VAG Diesel - talk to me

[riwiho]

I want to get a weekend toy and running a Cooper S up and down a congested motorway is not the most economical way to get to work and I am therefore considering a a diesel.

I'm drawn to VAG group cars for their reliability, economy, insurance and the tax advantages (sounds pretty dull but it is the sensible thing to do) over the Cooper S. My issue is that I am not very well educated when it comes to VAG diesel lumps.

Budget is 6k-8k (the lower the better). I like my toys (cruise, heated seats etc) but they are not essential, I am not a massive badge snob so Skoda is a possibility but do love both the latest shape passat and MK5 Golf.

Thoughts?

[Dr G]

If you want something to shlep around in and forget about the old 1.9 dinosaur will still be here and running fine in another 67 million years.

Later 2.0 TDIs do have their problems but taken care of are generally alright. Around here the problems might seem more common than they are because VAG sell these by the million and nobody ever posts to say 'my daily driver diesel continues to run normally'.

EDIT: That sort of money is going to put you around cars nearing/due their cam belts too (5yrs/80k on a 2.0).

Edited by Dr G on Tuesday 16th February 10:07

[missing the VR6]

That sort of budget must be getting close to a MK4 Aniversary PD150? Ex girlfriend had a MK4 PD130 and that went pretty well, so the 150 must be fantastic.

[galenthe2nd]

I'd consider a '05 1.9tdi A3 s-line, don't worry about high miles as once its got a full service history it'l go forever. Good suspension set up like your used to, 130bhp has a nice bit of torque, and return decent mpg. Similar size of car to the mini too.

[GreatGranny]

I would go for the Passat over the Golf.

They seem to be in less demand than the Golf so you can easily pick up a sensible mileage SE/Sport 140bhp 05/55/06 reg for around £6.5k.

I would also hazard a guess they are better on the motorway and don't have the 'I drive like a wker' tag like most Golf GT TDi drivers seem to.

Alternatively go for a Octavia and save about £500.

[cptsideways]

Anything with the 130tdi 6 speeder is a good bet, the most reliable engine out of all the post 2000 range & they go well & are good on fuel. Avoid the 2.0 & 2.5 if at all possible & also avoid the auto's if you can.

Not quite so sure I agree on the VAG reliabilty front as whole, dreadful build with too much "Spanish made" fittings quality imho & they are all awful to work on!

[riwiho]

Thank you for the comments gents.

Looks like there is a mix of opinion through the brands and ranges which I would have expected but on the whole some positive comments.

I suppose looking at a MY05 Passat SE 1.9TDI for 6.5k v a similar age Skoda Fabia VRS for 5.5k provides me with a no brainer (as long as I am not too adverse to brand image or car size). Skoda wins hands down.

[Hub]

If you don't need the space of a large saloon/estate then the Fabia is for you. It feels pretty grown up on the motorway for its size, and can be fun when you want it to as well (although doesn't handle anywhere near as well as the mini!)

[riwiho]

Hub said:

If you don't need the space of a large saloon/estate then the Fabia is for you. It feels pretty grown up on the motorway for its size, and can be fun when you want it to as well (although doesn't handle anywhere near as well as the mini!)

This is what I am worried about however I have to move on and understand that the saving will allow me to have the second car which is where my fun will be realised.

I'm sure there will be plenty of VRS topics on this section so I will have a search.

[Yorkshirepud]

Loved my Leon Cupra 150 and that was still going strong with over 100,000 on the clock.

[edc]

Make sure you ar aware of which 1.9 diesel is under the bonnet. They come in a variety of different power guises.

[DPX]

My AJM GOLF managed 370K miles .
2 Clutches , 8 window regulators 1 turbo.
Still in use as a 2nd car

[sider]

I know im biased, but how about an Ibiza Cupra TDI 160?

Plenty of poke. Chippable to 200bhp for £400 or so.

Oh, and regularly gets me 53 mpg on a run!