spridget

I took ownership of a 2012 VW Jetta SportWagen TDI earlier this month. I ordered it back in May. This is my first new car... stark contrast to my ever-growing stable of $500 Fords. I traded in my 2005 Jaguar X-Type SportWagon which was just under 100k miles. The age and mileage of the Jag, plus the total annual mileage I put on my cars prompted the decision to buy this vehicle. I loved the Jag, and I do miss it, but after a day in the new car, it was easier to let it go.

I read an article from 2009 a couple days ago which stated that 80% of VW JSWs were ordered with the TDI engine and VW was not prepared for the demand. The combination continues to be in high demand while VWs other models haven't seen anything near the same numbers. I ordered a MTX model, which required the long wait. DSG (ATX) models are common around here, but I did not care for the meticulous and costly maintenance schedule of the auto, even if it does claim a 1mpg highway advantage.

This car is driver oriented. The gearbox shifts smoothly with short positive throws. Ride and handling are very similar to the Contour... similar size, wheelbase, and weight distribution. The JSW has independent rear suspension while the smaller Golf variants (on which the car is based, despite the Jetta name) have twist beam suspension (exc. GTI). The TDI's powerband is different from what I'm used to, and driving the 6 speed in city traffic requires more shifting. Most of my miles are spent cruising on the highway, which is where the TDI MTX is best suited.

Overall, very pleased with the car and I expect lots of reliable miles. I added tint and rims immediately. VWs prices for optional wheels was quite high.

I modified an electric SVT driver's seat base to use a generic racing seat. It's not the lightest solution, but the ability to raise, lower, and recline the base is a nice feature.

The seat back bolts to the base. I reused those bolts later. The lower cushion has a steel pan that is riveted to the base. The seat base frame is not flat. The inboard edge kicks up.



piece removed and rewelded at a lower position.



the seat back bolts attach to the flanges.



flange removed



flipped around, moved forward, rewelded.



The racing seat was intended for another project that didn't happen. This bottom bracket was originally built for the other project and only required minor modification, to include the side bolt holes.



finished product

I haven't driven the '99 3L in about a year, and it hasn't been street legal in 3 years. I regularly start it up and let it run for at least an hour. The tank is full. I went to move the car the other day and it would not start. Cranks fine. I checked fuel pressure at the fuel rail and nothing... I sat in the car and listened for the fuel pump to prime when the ignition is switched from off to on... nothing. I checked all fuses and relays. All appear fine.

So, next step is to pull the back seat and check the pump and wiring. Hopefully it wasn't attacked by mice. Can a fuel pump die from sitting? The car has 88K miles with the original fuel pump.