thunder04

iTrader: (1)

Well since I'm committed, why would I do that?! I noticed that the e-brake handle is covered with soft material in the Jetta TDI, but was hard in the TSX. Not that it makes up for anything, lol.

thunder04

iTrader: (1)

I wish. After tint I've been asked to cool it on car related purchases for a while by the wife.

If only I could convince her that they are necessities...

thunder04

iTrader: (1)

I was able to get the 5 yr/100k platinum Volkswagen Drive Easy Program coverage at cost, so I won't be skipping any services.

thunder04

iTrader: (1)

Can you elaborate? I'm curious. I don't notice any noises (other than the slight diesel-esque-ness), but I don't know what I should be listening for.

I agree that the transmission isn't seamless in all situations. 1st and 2nd gear are noticeable, and reverse feels very much like a manual transmission especially when going up slight grade (like my driveway). The transmission seems to "disappear" more once I'm above 25-30 MPH. I actually kinda like that it feels different than the traditional automatic.

Costco

For what it's worth, unless you're looking at a Lexus GS or equivalent luxury vehicle, I don't see the point of having a soft touch dash and soft touch everything. As long as it doesn't look like cheap gray or beige plastic it's ok. I don't regularly grope my dashboard while driving, nor do I massage the door panels.

The only times I've really appreciated a really nice interior are when I'm on a long road trip and I was a passenger. And even then, roominess and seat comfort are still more important.


Finally, as you can see we all (generally) approve of the TDI! I think the interior looks great for a car that starts at under $17,000 new.

thunder04

iTrader: (1)

Last night I compared listening to music from my iPhone 4 over Bluetooth vs the MDI cable vs listening to the same music via store bought CDs.

MDI vs CD - Sound virtually the same (I encode my music at minmum 256k VBR AAC).

Bluetooth Audio vs MDI/CD - There is a very very slight decrease in high frequency audio quality, but the difference is so minimal that the convenience outweighs this by a long shot (and I am generally picky when it comes to audio quality). I asked a friend of mine to listen and see if he could tell the difference and he could not. The short story is that listening to music from my iPhone 4 over Bluetooth sounds really good.

I'm at about 1/4 tank and the distance until empty calculation is 180 miles. I don't think I'll quite get 180 miles out of the rest of the tank, but the fact that it's a semi-reasonable estimate is .

My key fob has been in my possession for a whole 4 days and it already has a nice scratch in the unlock button. I bought what my wife calls "key condoms" to add some space between the fob and my house and mailbox keys.



Yeah, they look a little dorky, but they help prevent the keys from rubbing against the fob. We'll see how long they last...

crazyasiantl

iTrader: (7)

i leave my house keys and car keys separate

cmschmie

How many miles have you gone on the tank so far? Curious what your mpg will be this early in the break-in period.

Also, for a 14.5 gallon tank, when does the fuel warning light come on? (i.e. how many gallons left in tank?)

thunder04

iTrader: (1)

I've considered that, but knowing my luck I'd forget one or the other somewhere at some time (most likely my house keys). So far it seems to be working out OK, and at least I can pick my keys out in a crowd .

thunder04

iTrader: (1)

According to the manual the fuel warning light comes on when running on reserves which is "about 2 gallons".

I bought the car with 145 miles on the odometer and I'm currently at 594 miles. They gave me the car with a full tank. So, that's about 449 miles I've driven so far on this tank of gas. After getting to work today the gauge is still around 1/4 tank and it estimates ~115 miles until empty. I'll have to get fuel when I get home today and I'll make sure I note how much I put in the car.

hANDYcaptd

iTrader: (5)

I didn't read that part of my manual, but that seems to be about right. ~2 gallons left. I generally fill up right before the needle crosses into the red zone (where the light comes on). I usually get about 12.X gallons, so about 2 gallons left.

Moog-Type-S

A very efficient response.

Saintor

I'll be watching for hours. Since sometime I just get away from my computer, not closing anything before the computer goes in 'sleep' mode..

I am actually 95% surprised that I have to explain something so basic. This particular brain must be not able to think by himself, I guess.

Saintor

The bits behond the shifter are very different from a traditional automatic.

In DCT trannies like this DSG, there are quite a few of actuators and this is what I think I heard.

A very interesting read on this subject if you are interested.
http://www.evosoft.dk/diagrams/DSG_02E.pdf

BTW, I never said that it is not a very good transmission.

Saintor

Which is 95% false.

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

Moog-Type-S

civicdrivr

iTrader: (9)

Your multiple replies are not very efficient. There is a "multiquote" button, you know.

MR1

OP, nice car choice. I hope you enjoy it for a long time.
Your yard looks great by the way.

v6cord2k5

iTrader: (1)

http://i42.tinypic.com/xbs47.jpg

Too low for my tastes but...

myron

iTrader: (4)

that thing is on bags I think.

thunder04

iTrader: (1)

Thanks! I'll definitely read that.

thunder04

iTrader: (1)

When I got fuel today I was at 660 miles, which means my first tank lasted ~515 miles. I put in 13.2 gallons of diesel which equates to ~39 MPG. Not too shabby considering I'm in traffic for at least 1/3 of my commute. My TSX would average ~28 MPG in similar conditions.

I spent my drive home today in "sport" mode. I like it, but I have a feeling it affects the MPGs.

I noticed a minor issue with the Fender head unit. When listening to music via my iPhone over Bluetooth, the track time elapsed counts up in multiples of two. I don't know if that's an iPhone software bug or what, but it's weird. I haven't paid attention when connecting it to the MDI interface...I'll have to try that tomorrow.

Moog-Type-S

I dunno how Sport mode is tuned/programmed in your Jetta TDI, but I rarely use it in my GTI. It holds the revs way too long before shifting. Sure it brings nearly each gear to red line, but it holds it there too long.

I do love how the noise/growl from the engine is much louder in sport mode, but I usually keep it in manual and just do the instant shifts on my own.

thunder04

iTrader: (1)

^ I'm finding that it's useful when I want to pass/change lanes. Simply throw it into "S", make my move, and put it back in drive. It's not a mode for cruising, that's for sure. I suppose I could put it in Tiptronic mode and shift myself .

I keep forgetting to make an appointment with the tint shop! I think I'm going to have 15% black tint installed on the rear windows (just like my TSX).

Any thoughts?

Gfaze

Nice car, congrats!

thunder04

iTrader: (1)

I had a moment of boredom today and did a quick startup video of the car...a sample from the inside then from the engine compartment. Just in case anyone is curious:

thunder04

iTrader: (1)

The moon roof just broke.

I was able to get it closed so it's not the end of the world. I opened it and heard a pop and thought "uh oh" but left it open through the rest of my drive. When I went to close it it would jam. Once I got it to close I noticed this rubber accordion like gasket thing on the passenger side of the moon roof that is loose. It's attached to a track on the bottom edge, but I can flap it around.

I have a service appointment for saturday morning.

I guess I'll have to put off tint for another weekend.

Moog-Type-S

TDI sounds very similar to the FSI / TSI counterparts.

thunder04

iTrader: (1)

Turns out it's just a cosmetic piece (I think). I'm still going to have it replaced.

Gfaze

That sucks, hopefully it's not a sign of things to come.

thunder04

iTrader: (1)

^

thunder04

iTrader: (1)

I have my tint job scheduled. The place I'm having it done didn't have an available appointment until May 24th , but if their Yelp reviews reflect their work and customer service the wait will be worth it.

I'm having Rocky Mountain Tint in Livermore do it. They have 78 reviews and average 5 stars.

I'm going to see if I can bring my car in to the dealer this afternoon to have them look at the moon roof trim piece. My guess is they'll have to order it...

thunder04

iTrader: (1)

So the moon roof piece is on backorder

Got my license plates yesterday. I'm debating ordering custom plates (something like "DSG TDI"), but I'm not sure yet.

I bought a pretty neat front license plate holder that uses the tow hook threaded mount. This way no additional holes need to be made in the bumper.



I'm having difficulty waiting for my tint appointment at the end of the month. Hopefully these guys are worth it!

Aman

A little late, but congrats on the purchase!

I don't know about the bracket mount. Not having to drill into the bumper is a huge plus, but I think it looks a little dorky.

phee

iTrader: (5)

thats a boring plate! that's what badges are for.
question: does your engine bay have a different color hue than the rest of the car?

Gfaze

My front plate looks much better hanging in my garage.

Hapa DC5

My buddy Rommel in SJ can tint your windows while you're working if you don't want to wait.

He's done every car I've owned since 2003 and probably 10+ of my friend's cars.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/canlas-mobil...0mobile%20tint

speedemon90

I'm late to this thread, but congrats on the new purchase!!

So are we now acurazine, mazdazine, or vwzine??

Lol quite a few vw's as of late. Theres some competition building in this forum!

lol I wanna say vw's reliability has improved drastically so it may be scary seeing that. I know the people with GTI's havent had many issues at least. Never followed people with the new jettas though. Hopefully it only keeps it to this and rattles.

civicdrivr

iTrader: (9)

I love the plate mount, but I agree with Phee. "DSG TDI" is boring.

How many characters can you get on a plate?

Im thinking:

"NFSHNT"