97 TDI Jetta, are they reliable?

[Infinitrium]

I'm looking at getting a 97 TDI Jetta and I'm just wondering how they are for reliability. I had a 93 AAZ Jetta a few years back, and while the engine was awesome and fuel mileage was outstanding, the rest of the car was crap. Cruise control didn't work, rear defrost didn't work, heater core didn't work, rad fans didn't work, front end was terrible and the body was pretty rusty. I suppose that's what I get for buying a car that sat under a tree for a year. I guess I'll be giving this 97 a good going-over in the front end and the body, is there anything else I should look for?

[the caveman]

If it's really a TDI and not Just a turbo diesel then get it. Even though a normal VW diesel is super reliable ,with a greater lifespan than a comparable gasser, a TDI is just that much better. With any amount of regular maintenance,  mileages of above 500,000 kms are common. I bought a friend's beater 98 with 450,000 kms, which I converted to VO 4 years ago and the compression is 400 lbs on each cylinder. the only thing on the car that doesn't work is that the glove box latch is broken. Oh and of course the body is shot.

[dieselweasel]

The 97 will be the same body style as your 93 was so they will be pretty much identical.  All in all I think the mk3 (93-99.5?) cars are pretty decent--simple, fairly easy to repair/maintain, parts are reasonably priced and easy to find.  Rust is your worst enemy on these cars.  Check the floor really well for excessive rust/holes.  The TDI is a great engine, just remember the importance of timing belt maintenance.