99 vs 02 TDI

[cbyerlee]

Aside from the body style difference is there any major mechanical differences? Any troubles with one yr compared to the other? Looking at both years both have around 150k miles. 1000 cheaper for the 99

[Rockerchick]

So the '99 is an early '99, meaning a mk3? If so, its a completely different engine. I don't have much experience with them. Not bad engines (it would be an AHU) but I think the ALH in the Mk4 cars is a bit better.

And if its a mk3, the amount they want for it is nuts (as posted in your other thread). Even if it were a mk4, its a 13 year old car, TDI or not. I'd pay closer to maybe $5k for it.

[cbyerlee]

The 99 is a mk3 and they want 7800. The 02 is mk4 and they have it for 8900. Both have around 150k miles. I checked edmunds and kbb and the 2002 is listed between 5500-6200. Any tips on talking them down? I'm not good at dealing with salesmen

[cbyerlee]

I just did a search in my area and I found no used TDI's for sale so I'm thinking their arguement is gonna be these are rare to find used

[Rockerchick]

They fetch a premium for sure, but I think a lot of people ask way more than they should. The thing is though, if you don't buy, someone else probably will. But nearly $8k for a mk3...no way.

[anthonymindel]

I would spend the extra dollars to get into the MK4 body style,as its still a very good looking car today

[cbyerlee]

The 99 is the mk4 style. The 99 was actually in better shape then 99. The timing belt was replaced about 20k miles ago

I talked to my parents neighbor who is a VW mechanic and he said timing belt is really the main maintenance upkeep you have with these aside from oil change. He said sometimes the intake manifold can get gummed up but it's hard to predict and prevent bc it's a gradual process. He is rebuilding a 01 tdi, putting in a turbo with only 15k on it a new intake manifold with 10k on it. The car itself has 178k on it. Put a deposit down on the 99 so it looks like I am going to be a proud first one tdi owner!

[Rockerchick]

I still think that its too much money for that car. That is more like '02 prices, not '99, even if it is a Mk4.