Thread: buying 300 tdi

Hi
Yeah timing belts are important but not the end of the world if they break. Worst is they will take out a few push rods and maybe a few tappets. Not like normal cars where the engines are nackered if the cam belt goes.

I always prefer the manual rather than the auto. The auto can be sluggish and not too nice to drive.

But after all that the TDi's are a great engine and pretty bullet proof and one of best fuel economy of any 4x4 aviable these days.

And of course they can be fixed with a hammer and chisel unlike the TD5's.

As opposed to reads, i prefer the auto , much nicer to drive and doesnt suffer from turbo lag as much apart from when stone cold.

If it to be driven mostly around town then buy an auto as they are a pig in 1st gear off the lights as it is so low.
The fuel economy is better though in a manual and better off road.
Check for back lash in the drive train, rust (under floors, under windscreen and alpine windows), check all of the electrical items including dash lights and look for any or all of the oil leaks (swivel joints also).
Head liner if hanging down will cost a few dollars to fix if you are not able to remove and replace it yourself.
Good vehicle if most of the things are rectified, but not that flash when multiple items don't work.
Fuel economy is extremely good if not driven hard.

I doubt anyone would agree a manual is better than auto offroad except in exceedingly steep downhill terrain, economy wise on a properly calculated run with the LROCV i got 9.08L/100 average so a manual would barely differ .

To be specific to the topic, I bought my D1 TDI 300 Auto (60K miles) 6 months ago.
I have replaced few things like an alternator, thermostat, battery, but no other things, but more regular maintenance.

I also replaced the headliner (it was $300) and the shocks (with Terrafirma and they suck). The shocks were shoot on my truck when I bought it, very dangerous on the highway.

I did have a leak in a diesel return pipe that spilled the fuel all over the engine (diesel does not ignite), but I fixed it with new pipe for $5 bucks.
Check the heating and cooling in all modes and all electrical systems, my cruise control does not work for example.

Depending on where the vehicle is coming from, I would look for rust, the boot is a common place also open rear door and look down (at seat height) where vertical pillar meets wheel arches, common place for rust. Inspect the windshield seal (I had a leak on the top), also common thing check for any engine leaks.

I have done several more things to my truck, like changed the timing belt (as I had no records of any maintenance), also bought spare water pump, head gasket and bolts, just in case.

Good luck, TDI 300 is a great truck, your son will have fun with it for sure and its also a safe truck.

Originally Posted by loanrangie

I doubt anyone would agree a manual is better than auto offroad except in exceedingly steep downhill terrain, economy wise on a properly calculated run with the LROCV i got 9.08L/100 average so a manual would barely differ .

I do don't like Auto's off road.

No control as with a manual. And don't even start me on engine braking

I have an auto 96 300tdi, I have to disagree with reads, the torque converter allows for much easier control when off road because you are not relying on your own clutch control for power delivery, you only have to control 1 pedal instead of 2.

As for engine braking, obviously the manual is better, however with an auto in low 1st you can go plenty slow enough. And with the auto, as previously mentioned, town driving is much more pleasant.