Advice

[mattbondy]

I currently own an 86 Jetta with a naturally aspirated IDI 1.6L engine. Between the rust and the number of other problems I plan to purchase a newer vehicle in the near future. I having been looking at 97-04 Jettas (not too old but within my price range).

What is the general consensus on the two engines through this span? I recall reading about wear issues with the PD engine.

What are the major service intervals (timing belt?) for the two engines?

Is there anything else I should be thinking about?

Thank you in advance, any advice will be very much appreciated.
- Matt Bondy

[jtanguay]

i'd say stay away from the NA PD's. if you buy a used one where the PO was using the wrong oil, the engine will die a slow death...

but i don't think that the 04's are PD. just '06 and + in NA. major intervals are at most 160,000km if you buy the genuine long lasting parts (you'd be stupid not to...) and at least 100,000km depending on the model you choose. (long life timing belts not available on all engine models)

the '97 jetta/golf with the updated 1.9TD AAZ engine is a good choice. no electronics and the pump should last a while even with the ULSD fuel. the ALH engine in the mk4's are pretty good engines too. 

[cyrus #1]

The '04 is indeed a PD engine.  My parents have had one for almost 4 years now.  They run the correct oil and the only problems they have had were with the crank trigger sensor and the HVAC system.  Both of which got covered under warranty.

The PD seems to have a bit less of the diesely clack clack noise that we all love... especially once warmed up.   Compared to an ALH I would say the emissions are a bit better and fuel economy is a bit worse.  Stock engine for stock engine the PD definitely has a bit more grunt.

I think it's all about finding the right car that somebody has taken care of. 

[mattbondy]

Thanks for the information and thoughts. With my current vehicle the previous owner was a loser who did all kinds of stupid things.  The PO is a huge factor in my considerations now.

[jtanguay]

The '04 is indeed a PD engine.  My parents have had one for almost 4 years now.  They run the correct oil and the only problems they have had were with the crank trigger sensor and the HVAC system.  Both of which got covered under warranty.

The PD seems to have a bit less of the diesely clack clack noise that we all love... especially once warmed up.   Compared to an ALH I would say the emissions are a bit better and fuel economy is a bit worse.  Stock engine for stock engine the PD definitely has a bit more grunt.

I think it's all about finding the right car that somebody has taken care of. 

the early PD's especially in NA are prone to having the cam failures unless the right oil is used everytime and the right OCI.

[rolo]

[/quote]
the '97 jetta/golf with the updated 1.9TD AAZ engine is a good choice.  
[/quote]        You`ve really got my interest with this one. What were the updates, how long was it available? and where? Never seen or heard of it in the uk.

[catlin_cava]

Stay away from any MK3 golf or jetta that the vin starts with 3 they are made in Mexico and rot out like crazy I haven't seen one that doesn't have a rotten floor

[mattbondy]

I should definitely consider where the vehicle is assembled. My 86 Jetta cam from West Germany. I dont suppose they come with a pair of lederhosen in the trunk anymore...