Advice

[davidpals]

Hi guys - I will be buying a golf in the next few weeks.
My wife wants an auto - so auto it is - I want diesel, but the question is which model - 1.9 - 2.0 -1.6 . Is there a better year ? Is there anything I should look out for ? I am thinking of spending around 5k , this number could go up if you think it wise . We dont tow often - motorway not too often - just general run around.
Any advice much appreciated


Dave P

[niall campbell]

Towing what weight ?

Get a turbo diesel , 1.6 to myself is ideal and not too heavy in a car that size

[Guest 2]

general run around get a petrol.

[Rob69]

Avoid 2 litre pd diesel, DSG box, 1.6 diesel with dpf at your 5k price point could be an early model higher mileage and troublesome, dpf's need good long runs and dont like to just run around. Common rail diesels and dpf repairs can be v expensive. Maybe best to look outside the golf box if it has to be an auto.

[davidpals]

I can understand where you are coming from with go petrol - but I am a diesel man.
Towing is usually just a small trailer 400kg ish.
From what you say the 1.6 is better than 2.0 - whats dpf and pd - so spend more to get lower mileage ? - I really want to try a golf - Last car was citroen c3 hdi - never ever ever again - soooo bad .
Thanks again Dave P

[davidpals]

Does anyone want to buy a citroen c3 - recon injectors - new hp fuel pump fuel rail , tank and lines all flushed out.
Only joking - not got the heap running yet.
Cheers Dave

[Rob69]

Dave
pd is the 'pump deuse' tdi engine that was used in VAG cars from around 2000 up to around 2008 / 9 (sure someone will correct me ) this was a combined pump / injector or unit injector system, before the common rail diesels were introduced (1.6 etc). The DPF is the diesel particulate filter fitted to some of the last pd engines and to the common rail engines exhausts in order to meet the Euro exhaust emissions regulations which have changed from Euro 3,4,5 and now 6 in recent years. DPF's greatly reduce particle emissions out the exhaust and reduce the soot down to ash. They need to operate at high temperature to do this, running round on short journeys causes the car to force a DPF regeneration cycle by altering the injection timing electronically to increase exhaust temperature during the regen. the 2 litre pd engines have been known to give trouble with turbo failure and oil pump / balancer problems. The 1.9 is generally considered more reliable.

Personally if it has to be a golf at around your budget price I'd be looking for a late mk5 1.9pd tdi, without dpf fitted. I have no personal experience of the 1.6 but know several folks who have had expensive problems with common rail diesels ( Fords). I don't know how many auto cars are around, reckon they are pretty scarce.
Any of my dates or info here is open to correction, sure you can verify what you need to easy enough, be good to get a reply from a 1.6 auto owner as well.
Do plenty of homework before buying !!

[ChicksFan]

I went for a 2008 2.0 TDI manual estate with the BKD engine. No DPF to worry about and it has been ultra reliable and economical. Regularly returns 60+ mpg. The only thing I would upgrade are the rear coil springs if I was going to tow with it. One of the coil springs broke at about 100,000 miles and I replaced both, but if I was towing I'd have probably gone for heavy duty springs which don't cost a lot more. When fully laden it sometimes scrapes the underside when going down some really rough farm tracks. Just coming up for 125,000 miles and due its 2nd timing belt replacement.

[davidpals]

Am I right in thinking the audi a3 has the same engine 2.0 tdi ? I have had a look at these - they look like nice cars. I am looking at 57 08 years. Do these have the dpf ?What do you think of the A3 ? I have tried google but keep drawing a blank on model specs and years .
Thanks again Dave P

[Crasher]

The 2L 16v TDI engine used in the pre 2009 Golf 5, Octavia 2, A3 8P, Leon is the ubiquitous BKD, a very strong reliable and sturdy unit IF it has 9K mile oil changes and cambelt (with tensioner stud) every 4 years. There are a lot of these around with DSG although early ones can be difficult to slow manoeuvre at slow speed but the DSG box is a strong as the engine as long as it gets it 50K oil and filter. The only really weak spots are the turbo (listen for the hoot and howl) and occasionally the DMF starts rattling at idle, often characterised by a slightly wobbly idle.