Advice on whether a Jetta 1.6FSi petrol or 1.9TDi diesel engine choice

[sef-75]

Hi there all,

A bit of a naïve question perhaps, I am looking to give advice to a relation who is looking to buy a Jetta 2006-2008 or so.

Out of the two smaller engine options, what is the best choice the 1.6 petrolor 1.9 diesel?

I have seen on the ininternet suggestion that the 1.6FSi engine suffers problems with injection and needs better fuel grades than standard 95 unleaded. I have also seen problems for the diesel with turbos, fuel pumps and clutch/dual mass flywheel. Does this model also have a DPF exhaust filter?

Thanks in advance for any information and advice. It certainly seems more to think about than with older VWs.

Thanks

[itavaltalainen]

Depends on projected mileage and your driving habits as much as FSI or TDI.

[sef-75]

Thanks for reading and replying.

Typically it would be covering 10-15,000 miles a year, it would get daily use and reasonable distance trips too, including daily 40 ish mile work commute.

Nothing like towing or anything of that heavy load. I have seen the MPG figures so that can all be considered and it is in easily in favour of the diesel. The concerns though are with the respective complexities and concerns I have read regarding features of both of these engine choices.

Typically it would be fairly long term ownership, hence the questions, the current car to replace is a Bora with AKL 8v petrol engine with 170,000+ miles. The natural successor would seem the FSi, but I have read to avoid, then also seen Dual mass flywheel woes on the TDi.

The 2.0 litres models of both fuel types seem too big really. Also, have read concerns about the TSi petrol model that replaced FSi, turbo problems etc.

All seems so unVolkswagen like, seeing these write ups. Whilst on the subject, anything else to look out for on the earlier Jetta?

Thanks again

[itavaltalainen]

Coming from an AKL a 1.9 or even 2.0 TDI will be the cheaper option for running costs.

You can hear a flywheel when it's on the way out. The 2.0 TDI and 2.0 FSI aren't really too big, if you do a 40 mile round trip every day you will get decent mpg from them.
They are also nicer to drive, fewer downchanges required etc. Don't forget that the mk5 Golf / Jetta is an even heftier beast than the mk4 - I drove quite a few the 1.6 just feels very lame, the 1.9TDI is better but you won't be really saving any fuel compared to 2.0 TDI if you drive it sensibly.

[sef-75]

Hi,

Thanks for the reply and advice, much appreciated and will bear in mind the 2.0 litre models may not be out of the question. I can calculate and project from the official fuel consumption figures.

In terms of the question of reliability / longevity of either, or known faults after certain mileage have you any advice on that please?
I have read for some cars (not specifically mentioning VW) you can expect Dual Mass Flywheel and turbo problems from around 80,000miles or so.

Thanks sgain