Petrol or Diesel??

[KerryS]

Though, as said, diesels have improved a lot, most diesels still have a harshness to the sound that petrol engines don't. However, also as said, it's hard to tell these days what engine is under the bonnet and low down torque is so useful for average motoring. Added to an auto box and the shove in the back when flooring the go pedal is quite fun  

[Pinto Boy]

I've been looking again at this as baby has arrived and pram doesn't fit in the Clio without taking the parcel shelf out

Of the VAG cars the Seat Altea looks the most likely candidate either with the 1.9 103BHP or 2.0 138BHP TDis. The later is the newer 16v version - is this just as reliable as the 8v 1.9?

Cheers

[JeffC]

Of the VAG cars the Seat Altea looks the most likely candidate either with the 1.9 103BHP or 2.0 138BHP TDis. The later is the newer 16v version - is this just as reliable as the 8v 1.9?

Cheers

Ive had a 2.0tdi altea and it went well (was remapped) not the prettiest thing but quite a roomy car  

Ive sold quite a few 2.0tdi vag"s in golfs and A4"s  now some with 100,000 miles and all seem well, but checking back through the service records Ive noticed quite a few have had engine rebuilds , new cylinder heads and rods looks like they hydraulic  

I would say the 1.9 is the more reliable lump but the 105bhp motor isnt the swiftest  

[jago]

iv got the new shape honda civicdiesel not a lot of people like the new shape .but 40 mpg around town way over that on a long run cant complain at all as said diesel engines have got so much better .

[pistonbroke]

Diesel reliability helps if you drive the thing  like a diesel should be driven,  and not try screw the  the backside out of it in every gear .

IMO  

for what that's worth  

[stu999]

Diesel reliability helps if you drive the thing  like a diesel should be driven,  and not try screw the  the backside out of it in every gear .

IMO  

for what that's worth  

I thought that is how they should be driven - they are tractor engines after all

[Buzz Billsberry]

I hate diesels but I've got t agree with JeffC I bought a 2.0ltr TDCi Passat Sport wagon in Nov and its great  170bhp and 48mpg wether i hoof it or ponce about like a gay southener. I've also had a mondeo TDCi had no probs with that it had done 127k when I it went back to the lease co, then I got a petrol Mondeo 2.0 litre that was a good motah as well .For me the only good thing about diesels is the MPG.

Buzz

[Kevhl]

You want to look at mileage and cost of running as well, how long are you looking at keeping it... i.e. look at resale value!

VAG diesel engines can be great. If you're looking at a smaller car then the Golf, Fabia, Ibiza, Polo PD130 is a great buy and running a smaller turbo than the PD150 it's a much nicer engine around town and gives you less lag. Similar story with the PD140 vs PD170 engines, although the PD170 is quite powerful it's not as smooth as the PD140 and isn't great low down... depends what you're after!

Any of the later VAG engines can be tuned with great results. I'm working with numerous Skoda main dealers at the moment as they're all after building a special out of the PD105 fabia sport due to skoda not producing the VRS anymore.

I run a Passat 170, Altea 170 and Golf 140 through work... the 140 would be my choice out of those. But if it were my own money I'd look at the older PD130 cars as above, all the same platform much better chassis than those that came before it!

Damn, was that a little long winded?!

[matt9804]

Hi,

I have had three TDCI Focus and apart from one they were good. I would definately consider the diesel option.

I have recently bought a VW Golf GT TDI 140bhp and would never go back to owning a ford.

Choice is yours but i would choose diesel.

Hope this helps

Matt