WTB: Diesel Beater/Commuter

[.:RDUBBIN]

I have a LONG commute to a from work and need to find a solid daily. I drive 97 miles, one way. I want to do diesel and aim to be over 40 mpg (I plan on modifying to see if I can get over 50 at some point) Let me know what you guys have out there. Some work required is ok, but no projects. Thanks guys

[16VJohn]

There's a mark 4 tdi on KSL right now for around $3,300, needs work, but that's about as cheap as you'll find a TDI for. There's also a Mark 2 TD jetta for $700 that "needs a head and head gasket". You can probably put a NA head on there and be fine since it was the low pressure eco diesel.

[.:RDUBBIN]

Ya that's what I'm looking at, that and the MK1 in Mount Pleasant. (Though I haven't looked in a week to see if that's even available.)

[Anyclamp]

I have a silver 4 door rabbit that runs but needs a little love. It has no rust on the strut towers! The interior could use some love and it could also use new glow plugs and the timing adjusted. It has a block heater for the winter. I will even include a set of new tires.

[mp_caddy]

I still have the Jetta. $1500 or $1300 and you bring your own wheels. Or trade a rabbit two door diesel project and cash for my jetta?

[.:RDUBBIN]

My biggest concern with yours is that I need something that is reliable now. Also I don't know how to weld and There is some serious looking cancer there. I don't want to get into something that will take a lot of my precious time and money to get into a state to drive to work. with that let me ask a few questions...

I saw cancer on the passenger rear fender, it looked pretty chewed up. So I assume that it is all throughout that area. Where else it the rust?

Whats the story on the motor? If I were to pick up your vehicle would I be looking into a rebuild/replacement in the next few weeks or months?

I remember that the interior was pretty clean, but what isn't working or up to snuff in there? I will be driving on to dugway proving grounds and the military is pretty strict with all lights and safety items working as advertised and will make life difficult if not.

[01]

My biggest concern with yours is that I need something that is reliable now. Also I don't know how to weld and There is some serious looking cancer there. I don't want to get into something that will take a lot of my precious time and money to get into a state to drive to work. with that let me ask a few questions...

I saw cancer on the passenger rear fender, it looked pretty chewed up. So I assume that it is all throughout that area. Where else it the rust?

Whats the story on the motor? If I were to pick up your vehicle would I be looking into a rebuild/replacement in the next few weeks or months?

I remember that the interior was pretty clean, but what isn't working or up to snuff in there? I will be driving on to dugway proving grounds and the military is pretty strict with all lights and safety items working as advertised and will make life difficult if not.

I've talked to Russ regarding that car more than a few times.

Seems he has fixed the running issues with a rebuilt pump, timing and a new head or head gasket. Although he says it still has a hard time starting.

As for the rust; is this is just going to be a daily beater, I would put some rust converter and then a layer of por15 to stop it spreading and leave it be. My concern with this car would be the unseen rust aka the strut tower or floors.

Not saying this car isn't worth it, as mk1 diesels fetch a good penny. But this car has too many unknowns for a first time mk1 owner.

[.:RDUBBIN]

I've talked to Russ regarding that car more than a few times.

Seems he has fixed the running issues with a rebuilt pump, timing and a new head or head gasket. Although he says it still has a hard time starting.

As for the rust; is this is just going to be a daily beater, I would put some rust converter and then a layer of por15 to stop it spreading and leave it be. My concern with this car would be the unseen rust aka the strut tower or floors.

Not saying this car isn't worth it, as mk1 diesels fetch a good penny. But this car has too many unknowns for a first time mk1 owner.

Points taken, and I appreciate the input. I lucked out with my first purchase, my caddy which has clean strut towers, without knowing to look, I never did. I don't mind dealing with rust or having it on a beater, but without being closer to look at it myself I am trying to get a feel for the car. I realize now that I may have come across like a jerk, I apologize. I am worried about having another project on my hands, as happened with the GTI. Was running for about 200 miles, now I'm in the process of fixing old wiring issues, the cluster, and swapping the head.

[mp_caddy]

The rust on this is kind of strange. The body is totally bomber. The few spots that had really bad rust I fixed. Strut towers are perfect. Floor and pans are excellent. Still needs some work on the bottom of the doors and such but no welding
...hope that check clears I have a guy in CA that wants me to hold it and send me a deposite, hope to see you Thursday AM

[dieselpower04]

I have a diesel I'm thinking about selling... No beater tho

[.:RDUBBIN]

What do you have and what's the ballpark your thinking for price?

[dieselpower04]

2004 VW GLS TDI, car in my sig. $12k

[girdwood]

Just a reminder

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...G-s-(WA)-4-000