VW Golf 1.2Tsi V Golf 1.6Tdi...?

billy few mates

Hi all, I'm thinking of getting a Golf 1.6Tdi DSG approx 2012 0r 2013 if I can afford it, the garage I was looking in asked me if I would consider a 1.2 Tsi Petrol version instead as I'd probably get a newer one for the same money and he says the MPG is approx the same.
I do a fair bit of driving some weeks (30 miles each way mostly motorway for a week) then other weeks I just do a few miles around town so it varies a bit.
I'm looking for reliability, value for money, resale value (I know the diesel wins here) and economy (MPG).
Should I consider the 1.2Tsi or how would it compare to the 1.6Tdi?
What are the pros and cons with both..?
Thanks

Bpmull

Considering you do 500 km a week just for work and I assume you use it for other things your mileage would justify the diesel. Neither are going to be quick although the 1.2 is suppose to be dead enough and the 1.4tsi is far better. Mpg wise well the diesel will still be 10 plus mpg better. Resale value is the big one the diesel will be far easier to sell on for that reason alone Id go with the diesel but then if you intend on keeping the car a long time that wouldn't be as big a factor.

I suppose test driving both would give you a good idea of which you prefer. I still think all in the diesel is the way to go as the petrols are generally just not cheaper enough to justify it as there isn't much of a difference in the new price.

bazz26

The sales person is telling you porkies. If the 1.2 TSi had the same mpg as the 1.6 TDi then why would they bother making a 1.6 TDi? The dealer is trying to get you into the TSi because they are probably finding it more difficult to sell. At 500 km per week you would notice the difference in mpg between both and also as said resale value on a diesel Golf will be stronger.

billy few mates

Thanks for the advice, my dilemma now is that I can get a 2013 1.2 Tsi with lower mileage for the same price as a 2012 tdi 1.6.

I'd be happy with either, they both drive well but the 1.2 looks a bit more basic (no alloys).

bazz26

Is the 2013 a MkVI or MkVII? The 2012 one would definitely be the older MkVI. I personally would not bother with a poor spec model of either or be swayed by the younger reg alone.