How good are the PD vw diesel engine?

[mwahahaha]

Hello,

After years of trouble free Honda ownership I'm contemplating switching over to the VAG group due to needing a car that is more economical and refined and thus have been recommended to get a vw diesel from friends.

I have a few questions though before I make the switch-

1) Should I expect Honda levels of reliability?

2) How reliable (generally) are the electrics on vw group cars, because most of my friends seem to be having some sort of issue every now and then?

3) Any choice models (all i need is a good motorway cruiser that can hack the twisties, as I'm a fairly enthusiastic driver)?

4) What can I realistically get for £3k?


Thoughts and suggestions appreciated

[Jasandjules]

Today my Passat let me down for the first time in 5 years. Apart from bits getting old and needing replacing, she has been good as gold (the Turbo got a bit coked up as well and I needed a new air flow computer).

The engine is pretty sound IMHO, the car has 130k on the clock and drives no differently now than she did 5 years ago. Air con, all round electrics, comfy to ride long distances in, I honestly would be happy to recommend a Passat Tdi.

[eltax91]

Octavia PD at the money. Maybe a higher mileage L & K for nice interiors at that money.

If I was spending 3k though (i'm going to be soon) I'd go for the FORD equivalant. I'm going to swap my trusty Octavia for a Mondeo TDCi with that budget next. Better engine and just as reliable as a package

[Tame Technician]

Keep the honda, or get another one.

VAG cars arent bad, but they cost quite a bit more than the equivenlant Ford/Vauxhall (generic volume brands) and to be honest you dont get anything back for that extra money.

The 1.9 TDI is a very reliable engine, but you will still get people who have had water pumps fail, turbos, EGR valve MAF and coolant temp sensors etc.