Volkwagen Golf Advice

[alansmith7]

Hello,

I am looking to buy a Volkswagen Golf diesel 2004 and above but I am not sure which type of Golf I should i buy?

I know there the SDI, 1.9 TDI or the 2.0 GT TDI. I wanted to know which of these Golfs are the most reliable?

Thanks

[Bert Cheese]

A Mk5 presumably then?

I'm no expert, but have an 07 GT TD170 and have gathered the basics as below:

SDI - No turbo fitted so will be woefully slow - best avoided apparently.
1.9 TDI - Supposedly the more reliable form of PD engine with good MPG, but only found in 105 BHP form in Mk5's - ok for flat out driving.
2.0 TDI - Offered in 140 and later 170 BHP versions and GT trim, recalls should have fixed early injector problems - mine is a decent car.

Doubtless there are many other variations on engine/trim and some folk will insist Mk4's are better etc...the twin-charger petrols might be a better option too?

[cuprabob]

Bert Cheese said:

...the twin-charger petrols might be a better option too?

If reliability it your main concern, the last engine you want is the twin charger engine.

If possible try and stretch to the 2.0 CR diesel.

[Josho]

The 2.0 TDI out of that lot.

The SDI seems to have more problems oddly enough and the 1.9 they put in the MK5 has a habit of blowing the bottom end unlike the PD130 etc in the MK5.

[alansmith7]

Bert Cheese said:

A Mk5 presumably then?

I'm no expert, but have an 07 GT TD170 and have gathered the basics as below:

SDI - No turbo fitted so will be woefully slow - best avoided apparently.
1.9 TDI - Supposedly the more reliable form of PD engine with good MPG, but only found in 105 BHP form in Mk5's - ok for flat out driving.
2.0 TDI - Offered in 140 and later 170 BHP versions and GT trim, recalls should have fixed early injector problems - mine is a decent car.

Doubtless there are many other variations on engine/trim and some folk will insist Mk4's are better etc...the twin-charger petrols might be a better option too?

yeah thats what i meant the MK5 golf.

I prefer buying a diesel because I have to travel a lot for work.

twin charger petrol would work out more expensive for me as in running cost.

I drive approx 250 miles per week to work.

I am leaning more towards the 2.0 TDI in 140

I am considering buying a volkswagen passat but its a bit too big for me as ive only got a young family.

[alansmith7]

Josho said:

The 2.0 TDI out of that lot.

The SDI seems to have more problems oddly enough and the 1.9 they put in the MK5 has a habit of blowing the bottom end unlike the PD130 etc in the MK5.

would you consider remapping the 2.0 TDI if you was in my position?

[Super Slo Mo]

alansmith7 said:

yeah thats what i meant the MK5 golf.

I prefer buying a diesel because I have to travel a lot for work.

twin charger petrol would work out more expensive for me as in running cost.

I drive approx 250 miles per week to work.

I am leaning more towards the 2.0 TDI in 140

I am considering buying a volkswagen passat but its a bit too big for me as ive only got a young family.

250 miles a week is not 'a lot'. It's barely above average. The difference in running costs between a diesel and petrol is close to negligible at that mileage, taking into account the additional maintenance requirements and potential for bigger bills that you get with the diesel.
That said, the 2.0 TDI golf is not bad as reliability goes.

[M4cruiser]

alansmith7 said:

I am considering buying a volkswagen passat but its a bit too big for me as ive only got a young family.

... in which case how about the saloon version of the Golf, variously called "Jetta", "Vento", "Bora" etc. You might find it better value than either the Golf or Passat, and it may have been treated better as it's rarely bought by boy racer types.
Oops I'm probably not supposed to say that.

[Josho]

alansmith7 said:

would you consider remapping the 2.0 TDI if you was in my position?

I definitely would but then I'd sort the DMF and clutch out myself when it goes.

If it's done a few miles and the clutch is likely on it's last legs anyway a remap will help finish it.