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