Opinions - which model

[moulin12]

I've had my TDI170 remapped so now has 208ish bhp and its pretty quick. A MK 2 Golf GTI or a 1.4 Scirocco wouldn't see which way it went.

Surely, would need to compare to a remapped 1.4? The latter as a standard model is quicker over 0-60 whereas the TDI comes into its own in mid-high range performance, especially when carrying a full car?

A TDI will probably depreciate slightly less than a petrol as well so that swings the ballance a bit further.

Used values for Rocs tend to reflect list prices, with very little difference in the rate of depreciation vs list between the models, other than for the R, which seems to have the lowest depreciation rate.

[tony4147]

I have owned the 1.4TSI (160) and now own a 2TSI.
I was averaging 38 mpg out of the 1.4TSI and I now get about 32 mpg out of the 2TSI on the same journey. On a long motorway run I could get 44 out of the 1.4 & 40 out of the 2.0, keeping under 75mph.

There is a big, big difference in performance, the 2TSI is massively quicker throughout the gears, but I felt that the 1.4TSI had better handling, more balanced due to the lighter engine.

If it were me I would forget the 1.4, as I ended up with severe oil consumption and dumped the car back on the dealer.

Sorry but diesels do nothing for me, I would rather pay the extra cost of petrol, and have a coupe with the engine it should have, also I would imagine the the diesels will have a heavier front end.

[Waspy]

I am so torn it is untrue.

I am drawn to the 1.4, but it still unsettles me all the problems you hear (see above)... Extended warranty anyone? and I would have to find one with the nicer wheels at least, that's the only extra I'm really bothered about, although tints and MFSW would be nice... There is A LOT of love for the derv, but it is going to have to really impress me (and not sound in your face diesel) for me to consider. They are also pretty rare in the 170. The 2.0 is obviously the daddy, but I don't think I could afford to run it with the lower mpg and higher insurance. I am also fairly confident the others would suit me fine. I have a howl in my golf which is ultimately slower than all three, although I guess has more go kart about it.

Roll on the weekend when I can test them back to back (hopefully)

[tony4147]

Not sure if the later 1.4's are more reliable, mine was a 59 Reg, and I believe that the engine problems were on 09/59. You will be looking at serious money if you have no warrenty with a 1.4 that starts burning oil.

I don't know what you budget is, and what you expect to buy year wise, if you can get something like a 1.4 2011 or later then you would probably be ok.
Me I would go for the 2TSI, more choice, more performance, no issues like the 1.4. Don't get me wrong, I liked the 1.4 I owned but felt I was forced into getting rid because of the oil burning and VW taking forever to resolve the issue.

You mention wheels, I would keep away from the 19", I have them look good, no impact on ride BUT I have already lost 2 tyres at £200 Ea through pot hole damage even though I quite careful, pot holes full of water in the dark don't help.

[Paralla]

[/quote]
Surely, would need to compare to a remapped 1.4? The latter as a standard model is quicker over 0-60 whereas the TDI comes into its own in mid-high range performance, especially when carrying a full load
[/quote]

And isn't the general consensus that a remapped 1.4 is a ticking time bomb of expense?

[Waspy]

Not sure if the later 1.4's are more reliable, mine was a 59 Reg, and I believe that the engine problems were on 09/59. You will be looking at serious money if you have no warrenty with a 1.4 that starts burning oil.

Looking to spend 11k ish, not much on the market younger than 60 at that price unfortunately. If I got a 1.4 I would get the extended warrenty, but it still isnt ideal having it at the dealer all the time.

I don't know what you budget is, and what you expect to buy year wise, if you can get something like a 1.4 2011 or later then you would probably be ok.
Me I would go for the 2TSI, more choice, more performance, no issues like the 1.4. Don't get me wrong, I liked the 1.4 I owned but felt I was forced into getting rid because of the oil burning and VW taking forever to resolve the issue.

400 quid extra on isurance, more on petrol... but more bells and whistles and a bit more power.

You mention wheels, I would keep away from the 19", I have them look good, no impact on ride BUT I have already lost 2 tyres at £200 Ea through pot hole damage even though I quite careful, pot holes full of water in the dark don't help.

I dont want the 19s, just the 18s, the 1.4 comes with pretty dull (17s?) wheels as standard, and on the road the whole car looks 100% better with the GT wheels.

[tony4147]

It's going to be easier to find a 2TSI with 18" alloys as standard than it will be to find a 1.4TSI wIth 18" alloys. The the 2TSI will use more petrol and the insurance will be a bit more, you need to bear in mind a proper extended warranty for the 1.4 won't be cheap.

[Waspy]

It's going to be easier to find a 2TSI with 18" alloys as standard than it will be to find a 1.4TSI wIth 18" alloys. The the 2TSI will use more petrol and the insurance will be a bit more, you need to bear in mind a proper extended warranty for the 1.4 won't be cheap.

Extended warrenty from VW should be around 300. I'm starting to hope the TDi is as good as everyone is making out. It's the best of both for me.

[moulin12]

If I were in your position from budget point of view, and which would make me equally nervous about a 1.4 prior to 09/10, I would be sure to test drive 2.0 TSI. Diesels are a different way of driving, requiring a certain 'accommodation' of the torque range required to exploit their characteristics. Clearly there's a compromise to be had, but I can't help feeling that you'd be ever looking back if you didn't.

[Waspy]

Just test drove the 177tdi and the dealer convinced me to try the 140tdi. Was impressed with both, however I was very impressed with the 177 the 140 seemed a bit ordinary. Since I didn't really know what expect I was a bit of a blank canvas, but I could live with both, but would feel like I was missing out if I got the 140. So... I think I have decided. It costs about the same to run as the 1.4, comes with GT spec, and can can't see me not enjoying it. So it makes sense. The only drawback is I will be buying a higher mile example (probably 80,000)

[tony4147]

Just test drove the 177tdi and the dealer convinced me to try the 140tdi. Was impressed with both, however I was very impressed with the 177 the 140 seemed a bit ordinary. Since I didn't really know what expect I was a bit of a blank canvas, but I could live with both, but would feel like I was missing out if I got the 140. So... I think I have decided. It costs about the same to run as the 1.4, comes with GT spec, and can can't see me not enjoying it. So it makes sense. The only drawback is I will be buying a higher mile example (probably 80,000)

Have you road tested a 2TSI? Drive one before you make a decision, different beast!

[Waspy]

Just test drove the 177tdi and the dealer convinced me to try the 140tdi. Was impressed with both, however I was very impressed with the 177 the 140 seemed a bit ordinary. Since I didn't really know what expect I was a bit of a blank canvas, but I could live with both, but would feel like I was missing out if I got the 140. So... I think I have decided. It costs about the same to run as the 1.4, comes with GT spec, and can can't see me not enjoying it. So it makes sense. The only drawback is I will be buying a higher mile example (probably 80,000)

Have you road tested a 2TSI? Drive one before you make a decision, different beast!

I am strategically avoiding it! I know exactly what will happen:

Drive it. Want it. Can't have it. Miss it.

Or

Drive it. Want it. Buy it. Can't afford it. Sell it. Miss it.

The 170 is the best option for me

[RocMan]

Did some sums tonight as I wanted it see if a oil burner would be worth it. So here they are. This is based on 200 miles per week, petrol at 126.7, Diesel at 132.7. the MPG figure were what appear to be what people are reporting getting on day to day, I know its not ideal, but is the best guess I have. Figures are Fuel + Insurance (per week).

1.4 TSi - £28.80 + £25 = £53.80
TDi (170) - £24.12 + £27 = £51.12
2.0 - £32 + £32.69 = £64.69

You guys have convinced me, I am going to give the TDi a drive at the weekend if I can. I am confident the 2.0 is out now. With the Diesel being a GT it is temping for all the bells and whistles. But something inside me is telling me its all wrong and to go for the 1.4. But I cant make that choice until Ive had a spin in the 170.

But you're not taking into account the extra £3000ish to buy a diesel version! You'd have to drive thousands and thousands of miles over several years to start recouping that cost. At 10,000 miles a year it isn't worth you buying a diesel. I also believe diesels are more expensive to service? Before I bought mine I was planning to buy a 170 diesel, but after doing the maths it just wasn't worth it. The 2.0 TSI is actually quite economical - I regularly get over 450 miles on a tank of fuel. I didn't expect to do over 350 miles to a tank

[Waspy]

Did some sums tonight as I wanted it see if a oil burner would be worth it. So here they are. This is based on 200 miles per week, petrol at 126.7, Diesel at 132.7. the MPG figure were what appear to be what people are reporting getting on day to day, I know its not ideal, but is the best guess I have. Figures are Fuel + Insurance (per week).

1.4 TSi - £28.80 + £25 = £53.80
TDi (170) - £24.12 + £27 = £51.12
2.0 - £32 + £32.69 = £64.69

You guys have convinced me, I am going to give the TDi a drive at the weekend if I can. I am confident the 2.0 is out now. With the Diesel being a GT it is temping for all the bells and whistles. But something inside me is telling me its all wrong and to go for the 1.4. But I cant make that choice until Ive had a spin in the 170.

But you're not taking into account the extra £3000ish to buy a diesel version! You'd have to drive thousands and thousands of miles over several years to start recouping that cost. At 10,000 miles a year it isn't worth you buying a diesel. I also believe diesels are more expensive to service? Before I bought mine I was planning to buy a 170 diesel, but after doing the maths it just wasn't worth it. The 2.0 TSI is actually quite economical - I regularly get over 450 miles on a tank of fuel. I didn't expect to do over 350 miles to a tank

I'm buying used. Although everyone says diesels hold their value, the difference between them is negligible. So the 3k doesn't come into it. And from what I have read your 41mpg average (50ltr tank?) is certainly the exception and not the rule, you must just turn the engine off and push it places?

[dimexi]

Did some sums tonight as I wanted it see if a oil burner would be worth it. So here they are. This is based on 200 miles per week, petrol at 126.7, Diesel at 132.7. the MPG figure were what appear to be what people are reporting getting on day to day, I know its not ideal, but is the best guess I have. Figures are Fuel + Insurance (per week).

1.4 TSi - £28.80 + £25 = £53.80
TDi (170) - £24.12 + £27 = £51.12
2.0 - £32 + £32.69 = £64.69

You guys have convinced me, I am going to give the TDi a drive at the weekend if I can. I am confident the 2.0 is out now. With the Diesel being a GT it is temping for all the bells and whistles. But something inside me is telling me its all wrong and to go for the 1.4. But I cant make that choice until Ive had a spin in the 170.

But you're not taking into account the extra £3000ish to buy a diesel version! You'd have to drive thousands and thousands of miles over several years to start recouping that cost. At 10,000 miles a year it isn't worth you buying a diesel. I also believe diesels are more expensive to service? Before I bought mine I was planning to buy a 170 diesel, but after doing the maths it just wasn't worth it. The 2.0 TSI is actually quite economical - I regularly get over 450 miles on a tank of fuel. I didn't expect to do over 350 miles to a tank

450 miles a tank? Can you not reach the accelerator?

I'd love to get that, I reckon I get about 350 - 370mpg. Mind you, a large percentage of my driving is in inner city traffic, but I get a blast on the motorway almost everyday

[whiteDevil_170]

Did some sums tonight as I wanted it see if a oil burner would be worth it. So here they are. This is based on 200 miles per week, petrol at 126.7, Diesel at 132.7. the MPG figure were what appear to be what people are reporting getting on day to day, I know its not ideal, but is the best guess I have. Figures are Fuel + Insurance (per week).

1.4 TSi - £28.80 + £25 = £53.80
TDi (170) - £24.12 + £27 = £51.12
2.0 - £32 + £32.69 = £64.69

You guys have convinced me, I am going to give the TDi a drive at the weekend if I can. I am confident the 2.0 is out now. With the Diesel being a GT it is temping for all the bells and whistles. But something inside me is telling me its all wrong and to go for the 1.4. But I cant make that choice until Ive had a spin in the 170.

But you're not taking into account the extra £3000ish to buy a diesel version! You'd have to drive thousands and thousands of miles over several years to start recouping that cost. At 10,000 miles a year it isn't worth you buying a diesel. I also believe diesels are more expensive to service? Before I bought mine I was planning to buy a 170 diesel, but after doing the maths it just wasn't worth it. The 2.0 TSI is actually quite economical - I regularly get over 450 miles on a tank of fuel. I didn't expect to do over 350 miles to a tank

450 miles a tank? Can you not reach the accelerator?

I'd love to get that, I reckon I get about 350 - 370mpg. Mind you, a large percentage of my driving is in inner city traffic, but I get a blast on the motorway almost everyday

Wow 350mpg!!! Do you even start your engine?

[dimexi]

HAHAHAHAH!!! OOOOPS! Own goal!

I meant 350 - 370 Miles to the TANK

[RocMan]

Did some sums tonight as I wanted it see if a oil burner would be worth it. So here they are. This is based on 200 miles per week, petrol at 126.7, Diesel at 132.7. the MPG figure were what appear to be what people are reporting getting on day to day, I know its not ideal, but is the best guess I have. Figures are Fuel + Insurance (per week).

1.4 TSi - £28.80 + £25 = £53.80
TDi (170) - £24.12 + £27 = £51.12
2.0 - £32 + £32.69 = £64.69

You guys have convinced me, I am going to give the TDi a drive at the weekend if I can. I am confident the 2.0 is out now. With the Diesel being a GT it is temping for all the bells and whistles. But something inside me is telling me its all wrong and to go for the 1.4. But I cant make that choice until Ive had a spin in the 170.

But you're not taking into account the extra £3000ish to buy a diesel version! You'd have to drive thousands and thousands of miles over several years to start recouping that cost. At 10,000 miles a year it isn't worth you buying a diesel. I also believe diesels are more expensive to service? Before I bought mine I was planning to buy a 170 diesel, but after doing the maths it just wasn't worth it. The 2.0 TSI is actually quite economical - I regularly get over 450 miles on a tank of fuel. I didn't expect to do over 350 miles to a tank

I'm buying used. Although everyone says diesels hold their value, the difference between them is negligible. So the 3k doesn't come into it. And from what I have read your 41mpg average (50ltr tank?) is certainly the exception and not the rule, you must just turn the engine off and push it places?

I bought mine used but it was a year ago now - maybe the price gap has shrunk but it was a lot more to buy a diesel then. Seriously I do drive it quite hard - I'm known for blasting past people on the way to and from work! Commuting is mostly A roads but at weekends it's mixed driving. The last tankfuls were 455, 454 and 481 miles.