General Comments:
I bought this car in summer of 2007 as a left over or a "diesel edition" model. It has all the power options, heated seats, sunroof, mirrors, sat. radio and CD player, etc.
I really like the handling of this car, and the power the 100 horses manages to get out. You can feel the torque, which helps pull away from stop lights briskly. I do on occasion wish for more power or less turbo lag, but I have learned the limits of this car, and how to use it.
The fuel mileage is outstanding, I know the mpg display is a bit optimistic, but I have seen it go as high as 59mpg on the highway. I am sure I was probably only getting mid to low 50's though.
It has proven to be a very very reliable car. With 51k miles on it, I have not had a single problem. But I also drive it the way it was intended to be driven, as an economy car. I don't floor the gas pedal every time, I don't race people, I just drive it conservatively with some aggression in the corners. Back road driving is fun as it handles really well. It handles well in the snow, now that I have snow tires on, and it is smooth and comfortable on the highway. The seats are not luxury soft, but more of a supportive sporty feel.
Overall, I think I should have waited for the 2009 2.0 TDI to come out, since I wish I had a little more power. I plan on keeping this car as long as it will last me.
25th Jan 2011, 16:05
If you waited for the new 2.0 TDI, you would have more power and significantly lower mpg. Wonder if your luck will hold on reliability, given typical VAG performance in quality and reliability. Although I do admit that the 1.9 TDI, as an engine, but not engine management, was a very reliable engine.
Starting at low temps has to do with heating the fuel vapor mixture to a temperature high enough where it will be combustible. Remember basic Chemistry PV=nRT.