Golf With Insane Miles.

VWs sometimes get a bad rap for reliability.  It seems that everyone has trouble with them, but you won't find a more devoted bunch of owners either.  You either love 'em or hate 'em.  Not all of them are bad, however.  

 

 See the rest of the story after the jump....

 This is part of the "MY CARS" series.   

I submit the following example.  It's a 2001 Golf TDI (turbodiesel) that was bought brand new by it's current owner in April of 2001, and was built in Brazil.  It also has, as of the time of this writing, 419,500 miles on it (UPDATE: 438,000 miles as of 3/8/2014).  If that's not remarkable enough, most of it's major (and minor) parts are factory original.

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The engine is untouched, as is the 5 speed manual transmission.  It's still running on the original clutch, wheel bearings, turbo, and most everything else.  I know, it's unbelievable, but it's true.   

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Items that have been replaced are both cooling fans (at different times), the injection pump and nozzles/injectors (at around 350K miles), A/C compressor (at 180K miles), a motor mount that cracked during a timing belt change, an accessory belt tensioner, a coolant temp sensor, and a few other minor items. 

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Currently, it drives good having had most of the suspension items replaced at around 350K miles.  The engine doesn't burn any oil (except for diesel) and it still gets over 50mpg on the highway.  Everything on the car still works including the A/C.  It feels like it could do another 400K miles.  The body is also very clean.  It's never been hit.  In fact, there are no dents whatsoever on it, door ding or otherwise.  The paint is still shiny and this being Texas, no rust.  

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Just in case you're wondering why I know so much about this car, the answer is simple.  It's mine, and I have no plans on getting rid of it anytime soon. 

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