My old chap has decided he wants an Octy after listening to me carrying on about how good my fabia Vrs is. He's not a sporty driver, he's one of those who can keep the moulding lines on the tyres for hundreds of miles!

The question is which engine is better, the 1.9 PD or the newer 2.0? He thinks mine is 'a bit rattly', I just like the way it goes when you press the pedal.

appreciate any thoughts

Try both , and see what suits.

If I was buying now I'd probably get the 1.9 because of fuel costs , though my 2.0 is noticably quicker

1.9 would be my suggestion for my old man too

How's his hearing? The 1.9 is more economical, but the 2.0 is noticeably smoother. If he can hear "rattly", I'd suggest the 2.0 - but if he wants to save money, go for the 1.9.

I have a 2 litre which is lovely and smooth and very pacey. BUT I've had no end of engine management problems with it going into 'limp' mode (i.e. suddenly no power) if accelerating hard for a period of time. I'm now replacing it and I'm faced with the same dilemma - to get another 2 litre or go for 1.9 this time. Having test driven a few 1.9s they are plenty quick enough really, though they have a noticably harsher engine note. They don't have that 'woosh' of power around 2,000 rpm which makes the 2.0 so great to drive, but this actually makes them easier to drive smoothly around town I think.

Anyone else had engine management problems with their diesels?

I drove both and went with the 2.0, the 1.9 sounds harsher because the head only has 8 valves, the 2.0 has 16 valves.

I would sugest 1.9:

Save money

All the power you will evr need in todays driving conditions

More economical.

Recommendations by an "Old Chap" who is very pleased with his 1.9 4x4 Octavia Estate

I have owned both, the 1.9 is more economical while the 2.0 is more fun.

What about an older one with a 1.9PD 130 or a TDI 110 or does he want a MK II?

Get the 1.9, less trouble than the 2.0

I find that the 2.0TDi isn't much worse on fuel particulary if you do some motorway miles, the extra gear can help quite a bit. I agree that the 2.0TDi is much smoother than the 1.9Tdi which does sound a little noisey compared to the bigger engine.

As its for you dad, and by the sounds of it...he doesn't care for speed! Go for the 1.9tdi. A lot less kick in the back when the turbo kicks in, and you can't beat the fuel economy!

I've had two 1.9's, both from new. I have been more than satisfied with both of them.

Go for the 1.9 with DSG. You won't regret it. I haven't

Have just clocked up my first 1000 miles so not a long term road test

I chose the 1.9 because of the economy, tax class and general comments hereabouts and elsewhere on reliability. It is quite noisy but so much that I find it an intrusion - but then I have my music quite loud

Road tax on the 1.9 is the same as the 2.0, my 2.0 currently costs £115 for 12 months.

Road tax on the 1.9 is the same as the 2.0, my 2.0 currently costs £115 for 12 months.

But the DSG in more :orb_upset

If he doesn't do many ( ie less than20000m) he would be better considering a petrol would he not?

If he doesn't do many ( ie less than20000m) he would be better considering a petrol would he not?

Here we go again........

For sure.

The 1.8TSI is defintely worth a look. The old 2.0FSI is OK too if you want second hand.

I'd probably go for the 1.9TDI tbh, not a bad engine that.

Try both , and see what suits.

If I was buying now I'd probably get the 1.9 because of fuel costs , though my 2.0 is noticably quicker

My sentiments exactly my dear Dr. Both have there strengths and weaknesses. 1.9 - fuel costs and purchase price but may be lacking in certain elements.

2.0 - effortless power and refinement at a cost.

(Incidentally i went for the 2.0 L&K as i would rather outlay a little more and end up with the better drive and luxury but each to there own :-)

My sentiments exactly my dear Dr. Both have there strengths and weaknesses. 1.9 - fuel costs and purchase price but may be lacking in certain elements.

2.0 - effortless power and refinement at a cost.

(Incidentally i went for the 2.0 L&K as i would rather outlay a little more and end up with the better drive and luxury but each to there own :-)

Yep.

I like my car , but it is just a means to an end and there's only so much money I'm prepared to spend each month.

If fuel costs go up then I'll keep my overall spending at a similar level by buying a cheaper car next time round.

1.9TDi is more than enough power for todays roads and out on the motorway is very good too.Never driven a 2.0 so cannot comment.

Have driven both and would go for the 2.0 every time.

I have the 1.9PD which i've added a pipercross panel filter to and religiously use millers ds4 - it is admittedly a little more "cammy" than other diesels i've driven b4 but i recently had a mate over who drives a beemer 535d bi-turbo which is matter of fact - a total weapon.... but i digress

he reckons mine is pretty quiet and was fairly shocked at how much grunt it had on a quick blast around a few twisty country roads - he even commented on how stable the handling was compared to the bimma which apparently loses it's composure quickly on fast twisty roads.