For several months now I have been searching for the right 2.0 TSFI VRS estate but have found very few that tick all of the boxes especially as my budget is around £6500 - £7000. Whilst searching today I came across a 59 plate FL 1.4TSI SE for £6495. Admittedly it has 70000miles on the clock and three different owners but it does have a full SKoda service history and looks to be in excellent condition.

I have read numerous reviews on the 1.4TSI and all are very favourable but does anyone on here have any experience of ownership particularly with high mileage to help sway my decision. I appreciate that I am probably making VRS owners throw their hands in the air in despair but in my opinion I would sum up my dilema as follows:-

VRS = Expensive Mid-life crisis choice

1.4TSI = Sensible and far cheaper option.

I would appreciate any constructive comments.

My normal driving consists of a 4 mile round trip commute each day as well as the family wagon for longer journeys and I need an estate to fit my dog in (Alaskan Malamute). All told I average about 7500 miles per annum and this car will have to last me for at least the next four-five years.

Ronnie

go mid way and go for a 1.8TSI instead

I do like the 1.8tsi but I am unlikely to find a good compromise of age/mileage/condition and budget.

I recently sold our 1.4TSI as we traded in two cars for a newer Scout, but in all the time I had it I thought it was great. Its got good fuel economy, whilst having enough poke for day to day running and is sooo smooth and easy to drive. Also with the price of petrol and diesel being so different at the moment it makes this engine even better. Mine had only done 19k so I can't comment on the high mileage but I can't see it causing too many issues. The TSI engine is pretty tried and tested in Golf's so its not like its that new. We have now got a 1.8TSI in the Scout and I have to say I absolutely love it! So much poke and the addition of 4WD too just makes it so chuckable, so I would also recommend this engine if you are looking for the perfect compromise between the two extremes, especially as you may well find the 1.4 a little on the sluggish side at first until you get used to it.

They did the 1.8TSI in the pre-FL Octy, so you may find a high mileage older car (think 2007 onwards for that engine) if you hunt around a bit and aren't fussed about the FL model.

Edited 9 February, 201214 yr by GroundHog

The only thing that would make me think twice is a small capacity turbos longevity. But I haven't heard regular horror stories. I had that engine in quite a few Passat rentals and it was more than capable. I also very nearly bought a Leon with one. I think it's a great unit, but you will work it hard if you drive fast in a car of that size and consequently use more fuel. A slightly larger engine may prove less stressed and as a result use minimal extra fuel while still having better power reserves.

If you drive it and like it, that's a lot of very good car for the money IMO.

Thanks very much everybody for your help.

I'm hoping to make the journey from Cornwall to Birmingham tomorrow to view/purchase.

I own a 20,000 mile 1.4 estate- same reason, large dogs ( Presa Canario ) and am really happy with it, no issues so far and heard no horror stories either. goes well, like a normal 1.8 maybe. Great acceleration and about 42-45pmg depending on the journey. it is quite a lively drive, torque is fine too, although I don't lug v heavy loads (well two people luggage and 100kg of dogs)

love it so far.