[Wingnut_rb]

It wouldn't hurt to at least get it checked out, you may just have something as simple as a boost leak somewhere. It's best to at least know what you should be saving for repairs. No funky noises? auto? manual?

[bjebert]

Originally Posted by Wingnut_rb

It wouldn't hurt to at least get it checked out, you may just have something as simple as a boost leak somewhere. It's best to at least know what you should be saving for repairs. No funky noises? auto? manual?

I'll be sure to have it checked out next time I am in, due for an alignment before too long.

No noises, as far as I can tell while driving it.

Thanks.

[ziptron]

Another possibility is the Throttle Adaptation.
Your engine is a drive by wire, and the ecu "adapts" to your usage of the throttle pedal.
It saves these parameters until they are reset.
You suggest this is normally your wife's ride, perhaps it has adapted to her less spirited form of throttle application?
The dealer will probably do it as part of their evaluation.
If that's all the problem is- take the $$$ you would have spent on a turbo and get a Vagcom so you can do it yourself.

[kate_the_valkyrie]

My turbo is going out and it makes a very strange air sound, like a vacuum is being turned on, or it's sucking up more air when I 'get on it'. I was told by several mechanics that indications of the 'turbo' going, it going to be some sort of noise, whirring sound, smoke blowing, or any noises in general when you 'get on it'. So this may sound to me like you aren't having turbo issues. I was also told as well, that if the turbo goes; this can kill your whole car (engine) so definitely, get it checked out to be safe. Are you using the right fuel? Don't care what anyone argues, Turbo's need 91.

Hope some of this helped, good luck.