Golf 1.4 Tsi Reliability 09-13

[pistonhead345]

Hi has anyone had any experiences with this car that would persuade you not to recommend it. I know the 160hp supercharged model has quite a few issues but I couldn’t really find much on the 120hp model so any help would be greatly appreciated

[CJ1]

pistonhead345 said:

Hi has anyone had any experiences with this car that would persuade you not to recommend it. I know the 160hp supercharged model has quite a few issues but I couldn’t really find much on the 120hp model so any help would be greatly appreciated

I think the 120 is okay, they occasionally have timing chain issues or water pump issues I think. But a lot better than the 160

[NatAsp]

We have had one for 4 years and only had 1 very minor issue which cost about 20 quid to fix. Great, solid reliable car. Oil changed annually which I imagine reduces the likelihood of any turbo or timing chain related issues. Can’t imagine ever selling the thing.

The only car I’ve owned that’s been more reliable was my e90 m3.

[pistonhead345]

NatAsp said:

We have had one for 4 years and only had 1 very minor issue which cost about 20 quid to fix. Great, solid reliable car. Oil changed annually which I imagine reduces the likelihood of any turbo or timing chain related issues. Can’t imagine ever selling the thing.

The only car I’ve owned that’s been more reliable was my e90 m3.

Which model are you referring to?

[pistonhead345]

CJ1 said:

I think the 120 is okay, they occasionally have timing chain issues or water pump issues I think. But a lot better than the 160

Am I right in saying it has a timing chain that should last it’s life time instead of a belt which needs replacing after a certain time/mileage

[AI1694]

We have the same 120bhp engine in our 2009 A3. Nice and refined for a 1.4 and nippy for what it is and decent on fuel. Has been reliable so far. It does now and then make a noise on cold starts which goes away after a split second or so. That has got me thinking whether it’s time to get the chain replaced. IIRC I was quoted around £700 for the job at a specialist indy.

[pistonhead345]

AI1694 said:

We have the same 120bhp engine in our 2009 A3. Nice and refined for a 1.4 and nippy for what it is and decent on fuel. Has been reliable so far. It does now and then make a noise on cold starts which goes away after a split second or so. That has got me thinking whether it’s time to get the chain replaced. IIRC I was quoted around £700 for the job at a specialist indy.

Does it feel faster than 120hp suggests?

[MC Bodge]

pistonhead345 said:

Does it feel faster than 120hp suggests?

A friend has the 120bhp TSI in an Octavia and it feels quite potent for the claimed power.

[pistonhead345]

MC Bodge said:

A friend has the 120bhp TSI in an Octavia and it feels quite potent for the claimed power.

Glad to hear that I was worried going from 99 to 120 I wouldn’t feel much of a difference

[journeymanpro]

AI1694 said:

We have the same 120bhp engine in our 2009 A3. Nice and refined for a 1.4 and nippy for what it is and decent on fuel. Has been reliable so far. It does now and then make a noise on cold starts which goes away after a split second or so. That has got me thinking whether it’s time to get the chain replaced. IIRC I was quoted around £700 for the job at a specialist indy.

Probably find that it's the vvt solenoid.

[NatAsp]

pistonhead345 said:

Which model are you referring to?

The one you were asking about.. mk6 1.4 tsi, 122 version. 5 door, dsg, silver..

In response to your other comment above, it is plenty fast enough.. never felt underpowered after jumping out of the m3. ‘My’ car is now a Clio 200 and the golf in comparison does not feel particularly slow.

Edited by NatAsp on Tuesday 14th April 19:25

[pistonhead345]

NatAsp said:

The one you were asking about.. mk6 1.4 tsi, 122 version. 5 door, dsg, silver..

In response to your other comment above, it is plenty fast enough.. never felt underpowered after jumping out of the m3. ‘My’ car is now a Clio 200 and the golf in comparison does not feel particularly slow.

Edited by NatAsp on Tuesday 14th April 19:25

Thanks for you help think I’ve finally found my next car after months of searching