Thread: What year is best?

I don't think that there's a 'best year' if you want a 300 Tdi.
The 300 tdi spec in your search means you are looking for an 'update' model anyhow.

I've seen some prety crap late models, and some good early models in 300 Tdi's .. so there is no general specific year model that will be better.

I reckon I waited about 6-9months before I finally found one at a good price with the trim level I was looking for in 300 tdi.
For me the priority was no ABS and no airbags, and auto.

I think the 300 tdi series started in AUS about 95-ish, till as late as 99(I guess run out models), but officially ended '98.
Mine is compliance plated '99, but VIN shows '98 built.

They were made from 1994 to 1998 so any one you buy is at least 20 years old. This far in you'll be looking for the best maintained one, not for any particular year.

Originally Posted by bee utey

They were made from 1994 to 1998 so any one you buy is at least 20 years old. This far in you'll be looking for the best maintained one, not for any particular year.

The last one ( V8 auto BTW) rolled off the line on 26 Aug 98 with Aus compliance anytime after that to about mid 99. There all have "build dates" on them somewhere as well as the Aus compliance plate. My youngest D1 is a June 98 build and March 99 compliance so quite a few months between them.

As bee utey said, find one with the best maintenance record and condition in hopefully a colour you can live with.

Originally Posted by bee utey

They were made from 1994 to 1998 so any one you buy is at least 20 years old. This far in you'll be looking for the best maintained one, not for any particular year.

I was lucky my 97 D1 v8 was a lease car (Not hire car) right up until about 340xxx I have forms saying when the lease ended. Fully stamped book, very well maintained and rarely used offroad. If you can find one that's been maintained spend the extra money, you will save a fortune. Or buy a pig and throw heaps of money if you can afford to do so.
Cheers Jim

My pick would be 96-98, later the better.

Thanks folks

the last year of the 300tdi, 98 i believe, the big end bearings were more susceptible to issues i am lead to believe

heard the story a few times over the years.

Originally Posted by incisor

the last year of the 300tdi, 98 i believe, the big end bearings were more susceptible to issues i am lead to believe

heard the story a few times over the years.

Do you know what the cause was, or what they changed, if anything?