Need advice buying '01 Turbo

[cjspack]

I am looking to purchase a 2001, 1.9 turbo diesel. What are some of the typical areas of concern with this year/model to look for?

[Evanrude]

Originally Posted by cjspack

I am looking to purchase a 2001, 1.9 turbo. What are some of the typical areas of concern with this year/model to look for?

Just to clarify, the only 1.9L in a Beetle that I know of is a DIESEL engine.

The 1.8L are turbocharged engines though.. so which one are you looking for specifically?

[cjspack]

Sorry for the confusion. It is the TDI I am looking at.

[Lew]

Records on service, and most important milage will be a concern regarding the timing belt. Has the timing belt been replaced and by who. The TB Kit contains new belt, tensioner, water pump, and stretch bolts. It would be a good idea if you live near someone that has a VAG Com tool scan for codes. Autozone can also scan for fault codes. Just make sure you check out the car well before you buy.

[DZLBUG]

Talk to Aaron (username Growler), he may chime in here. He is in Columbus and knows these engines very well and I'm sure he'd be glad to look it over with you and point some things out. I would have him do any work you may need as VW dealers (and other shops that don't specialize in TDI's) are like kryptonite for a TDI engine. As stated, the most important single issue is the timing belt system. Any 2003 would be outside of its original interval regardless of mileage. Dealers and other shops often skimp on parts and cut corners on the procedure, so even if the "timing belt has been done," there is no way of knowing if it was done completely or correctly unless you know it was someone who knows what they are doing...like Aaron.

Good luck.

[cjspack]

Originally Posted by DZLBUG

Talk to Aaron (username Growler), he may chime in here. He is in Columbus and knows these engines very well and I'm sure he'd be glad to look it over with you and point some things out. I would have him do any work you may need as VW dealers (and other shops that don't specialize in TDI's) are like kryptonite for a TDI engine. As stated, the most important single issue is the timing belt system. Any 2003 would be outside of its original interval regardless of mileage. Dealers and other shops often skimp on parts and cut corners on the procedure, so even if the "timing belt has been done," there is no way of knowing if it was done completely or correctly unless you know it was someone who knows what they are doing...like Aaron.

Good luck.

Thanks for the info, DZLBUG. I'll look him up if I end up buying this one or another. (Sorry for your loss. I'm an original Yooper "cheese-head" and don't miss the annual end-of-the-year retirement dance by #4!)

[Tron]

Avoid the auto transmissions.

[lolabug]

Well, I'm no expert in anything really, but when it gets SUPER cold, keep your TDI in the garage! I guess it happens because diesel is thicker than gasoline? Cuz my sister's car (which is relatively the same size as a Beetle, it's a PT Cruiser) starts fine in any weather.

OKAY but to the main point I was trying to make.. the needle in the fuel pump nozzle thing froze up one day in mine, and wouldn't start. I keep mine in the garage now and he's all good :3

Not sure if that really helps, but yeah.. 8D

[Smileybug]

What exactly happens that you have problems starting the TDI? The glow plugs may take a few seconds longer, but these cars have quick-start glow plugs so it should only take at most 7 seconds I think for them to get going. You shoud have no problems starting it in the winter. I know a friend of mine picked up a '98 TDI and he started it while it was snowing and 20 degrees with no difficulty. Heck, my '84 TD starts pretty good in the cold.

But yes, look for a manual. See if the timing belt/water pump was done. Those are biggies.

[MichelleRoze]

As long as you wait for the glow plug light to go out THEN start the car it should be fine. Could be that your battery is low too. It takes a lot to start a diesel, and well, diesels aren't big fans of cold weather either. Make sure you're using the right oil as well for your climate. I use 5w40 which is good for Georgia because it doesn't get that cold, but I hear that 0w40 has better protection for colder weather...or maybe I have that backwards....I don't remember.

As far as what to look for, try to stay away from automatics, unless you plan to save for a 5 speed swap (which isn't a bad idea, and not as costly as one would imagine *$2500*). Make sure tbelt and water pump is done with a metal impeller on the water pump. Make sure g12 coolant is used. Should be pink in color. proper oil. The 2002 - 03 models are prone to cam lobe wearing. Not all are affected, but just something to be aware of. Mine has 140K and the lobes are only ever so slightly worn.

Otherwise I think it should be ok. Good luck and let us know.

[Prophotog]

thought I'd chime in since I picked mine up a few months ago and the longer I've had it the more I'm finding little quirks and problems that the previous owner neglected....

Get the car that you want INSPECTED by SOMEONE who knows these cars. Not just some local yokel shade-tree mechanic, but someone who know's VW's and the TDI as suggested above. There is a wealth of knowledge on this site, use it to your advantage and education.

I, stupidly, bought my 2001 TDI knowing it had some issues. That's why I got it cheap. Cheaper isn't always better though. I'm having alignment issues with mine, which, sadly, I knew when I bought it but I'm about to get that all figured out.

Basically what I'm saying is, yeah, I should have had the car inspected thoroughly before I bought it to really know what I was stepping into, but, I can't complain because I'm getting 40 mpg now as compared to the 20 mpg with my Toyota pickup.

As everyone mentioned, Timing belt. Make sure it's been done correctly and if not, make SURE you have it done asap.