EA189 - still worth buying?
EA189 - still worth buying?
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Elmariachi

Original Poster:

61 posts

87 months

Wednesday 7th April 2021
quotequote all
Don't shoot me for this post, I've looked at a fair few previous entries but my question is this - is it still worth buying a car with the EA189 engine? Specifically in a VW Golf GT TDI 140 DSG, in this case.

The car I'm interested in had the work done in late 2016, has had one owner pretty much since new, FSH and looks in good condition.

I'm tempted as it's a reasonable price but obviously am aware of all the scare stories around a) the EA189 engine and b) DSG gearboxes.

Am I mad to consider a car which has both?

It's done nearly 100k miles but I just want a decent run around for my commute - I used to own a Mk4 Golf GT TDI and always kinda missed it.

Alternatively looking at a V60 with Geartronic, owned one of those previously too - not very dynamic but comfy and reliable. Bit more pricey than a similar Golf though.

Thoughts welcome, however rude they might be wink

Limpet

6,617 posts

189 months

Wednesday 7th April 2021
quotequote all
Elmariachi said:
It's done nearly 100k miles but I just want a decent run around for my commute - I used to own a Mk4 Golf GT TDI and always kinda missed it.
I used the same logic to think a 2005 A3 TDI would be a good buy. Our mk4 TDI 130 was incredible.

The Audi however was a dog. I’ve just virtually given the heap of crap away which involved losing about a grand on it in 6 months. At least I no longer have to wonder what warning light will come on every time I start it, or whether that whining turbo will crap itself before I reach my destination.

The mk4 Golf TDI was a high point in VAG reliability. My advice would be to find another one of them, or go to another brand.

Elmariachi

Original Poster:

61 posts

87 months

Thursday 8th April 2021
quotequote all
Yeah, the 130 engine was a peach - had mine for nearly 10 years with zero issues, always over 50mpg and surprisingly quick once moving smile

I've decided to drop the Golf, back to the classifieds...