Lifted Diesel: 2002 Volkswagen Beetle TDI
I never thought that these words would leave my fingertips, but this New Beetle looks cool. I guess I could have written those words about the turbine powered New Beetle that was featured last year, but that car was more terrifying than cool. But a lifted New Beetle with a TDI and 6-speed manual…that is about the only way I’d ever drive one of these things. Find this 2002 Volkswagen Beetle TDI offered for $3500 in Burbank, CA via craigslist.
From the seller:
2002 VW New Beetle
condition: good
cylinders: 4 cylinders
drive: fwd
fuel: diesel
odometer: 198000
paint color: blue
size: compact
title status: clean
transmission: manual
type: coupe
2002 VW Beetle TDI with 6 Speed Manual transmission. This Beetle is in great shape for another 100k miles at least. It has a 2 inch lift in the front, and a 3 inch lift in the back. It’s also been put on Jetta springs making it the smoothest riding New Beetle you will ever experience. Installed aftermarket head unit and front speakers, allowing for Bluetooth connection and HandsFree usage. AC has been recharged within the last 6 months and is blowing very cold.
Just had $2,700 worth of service done, including:
-Brand new timing belt kit (T belt, Serp. belt, water pump, tensioners, idlers)
-New engine mount
-New power steering pump
-Engine/transmission oil change
-New brake pads
-New front tires
-AlignmentInterior and paint are certainly starting to show their wear after 20 years, but this car still makes an amazing daily driver, and is incredible fuel efficient. The diesel motor paired with the manual transmission allow for mileage at around 30-40 mpg.
Check Engine light is on due to a short in the glow plug heating circuit. This will never be a problem in SoCal because it’s never cold enough to require glow plug preheating, but the part to resolve the light is only $50 if you are so inclined to repair it.
See a better way to drive something surprisingly interesting? tips@dailyturismo.com
Might as well finish the job
https://www.smythkitcars.com/new-beetle-truck-conversion
I wanted to build a Smyth 3GF in the worst way and was taken with his enthusiasm. But delays and an ultimately boring design ended that. I felt kinda bad for him, he sold a lot of cool stuff to get the company going and can’t see how he ever came out flush.
A Check Engine light will drop the price a lot more than the $50. If it was that simple it would be fixed for the sale. On the other hand the ALH engine can be modded fairly simply for some real power while still getting the 45-50mpg stock ones do.
The glow plug circuit could be either easy(probably not), or a deep dark, years long rabbit hole. Don’t ask me how I know. 30-40, even lifted, is bad gas mileage and probably indicative of poor maintenance. 198,000 is just getting warmed up if maintained well. These cars will go a stupidly long time, but only if cared for. Bring a computer and a Ross-Tech VCDS scan tool to get a better story. A regular old obd11 scan tool is not enough. The ALH is an awesome little engine when treated right. My mkiv is at 286,000 miles, and it’s ALH is probably around 130 hp, and 225+ Ft/lbs at the wheels.