Diesel Engines

[J-P]

Is it OK to leave a diesel engined car for up to 6 months without use?

A memeber of my family wants a new Golf SDI but they got to Mauritius for 5 or 6 months, so just disconnect the battery while they are away, come back reconnect and drive around for 6 months. Would this be a problem in a modern diesel?

We've had some people confirm that this would be a problem, but they're not mechanics or anything, so just want to make sure.

Thanks for your help

J-P

[Defcon5]

They still make non turbo diesels? People still buy non turbo diesels?

[odyssey2200]

I once had a Golf SDi as a company car

Slow &
Dangerously
Inadequate

DO NOT BUY ONE

The TDI (if you must buy a VW) is a better car and will have much better residuals.

Dealers told me that only Pikeys & Gypos buy SDIs

[J-P]

odyssey2200 said:

I once had a Golf SDi as a company car

Slow &
Dangerously
Inadequate

DO NOT BUY ONE

The TDI (if you must buy a VW) is a better car and will have much better residuals.

Dealers told me that only Pikeys & Gypos buy SDIs

Is that what it is then - I'd better warn him!! Any issues with diesles being left for 6 months though?

[odyssey2200]

not specifically diesels.

It may need priming up again before it starts, assuming the battery is OK.

[J-P]

odyssey2200 said:

not specifically diesels.

It may need priming up again before it starts, assuming the battery is OK.

Thanks, Odyssey - very useful, I'll let him know!!!

[stevieturbo]

The battery would be the only concern. Will the car be staying in the UK or Mauritius ?

[Busa_Rush]

odyssey2200 said:

DO NOT BUY ONE

+1. SDI is pointless and I'm not sure why VW still make it. I don't think anybody else makes a non-turbo diesel these days.

No problem leaving it for 6 months, just ask the garage about any alarm/immobiliser problems. Battery will need a top up before it starts.

[Mr2Mike]

Is the SDI still fitted with a chocolate gearbox, or have they fixed this now?

[Defcon5]

Mr2Mike said:

Is the SDI still fitted with a chocolate gearbox, or have they fixed this now?

it actually produces enough power to melt a chocolate gearbox?

[Pigeon]

Busa_Rush said:

SDI is pointless and I'm not sure why VW still make it.

For people like my dad, who doesn't want the extra "complexity" of a turbo and doesn't give a toss about it being slow as a slug. He will probably buy one of these when his Mk 3 Astra rusts away.

[J-P]

Busa_Rush said:

odyssey2200 said:

DO NOT BUY ONE

+1. SDI is pointless and I'm not sure why VW still make it. I don't think anybody else makes a non-turbo diesel these days.

No problem leaving it for 6 months, just ask the garage about any alarm/immobiliser problems. Battery will need a top up before it starts.

As he doesn't drive much I've suggested that he gets a TSI instead - found one that looks like it'll fit thebill for him - car will stay here and he'll disconnect the battery while he's away!