Hello all

I'm thinking of buying a 1.4 tdi classic 5-6 years old.

What are peoples opinions in terms of reliability etc.

Thanks

Hello all

I'm thinking of buying a 1.4 tdi classic 5-6 years old.

What are peoples opinions in terms of reliability etc.

Thanks

When we replaced the other half's 900cc Suzuki Swift, we lookaed at a number of cars with that

particular engine.

In the end We went for a Fabia 1.9 SDI (4 cylinder) rather than a 1.4 TDI (3 cylinder)

although the TDI is a little quicker through the gears there isn't much difference in performance.

Where the difference lies is in the reliability and economy of the SDI engine over the 1.4 TDI.

The SDI is in essence a very basic suction diesel injection engine which was IIRC originally

developed for marine applications. You don't want an unreliable boat engine obviously

It's economy is verging on the unbelievable with a displayed 65-75mpg nearly all the time.

The trouble with the TDI is if you spank it, your mpg can suffer drastically. And of course

there's that expensive turbo which can go wrong.

I'm not certain on this point but I would imagine it also has one of those Dual Mass Flywheels

which can also be expensive if it needs replacing. As I say I'm not certain on this point though.

What I know for sure is that there's a conventional flywheel and clutch on the SDI.

Loads cheaper than the dual mass systems if the worst happens. ( Just replaced one on my vRS )

We've had ours (54 reg) for over 30k miles now and we haven't had to spend a bean on it.

Has passed 2 MOT's with no advisories. Although I must confess that the car could benefit from

a new clutch at 100k. It's still on the the original clutch from new though so it's had a good innings.

If reliability and longevity are your main concerns then it's a no brainer. SDI FTW :yes:

Thanks for your reply.

I know what you mean about the turbo, but I'd read that the sdi was too sluggish.

My "other" car is a 2.0 tdi passat estate but the missus has taken it over for use with the little un!

I'm just a bit worried that the sdi will feel like too much of a let down, although in essence it will just be something to get me to and from work - and reliability and economy are my top priority (I think!)

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

I have two 1.4 TDIs, a 75 & 80 bhp, both are great, good mpg 60/70 if driven at max 2500 rpm with occassional 3500, they both produce good torque from 1500 rpm and don't disgrace themselves in traffic or motorway.

My wife's 75 model is £95 road tax and my 80 is £30 road tax, the only parts replaced so far are the console bushes, cam belt, discs and pads on the older 75 model, plus tyres and service etc.

They are excellent cars and return a good speed, however if you want more speed then get a VRS model.

DB.

Get an SDI, I bought mine 18 months ago (ex Glos plod car) in a terrible state, and 92k.

Once the dirt was washed off inside and out it has turned out to be one of the best cars I've ever owned.

Sluggish? Depends on how you drive ... ever ridden a Bonneville? Almost the same principal, ride the torque curve.

I recently spent a week driving the other half's 54 plate TDI Elegance, I was relieved to get back in my SDI as it's so much more fun to drive.

Not fast, but swift ... and sometimes that's good enough.