My first car was an 83 VW jetta Diesel. No turbo. I can say this. Those cars ATE headgaskets. The 5 speeds seemed to have some issues after about 130k. Rear main seals had a bad habit of going too requiring new clutch and pressure plate. I put 3 head gaskets on mine. An Injection pump (shaft seals notorious for leaking). 2 5 speeds. I bought it at 120k and drove it to 160. Oddly though I really miss that car!

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1978 Mercedes 240D
1981 Mercedes 240D
1982 Mercedes 240D