Author Topic: Buying a 1995 Jetta td - maybe? (Read 2122 times)

homerj1 · « **on:** May 14, 2008, 07:23:40 pm »

Hello once again,

Due to major repair issue ($1300 worth) required on my gas guzzling 92 Isuzu Trooper, I'm contemplating another diesel.

Specs - 1995 Jetta td - 277,000 km with sunroof.

New timing belt, tires and brakes in March.
Starts in winter down to -10 C without plugging in.
Some surface rust - but haven't seen it in person, yet.

Asking firm price $ 2,500

Any thoughts?

Other then checking for excessive blowby, what else should I look, listen and check for?
Any problematic areas for this year?
Is there any way to confirm\check to see if the crank pulley wobble is present?

Sorry for the barrage of questions - but if I buy junk, I'll be in the doghouse.

Aivars

burn_your_money · « **Reply #1 on:** May 14, 2008, 07:35:38 pm »

Usually a visual inspection of the crank pulley while the engine is running is a good indication of it's condition.

homerj1 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 14, 2008, 08:04:37 pm »

I guess you'd look for a side to side wobble? Or an out of round one? That would increase as the engine speed does?

If it looks okay, would you still change the bolt?

burn_your_money · « **Reply #3 on:** May 14, 2008, 08:54:29 pm »

from my experience it usually looks like a bent rim when it's spinning, wobbling in and out.

I'm a fan of it it ain't broke.... but then again I don't own a 1.9

Dirtrag2 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 15, 2008, 10:06:18 pm »

Quote from: "homerj1"

Other then checking for excessive blowby, what else should I look, listen and check for?
Any problematic areas for this year?

ask owner about oil comsumption, if it goes thru an excessive amount of oil the rings are probably shot = rebuild top end.
also check the underbody for holes in floor. usual spots on mk3's are under driver's feet close to rocker pannel and under rear passengers feet area.

2500$ is a little on the high scale for that high km's but still worth it if it's in order

homerj1 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 19, 2008, 07:00:16 am »

I checked this car out yesterday and am not sure about a few things. I currently drive a 92 jetta td - so my comparisons are based on this.

1. Seemed to be lots of valve train noise on idle and when reving.
2. Crank pulley seemed to have a "out of round" movement - no sideways wobble, just a "up and down movement" when viewed form the top.
3. Even when warm. engine took a couple extra of cranks to start. - my jetta, when warm just snaps to running, after a couple cranks.
4. After 3700 rpms engine revs - but seems like min. power - no seat of the pants, turbo kicking in (I know its a diesel -but seems low on power).
5. Some blowby with oil filler cap off.

I'm maybe concluding, low compression and crankbolt\pulley concerns?
Really, the motor just sounded sick.

It seems to really be a $1000 car?

Aivars

ps no cross contamination of oil\coolant, small holes in rockers and in floor, brakes low (i'm assuming pads) and water in trunk?

homerj1 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 21, 2008, 07:17:45 pm »

Just an update.....

I didn't buy the above mentioned 95 Jetta, but instead found another one.

Details - 1995 Jetta GL td, 360,000 km, 4 door, black with rust & a few holes, ac, alum. rims, for $1000. Runs & drives pretty good.

Cool part is that had recent ip rebuild ($1000) and last year, had new head, rad, timing belt etc. (I am going to visit the dealer to see if I can find the particulars via the service records)

So, I guess once I have a closer look at the mechanicals, I'll have lots of

?'s

Aivars

burn_your_money · « **Reply #7 on:** May 21, 2008, 08:52:54 pm »

Sounds like the head gasket failed, or the rad failed and the engine was over heated. There is a high chance that the cylinder walls are glazed and oil consumption will be high. Be very mindful of that.