TDI sales

I am not so sure of this...

While I do agree that TDI vehicles are in higher demand here in the  
NW than other places in the country, they don't go within hours EVERY  
time...

I had a 2002 VW New Beetle TDI that I listed here, on CraigsList, on  
PDXForsale (before it went defunct), on TDIClub, on every biodiesel  
site known to man (almost), and in AutoTrader and the Oregonian.  In  
addition I kept it parked on Powell near the Ross Island Bridge (very  
busy and highly visible) with HUGE for sale signs in the windows with  
"TDI - 50MPG!" written in 4 inch letters on the signs.  And the car  
had a TDI badge that I had added - so it was not  a "secret" TDI....

It had 55k miles, good service records, and was in almost flawless  
condition.  I was asking $500 less than book value (Private Party).   
It took me 3 months to sell it.

I kept getting people who wanted to pay the gas engine price for the  
TDI and would criticize me for wanting more....  None seemed to know  
the value of the diesel.  I had dealerships calling almost every day  
wanting to buy it for $1000 less than trade in value.  I had people  
test drive it and like it but not want to pay the price.  The best  
offers I got from anyone came in at trade-in value...  Many people  
would use the fact that "diesel costs more than gas" to try and get  
me to lower the price.  I am not bad at math so I didn't bite....

Finally I found someone who recognized the value of the TDI and that  
I was asking below book, and they bought it with no haggling.  But it  
took 3 months to get there...

So I would say that it is not impossible to find a TDI vehicle.

Of course, I belive Shody is wanting a wagon.  Those are a lot more  
in-demand and a bit harder to get.  A Passat Wagon TDI is worth more  
than it's weight in gold.  :)

-John



On Oct 5, 2006, at 11:26 AM, Jerry McIntire wrote:

> Shody,
>
> Automatics are a little easier to find, but no TDI is easy to find  
> in Portland, or even on the west coast.
>
> The ones that are advertised sell within a day or two, or even  
> hours, and the prices are high here.  The 2003 Jetta wagon we  
> bought this summer in Colorado cost $3,000 less than it would have  
> in Portland.  Made the flight and drive worthwhile.
>
> My favorite places to look are www.tdiclub.com and  
> www.autotrader.com  The TDI Club is the very best site for TDI  
> info.  They have classified listings at the bottom of the forums page.
>
> I agree with Marcel, 2003 or older are best.  For parts  
> recommendations, see Oldpoopie's posts at tdiclub.com, or call  
> him-- he's here in Portland.  He's a good TDI mechanic also.
>
> Jerry
>