Audi A4 TDi 115
Author
Discussion

georgezippy

Original Poster:

441 posts

226 months

Friday 21st August 2009
quotequote all
Hello
I have just switched to the dark side (diesel) after years of petrol motoring.
Paid quite a lot for a very clean straight A4 estate (2001)with low miles and FSH. It's for hauling the family about in, I have a silly car for other occasions.
So far am hugely impressed, I have had a 50 mile drive home from where I bought it, like the big torque you can waft it around on. My last car was a 325i so am used to something fairly nippy, the TDi just does it differently, true it's not as quick but feels it.
All the electical toys seem to work. The OBC said I got 65mpg average on this trip which was country lanes and a busy M25.

I'd just like some opinions from other owners;

Will it break? I usually drive old sheds I can fix myself but this might be a bit complex - although will probably do simple service items myself. I've read these lumps are fairly reliable - are they? what about the electronics? turbo? injectors?
How precise is the OBC fuel economy thing?
If the engine goes on forever what else (suspension etc..) will break?
What MPG's do you get? The 65mpg was a slowish run so I wouldn't expect that all the time.
Do these models have an intercooler?
I assume the clattery noise at idle is normal, it goes away once moving.
The aircon works but isn't ice cold, do seals/pipes fail and need replacement? A regas is a bit pointless if it's leaking.

Which if any is the better flavour of diesel to use? will the odd drop of veg oil harm it in warm weather (Mixed with diesel - I'd never use pure veg oil)

I also assume this lump is the same as in Passats, Golfs, Seat models etc....

Approx cost of a cambelt change?

Any other advice about these cars will be appreciated, all seems good with it so far. Am looking forward to filling up less.

clonmult

10,529 posts

240 months

Friday 21st August 2009
quotequote all
cambelt will be around £300, or at least I think thats what it cost me on the A6 TDi 130.

The engines go on forever if they're serviced - just try to find a decent local indy. Regularly see/hear of people who have put well over 200k on the clock with very little other than regular servicing.

StevenJJ

541 posts

240 months

Friday 21st August 2009
quotequote all
I have the 115 Golf...

Will it break? I usually drive old sheds I can fix myself but this might be a bit complex - although will probably do simple service items myself. I've read these lumps are fairly reliable - are they?

Yes it will break, and yes - usually (hopefully lol) minor supporting solenoids/sensors


what about the electronics? turbo? injectors?

No real issues IMO


How precise is the OBC fuel economy thing?

Not very


If the engine goes on forever what else (suspension etc..) will break?

?


What MPG's do you get? The 65mpg was a slowish run so I wouldn't expect that all the time.

500-600 miles, mixed, 50 litre tank. Not sure what this is MPG-wise, sorry.


Do these models have an intercooler?

Yes


I assume the clattery noise at idle is normal, it goes away once moving.

Yep


The aircon works but isn't ice cold, do seals/pipes fail and need replacement? A regas is a bit pointless if it's leaking.

?


Which if any is the better flavour of diesel to use? will the odd drop of veg oil harm it in warm weather (Mixed with diesel - I'd never use pure veg oil)

Not sure


I also assume this lump is the same as in Passats, Golfs, Seat models etc....

Yep


Approx cost of a cambelt change?

£250-£300 from an indy