Which Diesel Jetta Should I Buy?

Brit101 · Post by **Brit101** » Mon Feb 08, 2010 1:05 pm

My budget is $1200

Looking at two Jettas
#1- 1992 Black, 1.6 365,000km(227,000mi) $1200 probably get for $1000
No Rust
#2- 1995 T.D. Taupe originally white with a paint job that did not paint the door jambs. 270,000 km (170,000mi)$1200 firm. Recent wheel bearing changes no rust, but could be hidden from the paint job.

My experience is with mk2 1.6 diesels.(last broke with 800,000 km, rod through the block). Am a mechanic(friend is)
If you could share your experiences with me why not to buy one and buy the other I would appreciate it.

Posting for a friend.

Thank you in advance.

Post by **Fatmobile** » Mon Feb 08, 2010 1:58 pm

I'm a big fan of the MK2s.
They are lighter and get better fuel mileage. 1.6 parts are cheaper.
The MK3 is heavier but probably has the 1.9 engine.

Bummer the MK2 doesn't have a turbo. I'm a big fan of the turbo.

Brit101 · Post by **Brit101** » Mon Feb 08, 2010 2:02 pm

Thank you Fats, will pass it on.
Mk3's I've heard are rust prone(buckets)

It is a 1.9TD, my error in not posting it.

vanbcguy · Post by **vanbcguy** » Tue Feb 09, 2010 2:57 am

Mk III's have a few nice features, like folding back seats for instance. There's some other little details like door handles that don't break off anywhere near as easily...

There really isn't much difference in weight between the Mk II and the Mk III especially if you're looking at an early Mk III. The later ones have more "stuff" bolted on like ABS, air bags, etc.

Can't say the Mk III's are any more rust prone than the Mk II's really. There's some problem areas on the Mk III's to watch out for (right behind the front wheels especially - those plastic mud guards are there from the factory for a reason!)

82vdub · Post by **82vdub** » Tue Feb 09, 2010 9:45 am

If you can try to get a better idea of the condition of the drivetrain on each, that would also be nice to know. Paint and rust certainly are important, but if you're going to need to stick $2500 into the engine just after you get one, then maybe you would have made a different decision. But, without having each one taken to a mechanic for their evaluation (and probably some $ on your part), you need to try to determine how good these parts are as best you can. The TD is definately a bonus over the other one, but it's cheaper, which may question the condition of things. Have you driven either of them? Started them from cold and warm?

Brit101 · Post by **Brit101** » Tue Feb 09, 2010 1:28 pm

Thank you for the replies, he went last night and drove the MKIII apparently a '93. Purchases it today.

Thank you for the replies.