Advice on VW Golf 1.6TDI Vs 2.0 TDI 2009 - 2011

OREGATO

Hey guys,

So we are on a look out for a MK 6 Golf to replace the current MK 4 we have.

Herself does large enough miles (20k kilometres per annum) and want something a bit more comfortable for her.

We want something reliable that will hopefully tie us over for the next 5 years or so. Our budget indicates that we could get a 2009 - 2011 diesel Golf which would be ideal for our needs.

Here's a few questions I hope some people can shed light on.

Can anyone comment on their experiences with the 1.6 or 2.0 TDI engines, from doing some research there is mention of EGR and DPF issues but what are they like to live with?

I've also heard there are different variants of the 1.6, some are 95 HP while others are 105 HP, any way to quickly check?

Blue motion I believe is the model that has the stop start tech, is this correct? Or are they just a trim model? Are they any better or worse than versions that do not have it?

We test drove a few 1.6's and found them a little gutless but apart from that, they appear to be a fine car. Is the 2.0 worth it over the 1.6?

How do they compare to the older MK5 1.9 engines? We had an old 1.9 TDI and the FIL has one now in an Audi and they appear bullet proof.
Another option I'm weighing up would be to get a 2008 MK5 1.9 TDI, money wise, it's a lot cheaper than the MK6. Am I better to consider a newer car than an older one?

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks I'm advance.

Toyotafanboi

The Mk6's are grand. If you like your Mk5 there's no reason you won't like the 6, they are very similar.

There is an awful lot of Mk6 Golfs out there so you can be fairly choose with them. An awful lot of them are quite low spec'd though which may or may not be a deal breaker for you.

The 2.0 is a nicer drive, but only just so. I'd say driving normally, below 2500 rpm you'd struggle to notice of it was a 2.0 or a 1.6 but when pushing on a bit the 2.0 has a nice bit of extra shove, that and the 6 speed is nice to have.

I'd say a half or three quarters of 2.0's out there are UK imports, not that that's necessarily a bad thing as they may be better equipped.

Both engines are prone to EGR failure but particularly the 1.6 so I'd be wary of that. Other than they they are actually fairly hardy cars. If you are doing the mileage you won't have any issues with the DPF.

The factory clutch pressure plates don't seem to last very well either, so I'd factor a clutch into any high miler or any car where the clutch pedal is heavy to press or stiff while you are releasing the pedal, which is most of them by now.

bazz26

Make sure if you find a Mk6 that hasn't had the VW dieselgate "fix" which causes more trouble than it fixes. If going for a late Mk5 then avoid any 1.9 with the BXE engine code as these engines like to throw a conrod through the block which means a new engine.

Cannon_fodder

We had an EGR failure on our 2011 and were looking at a bill of €850 for a repair so swiftly traded it in for a petrol. Buyer beware

Pacifico

Have had a 1.6 105bhp for the past 3 years with no issues bar the EGR which is a common fault and can be done for around 600.

Very happy with it and it's not exactly slow but never drive the 2.0l so can't compare!

Toyotafanboi

In fairness, if the dieselgate thread is anything to go by, it looks like any EGR's that have failed after the update have been taken care of by VW so buying one with the update might be no harm.

bazz26

Yes but if the OP is buying one from an independent dealer or private seller that was recently done then I'd doubt VW Ireland will want to know about it now.

Toyotafanboi

bazz26 wrote: »

Yes but if the OP is buying one from an independent dealer or private seller that was recently done then I'd doubt VW Ireland will want to know about it now.

Well the issue is still relating to the fix, regardless of ownership. That's really for another thread though.

bazz26

Yep, just don't think you would get the same support from VW Ireland in those cases.

OREGATO

Hi guys,

Many thanks for all the replies. I did some research after reading the above and the information on the BXE engines was very informative. I didn't even know that those engines caused such issues. This has led me to think that perhaps going for the MK6 is a better solution overall. But before I do, are all the 08 onward MK5's a BXE engine or can they be a different engine code which don't suffer from the conrod failure?

In relation to the 'dieselgate' fix, how would I tell if a car I view has had or not had the fix applied?

Also, some 1.6's are rated at 95 BHP while others are 105 BHP - how can I tell the difference?

Thanks again,

O

Toyotafanboi

There are different engine codes but an 08/ 09 Mk5 1.9 is most likely to be a BXE.

To check for the Dieselgate fix, it is marked on the car but the handiest thing is to put the reg in here: https://campaigncheck.ie I'd expect an awful lot to be done by now.

Im not 100% but i think the power outputs changed with trim levels. If you get a Trendline it was 90bhp, the rest were 105. With UK cars the "S" was 90bhp and "SE" up were 105.

OREGATO

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

There are different engine codes but an 08/ 09 Mk5 1.9 is most likely to be a BXE.

To check for the Dieselgate fix, it is marked on the car but the handiest thing is to put the reg in here: https://campaigncheck.ie I'd expect an awful lot to be done by now.

Im not 100% but i think the power outputs changed with trim levels. If you get a Trendline it was 90bhp, the rest were 105. With UK cars the "S" was 90bhp and "SE" up were 105.

Thanks for the help Toyotafanboi! I googled how to check the engine code and it's on a sticker normally located in the boot.

We've gone off the idea of an 08/09 now and are looking for a 2010 upwards.

The campaigncheck website has come in handy as well as it tells us if it's a 95BHP or 105BHP model.

Anyone know if a good MK6 TDI for sale?

bazz26

Is the UK an option? Lots of them over there to choose from, just avoid the lower spec ones.

OREGATO

bazz26 wrote: »

Is the UK an option? Lots of them over there to choose from, just avoid the lower spec ones.

I thought about that but between getting time off work, going over and coming back etc, I'd rather pay a little extra for the less hassle. Plus, I'd rather have my mechanic here look over one as I would be almost buying in the dark over in the UK - I know that there are RAC and AA services that will look over the car too but I've never used these.