TDI 1.9 or 2.0?

[ady702]

Hi guys,

looking to get a TDI soon currently looking to spend around 3.5-4k mark, been looking at A3 8P/Golf MK5 1.9TDI/2.0TDI. Prefer look of the A3

My sister has a A3 05 2.0tdi (BKD) she has had afew issues, turbo replaced and few other parts but now fine and getting around 50mpg on a test run which is spot on even though boring as hell to drive.
I read that the 1.9 was a better more reliable engine than the later 2.0, but how much slower is it?

Currenty looking at these two

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

Thanks

[Roadster25]

We had a Mk4 Golf PD 115 which was pretty good. We bought the car at 7 years (80k) and sold it at 11 years (120k). The only mechanical issue in that time was a failed AFM which put it into limp mode but still got us home.

While no sports car it was quick enough to keep up and could quite easily give 50 mpg on a long run. It could be a bit tractor like when cold, and the power was just one big dollop at the bottom end, but the six speed box helped us to work with it. Clearly 130 etc would be quicker.

A friend had an A3 with a PD engine, again more or less fault free from (I think) 110k to 180k when he got rid.

I've occasionally driven the 2.0s and they feel much more modern and a bit quicker than our 115, but the 1.9 wasn't bad and seems to be the tougher engine.

[Dr G]

I'd take a well maintained 1.9 over an early 2.0

[Tame Technician]

The unwriten rules of TDI ownership

Never 2.5

1.9 is noisey but durable.

The higher output ones often paried with a 6 speed box are worth paying for.

2.0 to be avoided from 2004 to 2008, later 2007ish ones with DPF's treat at 2.5's

2008 onward 2.0 C.R engines are as durable as the 1.9 but mush smoother and less noisey.

[ady702]

Thanks for the info guys, some good stuff there.

I did see afew 2008 models (mainly Golf) but with uber high miles, guess not a bad thing if they have been up and down the motorway their whole life.

EDIT: just realised both links in the 1st post are the same, this is the 1.9 TDI

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

Edited by ady702 on Friday 29th August 21:59