Due to recent changes in family circumstances, am looking to purchase a used Octavia estate.

So have spent the last few nights trawling the web reading a load of related threads, but must confess to being even more confused as to which is my best option.

Especially as most threads on this topic appear to be at least 3-5 years ago. 

Anyway, as I found this site to provide some of the most interesting comments - have just joined and would appreciate any feedback on my current conundrum...  

 

From the older threads it seems:

1.9tdi PD:  + More bomb proof, + More punchy at low revs, - But less refined & noisy

2.0tdi PD:  + More refined, quieter, + Better economy, - But less reliable 

1.6tdi CR:  + Better economy, - Less gutsy at low revs  

Have seen a lot of discussion about the unreliability of 2.0 units, and concerns about DPF and sensor fault bills - even in more recent models.

But not clear whether the 1.9 PD (some fitted with DPF's) have experienced similar reliability problems over the long term. 

Sadly there seems to be few more recent comments about how older MK2 diesels are holding up.

 

So am interested in any advice on whether the older 1.9PD units are still seen as the most reliable choice for someone looking to buy used in the £4-5k range ?

Many thanks.

 

 

Expected car use:  Local driving is on fairly open 40-50mph country roads, plus some short trips to nearest town. Main mileage expected to be on increasingly regular weekend motorway trips down to West country (elderly parents), lugging sons son of to college in September. 

 

Background - Have driven my old Saab for the last 15 years - 220k miles of amazing reliability. Only down side is the 28-30mpg. But other than regular services and tyre replacement, it has sailed through every MOT. However this year have had a number of minor things start to fail, so am convinced will face a fairly hefty bill before next MOT. 

 

Edited 22 February, 20188 yr by MuddyDuck

Sorry for late reply !!

 

no dpf in octy 1.9'tdi upto 2010, go for a spec'd up model with prefably full service history ( cam belt every 4 years and regular oil changes ) well looked after car will not disappoint 

( we're on our third !! )

Hello Muddy Duck,

Again apols for late reply. I'd echo David's advice, have had the 1.9PD tdi (in a Roomster) for over 4yrs, very little engine-related trouble, a vacuum control box was wheezing every time I parked up, got that replaced, also had the full kit of cambelt, pulleys/tensioners, waterpump replaced at 72k miles, now at 89k, annual oil and filter change, replace paper-element air filter and Fuel Filter occasionally, Roomster installation has neither DPF nor DMF (Dual Mass Flywheel), latter may be partly why this engine seems quite agricultural compared to Common Rail engines.  But less to go wrong! I don't know which 1.9tdi Octavias do/don't have a DMF; others on here will know.  As the camshaft is doing all the generating of the high fuel pressure in the Electronically-controlled Unit Injectors, its essential to use a grade of oil specifically formulated for these PD engines; I use Millers Oils, and their fuel additive, have done for just over 30yrs!

 

Getting around 60 or 61mpg tank-full to tank-full average even on winter tyres, 2 or 3 mpg more on the Goodyear summers.

 

Have also previously had the 3-cyl 1.4tdi PD in a Mk 1 Fabia, same servicing requirements, but Fabia had conventional waste-gated turbo, so little pull at low revs, then sudden surge; whereas my 105bhp Roomster 1.9PDtdi has the far superior Variable Nozzle Turbo, which comes in at lower revs and builds boost much more gently and steadily, such that the car is more tractable and flexible, can hold onto higher gears down to lower revs, then pull away cleanly.

 

Gather that taxi owners of the 1.9tdi PD Octavias have routinely covered 350,000 miles and more with this engine.

Hope that helps.

Richard.