Hi all / anybody....

 

..we have been running a 2005 2ltr diesel and I need something a bit younger. Originally I was going to get another Octy 1.6 diesel, but as we do not do the miles (probably less than 8k/year), I have been put off due to DPF / DMS problems. I have recently been looking at the option of a 1.4 petrol and was wondering if there are any inhern=ent problems with them,,,it seems a small engine for a big car....are there any high milers out their?...I cannot find any major issues flagged anywhere, but was wondering if any current users had any thoughts?....we do occasionaly tow a (very small) caravan.

 

Thanks for any input..   

I've been running a 1.4 TSI manual now for a coupla years, never had a problem at all, good fuel consumption (seems to hover around the high 40s with mix of town and motorway driving. The power output of this motor is like an old school 2.0 litre injection engine and feels like it punches well above it's weight. Cruising at 80-90mph is a doddle and theres even a bit in reserve for overtaking but not much. Very tractable around town and easy to drive, so much so I even find it relaxing to some degree. Very smooth too and not very noisy except when you rev it and even then its still very acceptable. I would suggest a test drive to make your own mind up but I reckon you're gonna be pleasantly surprised.

Hope this helps.

It's a good engine.  Maximum torque is available from 1500rpm so it drives like a silent diesel.  Fuel consumption is good on long trips but poor on shorter trips because it takes an age to warm up (large coolant capacity for its size).  There is slight turbo lag if you slow down for a roundabout and then need to pull away instantly.

Hi both, and thanks for your replies....looks like it could be a promising option..only problem is I can't find any for sale in my neck of the woods (Mid Wales)...but I will keep looking. I do not drive "fast" these days, so top speed is not important, I am more concerened about reliability, as both our cars are now 8 and 10 years old and are starting to cost money.....although I suppose you either spend money on repairs, or depreciation....

Any turbo car is a reliability worry bercause they're so expensive if they fail (and they tend to fill the intercooler and exhaust system with oil as they do so).  However, petrol turbos are usually water-cooled these days and this makes them a lot more reliable than air-cooled turbodiesel units.  You just need to use good oil and not turn off the engine when the turbo is spun up.

I had 1for 12 months and averaged low 40s mpg wise, though could get very low 50s on longer trips as long as I used kid gloves. VERY smooth and quiet unless its being given the beans too. I personally found it a bit lacking mid range, but that could have been influenced by its very good low down torque. It will get a move on if you give it some stick and cruising at the NSL is no problem at all. Living in mid Wales as you do mist of your driving will be non motorway on roads like the A44 whichif there is a slight downside to the 1.4 its that on roads like that you will tend to get stuck behind slower moving traffic. If your happy to chill and follow then its got a lot going for it. I had the se+ which was a well spec'd car and pound for pound you'll get a lot newer/lower milage one than if you go for a diesel. As you say have a decent test drive to see if its what you're after. Good luck.

If you think a 1.4 is too weak for an Octavia, you need to go drive one and find out for yourself. You will probably be surprised. I know I was. 

Have there been any reliability issues with this engine to worry about if keeping for a long time ?

Not that I've heard of.  The bigger TSI engines can suffer terminal timing chain problems, but not the 1.4.  Ours can be slightly, and I mean *slightly* stuttery for the first few hundred yards on a cold engine.  Doesn't do it all the time and this is only when creeping out of the estate in 2nd gear.