2.0 TDi Advice

[RosscoPCole]

I've seen a 2007 Golf Plus that I can use as a family shed, but would like some advice on what needs to be done and when with the 2.0TDi engine as I don't want to pay more on a service a few months in after i bought the car.
Thanks in advance for the advice.

[Dr G]

I don't know for exactly which year it changes in those but across the VW group 2008 was generally the year they changed from the earlier (and problematic) 'PD' diesel engines to the far more reliable 'CR' diesels.

You can easily cross check with the engine code from the car you're looking at but a lot of headaches can be avoided with the later motor; it was a big step up in quality.

The earlier engines can suffer issues with the turbo, tandem pump, cylinder heads, DPF, injectors, EGR, clutch/flywheel, and probably a few more I'm forgetting.

VW interval for belt and pump on those is 4 years or 60k miles. Same engine from Audi is 5 years 75. Fuel filter every 40k. Oil every 10k for mixed use or up to 20 for motorway. Neither engine is completely happy with town driving but the CR will tolerate it much better.

[xjay1337]

I imagine that would be a PD engine.
The timing belts are 4 years or 80k. In America it's 120k!

PD engines are very reliable, certainly no less or more so than the CR's. It's just that the late model year PD engines (PPD170s) did not like the DPF's.

I would service it myself or get a friend. Use 5w30 or 5w40 Fully synthetic.

I'd use a 5w40 oil . They take about 4.5L on an oil change.
http://www.carparts4less.co.uk/cp4l/p/accessories-...

Air filter is easy, fuel filter is also easy, but keep a can of diesel on hand to top up the reservoir after, start it and allow it to idle. Sometimes they cut out and can be tricky to start again.

I've done 60k in a PD and 70k in a CR and mostly self-serviced.

[RosscoPCole]

Thanks for the advice gents.

Next question. Roughly how much is it to get the timing belt changed so I can negotiate the asking price if need be.

[xjay1337]

Including the waterpump, around £250-£400 depending on where you go.