Mk 4 2002 Golf tdi 150

[Ketbmist]

Hello there,

I am new to this site and need some help - as I am after buying an 02/03 plate Golf 150 tdi.

Please can you help/advise me as I do not know to much about cars:

1. Is it safe to buy a used Golf Tdi (with full service history) which has 70k miles or more????? Does this not mean the car has past its best stage and is likely to break down?
2. What are COMMON faults that I should be aware of when purchasing a used Golf tdi??
3. What should I look for when looking/inspecting a golf tdi?
3. What is the average price/most realistic price for a Golf Tdi 150 with around 70k on clock? (ie whats the max price I should pay?)
5. Is the 150 tdi better than the 130??

Many thanks for your help - it is really appreciated.
Kind regards
Ket

[RickT]

A mate of mine has the 150TDI..

This engine will go hell of a way past 70k... just got run in!!

The 150 is well worth the extra cash instead of the 130..

In regards to common faults... im sure some of our other members will be able to advice in more detail.

Cheers

RiCKT

[lchris21]

There's very little difference between the 130 & 150, but after driving both I opted for the 150 because you'll always have that little bit of doubt in the back of your mind

I've had my 150 since Feb. 109K when I bought it. Full VW up to 100k, last one was independent before I had it. Car has now got 121K on it. Last 2 services by me

Since ownership I have:
Changed MAF (common)
New CV boot (unlucky)
Electric window regulator (common)

Also look for Clutches & Dual Mass flywheels, as these can be expensive. The 150 puts out alot of power & torque.

Plus recently, the cylinder head
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread...50#post1539850

Pd motors, from my research and experience can eat their cams & tappets. Make sure it has had the correct PD oil and been serviced properly & regularly.
Don't pay over the odds for main dealer service history, as a good independent with knowledgable mechanics are just as good if not better.

My expereinces with my main dealer have been totally (VW are investigating them at the mo)

Apart from that, I love the car and thouroughly enjoy driving it, the performance & economy are great.

Welcome & enjoy

[RickT]

bit on basic info

Engine & Trim cC/Cyl BHP MPH 0-60 MPG IG
1.9 GT TDI (130ps) 5d 1896 / 4 130 127 9.3 5 2 13
1.9 GT TDI (150ps) 3d 1896 / 4 150 134 8.3 52 13


RickT

[bluetwo]

have 2002 130 130 tdi, so i don't know about 150 specific issues, but general ones to expect are:
MAF (or electrical connector to the MAF - a lot cheaper and easier to fix, except main dealers will just chang ethe whole MAF).
Climatronic head unit (the display bit in the cabin) goes dead sometimes
CV boot, £13.99 for the part, £160 to fit!

Window lifters (had they fixed this by 2002?) had 3 go in my 1998 mk 4

rear washer unit on older models...

[lchris21]

Window lifter (regulator). Fixed mine yesterday 2002 model.

Metal clip upgrades are available, but come as a whole kit of other unecessary parts (typical ******* / VW tactic)
Ebay for about £35, *******.........................anyones guess

Managed to repair my clip with a few strategically placed pop rivets and a few blobs of Araldite. Better than new now

[Eshrules]

another apparently common fault would be the suspension and front anti roll bar bushes, one thing ive learnt with a golf, no clunk is a good clunk! another one is the turbo/EGR mechanism, this seems to be a common problem too, so id watch out for that, i managed to end up with a recon turbo under warranty, but could have been expensive a couple of months later!