Gents,

If the turbo is kaput on a 1.9 pd, what is a realistic cost for replacement?

The cost will depend if any damage has been caused to the engine by the turbo breaking. Also will depend on if you want a new turbo or a reconditioned one and where the work will be carried out (dealer or independent). Which ever route I suspect it is going to cost at least close to £1k.

Given that my budget is 6k max, and I am after the Elegance spec. Should I be worried about this as all cars in this price range are 90k+ ?

I dont want to buy something that could cost at least another 1-2k to put right.

Get an AA check done?

Turbo's show signs of going, normally a whine or whistle is the first indication.

I have had my turbo replaced under warranty, no noticeable whines or whistles, but the difference between old and new turbo is very noticeable in the power delivery. The new turbo is smooth as anything from 1500rpm, the old turbo came in noticeably at 2000rpm. The fault was sticking vanes, it logged a couple of overboosts and went in to limp home mode.

I would recommend a recon unit from TurboTechnics (approx. £500). They slightly modify the vanes which helps prevent them from "sticking" They also give a 12month warranty. Fitting should set you back approx. £200.

I know it sounds daft but the thought of turbo or clutch going wrong, with the associated bills, is making me think is getting a diesel worth it?

Especially as just one failing wipes out the fuel cost benefit!

HELP!!!

If I was buying a car for private use and was doing low mileage I would consider steering clear of a modern turbo diesel. But I would have to have a turbocharged petrol.

I don't know the UK car market, but I would be looking for something with the 1.4Tsi or 1.8Tsi engine, I don.t know whether your 6k would stretch to this.

Car is going to be for work, 20 mile commute each way on clear A-roads. Needs to be reliable!!

Thats why I fancied an octy, until I read about clutch+turbo dramas! I know most if not all diesels have expensive parts that go wrong, just trying to work out how likely it is that I could get bitten!

6K here only gets high milers, although usually FSH.

Never owned a diesel before, is this the time to do it?

Car is going to be for work, 20 mile commute each way on clear A-roads. Needs to be reliable!!

Thats why I fancied an octy, until I read about clutch+turbo dramas! I know most if not all diesels have expensive parts that go wrong, just trying to work out how likely it is that I could get bitten!

6K here only gets high milers, although usually FSH.

Never owned a diesel before, is this the time to do it?

I would'nt for 40 miles a day.

I have a diesel Octy and only do 10 miles to work and back each day and have had no issues (this is my second octy diesel). I make substantial savings on fuel even with my limited milage. With your daily drive I would say a diesel is definately worth a look.

I know it appears on here that a lot goes wrong with diesels but forums/internet are not the best place to get a feeling for overall reliability. This is because people who come to and post in forums often have an issue that needs sorting hence you can get a very scewed impression. Not many people will post just to say they have driven to work again with no issues on their car. Modern diesels do have some expensive parts but if you buy a good car with FSH then I feel you should not go too far wrong. If you went for a petrol turbo then you could have the same problems with the turbo anyway.

Have two turbo's on mine so far in only 30k. Thank god for the warranty as each replacement had a bill for £1700. Praying everything is ok now as the car's just out of warranty and I don't fancy paying for another.

Mind you the Teves 60 unit seems to be causing bigger problems on here.

I have a diesel Octy and only do 10 miles to work and back each day and have had no issues (this is my second octy diesel). I make substantial savings on fuel even with my limited milage. With your daily drive I would say a diesel is definately worth a look.

I know it appears on here that a lot goes wrong with diesels but forums/internet are not the best place to get a feeling for overall reliability. This is because people who come to and post in forums often have an issue that needs sorting hence you can get a very scewed impression. Not many people will post just to say they have driven to work again with no issues on their car. Modern diesels do have some expensive parts but if you buy a good car with FSH then I feel you should not go too far wrong. If you went for a petrol turbo then you could have the same problems with the turbo anyway.

Turbochargers on petrol cars are not as prone to problems as the one on diesel cars. Don't get me wrong I think turbo diesels are great.............I have 350,000kms on mine !

But if I was only doing 10-15,000 miles a year, I wouldn't buy a diesel but I would want the grunt of a turbo on my petrol.