Is it safer not to buy a 2009 160ps Scirocco?

[Thorn]

Hi,

I am new here and this is my first post but I have been reading through this forum for weeks now. I am looking to buy a new car and have been really interested In the Scirocco. After checking all the adds I have come to a conclusion that I can only afford a 2009 model. I am looking at the 160ps model.
After searching the internet about this car as much as I could I have found this forum where it seems many owners have had problems with the engine. Even had to rebuild them. Now that scares me quite a bit as the last thing I'd want after buying a car is to have to rebuild it's engine. The models I'm looking at have from 70-95 000kms and they are no longer under warranty.
Is the issue with this cars engine really so widespread? I just wonder if I should try to find a different car instead altho the Scirocco is exactly what I was looking for.
Thank You all for the help.

T.

[Jester]

I've just upgraded my 2010 TSI to the 2.0 R-Line. never had any problems with it and had it from 40k - 60k miles, I don't think every engine is going to go bang, but they are at a disposition. What is your price range if you don't mind me asking?

EDIT: the 1.4 160 is a mean little engine!

[Paradox1]

If you get one, try get some sort of warranty just incase

[Thorn]

9000 euro is my limit. Would be buying it in Germany.

[Jester]

9000 euro is my limit. Would be buying it in Germany.

Personally I'd try find a 2.0 TSI as I'm sure one will fit your price limit, the 1.4 is a brilliant engine but would you be willing to chance it? It may not go wrong but if it does out of warranty, you are in a world of hurt

[Thorn]

So the 2.0 tsi does not have any serious issues like the 1.4?

[C00kie]

So the 2.0 tsi does not have any serious issues like the 1.4?

One problem that is quite widely reported on the 2.0 TSi is failure of the intake manifold, generally around £50,000 miles. Happened to me and had to have it replaced (with a newer revision of the part which should eliminate the problem) which was in the region of £600. This video explains the possible failure mechanisms:

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That said, it doesn't happen everyone. I put a Revo Stage 1 map on mine and the difference compared to stock is incredible!

[Paradox1]

Wow that's quite expensive. you may aswell get one got the Intergrated Engineering intake manifold instead.

20TSI is a good engine. cant go wrong if you get a decent one that's been looked after

[edwheels]

As a 160PS DSG 7 Speed Owner I was a little obsessed with the longevity of this model (shortly after buying one)... as you might know mine only dates from 2014, probably one of the last ones ever made, so has all the latest revisions from the factory but this still didn't stop me doing various non-scientific googles! I bought mine totally on the 160PS/DSG7 combination's perfect mix of economy and performance and matching my commuting around central London with frequent trips further away (DSG heaven) - I have no regrets but how I missed the reported problems with this engine (and gearbox!) when I was researching I just don't know...

One thing I found interesting was looking on Autotrader and Ebay to see what was for sale with high miles. I spotted a few 160PS models with >100K miles on them for sale and even more in the 75K-90K miles. About 50/50 DSG/Manual Of course who knows their history - what's been replaced, if anything? However it does show some nice cars which are still, obviously, working.

I suppose another thing you could say about a 160PS from 2009 is that if it was going to go bang, it would have by now so it's either been fixed or not one of the 'bad ones'... who know - don't take my word for it !!!!

When I owned an MR2 Mk3 for a couple of years, I shortly after buying started to read about the incredibly well documented problem with the pre-cats breaking up and destroying the engine - it seemed like it was bound to happen based on what I read... but I soon I learned to live with that 'potential disaster' and after a couple of months forgot all about what I'd read and started to enjoy the car - doing the same now with the Scirocco!