Ok, I was about to pull the trigger on an 09 Octavia 1.8 tsi, after reading the glowing reports/reviews on here I quickly pulled the plug on that deal and dodged a bullet I believe.

My dilemma is, I really want a dsg gearbox in a late pfl/early fl octavia but really unsure on engine choice, I don’t do lots of miles with most journeys short/frequent stops.

 

1.4 or 2.0 tsi 

1.6/1.9 or 2.0 tdi 

 

doesn't need to be the fastest kid on the block or the most fuel efficient, just a good all rounder.....

Any obvious does or don’ts😁

 

And hi😉

 

Hello Colm 

 

The 2.0 engined cars will have the DQ250 six speed wet clutch DSG, whereas the smaller engines will have the seven speed DQ200 dry clutch unit. The DQ250 is more robust than the DQ200, which had its fair share of failures.

 

I've got both and  would go for the DQ250 every time, even though the DQ200 in our Polo has been faultless in the four years we've had it.

 

Gaz

That’s a very good point Gaz, not really thought of it from that angle mmmmm 

Bonus of the 2.0 engines is they have been around for a fair few years so well proven and understood 🤔

I guess it all comes down to what you want.

 

I'd say the diesels are out if you only do low mileage (although the 1.9 doesn't have a DPF).

 

The early 1.4 TSI and 2.0 TSI suffered from timing chain issues but they were fixed around 2011/12 and I'd expect a car of that age to have had a new one by now if it was one of the problematic engines.

 

1.4 is a great little engine. If you have the chance to test drive it as well as a 2.0 then do. It's a very good match to the 7 speed DSG and feels a bit nippier and sharper than the 6 speed.