Halfway into a 2500 mile round-trip and our 02 Jetta TDI 5 speed is struggling up hills, and getting 28-30 mpg. A local Flagstaff AZ Euro mechanic shop says we have a cracked turbo and a sticking thermostat (open) and should spend $2100 at his shop or we won't make it back home. We are packed with a total of maybe 800 lbs cargo and people. We have 4 mountianbikes on a hitch (205lbs) which is a bit of a drag, but I do not think we should be shifting to 4th and once to 3rd coming into Flagstaff from Page. I am not allowed to post attachments (pics) of the bottom of turbo with the car on a lift. No crack is visible, only black residue which looks old. My wife's car and she said it was down on mileage before we left and had an occasional rough idle. We are driving it around and seems fine, creates boost, and drives normal. I am inclined to drive it home the way it is and take it to our local guru at home. Any different advice?
Breakdown far from home?
