[MandarMax]

Hello, fellow BHPians:

My VW Jetta 2.0 TDI just completed 10 years this week. This car has brought me immense joy and taken me on numerous memorable journeys. The car's power and performance have never ceased to amaze me, and the mileage it delivers is just the icing on the cake. Together, we've explored different states like Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, creating unforgettable experiences along the way.





The car has completed barely 60k kilometres so far (actually 599xx km as of today). I have maintained it well and carried out regular servicing. As much as I'd like to upgrade to a better car, the cost of a proper upgrade is quite steep. And except for some small dents and some required upholstery replacements, my Jetta ownership has been relatively fuss-free, making the decision even harder. I need your help in choosing the best course of action:

1. Keep the car as it is, don't fix what's broken (as there are no mechanical issues), continue using it for another 1-2 years, and then sell it.
2. Sell the car now and buy a used, higher-segment car (e.g., BMW X1, X3, or 3 series) - since a new car is not practical (proper upgrades would cost over 40L)
3. Sell the car and buy a new, lower-segment SUV with more advanced features (e.g., automatic gearbox, better electronics, sunroof) - this is me being "practical", head over heart etc. etc.
4. Fix the car (replace broken parts, repaint, etc.) and use it for another 5 years, despite the potential resale value, risk of diesel ban (if that happens here) and parts availability concerns - Basically improve feel-good factor, make it look new and kill that itch to upgrade. I've also been toying with the idea of engine remapping to squeeze out more power. However, I'm unsure about the long-term impact on the engine and other components. I'd be thrilled to hear your thoughts on this.
   

To sum it up, I'm eager to hear your advice on the options listed above and any insights on engine remapping. Thank you in advance for your valuable input, and I can't wait to read your responses!

Cheers!

[lsjey]

Given that your usage is not much, and there are no issues with the car, suggest essential repairs only and use until EOL (or diesel ban) of the car. I don't think diesel ban/ more than 15 yr old diesel car ban will happen only in metros. So yes resale will take a hit, but you may not lose much is what I feel.

Doing performance modifications, unless there is a specific need doesn't make a good case. Just enjoy your car. May be do some cosmetic changes to satisfy yourself but I wouldn't recommend any other changes to the car.

Regards,
lsjey

[revsperminute]

We are almost in the same boat. I have an Octavia which will turn 8 this year. She only has 52k on the odo and I can’t even imagine parting ways with her.

My advice to you will be to hold onto the car. They don’t make them like they used to. Get a thorough service done and replace parts that bother you. These cars are timeless.

[Epic]

Originally Posted by MandarMax

My VW Jetta 2.0 TDI just completed 10 years this week. This car has brought me immense joy and taken me on numerous memorable journeys. The car's power and performance have never ceased to amaze me, and the mileage it delivers is just the icing on the cake.

I can feel your pain and confusion. I own a 2012 VW Polo 1.6 MPI and a 2015 VW Jetta 2.0 DSG and in the same boat especially with the Polo. These cars are very very hard to replace. I have actually put up a thread on this but have not got feedback yet.

Originally Posted by MandarMax

- Keep the car as it is, don't fix what's broken (as there are no mechanical issues), continue using it for another 1-2 years, and then sell it.

- Sell the car now and buy a used, higher-segment car (e.g., BMW X1, X3, or 3 series) - since a new car is not practical (proper upgrades would cost over 40L)

If there are no mechanical issues, just enjoy the car. As already mentioned here by another member, they really do not make cars like these anymore. I had test driven the VW Virtus and VW Taigun to replace my Polo and was thoroughly disappointed by them.

The only true upgrade to the Jetta is the BMW 5 or Audi A6 and yes a brand new one is going to cost you nothing less than 80 lakhs on road. However, there is always the option to buy a 3-4 year old used car. They do depreciate heavily so you might get something at a suitable price.

Originally Posted by MandarMax

- Sell the car and buy a new, lower-segment SUV with more advanced features (e.g., automatic gearbox, better electronics, sunroof) - this is me being "practical", head over heart etc. etc.

No SUV is going to give you the driving experience that the Jetta provides. No point having the bells and whistles and not having a smile on you face when driving. I personally prefer diving my Jetta over our Merc GLC!

Originally Posted by MandarMax

- Fix the car (replace broken parts, repaint, etc.) and use it for another 5 years, despite the potential resale value, risk of diesel ban (if that happens here) and parts availability concerns - Basically improve feel-good factor, make it look new and kill that itch to upgrade. I've also been toying with the idea of engine remapping to squeeze out more power. However, I'm unsure about the long-term impact on the engine and other components. I'd be thrilled to hear your thoughts on this.

This can be done. But again, do only what is required. My Jetta is remapped and I am in love with it. I guess that is also one of the reasons why I am unable to let it go. As long as it is given to a sensible tuner, it should not be a problem. Do not get carried away with the ultra high BHPs/Torques claimed by most tuners. A Stage 1 tune should be able to produce around 170 bhp and 400 Nm torque.

[Torque123]

Originally Posted by MandarMax

[*]Fix the car (replace broken parts, repaint, etc.) and use it for another 5 years, despite the potential resale value, risk of diesel ban (if that happens here) and parts availability concerns - Basically improve feel-good factor, make it look new and kill that itch to upgrade. I've also been toying with the idea of engine remapping to squeeze out more power.

I would suggest going for the above option including the remap. May be also add some killer looking alloys (upsize if possible as car is already out of the warranty period) to this list & a complete detailing of the car. Letting go off this low run & well maintained beauty which is very hard to replace with another car with a sane pricing would be a blunder according to me. For the love of cars sake, please don't downgrade to a lower segment car

[Octy]

Hey fellow VAG owner here. I have mk3 Octavia and it has just covered 83k km. Brought it used at 70k km. I would say keep your car as value and quality offered in your car cannot be found easily these days. Also on the remap front get it done from a workshop of reputation it totally transforms the car into something else only. I would suggest a remap by wolfd as I have it on my own car and it gives me many reasons to drive

P.S - I am not associated with wolfd just a happy customer

[etrast75]

FWIW, do not let go of this car. I have a 2014 Jetta 2.0 Highline AT that has completed 70K. There is no car in the 20-40L OTR price bracket today that will even come close to what this car offers. Just completed a 1000 km trip across karnataka and it behaved flawlessly.. I hope to get mine to 100 K.. Yes it is missing a few creature comforts and the AC is not the most powerful but I can manage..

[sunikkat]

Tell me about it, I have my stage 1 2016 Octavia TDI with 79k kms and really have the itch to upgrade. Now the only option I could shortlist is 330Li but do not find the performance difference to justify the price. There are absolutely no car which can actually match Octavia (for my needs) below 330Li, forget SUVs/Crossovers as they don’t even come close. Being in Bangalore, the used car markets are not a great option for me and I don’t want to pick anything > 4 years.

But honestly I think you should remap your car, it’s a crime to sell off your 2 TDI without experiencing what wonders a simple remap can do in that engine. Mainly considering your car has done fewer kms. Mine also has B6 installed and 17 inch wheels and car has totally transformed to couple of segments above.

[svsantosh]

That car is a German baby monster in sheeps wool. I would guess a diesel car is not going to see beyond 15 years very soon, so might as well enjoy it wholly.

My wish list to begin with.

1) Decat & EGR Delete
2) Remap or at least a piggy back
3) While at it, flush engine & cooling system, service the injectors, replace all filters including fuel filter.

You should definitely gain some more smiles per every mile

[KryptonMonkey]

Originally Posted by MandarMax

My VW Jetta 2.0 TDI just completed 10 years this week. This car has brought me immense joy...
The car has completed barely 60k kilometres so far (actually 599xx km as of today). I have maintained it well and carried out regular servicing... And except for some small dents and some required upholstery replacements, my Jetta ownership has been relatively fuss-free... I need your help in choosing the best course of action:

1. Fix the car (replace broken parts, repaint, etc.) and use it for another 5 years, despite the potential resale value, risk of diesel ban (if that happens here) and parts availability concerns - Basically improve feel-good factor, make it look new and kill that itch to upgrade. I've also been toying with the idea of engine remapping to squeeze out more power. However, I'm unsure about the long-term impact on the engine and other components. I'd be thrilled to hear your thoughts on this.
   

A known devil is better than an unknown angel. I've quoted parts of your post that highlight your love and admiration for your Jetta, in your own words.

Your running at 60k KM has been quite low. So there's no reason why you shouldn't hold on to this beauty while she's still running.

Fix her up cosmetically, get her nicely detailed and you're golden for many more years, especially with registration renewal.
While I do not think your usage demands it, get the engine re-map done from a highly reputed place only, if at all. Meanwhile, you can accrue funds for your next "big and true" upgrade.

Don't worry about diesel bans/scrappage policies etc. Cross that bridge when you get to it. Rather find good, reliable garages/mechanics to keep your ride in supple condition.

I gather you bought this car for the love of driving. A lot of folks who own good resale value cars yearn for cars like yours secretly. So don't bother too much about poor resale values while your car gives you fond, intangible driving pleasure.

Do go through this thread before you make a decision:
https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/techn...ink-again.html (Want to sell your car because of repairs? Think again!)

[Dr.AD]

Originally Posted by MandarMax

Keep the car as it is, don't fix what's broken (as there are no mechanical issues), continue using it for another 1-2 years, and then sell it.

Since your car is mechanically fit, and seems like a well maintained car, you have the luxury of waiting and letting your heart decide the matters. Most such decisions are taken by the heart, and it is best to let that process happen over time.

When someone has a totally broken down car or needs a different car immediately for some specific purpose, that is a different matter altogether. They don't have the luxury of time to wait and let their heart decide something for them eventually. Thankfully, you are not in that boat.

I usually choose my next car not based on such "per-determined" questions, but rather based on what tugs at my heart the most. So, I would ask you this: Is there a specific car that tugs at your heart more than your Jetta? If so, by all means start your search for that specific car and get it whenever you can. Take your time. Let it be a nice and slow process. No need to rush into that since your current car is anyways fine.

And if there is no such car that you specifically dream of, then just continue driving your Jetta. No point selling the Jetta for the sake of changing cars. But if you find a car that you loved for years, all the power to you to sell your Jetta and get that.

So that is my answer. Don't overthink this. Just let your heart decide the matter in a natural course of time.

To tell you my own experience, I found my BMW 320d the same way. I had a perfectly working car before that (I still have that car) and that car was fine for all my requirements that time. But I always wanted to own a 3-series. That is something my heart wanted. I did not need to change the car for the sake it. I did not want just any other car. I specifically wanted only a 3-series. So I started searching for it, and eventually found a right example and bought it. It took time, but it was worth it.

I am sure my next car will come through the same process. Once my heart wants something specifically and my heart knows exactly what kind of drives I will do with that car, which destinations I will go to, what purpose that specific car will fulfill, then automatically the decision will evolve cohesively, and I will get that specific car. Again, not just for the sake of change. But for the sake of fulfilling different kinds of driving desires which can't be done with my current cars.

I am not sure if this makes sense. But I hope it does. So wait. Take your time. Enjoy your current car. And one day, let your heart tell you which car it wants next, and get exactly that car! That next car could be more expensive or less expensive, could be new or used, could be anything. It does not matter. There are no right and wrong cars. Do not let things such as "upgrades or downgrades" decide your choice. Those are superficial things. The only thing that mattes is do you want that car badly? Whenever that happens, you will get your answer automatically!

[vredesbyrd]

By what you say, Jetta seems to be doing absolutely fine. In fact, it is one of the most fun budget cars out in the used market.

60k is nothing and you can do 5x of that with the usual wear and tear and the random part failing but it is normal.

The question is, do you need that upgrade?
Because once you drive one of those entry-level RWD sedans, there's no going back.

If you want to step into that zone, I've got suggestions lined up:

1) F30 320d - Fast, great handler and very reliable. Has nearly everything one needs

2) W204 Facelift 200/220d/250d - lower game stats than 320d but still a fun car to drive. The comfort level is superb and interior quality is really good. Last well-built and proper C class this was, before Hyundai and the smart thinking EV crowd took over Mercedes
I'll come out of the closet and say that I probably love this a little more than the 320d.
P.S. the Logic 7 sound system and the dual sunroof just make one feel a little extra special

2) F10 530d - Much faster, soft but good handler, enough has been said about it.
Parts and service are reasonable for an 80L car

3) W212 Facelift 350d - this is not a 530d but a different kind of fast, well-equipped and a really good handler. Reliability record has been good as well. The pain point is service and spares cost

4) Oddball entry: Volvo S60 Cross Country. Ever wanted a nice sounding sedan SUV with a slow gearbox? This is your answer

SUV options:
1) 2014+ X3/X5: they are nice but as BMWs from that era, they are poorly equipped, especially compared to the sedan equivalent but great to drive, for SUVs, that is.

Would suggest X5 as all of them are at least 30d. Only point of concern is the rear air suspension that keeps failing every 5 years

2) 2013+ GLE/GLS 350d: very nice vehicles but what irks me is the airmatic suspension. If you can get that swapped with coil springs, you have saved your life.
Solid vehicles otherwise. Nice engine, acceptable reliability and 360 camera. Can manage a bit of mud, slush, snow and water too.
I would probably prefer GLS 350d, but remember that it is the S-class equivalent of SUVs and service and parts would be obscenely expensive, unless an FNG supports.
I see GLS 350d (X166, not the new and fake ones) as an endgame vehicle.

I would suggest saying goodbye to the Jetta because it is a fantastic car but YOLO. You need to try different cars and you got only one lifetime (unless you're an alien/vampire/etc.)

[car_guy1998]

If I were in your place, I'd keep this car for more period of time and spruce it up by getting mods like remap, new alloys, HU with Apple Carplay/Android Auto and get the mechanicals sorted no matter how much it costs and get a second car with AT retaining the Jetta as a weekend fun machine.

Jetta is one of my favourite sedans and I'd suggest to retain it unless you need an AT for driving in city traffic. 70k Kms in 10 years is quite less running for a Diesel car and 2.0 TDI Diesel engine is quite reliable as far as I heard. Since yours is MT, you don't have to worry about issues which DSG faces. Also, you won't get this kind of car anymore as you need to stretch the budget for more FTD car.

[androdev]

Based on the pics, it seems to be a base spec MT model. You have already owned the car for 10 years. There are many fully loaded cars that would certainly justify an upgrade - be luxury features or drivetrain options. If you are on the right side of 45 yrs, you will get another 10 years to enjoy a fun to drive car. This would be a good time to indulge on a car purchase if finances are healthy. I can’t be specific as it depends on finances and whether you will get the service done at ASS or not. Had it been a Jetta high line with AT, nothing below BMW range can justify an upgrade. For base MT replacement, you can explore many options including many Škoda cars.

Automatic transmission , electric seat adjustment, led lights, better interiors (ventilated seats), better ICE, better performance and more exciting engines, keyless entry, phone integration, etc. are the features you will be getting just to name a few.

[SakJel]

Hello,

I would suggest you to keep the car and enjoy it till it lasts as firstly you won't get a decent resale for such a brilliant car, secondly Jetta was a practical and full fledged sedan with a fantastic and refined diesel engine, more than enough power for Indian condition and a great fuel economy.

Basically it's more or less the same engine shared by Audi and all with less bhp.

No point going for a lower segment so called SUV as they are just hatch backs with raised GC and a bit elongated or bloated You will not enjoy the power that you enjoy now in Jetta as most of these Suv's are hugely underpowered on practical grounds and the built quality nowadays for this segment is just flimsy. Not like how your Jetta was built.

Definitely can look for a better segment used car if the car and owner are known with the entire car history.

Cheers.......