Still another opinion please

[Augustus]

I have a couple of options right now....I have a local single owner 2002 tdi NB auto with 141000 that is emaculate that I can get for $6000 on ok tires or a 2001 tdi NB manual with 16100 that is 350 miles away and has some imperfections....I am leary of the auto ...what do you guys think?

thanks

[Fl_bug]

I'm leary of the autos too. Before I make my suggestion, what kind of imperfections are we talking about?

Either way, both have good miles for a TDI. The manual's imperfections can bring the price down. Plus, you can come back with it and have plenty of fuel left over. Plus, depending on what the inperfections are, you can probably buy and fix the manual for under the price of the auto and possible new transmission.

Or, you can buy the auto and start saving to swap in a manual transmission for when it fails.

Either way, PICS please!!

[Augustus]

2000 NB TDI, manual, $5700 in OH, 157K miles

this one is in Toledo....good guy answered all my questions thoroughly

Used | Cars Trucks Autos | Sports Car | GREEN 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS | Ewald Chevrolet Buick - Ewald Chrysler Kia Suzuki Jeep | Oconomowoc, WI

is the other I have test driven


How much is a manual tranny and who would be a good candidate to do it?

[raymondlee]

"thecheat" if you are close enough to Connecticut. If you catch him at the right time he might even have the parts for you.

[Fl_bug]

The manual one seems fine. He says that all the imperfections have been fixed in his post.

If the rear bumper hasn't, you can RUN to your dealer and get a Votex Rear bumper (looks JUST like the TurboS one) for $45 and have it painted.

If you want black cloth seats, i know someone who is selling theirs. Or you can take it to any Katzkins retail place and put on custom Leather/Cloth/Vinyl seat material on. You can even make your own colors online and then take it to a store and have them put it on. Plus, Batik Blue is one of my favored color beetles.

[raymondlee]

yep im selling my black rear seats

[DZLBUG]

Manual. If you are considering an auto be sure and budget either $5000 for a replacement or $2500 to $3000 to have someone do a 5 speed swap.

Some 2002 engines have soft/porous cams so have that checked. Replacement of the cam (and lifters) is relatively cheap and easy, particularly when doing the timing belt. As always, be sure to have the TB and all other components done if there is any doubt at all about previous maintenance history.

[MichelleRoze]

Originally Posted by DZLBUG

Manual. If you are considering an auto be sure and budget either $5000 for a replacement or $2500 to $3000 to have someone do a 5 speed swap.

Some 2002 engines have soft/porous cams so have that checked. Replacement of the cam (and lifters) is relatively cheap and easy, particularly when doing the timing belt. As always, be sure to have the TB and all other components done if there is any doubt at all about previous maintenance history.

Agree 100%

I have an 02 auto. Great car. I love it. BUT at 140K I'm starting to have some tranny issues I believe. Most people are amazed I have made it thus far and have only BEGUN to feel tranny issues. There is a guy on the TDI club who does a complete 5speed swap with all the parts for $2500, now granted, you may have to go to him or pay extra for him to come to you. But honestly they have that car marked up tooo high. Mine is an 02 with heated leather, monsoon, sunroof, tdi, automatic, and it's FULL retail value is $8K, private party is $6K. From what I see in this pic, there is no sunroof, looks to have cloth seats, and I couldn't tell if it had monsoon or not. But with 140K on the clock in an auto, tranny issues are a serious concern at this point. If you want it THAT bad, talk them down and save what you WOULD have spent at full price, for the swap.

Personally, I'd get the 5 speed. Yes it has some small issues, but being that it's cheaper, if you plan to take a loan out for either of these cars, this one will be less and have less costly repairs. If you could find a history on the auto like on this manual then I may have to think about it. But sounds like the manual was very well taken care of.

Good luck to whichever you choose. Make sure to find a TDIguru in your area. Dealers are bad news on these engines! We've all done it at some point, but we're now trying to help others to not have to learn the hard way. Unless you know the mechanic personally and they have a good reputation for working on DIESELS, then don't take it there. Find a guru