Hello, new user here.
I am planning to join the Yeti users community by buying used car and I have problems choosing between two cars, both petrol and manual: 

First choice is  09 2011 1.2 tsi Ambition trim with Xenon headlights, with freshly changed timing chain, which previous owner agreed to change after checking error codes. Ambition trim and Xenon are the main selling points.
Second choice is 03 2013 1.2 tsi basic trim (S maybe?)  which looks less attractive on the inside but is 1.5 years newer. On the outside both cars look pretty much the same 2011 shows a bit more of age-no surprise there.

2011 one has 104k km on the odometer and 2013 one 118k km. Price is almost the same with 2013 one being a bit cheaper.

The main concern is engine reliability, having read that in nov 2011 and 2012 a number of engine components (block and head part nr, pistons) have been updated. Do you think it makes a big difference in reliability of an used car to prefer the newer version to a more comfortable+Xenon 2011 version?

What would you choose? Thank you a lot :)

I'm not familiar with the Ambition trim with it not being available in the UK (or at least called something else).

 

If my little bit of research is to be believed (Yeti timing chain fault), the first 1.2 had timing chains that were problematic (as it appears this one might be) but were changed for a more reliable and easier to maintain belt for 2013 (happy to be corrected on this if I'm wrong), so the later car may have the edge on reliability

 

I've also a weird liking for the simplicity of basic spec cars so would probably be drawn to the later/cheaper car. If it has factory alloys, it'll probably be an "S", if it is on steel wheels then likely the very last of the even more basic "E" spec cars.

 

All 105hp models have timing chains and the troubles were with the early ones,

The 110hp models came out after 2014  and they were a different engine with timing belts. 

I wouldn't have an 'S' trim and now there are plenty coming up for sale I would hang on for another.