Author Topic: Sell 2006 Jetta Tdi 150k for 2008 Prius 57k?  (Read 5615 times)

junglejim83

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Sell 2006 Jetta Tdi 150k for 2008 Prius 57k?
« on: October 11, 2015, 11:02:48 AM »
Hey All,

I have a 2006 TDI Jetta with 150,000 miles on it (140k on the engine) which seems young for a tdi but I have dumped a ton of money into it.  I am probably looking at 10-12K miles of driving annually for the next 4 years.

Beside for the engine debacle at 100k, which took a couple mechanics, planes, trains, tow-trucks and a walk-through the desert to get done right, I guess the expenses are more or less normal high mileage maintenance.

I just had the brakes done and right side bearings, service and tuneup a month ago ($2,000+). So I have a 'fresh car'. I also realize that the $5,000 in maintenance and repairs over the 50,000 miles since the engine replacement isn't bad.

I was not looking for to make a move, but a friend who moved overseas and has his 2008, 57k mile, Toyota Pius parked in my garage with all the bells and whistles offered to sell it to me for $6500. The likely more reliable and cheaper-to-repair Toyota is in good shape and would cost me about $7-$7500 after necessary updates. The mechanic did not see any other things of concern upon review. Blue book is about $7500-8000 and most comparable Prius in North Jersey are going for about $9000.

I bought the Jetta planning to drive it well past 200k miles and have really gone out of my way to make sure it gets the right care, but now as I manage family, work, grad school, a simple lower miles swap that would only cost me about $400 after selling the jetta, seems pretty attractive .

 What would you all do? Take the deal or stick with the Jetta?

Best,

Jim

Repairs to Jetta
6/2013_100k mi.-
engine replaced at 100k w/ 90k engine, replaced cam w/ colt stage 2, timing belt, vw turbo, egr cooler, throttle flap, singlemass Clutch

10/2013_110k miles Kumho Tires; 1/2013_117k miles
4 glow plugs, harness, 02 sensor

2/2014_120k EGR Valve Assembly; 3/2014_122k miles
Replace front left axel

8/2015_148k Brakes/Pads/Calipers (F&B), Right side wheel bearings (F&B), Cooling Fans, AntiSway Bar end links

Thinkum

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Re: Sell 2006 Jetta Tdi 150k for 2008 Prius 57k?
« Reply #1 on: October 11, 2015, 12:21:55 PM »
As an ex-VW owner, I'd sell the TDI and pick up the Prius. I got rid of my VW and got an 06 Prius, never looked back. I have saved so much money in just upkeep alone, never mind the gas, tires, and oil. I had a MKIV GTI 1.8T, so it was premium fuel, synthetic oil, sport tires, etc. I took care of that car as I do any vehicle I own, but good god was it stupid expensive to maintain. Everything is so much cheaper for the Prius, and it's WAY easier to work on yourself.

For me, VW's always inspired a "What's going to need replacing next" mindset. Not the regular maintenance either, but dumb stuff like coolant temp sensors or failing coil packs. No more VW's for me.

I just wonder if you'll even be able to sell it given the current debacle they've gotten themselves into. 

junglejim83

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Re: Sell 2006 Jetta Tdi 150k for 2008 Prius 57k?
« Reply #2 on: October 11, 2015, 01:58:13 PM »
Thinkum, thanks for the input. 
You are on point with the sense foreboding maintenance brings even when it is routine.

Of slight consideration is the fact that the jetta has a roof rack and trailer hitch (and Sirius).  The Prius needs new tires, 12v,  tailgate hatch sensor ( and maybe rotors) and has been sitting more or less for a year+  but it did check out with the mechanic.

Thinkum

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Re: Sell 2006 Jetta Tdi 150k for 2008 Prius 57k?
« Reply #3 on: October 11, 2015, 03:28:12 PM »
One other thing I would do if you did buy the Prius, is change the transmission fluid. Manufacture says it's good for like 100K or some such crap, but it's just that; crap. It was only I think $60 to have it changed at a local shop and only needs to be changed every 40K miles or so. Cheap insurance.

Oh and tires are pretty cheap, well at least compared to the sport tires I had to buy for my previous car.

I would just tally up the costs of buying the Prius, then take away the cost of selling the Jetta. It might even make more sense to sell the bolt-on's separate to get a higher price. Then track your anticipated annual costs and see where you end up.

Good luck.

Cwadda

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Re: Sell 2006 Jetta Tdi 150k for 2008 Prius 57k?
« Reply #4 on: October 11, 2015, 03:37:26 PM »
I would go with the Prius. Also look into when the hybrid battery needs a replacement.

JLee

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Re: Sell 2006 Jetta Tdi 150k for 2008 Prius 57k?
« Reply #5 on: October 11, 2015, 04:11:49 PM »
That's absurdly cheap for a 57k mi Prius.  What 'necessary updates' are going to cost $500-1000? It doesn't even have 60k on it yet!

I would go with the Prius. Also look into when the hybrid battery needs a replacement.

It doesn't.

tvan

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Re: Sell 2006 Jetta Tdi 150k for 2008 Prius 57k?
« Reply #6 on: October 11, 2015, 04:18:17 PM »
5k of maintenance on a new engine for 50k miles. That sounds like a lot.

junglejim83

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Re: Sell 2006 Jetta Tdi 150k for 2008 Prius 57k?
« Reply #7 on: October 11, 2015, 06:24:29 PM »
JLee,  the expenses needed on the prius is (1) tires $350, (2) 12v battery $300 ish, (3) bad rust on rotors - front brake job $300, (4) rear tailgate lift sensor malfunctioning $200ish,  (5)only 1 key - 2nd needed $210. If I can find the time I could do the battery myself for $150 and maybe the rotors are OK.  All in it looks like it will be in the $1000-$1500 range for updates.  So when added to the price it looks s bit closer to blue book pricing.  Still a good car though. 

On the jetta,
The replacement engine wasn't new, it had 90k on it.  The repairs since we're on other high mileage vw schtuff, likes,censors brakes, Axle, glow plugs. I listed the major ones out on the first post.  But yeah in  larger context I do feel like things that shouldn't be considered routine are considered just part of doing business for the pleasure of owning a tdi.
« Last Edit: October 12, 2015, 05:39:39 AM by junglejim83 »

junglejim83

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Re: Sell 2006 Jetta Tdi 150k for 2008 Prius 57k?
« Reply #8 on: October 12, 2015, 05:44:25 AM »
JLee, the Prius was sitting over a year, which explains the 12 volt battery going bad & the tailgate sensor seems to be a crappy part for the 2007-2008 year. The initial convo of $6500 was thinking about $500 in immediate items so I looked at it with an overall price ceiling of $7000. I may have to tell him to see if he can get another buyer b/c I am dealing with that ceiling minus repairs. 

He is also in Europe and trying to off load the car from afar, so I don't want to squeeze him on price.  He owns the house I live in, so if I leave him with a bad taste in his mouth I am sure he could find a way to recoup that extra value through my security deposit (even though the house is in better shape now than when he lived here)

frugaliknowit

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Re: Sell 2006 Jetta Tdi 150k for 2008 Prius 57k?
« Reply #9 on: October 12, 2015, 08:54:46 AM »
Assuming you would be able to sell the VW anywhere near blue book (given what's been going on with VW), yes, I would definitely swap it out for the Prius.

hyla

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Re: Sell 2006 Jetta Tdi 150k for 2008 Prius 57k?
« Reply #10 on: October 12, 2015, 10:28:45 AM »
You can change the 12V yourself.  I did it in my Prius, only cost was $150 for the battery.  It was a pain, compared to most cars, cause it's back in an awkward to get to place, but it's not technically challenging. 

Yeah, I'd buy the Prius.  I spent more than that on mine and it had 145k when I bought it.  4 years and 30k later, I think I've spent all of $500 (total) on repairs (replaced the 12V, and had to take it to the shop for a couple of minor electrical things that made the check engine light come on). 

junglejim83

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Re: Sell 2006 Jetta Tdi 150k for 2008 Prius 57k?
« Reply #11 on: October 13, 2015, 09:29:50 AM »
It looks like the deal might become harder to turn down.  On account of an additional cost (tailgate sensor is screwy and may need to be replaced), I told him I am going to pass on the prius b/c the upfront costs will put it beyond my budget and I didn't want to insult him with a low offer.  He promptly responded saying they are willing to negotiate.  So I am thinking I may be able to get it down as low as $6000.

My last area of concern, the car has been sitting garaged for 13 months.  Upon the dealer's (stupid) recommendation the car wasn't started for about 9 months and then a few times since for test drives by me and a few other interested buyers.  If the HV battery is shot, that is a deal breaker.

Is there anyway to test the HV battery or confirm that it is solid, even if slightly degraded?  I am reading all sorts of mixed info online. 

Mother Fussbudget

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Re: Sell 2006 Jetta Tdi 150k for 2008 Prius 57k?
« Reply #12 on: October 13, 2015, 09:44:38 AM »
I went from a 2003 Jetta TDI to 1) a 2003 Prius [Gen1] with 165K on it, and a new battery, then 2) a 2010 Prius [Gen3] with 50K on it's original battery.  I've got 86K on the 2nd Prius after 3 years of ownership.

You're more likely to sell the Jetta with all those minor 'tweak repairs' complete than with them outstanding.  You'll get top dollar if the buyer can 'drive it off the lot' with no work.  It's worth what it would take to replace parts yourself, or have your local mechanic replace them for you.  If not, at least include (as another commenter suggested) the 'bolt on parts' for the things you don't want to replace yourself.

My son now drives the 2003 Gen1 Prius, and has never had a problem with it - the newer replacement batteries for Gen1 cars are much more reliable than the original ones.  By Gen3, Toyota had gotten their act together - I'm expecting both main batteries to last 250K or more.  Do flush the transmission fluid, and replace the spark plugs - be sure to put anti-seize on the new plugs...  still not sure why Toyota doesn't do this at the factory.  Happy driving.

Jack

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Re: Sell 2006 Jetta Tdi 150k for 2008 Prius 57k?
« Reply #13 on: October 13, 2015, 09:49:38 AM »
Assuming you would be able to sell the VW anywhere near blue book (given what's been going on with VW), yes, I would definitely swap it out for the Prius.

2006 Jetta TDIs are the previous-generation design and have nothing to do with the emissions scandal.

junglejim83

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Re: Sell 2006 Jetta Tdi 150k for 2008 Prius 57k?
« Reply #14 on: October 14, 2015, 08:53:00 AM »
Jack is on point there. My jetta is pre-emissions scandal. Fortunately there is a small collection of fiercely loyal TDI fanatics so, I think I can get blue book if not more. On a whole, I am sure it will still affect the resale of VW and TDI's in general.  The whole scandal sucks b/c there is a lot of value in an engine that could go 300k, if you could get any dependable brand like toyota or subaru to bring their diesels West.  In a diesel subaru you'd have and AWD vehicle that could get 32 mpg city/47mpg highway - according to the Aussie fuel efficiency numbers. 

Anyhow, I am still on the fence with this b/c of battery concerns since the car sat for 13 months. I found out there is a $100 test that the dealer can do to test the battery health, so I will have to do that. An upside is the Toyota CARB warranty covers the prius battery in NJ for another 2.5 years, but in all likelihood it wouldn't die that soon anyway.

junglejim83

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Re: Sell 2006 Jetta Tdi 150k for 2008 Prius 57k?
« Reply #15 on: October 18, 2015, 11:53:18 AM »
OK, so the seller is firm at $6500, however the battery does check out on a tech-stream analysis so that is set.  With all the updates, I am looking at around $7,500 upfront cost (not including tax), if I can find time to DIY some of the work. So my net cost is probably about $4,500.  Bluebook would be around $8,200 after those updates.  I am still on the fence b/c it isn't a knockout deal like I hoped --- just a good deal.

One detail I was off on with my initial synopsis, is, my annual mileage is looking to be about 8,000. 

Also, my wife will be off a crapola lease next year so we will be purchasing her a used Outback or Forester in the $10-12k range. We like the Subby b/c its safe, we spend our free time in the woods, and my boss has a "showup when it snows policy." We will be paying cash.  Unfortunately, we are not in a locale that allows for a one car household.  We are trying to make the best auto decisions going forward after a terrible decision (with the lease) and terrible luck (with the recovered-lemon tdi jetta w/ 150k). 

Does this make a difference in anyone's opinion.  I am going to pull the trigger on this tomorrow morning either way.  Input is greatly appreciated.

Third option, is buy the prius, rent the subaru on relayrides (to see if we can cover the lease costs for the next year) and keep the Jetta until we have to buy a car next fall.

Jim
« Last Edit: October 18, 2015, 12:04:09 PM by junglejim83 »

Jack

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Re: Sell 2006 Jetta Tdi 150k for 2008 Prius 57k?
« Reply #16 on: October 18, 2015, 01:50:29 PM »
I like the "buy the Prius, keep the TDI" option for a couple of reasons:

First of all, I'm biased towards TDIs. ; )

Second, it seems like the cheapest plan.

Third, you call the TDI a "recovered-lemon." The implication is that there's nothing wrong left to fix, so going into the future it should actually be pretty decent. Why get rid of it just when the money you sunk into it might finally pay off?

junglejim83

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Re: Sell 2006 Jetta Tdi 150k for 2008 Prius 57k?
« Reply #17 on: October 19, 2015, 12:32:59 PM »
I am purchasing the Prius for $6.5k.  I am going to try, the buy the prius, keep the jetta, relayrides the subaru option. If we can't rent the subaru try it with the prius.  If, after a month or two relay rides seems like a waste, then we will go from there.

The price isn't as low as I was hoping but it is well below market and KBB sooo, it is still a good deal.  And creates the possibility of minimizing the damage from the lease.

Thinkum

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Re: Sell 2006 Jetta Tdi 150k for 2008 Prius 57k?
« Reply #18 on: October 19, 2015, 01:47:46 PM »
You should check out PriusChat if you have not already. Plenty of good DIY stuff as well as experienced Prius owners. Good luck, it seems you're making a good choice.