1.4 TSI 122 engine

[damci]

My wife is looking for a new (to her) car and she is interested in the petrol 1.4 TSI 122 engine. I have read a few horror stories relating to the 1.4 TSI engine but this seems to be mainly confined to the twincharged GT 160.

I wanted to know what peoples experiences are of this engine as I don’t want to buy a money pit but I think we might be safe with the turbo only TSI 122?

The car we are looking at is a 2010 Golf 1.4 TSI SE with 50,000 on the clock and has been serviced annually.

Any help/advice would be appreciated.

[va1o]

The timing chains are the main issues with these and a 2010 could suffer

Listen out for any sharp rattling sounds at startup (similar to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6L3fF49OT8) and walk away immediately if it does that. Some people try and claim its normal or just a characteristic of the engine but it's a sign of problems. Either get one with warranty or with documented evidence the chain/ tensioner has been replaced.

Mine also suffered a failed turbo but that seems a rarer problem.

[damci]

Thanks for that. Would the timing chain only rattle on a cold startup if it was faulty? I'm just thinking if he has used the car earlier in the day and the engine is still warm it might not appear?

The car does have a FVWSH but no warranty (private sale). I do plan on purchasing an extended VW warranty if I go through with the purchase. Going to look at it on Wednesday evening.

[va1o]

Yes you're more likely to hear it during a cold start than if it's been used before. If you take out the extended warranty should be fine