hello,

I'm intending to buy a used fabia 1.4 Tdi and would like advice and guidance on what to look for/ what to avoid. I'm looking for either a hatchback or estate. I'm not fussy either way...my wife would prefer a hatchback

I've test driven a 1.4 Tdi (70) estate and didn't find it too bad (I'm no boy racer), although I did notice that the turbo flattened off quite quickly. Nevertheless, it pulled away from busy roundabouts quick enough for me.

This weekend, I hope to test drive two more, both are estates and both are 1.4 Tdi PD. Looking at Parker's guide, it appears that the 1.4 Tdi PD engines are 75 bhp, but have a 0-60 almost the same as the 80 bhp, and a fuel efficiency greater than the 80bhp. So what's the catch?

Are there any engines that are less reliable than the others?

what are the week points to look for? (in the Tdi's in general, not just these two mentioned above)

I've heard mention that the performance of the 1.4 Tdi's drops off rapidly when loaded- is this true?

I noticed when driving the 1.4 Tdi (70) that it was noisy and the engine 'felt' a little bit rough, a bit coggy (through vibrations in the steering wheel) . Is this typical of the 3 cylinder engine or is it symptomatic of a tired, worn engine? (the car had 35,800 on the clock, but the rear suspension had been replaced and the interior was well worn, neither of which matched with the mileage....).

Thanks for your help,

James

Depending on your type of driving planned, I would consider a 1.9 TDI (100bhp) as another option. More grunt for your money without comprimising on fuel economy. In fact due to the engine needing to be pushed less to make similar progress to a 1.4 TDI, it may end up being more eonomical, especially at higher speeds.

I would say one thing - don't get put off by high miles. TDIs need a decent amount of time to warm up to operating temps, and therefore I would personally be more put-off by low miles than high miles as the engine could actually be more worn than the miles suggest, due to it never getting warm.

For bodyshape the estate is a real log lugger, but the boot on the hatch is adequate and the space when the seats are folded down is very good.

I would ensure the car you drive has a real steady steering wheel as any wobbling could be tracking/bent suspension/bushes, etc - a steady wheel is reassuring.

Depending on your type of driving planned, I would consider a 1.9 TDI (100bhp) as another option. More grunt for your money without comprimising on fuel economy. In fact due to the engine needing to be pushed less to make similar progress to a 1.4 TDI, it may end up being more eonomical, especially at higher speeds.

That's an interesting idea, Jason. I remember when Top Gear did their "cheap small cars test" (Roomster 1.4TDi, little Alfa, iQ), Clarkson wasn't happy with the fuel consumption of his 1.4TDi (worse than the petrols), as he was pushing it too much. OK, so how much you want to pay attention to that directly relates to what you think of Jeremy Clarkson (loony driver, probably :p), but it was interesting to see, none-the-less.

I was looking for a 1.4TDi when I bought mine, but couldn't find any, so got the 1.9TDi (having only driven diesels, I didn't really want a petrol, although the 1.2 is quite nice [my neighbour's dad owns one - it's what convinced me to get my Fabia]). Have to say the VAG 1.9TDi engine knocks spots off the current Ford 1.4CTDi "Duratorque" engine in terms of "niceness to drive" that was in my instructor's Fiesta...

my ex drove her 1.4TDi (seat ibiza) like it was stolen and still it returned very good mpg! and for a 1.4 has lots of go in it.

I'd tried the 1.9Tdi and see how it works for you, though depending on your ages etc it will be slightly more to insure and depending on the age of the fabia possible slightly more to tax (2007 1.4Tdi 80bhp is £35 a year)

I would also go for the 1.9. You will only wish you had after a while with the 1.4.....

Thanks for all your adivce, it certainly gives me some food for thought.

..... though depending on your ages etc it will be slightly more to insure and depending on the age of the fabia possible slightly more to tax (2007 1.4Tdi 80bhp is £35 a year)

This is my concern. At present, our insurance group is 2. going up the insurance groups feels wrong, even if the drive feels right. We are only occasional car users, so we have to balance the extra cost against the bennefit of a better engine & better drive.

Edited 24 March, 201016 yr by marquee.moon

Before my Fabia I had a 100bhp TDI Ibiza which was a nice drive. As others have mentioned I would go for the 1.9TDI.

Thanks for everyone's advice.

I've just bought a 1.9 Tdi (100Bhp) hatchback (55 plate, 48k mileage), ambiente.

It was a really nice drive in comparison to the 1.4 Tdi: quieter and smoother. But very responsive pulling off from a busy roundabout.

Thanks for everyone's advice.

I've just bought a 1.9 Tdi (100Bhp) hatchback (55 plate, 48k mileage), ambiente.

It was a really nice drive in comparison to the 1.4 Tdi: quieter and smoother. But very responsive pulling off from a busy roundabout.

Well done

congratulations! Happy driving! hope you enjoy it!

Thanks for everyone's advice.

I've just bought a 1.9 Tdi (100Bhp) hatchback (55 plate, 48k mileage), ambiente.

It was a really nice drive in comparison to the 1.4 Tdi: quieter and smoother. But very responsive pulling off from a busy roundabout.

Gz

Now go get it chipped! :yes: