Need opinions & advice on buying a 98 TDi Jetta

[Baron VonZeppelin]

Friend of mine has three Mk2 IDi Jetta's, 1 TD, 2 NA.
Now he has become interested in a 98 TDi 5spd Jetta.
Its a creampuff 1 owner with (total) 116,000 miles in excellent condition.

Mk3 Diesels are very few and far between around here.
Such a low mileage example is yet another rarity in itself.
He likes Mk3 body, but not too hot for Mk4.

I've never touched a TDi mechanically.
Only even ridden in just one.

Is the 98 TDi a good car, great car, terrible car ?
As far as known defects or common ailments and failures ?
Would it be a 1Z or AHU or ABC or XYZ engine ?

Any words of wisdom to offer ?

Thanks for any insights.

[theman53]

I would do it again if it were me. I bought the 01 jetta TDI, it is alh code I believe. But the thing seems almost as simple as our old cars, just a few more parts. It takes a little more work, and more new tools - which I still need to buy some- but for the most part good cars. From what others have said here, I think caveman was one, is that the 1z and MKIII body were the best that VW ever put out for all around everything. From what I have read it is one of the 1z or AHU engines. I don't think the alh came out until the following year. The only issue I have heard of is fender rot out from where the drain goes down and gets plugged.

[8v-of-fury]

You already know. ITS MY FAVOURITE!

1z was the first TDI motor, first came out in the 95 passat. It continued in passat until 1997, and appeared in the jetta in 1997. 1998 jetta and passat got the newer AHU, only difference? The GT15 was replaced by the KKK K03. Mk3 golf's never got the tdi. 1999.5 golf, jetta, beetle and passat got the new ALH Tdi with the VNT turbo.

[BigVWman]

its likely the ahu, the 1z although possible was more common to passats through 97 as noted above. The mk3 jetta if its in nc or in the south should be a great move unless its overpriced. i had one bought from out by hickory it had 269 on it when i got it with a dropped valve. I got that one back together right and it was the best tdi i have ever had, though my cabrio conversion is getting close! I'd buy it in a heartbeat, rust would be my concern. catch it up on maint first thing when he gets it. remember the ahu/1z timing belt is only good for 60k!

[Baron VonZeppelin]

I went with my friend today to drive and inspect this car for him.
Beforehand i was able to convince him to pay for a CarFax report.

&%$#@!:? used car lot son of a &%$#@'s  ... lol

Mileage is actual and correct, but its had 3 owners, not 1.
No real biggy on owner total, but was worth it to verify inspection records and see the mileage was true. Clean history.

Body Paint Interior all great.
Engine Tranny both excellent. Zero blowby cold and hot.

Rear tires like new -
Front tires about 30% left - but dry rot cracks.

Both rear windows inoperable - i pushed them both down BY HAND.
So they had been "re-rigged" at one point to get them unstuck/closed.

AC blew luke cool.

Driver seat rocked a little.
They switched right to left, and probably broke some plastic sliders in the event.

And it needs timing belt service in 3000 miles.
Due to no proven record of otherwise recent service of belt.

I estimated $1000 in immediate needed parts/repairs/labor.

Left without it due to non-acceptable renegotiations.
It may or may not pan out. Dammd shame.

[Baron VonZeppelin]

Happy ending on this one.
The next day (Tuesday) the car dealer decided to accept my firends "take it-or-leave it" offer, as is. He took possession on Wednesday.

He loves this car like crazy already.
We're calling it a Rolls Royce.

I'll be doing the timing belt and general maintenances in a week or two.

It also had a full set of still new in the packages Faktry VW mudflaps in the trunk that were never installed.

Here is a link to dealer listing with nice pics of car if anyone wants to drool over the creampuff deluxeness of this Mk3 TDI.   

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/ctd/2763815468.html

[BigVWman]

NICE, leather sunroof 5 speed and only 116k its barely broken in!

[R.O.R-2.0]

its a mexican production car tho..

hello electrical problems!!

[Baron VonZeppelin]

NICE, leather sunroof 5 speed and only 116k its barely broken in!

For Real !
As hard as it is to find a Mk3 TDI in these parts -
Was blown away by mileage and condition of this jewel.

They had it priced MUCH higher in the past - speculating.
I guess folks were looking at its age more than its condition and mileage,
and passing it up.

The color is fantastic, especially in the sun.
Very deep green metallic, almost like a 3 stage candy color shot over a metallic base.

My friend is a truck driver for Old Dominion and in his 60's.
This car makes him feel 40 again. lol

[Baron VonZeppelin]

its a mexican production car tho..

hello electrical problems!!

Plenty of mexicans living in this area now ..,
i'll let one of them figure it out if it comes to that. LoL