Which one should I buy?

geordi · **Posted:** Tue Sep 25, 2007 4:02 pm

Well, the '06 sport that I was looking at sold yesterday, so I'm still in the market and I'm still trying to sell my Jetta first. While waiting for finance money at the same time. *sigh* I had hoped to be in that CRD by the end of this week.

But, now I have more time for more questions!

The most pressing one is this: Since I only really have 2 model years to choose from, which would be a better choice? Are there any BIG differences between the 05 and 06 years, with regard to reliability? Mileage doesn't *really* bother me much, if it is still within the warranty for a while yet. Or should I not even worry about that at all? I'm a gearhead, so wrenches don't scare me at all. And I'm VERY happy to now have the FSM, and know that the timing belt is a lot easier to replace than on the Jetta TDI!

Other than that... What options does everyone have on their trucks? I'm seeing a LOT of Sport models, which is OK (I guess) as I don't want leather seats. But what about the rest?

CD? Heated cloth seats? Trip computer thing? What is all this called, and could a sport model have it? Most of the listings I'm seeing don't specify much beyond the default stuff that every car has.

Thanky!

--Jim

skywarn · **Posted:** Tue Sep 25, 2007 4:13 pm

well I will have to say im really happy with my 05. I like the sunroof and the radio w/ the 6 disk changer built in. I do have the Sport. Leather seats in a Jeep i never understood... if you dont get the trip conmputer then look for controls on the back of the steering wheel and a little temp sensor in the front grill. if it has those then you can buy a trip computer for $35 and add it in insted of the dealer charging $100's for one.

alljeep · **Posted:** Tue Sep 25, 2007 4:15 pm

I think the two biggest differences are factory provided 7/70 powertrain/diesel warranty for the '05s versus the traction control of the '06s.

The traction control has been reported to simulate lockers quite well buy applying individual brake to a spinning wheel to force the open differential to transfer power to the other wheel of the same axel. Both front and rear do this on '06 models.

However, I never purchased an extended warranty so I'm liking my factory 7/70 powertrain/diesel engine component warranty.

geordi · **Posted:** Tue Sep 25, 2007 5:01 pm

Traction control? the one I was looking at was an 06, and the listing said it had "Auto locking hubs" is that what they meant?

Nice to see that there are other options available. Cd changers don't really jazz me much, I have XM and I would probably be pulling the radio to install my Sony MP3 Xplod head anyway.

But tell me about these steering wheel controls. Are the buttons available separately, if the steering wheel doesn't have them? Where does the screen mount? And where could I possibly obtain one for $35? That's a GREAT price, if it will tell me all about the KJ, like MPG and DTE info!

But what about heated seats? Block heaters?

Actually... I have a coolant heater now on the Jetta that I was thinking about removing and keeping. Is the cooling system flow-through enough that a heater could be installed on the heater core lines (to the passenger compartment) and still warm up the rest of the engine? I'm a wuss, I like starting off with warm air on frosty mornings. :wink:

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Tue Sep 25, 2007 5:28 pm

They all have "auto locking hubs" but that is not the same as the TC (Traction Control)...Here is an article I wrote that might help a bit:

http://www.epinions.com/content_355681996420

bbo · **Joined:** Fri Sep 30, 2005 5:17 pm **Posts:** 382

CRD's come stock with a block heater ...
My Limited came with heated seats ... Part of a convenience package I believe.

where are you located? I only used my block heater a few nights when it got really cold ... like < -10f at night ... I'm in WI

And CRD's come with a viscious (sp?) heater .. it works when the ambient temp is something under 40 and the coolant is under something like 10 or 160 .. it really heats up the cabin nice and quick .. I have a good friend with a TDI so I am very familiar with the issues they have keeping temps in cold weather .. I do believe his car will not heat up unless it is running > idle ...

BankNote4X4 · **Posted:** Tue Sep 25, 2007 8:42 pm

If you plan on installing Mods to correct inadequate manufacturing/design then the warranty won't mean much probably. This web site is fantastic for making these corrections and addressing new issues as they arise. This web-site improves the average persons value of this vehcle two fold. Good luck on purchasing. I've enjoyed feeling the improvements of the mods as I've dropped thousands to do it. I plan on running this thing multiple hunderds of miles. We'll see:)

Cowcatcher · **Posted:** Tue Sep 25, 2007 8:56 pm

Heated seats are only factory installed in leather. I like my auto-dimming rear view mirror, in-dash 6 CD and sun roof. Sirrus was available and also a cell phone Blue Tooth speaker/mic system. '06 had 3/36 versus 7/70 and traction control versus available lrear limited slip (?) although I believe the traction control was an option in '05.

Kniggit · **Posted:** Wed Sep 26, 2007 12:01 am

The last few 06's out the door had almost all the current recalls installed at the factory, not by dealers. This is not to say that I like changes from the original 05 that I drove, but I suspect that they were done correctly on the assembly line more times than in a service bay.

K

Which one should I buy?

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