I'm considering turning in my '01 Stratus R/T for something that gets a little better mileage. What are my options for late 90's diesel autos, either sedans or wagons? I've been looking some at VW (Passat and Jetta), and most of the Mercedes' I seen are out of my price range. Are there other vehicles I could be looking at? I'm hoping to find something on a dealer lot that I can do a straight up trade for, because I'd like to come out of the deal without spending any actual money.

Thanks for your help.

 

Personally, if you're mechanically inclined enough, I'd build something myself. I'd choose an engine and a body, and make it work to my specifications. Nothing will fit your needs better than a custom build.

 

Diesel Power magazine (May '07 issue?) had an article that talked about what you're looking for by way of advice on a used diesel car.
I believe their conclusion was that you can't go wrong with the older MB diesels from the late 70's and 80's (about $1500-$3000 in my area). They also had lots of tips and tricks on fixing common problems, like a non-functioning power window is usually just a dirty fuse connection.

 

I'd say go for a mid to late 90's Jetta or Passat diesel. The Jettas get the best mpg. Just my .02.

 

I have had a few of the Mercedes diesels. Watch out for them as the rust from the inside out.

 

I would say go for a MK IV Jetta/Golf TDi but they are not quite cheep. You could easily find a MK III Jetta/Golf TDI for cheep though. It would have some miles on it though. You have to treat it like you would a high mileage Cummins. Check for rust, running and general operation of accessories.

Edited to add: Biggest thing to worry about is the timing belt on the TDI, if its been done right or not. That not done right can make engine go boom. With out maintenance records have it checked out by someone on tdiclub.com under trusted mechanics.

 

Since you asked specifically about late '90s diesels, you are severely limited. VW is probably your best bet.

If you are willing to look back to mid '80s, look at a Mercedes. The 300 series SD and CD through 1985. 5 cylinders with turbo. They are VERY good cars in so many ways. Expect mileage in the full size sedans to be only about 25 MPG average though. Don't go back before '81 or they are that much older and may not have a turbo (very important). If you want a little bit bigger car the 300 SDL came with a six cylinder of basically the same design as the five. But stay away from the 1987 type body style with the six cylinder diesel. It's not the same quality and the diesel is delicate.

Those old Mercedes are amazing cars with excellent quality, handling and brakes. The engines will just keep running and running. I used to run waste engine oil and very old heating oil in mine.

If you don't mind tinkering you could make one last forever but if you get all your service done at a shop they can get expensive. After all, they are over 20 years old now.


John

 

I dont know to much about them but one of my teachers has a vw jetta 5spd diesel and loves it, he says he gets almost 50 mpg

 

I saw some of the 80's MBs on internet listings and they also quoted 25 mpg. However, my Stratus is already getting 24. The problem is that I commute 25 miles each way every day. That's why I'm looking for something to get at least 35 mpg. A coworker of mine had a Jetta TDI that she loved and got ~45 mpg, at least until she wrapped it around a deer. . .

I'm a tinkerer, and haven't had my car into a shop except when I thought that something might really be wrong, and that only happened once. The only issue here is that I'm not real familiar with diesels (yet).

I'm leaning towards a Passat if I can find one since I've got two kids in car seats (another reason to get rid of the two door car) and the backseat looks pretty roomy. I'm heading over to tdiclub.com to ask a bunch of questions over there. Anyway, I overcame the most important hurdle already - convincing my wife that it may be worthwhile to get an older car.

 

I am over there as well as here and I need to let you know, search first. Lots of threads about what your asking.

Also, this fuel price rising is going to go against you. My VW has almost kept its value since I purchased it over a year ago and I put almost 40K miles on it.

 

Passats are good overall - it'll be the older body style model which wasn't as well-loved as the '98 - '05 models were. They are Very hard to find, however. If you'e lucky enough to find one with a 5-speed, all the better. I just did an advanced search on autotrader.com, and with "diesel" as the fuel, before '99, there are 8 in the country for sale, so they aren't on every corner.

Frankley, your delima is similar to what mine was a while back. I like diesels overall, however the maintanince requirements of the VW TDi and the unavalibility of Jetta/Passats in this area caused me to re-think a bit. I finally bought a 2000 Honda Accord EX 5-speed, and have gotten no less than 28 mpg, and just over 35 on freeway-only tanks of gas. With 100k timing belt changes, no special maintance or fuel & oil requirments, and great resale value, I found it worked out to have the best cost per mile for my requirements. Just my $.02...good luck.

 

Here i what I bought! 1978 VW Wabbit Diesel, 50mpg, $500.00, 87k original miles!

 

Buckshot -

That car just isn't complete with out that externally-mounted battery!

Perfect for handy jump starting...other less able cars of course!

 

Thats actually extra weight for when I start sled pulling with it!

And here is a pic of shoot when I'm racing it @ the track!

 

Buckshot,

That Wabbit looks like a real find! I've been looking for one of those as a donor car for my Samurai diesel conversion.

Why would someone let that go for $500.?


John