MK4 Golf TDi - how well do they stand up to the miles?
Discussion
What year of manufacture are you looking to buy as there were two different engines in the mk4. The PD engine was the newer of the engines and was introduced around 2001 IIRC, the older model had a 90 bhp AGR engine. You may find this site useful http://www.tyresmoke.net/forum/vw-golf-bora-new-be...
My Mk1 Leon 110 (pre PD) TDi which is the cheaper, better equipped, better looking version (All IMHO
) of the Golf you desire is standing up to the pounding it gets very well. 45mpg when caning it - 55mpg when driven like an angel. 95K miles and it still burns no oil and returns good MPG. Quiet, and comfortable family wagon.
The car is still tight, no rattles and has sailed through MOT's - I'm glad I didn't listen to the SEAT build quality Naysayers... and made up my own mind
) of the Golf you desire is standing up to the pounding it gets very well. 45mpg when caning it - 55mpg when driven like an angel. 95K miles and it still burns no oil and returns good MPG. Quiet, and comfortable family wagon.The car is still tight, no rattles and has sailed through MOT's - I'm glad I didn't listen to the SEAT build quality Naysayers... and made up my own mind
Edited by FWDRacer on Wednesday 25th June 11:05
On cost and practicality grounds, I'd look at a Bora - I also wouldn't bother with the 90bhp diesel, it's horrendously slow. Try and find a 115 or 130 though - the 110 is old(er) technology and isn't as good as the 115.
They do hold the miles well though if looked after - use VW specialists where you can, it'll reduce the cost of ownership greatly.
They do hold the miles well though if looked after - use VW specialists where you can, it'll reduce the cost of ownership greatly.
james_tigerwoods said:
On cost and practicality grounds, I'd look at a Bora - I also wouldn't bother with the 90bhp diesel, it's horrendously slow. Try and find a 115 or 130 though - the 110 is old(er) technology and isn't as good as the 115.
They do hold the miles well though if looked after - use VW specialists where you can, it'll reduce the cost of ownership greatly.
+ 1. They do hold the miles well though if looked after - use VW specialists where you can, it'll reduce the cost of ownership greatly.
I ran a 130 bhp Tdi Bora for a few months last year. An ex-lease 52 plate that I bought at 111k and sold at 114k. No problems at all during my tenure and went like stink. Cracking car that I'd still have if I hadn't needed something smaller and cheaper.
We also run a petrol Bora which was picked up dirt cheap. Definitely the bargain of the VAG group.
I had a 110bhp non PD with 110,00miles on the clock and in ran 100%.
My mate has the 130bhp engine PD (newer version) and that has 205,000 on the clock if not more and that runs spot on also. It was chipped a few months ago and pulls well for what it is. I used to get 40+mpg around town with heavy boots very easily!
Service history is a MUST!
My mate has the 130bhp engine PD (newer version) and that has 205,000 on the clock if not more and that runs spot on also. It was chipped a few months ago and pulls well for what it is. I used to get 40+mpg around town with heavy boots very easily!
Service history is a MUST!
Bora is a great looking car IMHO.
The 110 TDi unit is very good, I had that in a Passat with an auto box and it was very torquey and very tunable too!
The Passat is another used bargain, I never had any faults with mine other than a sticking locking button on a door and I ran it to 140k miles before selling it on.
You do get the odd problem VAG car but in general they are very well built and good quality.
The 110 TDi unit is very good, I had that in a Passat with an auto box and it was very torquey and very tunable too!
The Passat is another used bargain, I never had any faults with mine other than a sticking locking button on a door and I ran it to 140k miles before selling it on.
You do get the odd problem VAG car but in general they are very well built and good quality.
Kentish said:
The Passat is another used bargain, I never had any faults with mine other than a sticking locking button on a door and I ran it to 140k miles before selling it on.
#+ 1 again!
Shared the driving of a mate's 110 Tdi Passat to Chamonix and back a couple of years ago. It was running well at 115k miles and he drove me down to Bristol in it the other weekend - still running well now at 180k miles!
He's had the lock niggles and also an issue with a blocked filter (he thought the turbo had gone!) but otherwise a cracking car that he can't figure out what to replace it with. Current fave is a facelifted 130 Tdi Passat!
I think the point is, the Golf's hold their prices well due to their popularity. You've more chance of finding a better Bora/Passat as a result.
TeaVR said:
Thinking of buying a MK4 Golf TDi. Just wondering how well they stand up to miles? Anyhting I need to look out for?
We sold one recently 7 years old 450000kms on the clock, had no problems with it. The local guy who bought it has now put another 50000ks on it and apart from replacing some shocks is still running like a sewing machine....BUT we had one which blew up after 120000km in 2 years.....
The 150bhp engines are trouble, avoid these as they seem to go wrong far too frequently in my opinion. 110 or 130 are really good and reliable engines and mileage is no problem if they have clean oil occasionally. Taken a few passats and octavias in px with these engines that are knocking on for half a million miles with no issues at all.
AdamMX-5 said:
Kentish said:
The Passat is another used bargain, I never had any faults with mine other than a sticking locking button on a door and I ran it to 140k miles before selling it on.
#+ 1 again!
Shared the driving of a mate's 110 Tdi Passat to Chamonix and back a couple of years ago. It was running well at 115k miles and he drove me down to Bristol in it the other weekend - still running well now at 180k miles!
He's had the lock niggles and also an issue with a blocked filter (he thought the turbo had gone!) but otherwise a cracking car that he can't figure out what to replace it with. Current fave is a facelifted 130 Tdi Passat!
I think the point is, the Golf's hold their prices well due to their popularity. You've more chance of finding a better Bora/Passat as a result.
And the feel quite rewarding to drive, very sure footed and solid but without feeling lardy.
My 1999 Passat TDi is one of my favourite previously owned cars, even the auto box was nice!
losvre said:
I also have an S reg 110 Tdi with 180k miles and still goes like new. I do all service my self and as long as you use good oil and fuel and warm it up correctly it should last for 500k...we'll see:-)
I'm sure that will be of great help to OP, that is if he's still car-hunting 3 years 4 months on...
We've had an S reg 110tdi in the family for the last 7 years. It's been used by my wife initially and now my sister in law. Great little car. Has been serviced on time every time and apart from that, most other replacement parts have been consumables, i.e tyres, bushes and discs/pads.
The car did have the old plastic window runner clips that both failed within a week or two of each other. The updated part is metal IIRC. Relatively easily replaced. It now needs an ABS pump as that's throwing a fault light. These are another item that often goes and can be picked up from a breakers or off ebay. They need to be coded to the car, so your local independent should be able to assist.
Overall, a great little car. It's on 150k miles, returns 50+ mpg and still on its original clutch and flywheel. Amazing, considering the last two owners!
The car did have the old plastic window runner clips that both failed within a week or two of each other. The updated part is metal IIRC. Relatively easily replaced. It now needs an ABS pump as that's throwing a fault light. These are another item that often goes and can be picked up from a breakers or off ebay. They need to be coded to the car, so your local independent should be able to assist.
Overall, a great little car. It's on 150k miles, returns 50+ mpg and still on its original clutch and flywheel. Amazing, considering the last two owners!
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