I believe the VW TDI is a very well respected engine. I drove one when I bought my Passat, and it didn't have the "zip" I was used to. After I started commuting 150 mi a day, I wished I had forgone the power and gone for the fuel economy. Back then they advertised 54 mpg as I recall. I think the numbers went down since 1997 perhaps due to a redesign. I would go with Klaus' suggestion. Be aware that you may end up driving some SA trash as opposed to NA. My car was made in Brazil, which became obvious after the plastic parts began to break off, and on the back they say "Brazil". No offense to the Brazilians out there.