Best TDI Engine: Which One Should You Choose?

Hello!



Which TDI engine would you recommend to me?
I'd like to buy a used Volkswagen Golf or Passat Estate (Variant).
Which engine type offers both good fuel efficiency and a long lifespan?

The car should be somewhere between 1 and 3 years old.

I would be very grateful for any tips you can offer!

Holger.

Hello Holgmi!

I drive a Skoda Octavia Combi with the 110 hp TDI engine, code ASV. This engine has been installed in the Octavia since the 2001 model year, and possibly even earlier in VW vehicles. The ASV meets the EU3 emissions standard, unlike the previously used 110 hp TDIs (EU2). The power delivery is good, with no lack of torque when starting. However, like all TDIs, there's a noticeable delay when pressing the accelerator quickly. I am fully satisfied with the engine's performance and torque curve; for a TDI, it's quite rev-happy (up to about 4500 rpm). I am very impressed with the fuel consumption, which is around 4-6 liters per 100 km. Regarding long-term durability, I think you would be better off with a VP diesel (distributor injection pump) than with a common rail TDI. The VP system is well-proven, and there have been many negative reports and experiences regarding the durability of common rail TDIs.

mcgregg

Hi,

I think it's difficult to make a general statement about that. It really depends on which criteria are most important to the person.
'For my part, I must say that I place the highest value on driving dynamics and performance... Before buying my used A4, I test drove the 1900 PD and the V6 models, and after that, only the V6 was an option. The engine's power delivery is simply phenomenal; it provides incredible thrust continuously from 1600 to 4000 rpm without being noisy. Apart from idling and accelerating from a standstill, you can hardly tell that it's a diesel. The fuel consumption is reasonable. In spirited city driving, it uses 8.5-9 liters, but at highway speeds of 140 km/h with cruise control, it drops to 5.5 liters. There are no major known issues other than the timing belt tensioner rollers in the first series, which can lead to timing belt slippage, so it's best to avoid those.'
In my opinion, the slightly higher fuel efficiency of the 1.9 PD cannot compensate for the significant drawbacks in terms of driving dynamics and performance characteristics, especially if you frequently travel long distances on highways.

Best regards,

holgmi wrote:

Which TDI engine can you recommend to me? I'd like to buy a used Volkswagen Golf or Passat Estate (Variant). Which engine type offers both good fuel efficiency and a long lifespan? The car should be somewhere between 1 and 3 years old. I would be very grateful for any tips you can offer!

Hello Holger,

Here's the translation:

"From me, you will only receive a '1Z' as a response. The engine is not overly stressed and does not have any problems with the variable turbine geometry (VTG), etc..."

It becomes problematic with the maximum age you specified. The 1Z engine was last installed in vehicles manufactured in 1996!

Now, let's talk about the current production series. Try to get a VP TDI engine from the last few months of production (81 kW - 04/2002). These are likely the most refined engines in the TDI range.
If you prioritize current emission standards (EU4 / D4), then it can only be an AXR (74 kW PD) – but be careful, because the 74 kW engine is also available with EU3 certification, and that's a completely different engine.

By the way, PD TDIs are generally a bit rougher than VP TDIs.

The 110 hp VEP TDI engine consumes less fuel than the PD engines and likely lasts longer. Of the PD engines, the 100 hp version feels the most balanced, and the turbocharger spools up the quickest due to its smaller size. However, the other PD engines have a 6-speed gearbox that reduces engine speed, which saves fuel on the highway. The 115 hp engine becomes very sluggish above 3200 rpm (approximately 170 km/h), but performs well below that. The top speed is around 200-205 km/h according to the speedometer. Compared to the 115 hp engine, the 130 hp version pulls much better and doesn't feel as restricted at higher RPMs, and it's about 10 km/h faster. The 150 hp engine feels noticeably better than the 130 hp engine from 3000 rpm onwards and provides even more pulling power. It's quite sporty but usually consumes slightly more fuel. I would choose between the 110 hp VEP or a PD engine with either 100 or 130 hp. The best thing to do is test drive all of them. I used to have a Golf Variant with a 115 hp engine, and now I have a Bora Variant with a 130 hp engine. My father drives a Bora Variant with a 100 hp engine. All three have been chipped (tuned).

I would advise against the V6 engine. The fuel consumption (for an A4 Avant) is too high; with my extremely economical driving style, I almost never get below about 6.2 liters. My very old five-cylinder gasoline engine achieves 6.7 liters under similar conditions! Furthermore, all work in the engine compartment is terrible because it's so cramped. For example, to replace the thermostat on the front of the engine, you have to remove the entire front bumper. The driving feel is okay, but mainly due to the long sixth gear; it's no comparison to a smooth BMW inline-six gasoline engine. I'm also not as enthusiastic about its power delivery as most other people are: If you want to drive economically and at low RPMs, you often find yourself in the non-turbo range with little noticeable acceleration. Then comes a sudden surge of power, almost like a slap in the neck, and then it's quickly over again in what is called the upper RPM range (above 3000). With a comparable gasoline engine, I drive much more harmoniously and calmly, and with skillful driving, you can achieve greater relative fuel savings than with the highly praised TDI.