Golf IV TDI: Buying Guide for 90 & 101 HP Models

Hi.
I'm facing the decision of buying a Golf TDI. At the VAG dealership, two cars are options. Both have identical equipment ('Special'), both were manufactured in 2002 (one with 90 hp [AGR/ALH?] from April 2002; the other with 101 hp [AXR?] from March 2002), and both have approximately 80,000 km on the odometer.
Since both cars are similarly priced, the main question is which of the two engines is the better choice. The 101 hp engine with Euro3/D4 emissions standards is likely to be cheaper in terms of taxes. I suspect that the AGR/ALH engine will not meet those requirements.
The search function stated that the AGR/ALH engines are more mature; however, the AXR engine has also been in production since before 2002. Since there are occasional problems with both the VP37 and the PD injectors, this may not be a decisive factor.

I'm curious to see what happens.

Regards,
Heart.

My personal opinion: Test drive both cars for comparison, and the decision will surely not be difficult for you.
The only vehicle with a tax advantage is the AXR (Euro 4), while all the others are Euro 3.

DocSnydor wrote:

... The only vehicle with a tax advantage would be the AXR (Euro 4), while all the others are Euro 3.

"...so you can also do without those 4 months."

Hati wrote:

The search function stated that the AGR/ALH was more mature; however, the AXR has also been manufactured since before 2002.

However: As far as I know, the AXR has only been available since 2002 .

Quote:

Since there are occasional problems with both the VP37 and the PD elements, this may not necessarily be a decisive factor.

Basically, acknowledged.

I would advise being cautious and avoiding the very first series of PD models (specifically those with engine codes like AJM...).

Test both machines and decide! I'm almost willing to bet that the stronger machine will be the one you choose.

joergs wrote:

Try both machines and decide! I almost want to bet that the stronger machine will be......

Well, PDs can be quite something – when they really get going...

... which makes me wonder why the AXR car, despite having a D 4 engine and roughly the same age and mileage, is not offered at a higher price than the ALH.

You're welcome.
I test drove both of them. The AXR felt significantly more powerful.
The dealer messed up the price (it was identical to the actual price, except for a difference of 150 EUR). He had incorrectly listed the AXR engine as having 66 kW. However, both the data carrier and the service booklet stated 74 kW. That's why I discovered the discrepancy.
Technically and in terms of performance, I definitely lean towards the AXR engine. If it weren't for the described problems with the particulate filters (DPFs).
My dad has an AJM engine; specifically, it's the automatic version from late 2002. So far (with 50,000 km), there have been no problems.

Let's see, maybe more opinions will come in. Otherwise, it will be the PD (likely referring to a product or decision).


@ulf: According to the technical articles (yes, I read them carefully before my first post ), the AXR has been available since 1998.

Regards,
Heart.

Hati wrote:

According to the technical articles (yes, I diligently read them before my first post ), the AXR has been available since 1998.

Noooooo!

The AXR model wasn't available until September 2001, so it was part of the MJ 2002 lineup.
The 74 kW engine was available earlier, but it was called the ATD and had very little in common with the AXR engine (other than having roughly the same power output).

So, is the technical article http://www.dieselschrauber.de/vw_zuord.html#1J wrong? That's a shame, actually. Here it says from 1998 to 2003.

Regards,
Heart.

If it weren't for the problems described with PDEs.


'What problems? I only know about idle vibration issues, which were caused by the PDE (Pressure Differential Element) and the software. I was also skeptical but haven't had any engine-related problems except for a faulty mass airflow sensor. Oh wait, the water pump failed recently. The conversion was done about 65,000 km ago... If you're talking about the price of the PDEs, that's not true either. Someone is selling a complete set of high-quality parts on egedöns for 199 euros.'

Hati wrote:

So, is the technical article http://www.dieselschrauber.de/vw_zuord.html#1J wrong? That's a shame, actually. Here it says from 1998 to 2003.

However, this appears on all 1J models (Golf 4), and it seems to refer more to the (previous / at the time of list creation) production period of the model.

Hi everyone,

Okay, I drive an ALH engine with 66 kW, and it's not tuned or modified.
Mileage: 135,000 km. Average fuel consumption: 5.3 liters per 100 km. It can reach speeds of 180-190 km/h on the highway, but I rarely drive that fast.
I'm very happy with the engine, but I've only driven the car for about 20,000 kilometers.
According to the previous owner, besides the usual wear-and-tear parts (timing belt, tires, and brakes), nothing else needed replacing.
I'm really enjoying the power delivery in the lower RPM range.

However, I have to say that I don't have any basis for comparison because I haven't ridden a PD before.



Regards...


... Kuhni!

Hati wrote:

If there weren't the described problems with PDEs.

I agree with Jörg: even with VPs, there are "described problems."

Overall, I think the defect and cost risks for PDs (presumably a product designation) and VPs (another product designation) are roughly comparable, as long as you avoid the initial production runs.

"Catching" you is possible with both cars, but if you have more fun on the AXR, that's a fact , unlike the "possible."

My tip: buy it before the dealer corrects the price – because then you'll probably have gotten a real bargain...

Okay. I think that's almost enough. The decision had actually already been made internally. What I was missing was more confirmation from others, so that I could also feel really good about it .
Of course, any engine can have a defect at some point. That's why there's a one-year VAG warranty to cover it.
I will therefore be buying my first TDI-PD tomorrow. It's reserved, and the dealer can't offer any further discounts on the price.

More later, or starting tomorrow.

Thank you everyone.
Heart.

Hati wrote:

... I will then buy my first TDI-PD tomorrow.

You're sure to do well with that.
I myself switched to a PHEV two years ago with mixed feelings, and I haven't regretted it so far. The only downside is the car itself... I would have preferred a G3 with an AXR (or ATD) engine .

Bertil wrote:

I switched to the PD and haven't regretted it so far.

Well, well - some of the things you wrote in those "disaster threads" shortly after purchasing sounded a bit different.
But those were probably mostly "Monday car" issues, and not systemic problems with the suspension (except for the anti-shake software update).

Furthermore, you can optimally advise Hati from your experience if needed .
@ Hati: So, make sure to keep Bertil warm, and start carefully with the belly brushes...

Quote:

I would have preferred a G3 with AXR (or ATD)

.
"Me too, because of the weight: about 100 kilograms more with the ASZ engine in the Polo compared to the AFN engine in the Golf Mk3 - it probably shouldn't have been that much extra weight on the Golf Mk3."

But if we're already dreaming, let's do it right: so, the BPX engine (1.9 liters with 118 kW, from the Ibiza Cupra) in a Golf 1 .