I decided to buy a 2002 VW Jetta TDI for fuel economy on my long trips. It seemed to have good reviews (except from the Car Talk Guys) and in real-life better gas mileage than the Prius and I though more reliable technology. At about 65000 miles there were only a series (5 or more) check engine light episodes. We had been happy with the car up until then despite several problems related to knobs breaking off, wheel well liners and front air dams tearing off on roll stops, etc. Nothing all that expensive. The drive train seemed solid. About a month ago, the acceleration of the car became intermittently poor. I took it to the local dealership and the problem was diagnosed as a faulty turbo that would cost $1,500+ to replace. I was dumbstruck. There went all the fuel savings for the life of that car and more. However a second opinion from a local non-VW mechanic suggested that the essential problem was a defective waste gate valve on the turbo. The diagnosis was made by observing that disabling this valve made the intermittent problem constant. The mechanic thought he could fine a replacement valve for less than $200. After many hours of searching it was apparent that Garrett (the maker of the turbo) and-or Volkswagen had made sure that replacing this valve was not possible. Obviously they wanted to sale a $1500 turbo rather than a lousy valve. So they get my perfectly good turbo, clean it up, paint it, replace the valve and resale it for $1500. What a racquet!!! In my book this thievery.
I just wanted to let you know what will happen to you if a valve goes bad on your turbo. For me, I have bought my last Volkswagen.
