Getting frustrated with TSI engine

[Sigil]

Mainly a lurker on this forum but would love to see what other opinions on this car are.

I have a Golf Mk5 GT with the 170bhp 1.4 TSI engine (07, 80k), i am aware of some of the major problems but want to see what others think.

I have had the car for nearly 3 years and in this time it has had the cam chain stretch, a radiator leak and now recently blew one of the boost pressure sensors off all in about 25k miles. Basically the car is costing me far more than i originally thought and feel i am just waiting until the next major problem to arise; on the other hand i really like the car itself and ATM i don't currently have enough funds to get a decent "upgrade" so if i sell it i will only be able to get something of similar value (looking at a Skoda Octavia or Civic although would really like a BMW 3 series).

What do you guys think/would do, keep it or get rid before it properly goes bang? now i have done the cam chain i would of thought this would be good for at least 50k? On the whole i'm pretty gentle with the car, when i do rev it up its only when its hot etc.

This is basically a debate on would changing the car to something more reliable likely save me more money or is it not worth the risk.

Thanks for any input!

[Evolved]

If a car starts costing more than it should, get rid and move on. Those engines are renowned for problems though.

[chris285]

As above those engines have known issues, so i'd be looking to offload if you can

But cam chain yes that shouldn't be happened, radiator leak could be unfortunate and as for a boost hose that should just pop back on so unless something else has gone on it should be almost a no cost on the last item

[spiralp]

In my view these engines are better than the internet would have you believe. My '07 GT TSI170 will reach 200,000 miles next week, and I have owned it from new.

[Dr G]

The cam chain issue is annoying but not unheard of on those; the other two don't sound too scary on a 9 year old car.

[jith]

It's what happens when you attempt to get 170BHP from 1.4 litres.

J

[ManOpener]

jith said:

It's what happens when you attempt to get 170BHP from 1.4 litres.

No, it isn't. It's a number of fundamental design flaws manifesting itself.

130bhp/L isn't exceptional in a turbocharged engine of any kind.
In fact it's rather pathetic compared to mainstream stuff produced by other manufactures which don't throw wobblies every 5 minutes.

[SuperchargedVR6]

ManOpener said:

jith said:

It's what happens when you attempt to get 170BHP from 1.4 litres.

No, it isn't. It's a number of fundamental design flaws manifesting itself.

130bhp/L isn't exceptional in a turbocharged engine of any kind.
In fact it's rather pathetic compared to mainstream stuff produced by other manufactures which don't throw wobblies every 5 minutes.

The OP mentioned 3 faults with his car. A leaky radiator, a busted pressure sensor and a worn chain. How are they 'design flaws'?

VW simply order them in from Bosch, Valeo, TRW or A.N.Other parts manufacturer. VW don't design radiators, chains or pressure sensors. If it's about blame, blame OEM parts suppliers. And all 3 of those break and wear out on other brands of car, in case you hadn't noticed.

Pathetic is a bit strong. 130hp/l is pretty respectable for a non-performance orientated road car engine. The current GTI makes, what, 207hp?
Focus RS and Civic make 150hp/l, and they ARE performance orientated road cars, and very current too, so not massively more powerful. The TSI design must be getting on for 10 years old now.

I just don't get modern attitudes to cars. A few minor niggles and people cry on the internet about it. Cars are not white goods, they NEED maintenance and care. We really have it too good these days. How easily people forget it was a job in itself keeping an old car going (winter especially), let alone any kind of performance or fun.

Edited by SuperchargedVR6 on Thursday 30th June 15:58