I’m currently doing mega miles - looking a pd130, which car?

[StefanYHU]

Hi guys,
I’m currently doing 25 to 30k a year, and doing them on quite poor roads.

I’m looking something easy to fuel and as reliable as possible, and my wife’s mk4 golf was just that until she crashed it.

I would like an estate as it would do for carry fishing rods.

Can anyone recommend the best guise the pd130 came in?

Thanks

[Belle427]

The Passat B5 is the best car ive owned with one in, a 2005 Seat Alhambra a close second. Both spacious practical cars but difficult to find these days due to age and rust.
Skoda Octavia may be another to seek out but i cant answer which ones had that engine in sorry.

[WyrleyD]

Audi A4 B6 came with a PD130 engine, I ran one for about 145K miles without problems.

[Dr G]

The biggest problem you'll have now is finding one that isn't already worn out.

Reputation for reliability and low-running costs meant most went through the hands of persons not interested in spending anything on maintenance or repairs. Throw age into the mix and many now aren't as reliable or cost-effective as once they were.

Throw the net wide and buy the first properly maintained A4/Octavia/Passat you can find.

[oldmanbm]

Yip a good 130 bhp Passat with regular oil changes and a timing belt and a water pump change is retty much bullet proof. Went to get tyres fitted to amy 2004 Passat and the tyre fitter wants first refusal if I am ever selling it! Even the MOT tester asked if I was selling it. Facebook Marketplace is probably a good place to start looking for a genuine car (but also a lot of dodgy ones!)

[StefanYHU]

Quick update, I couldn’t find a well maintained PD130 that didnt already have mega miles or wasn’t priced very high.

I ended up buying a b6 Passat, 2007, 1.9 pd engine.

Feels a bit underpowered compared to the 130 but had 180k on it, with servicing every 10k from VW main dealer.

Lifted it for 800 quid with a years MOT, sold the number on it for 150 quid and fitted new belts, waterpump and thermostat. The mechanic commented the engine was a dry as a bone which he said was unusual..

It feels a bit industrial but I’ve done 15k in it already.

[Belle427]

They remap quite well but probably not advisable if its on 180k miles, I did do our 2006 Transporter on 160k though 10 years ago and its been fine really but that needed it as it was the gutless 102 Bhp version in a big vehicle.

[SteBrown91]

Yeah the later PD105s love to make holes in the block so I wouldn't push them - its running well thanks to previous servicing just keep it up and should be fine.