Which one to go for 1.6 or 2.0 TDI?

[daz28]

Hi guys. Started considering a beautiful Golf as possible purchase, just cant make my mind up which one to go for? I am looking either 1.6 or 2 litre tdi. Which one is more reliable, which engine is better, whats the difference in mpg. Currently i am drivin Volvo s40 2.4 auto, which a beast on the road and in the petrol station too, thirsty as camel. So started looking at golfs, as used to own one mk3 which lasted ages and engine had about 300k and it was petrol converted in lpg. Shame just the body got rusty and slowly became like Flinstones car lol.

So your opinions will be appreciated. Thanks

[-M-]

What type of driving do you tend to do ?

[daz28]

What type of driving do you tend to do ?

I am doing 40 miles a day usually 17k a year, A roads mainly. Occasional motorway run.

[james_tiger_woo]

At that, I'd look more towards a petrol, the cost of diesel against petrol doesn't stack up unless you do really high mileage.

If it has to be diesel, for economy reasons, I'd look towards the 1.6...

[daz28]

At that, I'd look more towards a petrol, the cost of diesel against petrol doesn't stack up unless you do really high mileage.

If it has to be diesel, for economy reasons, I'd look towards the 1.6...

I am afraid but the petrol isnt the option especially if looking at 1.2 or 1.4 engines. i looking for nice economical car which would last quite few years and would give some savings on fuel compared what i am spending now.

[james_tiger_woo]

I would have thought that a 1.4tsi would have worked for you at that mileage, but I understand that what you want is, ultimately, the right thing here.

[daz28]

If i would live in the same town where i work i would go for petrol without a doubt. But comparing 30mpg what i get with lets say with 52+ it would make a huge difference. Anyway so which one is better 2 or 1.6? What common problems they might occur and what to look out for when buying?

[adamss24]

Neither ! I would look for a 1.9Tdi if you need fuel economy, however i think you need to look at the mk5 ! For your info, the 1.6 Tdi is a very weak engine built with just fuel economy in mind, however the internals are worse than the 20 years ago predecessor 1Z engine ! Also you will find the engine is underpowered for the size of the car and you'll be looking into power upgrades and the like which brings you to the beginning of my post ! I would go for the 2.0Tdi if that was the only choice though, just make sure you drive that engine hard at least once a week to initiate DPF regeneration cycles !

[daz28]

Neither ! I would look for a 1.9Tdi if you need fuel economy, however i think you need to look at the mk5 ! For your info, the 1.6 Tdi is a very weak engine built with just fuel economy in mind, however the internals are worse than the 20 years ago predecessor 1Z engine ! Also you will find the engine is underpowered for the size of the car and you'll be looking into power upgrades and the like which brings you to the beginning of my post ! I would go for the 2.0Tdi if that was the only choice though, just make sure you drive that engine hard at least once a week to initiate DPF regeneration cycles !

I thought that mk 6 are far better cars than mk5, as i have read right horror stories about them. Will have to rethink again. But my heart is heading towards 2L tdi. Need to testdrive them of course.

[c4a5er]

We have a 1.6tdi, nice smooth engine with enough power for normal sensible driving and good mpg giving 38-40ish mpg in town traffic and in the 50's on the open road. Driven at a steady 60mph on dual carriageway a couple of weeks ago in that cold spell it still showed an indicated 62mpg by the end of a 65mile trip. I know it's not realistic to drive like that all the time but it gives an idea of what this engine is capable of even allowing a % for 'optimistic' readings in the display.
If your in a hurry just use the gears more and it's plenty fast enough unless your a lunatic behind the wheel.