Turbo S vs TDI questions

[chris22104]

Looking to buy a platinum grey either turbo S or TDI (02-04 I'm thinking.) I love all the bells and whistles on the turbo S (disc changer, moonroof, monsoon system, heated seats, 6th gear for highway, etc.) Then again, I love the idea of 45 mpg on the TDI. Which vehicle has had the most occurances of common problems? Any advise or input as I try to make up my mind?
Thanks!
Chris

[wawalker]

The disc changer was still an option in the TS--probably rare to find one w/o it though. 6th gear does run a few RPM less than 1.8T/5 sp. on the highway, but it isn't that 1-5 are like a 5 sp. and then 6th is an overdrive. I have never matched some of the MPG that other 1.8T/ 5 sp. owners have claimed--even on all highway trips. Right now, because of gas prices I really believe a TS is your best value, because if you found say an '03 TS w/ 60K and an '03 TDI w/ 60K that had comparable equipment you'd have to pay far more for the TDI--they bring crazy premium prices and that'll buy you a lot of gas to make up for the extra 15 MPG you won't be getting! Plus, and some TDIers might flame me, the TS is so much more fun!

[Audiophil]

Yep.

S = LOTS of fun to drive, very fast. S/Sport Bugs are the most rare.

TDI = will get better MPG, prices slightly higher.

The S is a more rare car, however joe average wants the most fuel efficient vehicle out there. A TDI Bug is probably in the top 5 cars for MPG. If you do alot of driving/long commutes 75-80 miles one way say, get the TDI. If you like to go really fast get the S.

[digitalputty]

What about your commute? I've heard/read that you can get a TDi to near 1.8T performance and not loose too much mileage. Personally, I would right now get the TDi and mod it. The Turbo S is not much faster than a regular Turbo (weight on a Turbo S is a bit more).

TDi.

[AirbusMech]

Go TDI its mucho fast and does not take too much more to make it sick fast. Also the mystique of being a TDI'R
I Drive mine like Steve Mcqueen and get around 43 to 45 mpg per tank if im mellow 51 to 52ish.

[CoriBug]

TDI! I've never driven any other Beetle but I love Daisy! I know a lot of people are really into performance and all that, but I'd rather get 40-50 mpg. I have no problem merging onto the highway going 80 mph coming off the on ramp and the diesel sounds so cool! But I also bought Daisy when gas was closer to $2.20 and TDIs were about the same price as gassers. She chose me anyway. I knew she was the one for me when I saw her and I had no idea what kind of engine she had.

Good luck with your search

Cori

[chris22104]

I haven't bought yet, but I did drive 2 1.8 turbos (not the s model, none here in Buffalo anywhere.) I like the manual shift and with me the more gears the better (for gas mileage.) But at 70 mph (my average commute speed,) I was turning 3200 rpm in 5th (top) gear. I thought this is a bit high for my liking. I'm assuming the automatics are only 4 speeds, correct? If so, what rpm at 70 mph, and average gas milage there? Can anyone with a turbo s tell me what rpm they turn at 70 mph as well, and gas mileage (all for comparison purposes?) Trying to make up my mind! Thanks again guys! Chris

[dnyed]

The sixth gear really helps. It's is around 3,200rpm at 80.

[TurboSnj]

go with the S! Looks way better and faster too! Oh yea did i mention i have a black 02 for sale! Pm me if intrested!

[chris22104]

Well I traveled an hour and a half today to check out an 03 turbo s in silver with 32k miles on it at a larger dealership. $15,995 (supposedly marked down from 18,995!) One the phone and online it was with a 2 year/ 24k mile warranty, too. Until I got there. Then this "certified" warranty was available at an extra charge! Idiots. They also had a white 02 tdi with similar mileage, but they were WAY over even high retail in the nada book! Not even worth arguing. I walked. Just not alot to choose from out there. Very discouraging. What a waste of a day.....

[dnyed]

Originally Posted by chris22104

03 turbo s in silver with 32k miles on it at a larger dealership. $15,995

Sorry you had a bad time.

This is what I paid for my 2003, with 17,000 miles. The right one will find you, trust me.

[chris22104]

OK, finally, soon to be a turbo s owner! I found (locally) a red, original 2002 turbo s in pretty nice shape. It has had 2 owners, never any accidents or repaint at all, and seems to drive quite nicely, even at 80! It does need rotors and pads all the way around, but that's not a big deal; I can do it myself. Not expensive for the brake parts either. It has 64k miles on it (more than I really wanted, but nice and original.) The sidesills have no dents under them (as many beetles do.) Performance tires are no more than half worn at most. The interior is very nice; no rips tears, or start of wear-through at all. Everything seems to work fine. I put $200 down on the car today, and have an agreement to take it to a local vw dealership to have them check the car over prior to commitment and sale. Agreed upon price of $9000. Right now, (until I hear what the dealership service dept has to say,) I have a few issues. 1. The stock monsoon tape player has been replaced with an aftermarket cd player that looks like crap and is ill fitting. I'd prefer the stock monsoon tape deck look. 2. It did not come with the 6 cd changer option in the trunk; that I'll have to buy and mount. 3. No turbo s bud vase (where do I get something like this?) Anyone got one? 4. Only 1 switchblade key with the car (how much is this roughly?) Any input from you turbo s guys?
Thanks guys for your forthcoming response, and I'll keep you posted on the results, and if bought, will post some pics too!
Chris

[kenholio]

Originally Posted by chris22104

I haven't bought yet, but I did drive 2 1.8 turbos (not the s model, none here in Buffalo anywhere.) I like the manual shift and with me the more gears the better (for gas mileage.) But at 70 mph (my average commute speed,) I was turning 3200 rpm in 5th (top) gear. I thought this is a bit high for my liking. I'm assuming the automatics are only 4 speeds, correct? If so, what rpm at 70 mph, and average gas milage there? Can anyone with a turbo s tell me what rpm they turn at 70 mph as well, and gas mileage (all for comparison purposes?) Trying to make up my mind! Thanks again guys! Chris

Turbo S, really... You will love the Power and its just a blast to drive.
Lets see some pictures

[goosler]

Go TDI & chip it.......diesel economy & you'll keep up with the s's......

[lojasmo]

Originally Posted by digitalputty

What about your commute? I've heard/read that you can get a TDi to near 1.8T performance and not loose too much mileage. Personally, I would right now get the TDi and mod it. The Turbo S is not much faster than a regular Turbo (weight on a Turbo S is a bit more).

TDi.

That is true. With a chip, injectors, and a VR6/corrado clutch/flywheel combination, a TDI can be made nearly as fast as a stock TS.....while still allowing 50 MPG on the highway.

[LadybugEwa]

The changer's fairly easy to buy on eBay.
The TS deck will be hard to find, but not impossible. Or maybe fit the aftermarket one better with a mounting kit.
The switchblade key might be the most expensive item - uless you also get that on eBay, but the serial numbers have to match for the keyless to work, and then there's the programming...
Congrats on a great choice of color, and trim