Piston Slap: Time To Pounce on a Jetta TDI?

Stephen writes:

Hi Sajeev,

I’ve toyed with the idea of turbocharging a 2.sl0w just for giggles and TORQUE, but the quest has to make some sense economically, or else the finance minister will not approve. Then it hit me: just how LOW in price have those older dirty diesels gone, anyway? You know, the ones with that lovely 236 pounds-feet of torque.

In other words, can I just get the torque without the spending abyss and busting my knuckles? Small data-set wise, four-cylinder manual Jettas with 64,000 miles average a diesel premium of only $675. At that consideration point, say 2010-ish Jetta, there is no economy for the project and I could jump right into the lovely torque.

So my question to you, on behalf of Torque Lovers Everywhere: is it time to pounce on diesel?

Sajeev answers:

Sounds like making a 2.sl0w go fast(er) is a terrible idea. You are better off starting with a better Volkswagen TDI project, or doing a motor swap into said older Jetta. I’d rather have a MkIV Jetta TDI (1999-2006) anyway, as I showed its beauty in detail, and its TDI is a superior-ish platform — at least compared to the 2.sl0w in terms of performance upgrades.

I’d wait longer if you’re interested in a newer, “2010-ish Jetta.” They have the real connection to the scandal, and older ones are too depreciated to care about public perception of the brand. We still don’t know the extent of the fallout (i.e. the numerous city/ county/ state/ country level lawsuits for damages incurred, VW’s cost to fix current TDIs, etc.) and it’s impact on TDI resale value.

Perhaps there will be more used VWs pouring into the market, which means even more inventory and lower prices for diesel/torque junkies such as yourself. So wait several more months.

And while it won’t make MkIV Jettas any cheaper nor lower the barriers to entry of a LS4-FTW swap, that’s still what I’m bankin’ on, because if this can happen…

[Image: Volkswagen]

Send your queries to sajeev@thetruthaboutcars.com. Spare no details and ask for a speedy resolution if you’re in a hurry…but be realistic, and use your make/model specific forums instead of TTAC for more timely advice.