Reasonable Diesels: A German Followed Me Home

"Mercedes Streeter" (smart)
11/17/2019 at 13:24 • Filed to: gambler 500, diesel, vw, festiva

I’ve been on a secret diesel quest for about a year or more now. Usually, I found some neat vehicles but couldn’t justify the cost. That’s when a diesel W116 at the Illinois Gambler 500 gave me a brilliant idea: Gamble a diesel!

I never got my hands on that car, but it did convince me that I really wanted a German diesel car, not an American truck.

I found a lot of neat cars out there like a 190D with a 300D swap, or this crazy TDI Jetta!

But I didn’t get the Jetta or the W116. But the Jetta did remind me of something, I could totally get a diesel made in this millennium for cheap! Enter the search...

How did I miss VW beforehand!?!?

There were a few cute bugs like this one:

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Some older, rusty Jettas:

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

An EMD GP9:

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Even a Golf or two!

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

All of these in the range of $1000-$1500 and presumably negotiable!

But no, my heart was tugged on by two wagons. This first one is being sold by a dealership that seems pretty sketchy and they’re calling this Jetta a GTI. And no, it wasn’t a Facebook error, they actually think it’s a GTI.

The second came from Craigslist. For FAR less money than any of the other diesels here, it was a 2005 Passat TDI without rust, with all kinds of service records and part receipts, and owned by a man that loved it so much he kept the engine bay clean . There was but one catch: It likes to enter limp mode on the highway.

I went to the guy’s house, test drove the car, reviewed the service records, confirmed the limp mode behaviour, then bartered him down to the same price I paid for the Festiva. Figured if I can’t solve the limp mode I could probably still flip it. Worst case, it still drives largely fine in limp mode. The service records suggest he drove it 40k since limp mode was first triggered. So apparently whatever is causing it isn’t a fatal thing. Unfortunately, the dealership just shotgunned parts at it. Notably missing from the records are a check of the vacuum system, checking the N75, MAF, or a few other bits I gathered from the TDI forums that could be the cause. They did replace the turbo and the fuel pump though.

This car is SERIOUSLY nice. The paint shines, the interior is nearly spotless, the car even came with both keys and the radio security code. I already have a mechanic diagnostic computer, I just need to install VCDS to it! I took the dive.

So, what’s going to happen to the Festiva? As I mentioned in previous threads, those closest to me really really really hate the idea of me driving it on the road between rallies. They want doors back on or me to sell the car. My parents even took the keys to it, a move a surprising amount of people supported.

Alright, I can sometimes tell when I’ve gone too far. Working with some Gamblers we decided the car will be raffled off if it survives next weekend’s Northwest Indiana Fambler 500. Mind you, this particular run will have a time trial course and jumps. This car is too rusty to be sold to the general public with a good conscience, so it’s going to die a Gambler. The proceeds along with removing a few valuable parts should make me break even. Good enough for me!

DISCUSSION (34)

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Mercedes Streeter
11/17/2019 at 13:26

Lol. You crazy. Don’t change.

jimz > Mercedes Streeter
11/17/2019 at 13:31

if you just want it for the 500, maybe. If you were talking about using it as a daily, I’d say no way. the electrical systems in those things make Joseph Lucas look like a saint.

M.T. Blake > Mercedes Streeter
11/17/2019 at 13:35

Buy the CHOO-CHOOOO!!!!

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > Mercedes Streeter
11/17/2019 at 13:38

Yeah but why no powerstrokes?

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Mercedes Streeter
11/17/2019 at 13:44

Miss Mercedes has a regular ol' car. Is this a sign of the end-times?

Mercedes Streeter > jimz
11/17/2019 at 13:51

Oh, it’s definitely the Gambler car. lol

And sadly I'm used to complex electrical systems. The only way to own a smart and work on it yourself is to have the MB STAR machine that sits in my closet.

Mercedes Streeter > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
11/17/2019 at 14:02

After owning that Ranger? I don't want a truck.

Mercedes Streeter > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent
11/17/2019 at 14:03

It's a regular car with a glitch! Still sufficiently me lol

MM54 > Mercedes Streeter
11/17/2019 at 14:05

The EMD would have been a good option too, but I can understand passing it up - for that price it should have self-aligning couplers on it.

Distraxi's idea of perfection is a Jagroen > Mercedes Streeter
11/17/2019 at 14:32

I can’t believe nobody’s asked this yet: how the fuck did you NOT buy the GP9?

WilliamsSW > Mercedes Streeter
11/17/2019 at 14:45

Should have bought the Jeep!! Or is it Geep?

Dogsatemypants > Mercedes Streeter
11/17/2019 at 14:46

Wanna buy a volvo?

PS9 > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul
11/17/2019 at 14:54

Powerstrokes ain’t Miss Mercedes’ style. She knows big TDIs are where its at.

Mercedes Streeter > Dogsatemypants
11/17/2019 at 15:49

Is it Diesel? xD

Dogsatemypants > Mercedes Streeter
11/17/2019 at 17:01

Nah, but you seem to have an irrational want for more cars and i have a volvo I need to sell.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Mercedes Streeter
11/17/2019 at 17:04

Quite possibly the largest car you have ever purchased?

Mercedes Streeter > Dogsatemypants
11/17/2019 at 17:06

Definitely not lol. I'm getting rid of the Festiva for this. I'm only allowing myself 1 car gambler and 1 scooter gambler.

Mercedes Streeter > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
11/17/2019 at 17:07

Largest car! Not the largest vehicle though, that goes to the Ranger.

B.Butch > Mercedes Streeter
11/17/2019 at 17:08

Yup, first thing is to check n75, if they didnt do it, they wouldnt be mechanic for too long in Europe. Also after abusing it for that long turbo should be cleaned (and pray to fast spinning goddess that it’s not cooked) with EGR.

Aaand you can get 170hp without changing a part.

Mercedes Streeter > B.Butch
11/17/2019 at 17:14

Thankfully the turbo spools (albeit weakly ) and “works” until limp mode activates. It’s allegedly newer and clean and the records back up the claim.

Car had the EGR deleted before the limp mode thing happened. He deleted it DIY so no records to back that up.

Initial test, I disconnected the MAF and it drove worse, so reconnected that. Next I’ll check the N75. Then hopefully my cable should come in so I can run VCDS.

Richard > Mercedes Streeter
11/17/2019 at 17:24

While I totally feel where you're coming from, let's all be honest and remind ourselves that older Rangers hardly qualify as trucks, except they have a bed. I guess it's appropriately a Miss Mercedes truck since it's basically microscopic. Totally in character, I'd say!

malarivi > jimz
11/17/2019 at 17:35

You just need a “ ross tech micro can” off ebay and a Windows laptop. There isnt an easier platform or manufacturer to date. VW is the ‘Toyota’ of Porche..

Mercedes Streeter > Richard
11/17/2019 at 17:37

Muahahahaha awe. :)

To elaborate, it's more because I don't like the fuel economy of a truck. I'd prefer at least 25 mpg in a vehicle I will take to different states (if not across country) frequently.

Dogsatemypants > Mercedes Streeter
11/17/2019 at 20:48

Piky picky, it would make a great gambler wagon. It's mildly reliable, parts are very expensive, and it is almost painful to maintain. But when it all works right..... cruise missile.

DNMonty > Mercedes Streeter
11/18/2019 at 00:04

Another strategy you may also try, was what I had. I leased an Audi Q5 TDI in 2015, shortly before the EPA cheating was exposed. After getting a check from Audi, for the "inconvenience", and after they did the TDI service fix, to make it compliant, was about time to turn it in. Since I had zero complaints about the TDI, and wanted to move up to the Q7, I started my search. Now that the EPA issues were done, and lawsuits over, they were finally allowed to sell the vehicles that were mothballed. Found a 2015 Q7 TDI, with 64 miles on it. TDI fix, along with a bunch of other Audi services done to make it showroom perfect, and a healthy discount to sweeten the deal. Ended up with a $62k stickered Q7 for $45k. Full warranty, started in 2018, when I took delivery.

CarMaster > Mercedes Streeter
11/18/2019 at 01:35

I am on my second Tdi. My F irst one, a 2001 sedan I bought practically new, only 13K on it before I put 240K miles on in 8 years for my auto wholesaling business nearly bankrupting our National treasury as I pocketed my 50 cents per mile annual tax write- off . 42 mpg first tank, and 42 last tank. (Auto) So almost 2 yrs ago I decided to get another one for my 80 mile daily work trip commuter. I was on a buying trip at a dealer auction and noticed a 2000 sedan go through without a bid. So after the sale ended I looked it over. It was clean, had a perfect leather interior and nice straight exterior with no rust and good paint. Besides it only had 274k miles on it! So I took it for a test drive it drove even better than it looked, the auto shifted perfect and felt like 27K miles. I offered $ 150 for it, and we settled on $300 in the end. Drive it every day and would drive it from Seattle to NYC without a concern. I just tripped 316K miles and got 42 MPG on my first and last tanks. Your limp mode issue is likely a clogged intake and coked up EGR cooler and valve. If you can where you live, get an EGR delete kit and new intake manifold . Or remove and clean the carbon deposits from the intake and egr cooler that are likely restricting you to a pencil diameter intake opening. A quick fix that worked for me to end limp mode coking was a quick detachment of my small EGR valve vacuum hose and I plugged it with a tape wrapped machine screw. Works like a charm as a simple EGR “ delete”. Also the Lucas Upper cylinder and Fuel injector lube and cleaner is a great fuel additive to minimize coki ng up. Enjoy the ride das cheapskate!

pip bip - choose Corrour > Mercedes Streeter
11/18/2019 at 03:12

buy the EMD !

buy the EMD!

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Mercedes Streeter
11/18/2019 at 08:15

Should’ve bought the Mk3, they’re gooooooooooooood

This will be fun to follow! Best of luck!

Mercedes Streeter > CarMaster
11/18/2019 at 09:19

Fantastic story and thanks for the advice! Interestingly, this one has had its EGR deleted so that doesn't appear to be the cause thus far. I like a little challenge so I'm excited!

Mercedes Streeter > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
11/18/2019 at 21:04

Well, if diesel ownership is everything I hope it is you never know! Thus far I just love the fumes. Hehe

DutchieDC2R > Mercedes Streeter
11/18/2019 at 21:10

I’m surprised you bought a car that isnt a total heap.

On another note, I can’t believe you were surprised by your old folks reaction and by the fact a lot of people supported it. I mean, you drove a car, a Festiva at that, without any doors. I don’t care about any heaters or whatever, it was a Festiva without any doors!

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Mercedes Streeter
11/18/2019 at 23:30

I dunno about B5.5s as much, but I know any diesel Golf/Jetta past Mk4 is absurdly expensive to maintain unless you desmog it. That involved pulling the DPF and a number of other things, olus upgrading clutch and flywheel. Then, they become as reliable as Mk1-4 diesels.

Unless you plan to gamble it to death. Then keep it as is!

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Mercedes Streeter
11/19/2019 at 00:07

I want that wagon. My dad had a green one just like it. Excellent car other than the occasional limp mode issue (cycling ignition fixed it every time) and it ate CV shafts like candy. We got it because it would get 40mpg and swallow two mountain bikes in the back.

Conor > Mercedes Streeter
11/19/2019 at 09:27

D efinitely checks are worthy on MAF and MAP sensor, they’re fairly cheap to replace but only buy genuine.

Have mechanic log the requested boost vs actual boost pressure if you can simulate fault whilst plugged in , this will probably be your limp cause.

Be very surprised if it isn’t simply a boost leak somewhere. An aftermarket pipe kit would be cheap enough and hopefully rule this out.

Good luck, will follow