Possible return to VAG TDI
Discussion
Hi all,
I'm considering a return to a VAG TDI car, possibly a Golf, A3, Leon or CC, A4, Tiguan (would consider other models too of similar size). However, after several years of being away from social groups and other owners, in all honesty, I don't have a great deal of knowledge.
With my budget, I have options on 2012 to 2016 models. The later models have higher miles so with those, I'm only considering cars with FSH.
So just wanted to check, which diesel engines are most reliable - 1.6 or 2.0? Do they still offer the 1.9 TDI similar to the early PD engines?
And how about the gearbox options, should I avoid all autos or only models with DSG? As I recall some issues with earlier models around 2004-2009. Noticed some of the Audis have a cvt box, are they any good?
Any other advice on cars that fit the above criteria would be very welcome. Would really appreciate any advice as hoping to purchase something within the next few weeks
I'm considering a return to a VAG TDI car, possibly a Golf, A3, Leon or CC, A4, Tiguan (would consider other models too of similar size). However, after several years of being away from social groups and other owners, in all honesty, I don't have a great deal of knowledge.
With my budget, I have options on 2012 to 2016 models. The later models have higher miles so with those, I'm only considering cars with FSH.
So just wanted to check, which diesel engines are most reliable - 1.6 or 2.0? Do they still offer the 1.9 TDI similar to the early PD engines?
And how about the gearbox options, should I avoid all autos or only models with DSG? As I recall some issues with earlier models around 2004-2009. Noticed some of the Audis have a cvt box, are they any good?
Any other advice on cars that fit the above criteria would be very welcome. Would really appreciate any advice as hoping to purchase something within the next few weeks
My only experience of recent VW diesels is, the Wife had a 2019 Audi Q2 1.6 tdi, never missed a beat, decent torque, reasonably refined for a diesel and would return 60mpg on a run, in the 50s the rest of the time. We've just replaced it with a 1.5 tfsi (petrol) Q2 which, (as a serial diesel hater) I have to say is nicer to drive as well as being a fair bit quicker but only returns MPG in the 40s.
As for the transmission, both manual because the Wife's not keen on auto but I had an A3 DSG which was fine for nearly 100k miles and currently got an S4, DSG on 40k, again with no issues.
As for the transmission, both manual because the Wife's not keen on auto but I had an A3 DSG which was fine for nearly 100k miles and currently got an S4, DSG on 40k, again with no issues.
The 1.6 CR engines of that era have a bad rep for failing injectors which aren’t cheap to replace. Other than that I think they’re a pretty solid unit.
I’ve got the 2.0 CR in my 2016 Caddy and it’s a nice engine with EU6 and adblue, and they don’t seem to suffer with injector issues like the 1.6 (touch wood!)
I reckon a 65/16 plate 2.0 EU6 car would be a good option.
I’ve got the 2.0 CR in my 2016 Caddy and it’s a nice engine with EU6 and adblue, and they don’t seem to suffer with injector issues like the 1.6 (touch wood!)
I reckon a 65/16 plate 2.0 EU6 car would be a good option.
Agreed, the 2.0TDI in that age range is a decent thing. Like most diesels it will need EGR attention with enough miles on, but seeing one of those in part exchange with high miles doesn't worry me.
The 7 speed, front wheel drive box (i.e Golf 7, A3 8V) is prone to clutch-pack wear by the time you near 80-100k. Felt as judder pulling away.
The earlier 6 speed FWD is generally fine (40k oil changes), the 6 speed four wheel drive box is generally fine (40k oil changes), and the later 7 speed four wheel drive box is also generally fine (80k oil changes). No automatic transmission is immune to faults, and on the subject a harbinger of doom is rarely far away. The owners of the bazillion trouble-free ones tend to keep their mouths shut.
Nothing wrong with a manual but depending on driving style some flywheel wear (felt as pedal judder) by the time you hit 80k is fairly normal.
The 7 speed, front wheel drive box (i.e Golf 7, A3 8V) is prone to clutch-pack wear by the time you near 80-100k. Felt as judder pulling away.
The earlier 6 speed FWD is generally fine (40k oil changes), the 6 speed four wheel drive box is generally fine (40k oil changes), and the later 7 speed four wheel drive box is also generally fine (80k oil changes). No automatic transmission is immune to faults, and on the subject a harbinger of doom is rarely far away. The owners of the bazillion trouble-free ones tend to keep their mouths shut.
Nothing wrong with a manual but depending on driving style some flywheel wear (felt as pedal judder) by the time you hit 80k is fairly normal.
I'd personally look for a 2.0 TDI as they're meatier to drive and offer similar fuel economy in general to the 1.6 TDI. Both TDIs are the most common power units in the most common brands of the era, so there's lots of expertise and knowledge out there.
Look carefully at Euro compliance if that's a consideration. Some engine models - e.g. the higher output 2.0 TDI 184 - were Euro 6 from the outset of production in the 2013+ era that you're looking at, but others weren't. So, for example, a regular Golf 1.6 or 2.0 TDI 150 from even 2015 are often Euro 5, while the GTD of the same age is always Euro 6.
I run a 2016 GTD DSG at the moment and have previously had more and less powerful petrol VAG models. The 1.4 TFSI of the time is a sweet unit, but I feel the 6/7sp DSG in the 2.0TDIs upwards is a much better transmission than the 7-speed DQ200 fitted to the smaller petrol and diesel models.
Look carefully at Euro compliance if that's a consideration. Some engine models - e.g. the higher output 2.0 TDI 184 - were Euro 6 from the outset of production in the 2013+ era that you're looking at, but others weren't. So, for example, a regular Golf 1.6 or 2.0 TDI 150 from even 2015 are often Euro 5, while the GTD of the same age is always Euro 6.
I run a 2016 GTD DSG at the moment and have previously had more and less powerful petrol VAG models. The 1.4 TFSI of the time is a sweet unit, but I feel the 6/7sp DSG in the 2.0TDIs upwards is a much better transmission than the 7-speed DQ200 fitted to the smaller petrol and diesel models.
The EA288 150PS unit was shoehorned into outgoing cars from ~Sept 2015.
So my Mk6 Golf Convertible has the newer engine and is EU6 compliant, yet some MK7 golfs released 2012-2015 are EU5.
I'm looking at a Tiguan at the minute, similar story but I think they chucked an AdBlue filler port in the boot too (which I'm not so keen on).
The EA189 (140PS) unit is the 'dieselgate' one and there are lots of unhappy owners post-emissions fix. Presumably some happy ones out there too.
So my Mk6 Golf Convertible has the newer engine and is EU6 compliant, yet some MK7 golfs released 2012-2015 are EU5.
I'm looking at a Tiguan at the minute, similar story but I think they chucked an AdBlue filler port in the boot too (which I'm not so keen on).
The EA189 (140PS) unit is the 'dieselgate' one and there are lots of unhappy owners post-emissions fix. Presumably some happy ones out there too.
Thanks for the further bits of information. Definitely considering the 2.0 tdi too. Are injectors a weak point on the like the 1.6 tdi engines?
And how about the oil service schedule on either? Ideally looking for something which has had the oil changed regularly. Came across a 1.6 tdi, great SH to begin with but then mileage gaps of 30k, 28k and 21k. All within 12-18 months from each other but would you say the gaps in mileage are a bit of a concern?
I didn't pay much attention to Dieselgate tbh apart from reading a bit in the news and noticing ads flying about for claims. Only just recently spoke with a previous Golf TDI owner and he told me about a nice sum of approx £2k from his claim!
And how about the oil service schedule on either? Ideally looking for something which has had the oil changed regularly. Came across a 1.6 tdi, great SH to begin with but then mileage gaps of 30k, 28k and 21k. All within 12-18 months from each other but would you say the gaps in mileage are a bit of a concern?
Bossworld said:
I'm looking at a Tiguan at the minute, similar story but I think they chucked an AdBlue filler port in the boot too (which I'm not so keen on).
The EA189 (140PS) unit is the 'dieselgate' one and there are lots of unhappy owners post-emissions fix. Presumably some happy ones out there too.
Likewise, the idea of adding/buying something extra for the car (AdBlue) is a slight put-off. However, in all honesty, I don't have much knowledge on the tech and if it helps in any way towards mpg, overall engine health etc. So maybe some research required on my part The EA189 (140PS) unit is the 'dieselgate' one and there are lots of unhappy owners post-emissions fix. Presumably some happy ones out there too.
I didn't pay much attention to Dieselgate tbh apart from reading a bit in the news and noticing ads flying about for claims. Only just recently spoke with a previous Golf TDI owner and he told me about a nice sum of approx £2k from his claim!
Springs break, cambelt needs changing (I would strongly disagree with vags change of heart) glow plugs fail, egr valves fail (pain on these - budget £8-900) injectors seem ok, adblue isn’t the best on vag, we have done a couple of pumps - £1100 approx- nox sensors fail too - £600 each and there are 2.
Clutch and flywheel usually last to around 100k, check the ac works, the pipes leak going onto the condenser and it’s not unknown for the compressor to fail. Check heating works too.
Clutch and flywheel usually last to around 100k, check the ac works, the pipes leak going onto the condenser and it’s not unknown for the compressor to fail. Check heating works too.
Still got my MK6 Golf GT 2.0 CR diesel. Over 136k miles now, had it since 42k. Still on original injectors, flywheel, clutch, turbo, EGR, etc. No DPF trouble at all. Manual gearbox.
Always serviced annually. I tend to drive with a lot of mechanical sympathy though, and it’s mostly used on longer dual carriageway trips. I also always use V-Power. Only engine issue I’ve had was a minor issue where the throttle body needed cleaning, but it didn’t affect driveability.
Cambelt needs doing every 5 years, but that’s just preventative maintenance.
Always serviced annually. I tend to drive with a lot of mechanical sympathy though, and it’s mostly used on longer dual carriageway trips. I also always use V-Power. Only engine issue I’ve had was a minor issue where the throttle body needed cleaning, but it didn’t affect driveability.
Cambelt needs doing every 5 years, but that’s just preventative maintenance.
Quite liking the idea of the 2.0 CR tdi, reminds me of my 1.9 pd engine, several years of ownership (spirited driving) and only replace a few wear and tear items along with servicing.
I'll look out for one, especially an example with a decent service record.
Which leads me to a few other questions (sorry!) - Firstly, I've seen a few of the Audi 2.0 tdi with Quattro which has the Haldex system. How often is a Haldex service required and is it risky getting a car which has missed the schedule of the haldex service?
Also noticed a few A4s with the auto CVT box. Any experience/reviews on the CVT option?
I'll look out for one, especially an example with a decent service record.
Which leads me to a few other questions (sorry!) - Firstly, I've seen a few of the Audi 2.0 tdi with Quattro which has the Haldex system. How often is a Haldex service required and is it risky getting a car which has missed the schedule of the haldex service?
Also noticed a few A4s with the auto CVT box. Any experience/reviews on the CVT option?
I got out of Diesels personally as after 100k ish it was clear although likely to run forever, I didn't find what it was putting out conducive to what I wanted.
Also my own breathing issues. This was a pre DPF 1.9 tho....but also having serviced it myself I found what was in the intake pretty disgusting.
Ignoring that and just on facts, isn't it going to become more annoying along with what they are doing with ULEZ etc ?
Its might be worth considering that if you drive through potentially impacted places that have such controls, you are supposed to have a Sept 2015 car on apparently to be Euro 6 ....
Also worth considering future plans on MOT to check DPFs.....if you were planning to run a car without one
Sufyaan said:
Quite liking the idea of the 2.0 CR tdi, reminds me of my 1.9 pd engine, several years of ownership (spirited driving) and only replace a few wear and tear items along with servicing.
I'll look out for one, especially an example with a decent service record.
Which leads me to a few other questions (sorry!) - Firstly, I've seen a few of the Audi 2.0 tdi with Quattro which has the Haldex system. How often is a Haldex service required and is it risky getting a car which has missed the schedule of the haldex service?
Also noticed a few A4s with the auto CVT box. Any experience/reviews on the CVT option?
Not many people service there’s regularly, you get the odd customer that does though.I'll look out for one, especially an example with a decent service record.
Which leads me to a few other questions (sorry!) - Firstly, I've seen a few of the Audi 2.0 tdi with Quattro which has the Haldex system. How often is a Haldex service required and is it risky getting a car which has missed the schedule of the haldex service?
Also noticed a few A4s with the auto CVT box. Any experience/reviews on the CVT option?
Haldex is normally every 40k
Cvt is normally every 40k
Haldex doesn’t normally cause issues, cvt is similar in terms of reliability to dsg. You need to drive one as they are an acquired taste. I don’t mind them.
I’ve owned Skoda Superb 2.0 tdi since 2015 (2014 car)
85k miles now
Water pump/cambelt changed after 6 years as pump leaked
That’s all
Now diy oil/filter annually in 30 mins (electric pump through dipstick)
£30 ish annual tax
Great mpg, always 50+, 70+ seen on a motorway commute door to door
I’m want a new car but can’t see the point until it goes bang!
85k miles now
Water pump/cambelt changed after 6 years as pump leaked
That’s all
Now diy oil/filter annually in 30 mins (electric pump through dipstick)
£30 ish annual tax
Great mpg, always 50+, 70+ seen on a motorway commute door to door
I’m want a new car but can’t see the point until it goes bang!
I loved our 2010 Audi 2.0 Tdi CR 140 Sportback, i had the dpf and egr sorted out (sorry if that offends) early on and it was a fantastic car in my ownership.
Later on when the brother in law had it the auxiliary belt shredded with bits getting into the timing cover, caused some top end damage leading to recon head etc but this could have been avoided.
He moved it on a few months ago as the clutch was starting to play up at 120k and didnt want to spend any more on it.
I would have another tomorrow tbh, was no sports car but felt quicker than its suggested power figure.
Comfortable, fairly quiet inside and performed well.
My only gripe with them is how tricky they are to work on especially the egr cooler etc at the rear of the engine.
Would like a Golf Gtd myself.
Later on when the brother in law had it the auxiliary belt shredded with bits getting into the timing cover, caused some top end damage leading to recon head etc but this could have been avoided.
He moved it on a few months ago as the clutch was starting to play up at 120k and didnt want to spend any more on it.
I would have another tomorrow tbh, was no sports car but felt quicker than its suggested power figure.
Comfortable, fairly quiet inside and performed well.
My only gripe with them is how tricky they are to work on especially the egr cooler etc at the rear of the engine.
Would like a Golf Gtd myself.
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