Oldest and Highest Mileage VW Diesels Prove Longevity

The one constant in the U.S. diesel passenger car market for the past 30 years has been Volkswagen. While a few other manufacturers stuck their toe in and tested the waters, none stayed the course. VW has long held the belief that American drivers could benefit from this economical and proven technology. Now, on the cusp of a new generation of "clean diesel" vehicles, VW has a decided edge on the competition with a very loyal diesel owner base from which to draw.

Volkswagen has sold well over 815,000 diesels in the United States since the introduction of the 1977 Rabbit Diesel. Joining the V10 TDI engine currently offered in the Touareg, the 2009 Jetta Sedan and Jetta SportWagen TDI models are slated to go on sale in the summer of 2008. Volkswagen's cleanest diesel ever, the new 2.0-liter four cylinder TDI engine meets the Tier II/Bin 5 emissions standards - the most stringent - while delivering 140 horsepower and a very satisfying 235 lbs-ft of torque.

To mark the next generation of clean TDI diesel power and the launch of the new 2009 Jetta TDI, Volkswagen of America recently went on a search to find both the highest mileage and oldest VW diesels in America. It turned out that the oldest Volkswagen diesel is a 1977 Rabbit Diesel owned by Clint Wilson in Tehachapi, California.

"Diesel engines are noted for their long-term reliability and durability, so we didn't think it would be a problem to find a 1977 Rabbit that was still in great condition, like this one," says Volkswagen of America's Steve Keyes. "Entries for the oldest search not only represent cars that were well-built and well-maintained, they are also interesting stories from people who are passionate about Volkswagens and diesel."

The highest mileage diesel Volkswagen in America was located in Blue Rock, Ohio. Owned by Syl Schmid, the 1986 Jetta Turbo Diesel has 562,000 miles showing on the odometer. Schmid presented fuel and mileage records that show the Jetta frequently delivered over 50 mpg. The car's original owner, Schmid initially leased the Jetta for three years and decided to buy it at the end of the lease. After 23 years and more than a half million miles, the Jetta still has the original drivetrain and muffler.

As a reward for their loyal diesel ownership, both Clint Wilson and Syl Schmid were provided with a new Touareg V10 TDI to drive for six months.