Hi,

Thinking of buying a 1.4 TDI on an 09 plate. Been running my own 1.9TDI Octavia for 8 years with virtually nothing other than regular maintenance so just wondering how the 1.4 TDI is overall and whether there are any things I need to know or look out for?

If it's a Greenline, it will have a Diesel Particulates Filter (DPF)

If it isn't, it wont.

Don't think it's a greenline. DPF is bad then?

DPF is not exactly "bad" but it's something else to go wrong if you do a lot of town driving.

The DPF needs a regular run at higher speed to keep it clear.

Try doing a search, but here is your starter for six

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/270476-dpf-problem-and-removal/page__hl__+dpf#entry3198474

I have a 1.4 TDi 80 bhp without the particle filter.

It's the older style PD engine, and fairly rubust little unit. Mine is a level 2 of Fabia 2 - whatever they call it.

Apart from being slower than your old 1.9 Octavia, in my opinion, it's a good little car.

I bought one in 2009 - ran this for 2 years (until I wrote it off in accident!)

Must say it was a very well made and reliable car - the 3 cyl PD engine was excellent (if a little noisey) and very economical.

I now have a CR90 1.6 TDI & despite its many virtues, I do not like the DPF aspect which can be a pain. Would have no hesitation in buying a used Fab 11 with the PD80 3 cyl engine.

Edited 20 April, 201313 yr by 2ndskoda

Thanks for the replies. I've been reading about some issues with the balancer shaft. Is this just an internet myth or something to worry about?

I've had a 1.4pd tdi for 3 months now and covered around 3,000 miles. So far its been faultless.

Has enough power to have fun, yet reaches around 62mpg on a good run.Pd engines like clean oil, so look for one with service's prior to the reccomended service date/mileage.

Forgot to mention that I am convinced that my 3 pot fabia 11 2009 car was a far better built unit than my 2011 SE Plus CR90. Looking at the accuracy of door aperatures alone confirmed this + plus the sound of door closure etc.

My daughter's Polo with the 1.4 3Cyl. TDI engine has now done over 120,000 miles without any problems . Driven with some care it's a very economical engine ( 60mpg easily available)

By all accounts a tough, frugal and quite punchy engine, though likely to be (even) noisier than your previous 1.9 PD. As said, no DPF to worry about unless it's a Greenline. I'm a big fan of VAG's PD engines, they're tough and efficient units provided the oil is changed regularly with the correct spec. There's a Briskoda forumite called Estate Man who knows loads about the 1.4 PD 80 - hopefully he'll visit this thread in due course and will give you good info.