Buying guide for TDI engines

Hello everyone,

I haven't been around the forum for a while, because my Polo 9N3 has been quite reliable (touch wood!). It has now accumulated 594,000 kilometers.
However, I'm slowly starting to think about finding a replacement. I'm a high-mileage driver (50,000 km per year) and I'd like to drive a fuel-efficient diesel car again.

Could you recommend specific engines to me, or advise me against using certain ones? I'm generally interested in vehicles that were first registered between 2013 and 2017.

And what is the current legal situation regarding the "Dieselgate" engines? Is there anything one should be aware of when buying something used?
Besides the general question, I'm specifically interested in your opinion on the 1.6 TDI engine with 105 horsepower (manufactured in 2013).

Thank you very much!

Hello,

The CFFB has been relatively trouble-free so far (215,000 km).
The AGR (Abgasrückführung) valve is stuck and is really difficult to access.
I wouldn't get a vehicle where you can't simply access it.

Best regards,
Rainer

Hi.

I agree with Rainer; the purchase should depend on the location of the AGR (Abgasrückführung) and its cooler.

Alternatively, I would choose to look for a Euro 4 vehicle with lower mileage.

Hi,

Quote:

And what is the current legal situation regarding the "Dieselgate" engines? Is there anything one should be aware of when buying something used? Besides the general question, I am specifically interested in what you think of the 1.6 TDI with 105 hp (year 2013)?

Our daughter has been driving a Polo 6R for 2 years, and it now has 165,000 km on the odometer (1.6 TDI CR, 105 hp, engine code CAY, with the "acoustic function" from the factory ).

During the vehicle inspection (HU), the inspector asked about the recall campaign 23R7 (software update).
There might be issues if the update wasn't installed for some reason.

After a cold start, the idle is slightly unstable.
The previous owner said it was due to a software update, but after that, it runs like a dream!

A faulty differential pressure sensor was replaced, a micro-quantity adaptation was performed, and the timing belt and water pump were replaced.
All in all, it's been a pretty trouble-free car so far!
The engine doesn't have to carry quite as much weight now as it did in the Passat or Touran.

However, I have the subjective feeling that there is a certain lack of torque when starting from a standstill.
But probably I'm just spoiled...

Best regards, Richard.

Hi.

"Those accustomed to PD engines will be disappointed with the 1.6 CR engines; even my AMF engine performs better in the low end than a 2011 Ibiza I drove with a 90 hp CR engine."

"The 'thump' you're used to hearing is missing there."

First of all, thank you very much for your insightful answers!

Since my Polo was not affected by the Dieselgate scandal, I hadn't really been informed about the issue until now. But I've done some reading on the subject. I've learned that the software updates intended to fix the manipulation are actually more detrimental to the engines. Is that correct? It is said that the reduced exhaust gas temperatures accelerate the carbon buildup in the exhaust gas recirculation system.
Perhaps it would be better to choose a motor that hasn't received an update yet?

I drive a 2014 Golf 7 with the CLHA 105 hp 1.6L CR TDI engine. Before that, I drove a 2008 Passat 3C with the BMP 2.0 PD TDI engine.
Both vehicles had a DSG transmission, and I wouldn't want to drive anything else for long distances.

The Passat had the older 6-speed DSG transmission with a wet clutch. While the engine had more power at higher RPMs, it was also harder to accelerate with the Passat, and the DSG transmission felt less refined. The Golf is more agile, and the DSG transmission is better.
I find the 1.6L engine sufficient for both city and highway driving. On the highway, it's perfectly adequate for relaxed driving with cruise control at speeds of 130-140 km/h. If you frequently drive at speeds around 180 km/h, you might be able to do it with this, but you won't enjoy it at all.

Consumption: My daily commute involves approximately 30km of rural roads with three small villages in between, followed by 40km of highway/expressway. Almost no involvement in city affairs.
The 2.0 TDI Passat had a fuel consumption of 6.2 liters per 100 kilometers, while the 1.6 TDI Golf has a fuel consumption of 4.8 liters per 100 kilometers. Both were tested under identical driving conditions and over the same distance, with fuel consumption measured until the next refueling.

For my needs, the 1.6L engine is sufficient, as long as it's combined with the DSG transmission. It responds appropriately and quickly. With a manual transmission, you'll have to shift gears quite frequently.

To the best of my knowledge, the Golf was not affected by the Dieselgate scandal. He also doesn't have AdBlue.


My wife drives a 2013 Sharan with a 2.0 CR TDI 170PS CFGB engine. The car has AdBlue and was affected by the Dieselgate scandal, and we bought it without having the recall service performed (about three years ago). We then received letters (from the KBA, I believe) urging us to have the service performed. Otherwise, they threatened to take some action (I think they mentioned forced de-registration). However, the recall service at VW was quickly available, and we received a voucher for six free AdBlue refills. The car now has approximately 210,000 km on it (~60,000 km since the update). So far, no problems with the AGR (though the NOx sensor had to be replaced once, costing around €500 for the part). However, with similar driving conditions, the vehicle consumes 7.5 liters per 100 kilometers. Besides the larger vehicle, I attribute much of the increased fuel consumption to the larger engine and the 6-speed DSG transmission with its higher RPM and oil-bath clutch.

Regards,
Guste.

Hello everyone,

It's getting more specific!
I'm considering buying a Golf Plus (CrossGolf) 1.6 TDI with a DPF and 105 hp (engine code CAYC). I know it's not a dream car in terms of looks (it's a "grandpa's car"!), but I'm hoping to make a sensible decision with it. It should provide good and reliable service for long distances (daily 200 km on the highway at a maximum speed of 120 km/h).

The price is relatively reasonable, and the mileage is 100,000 km.

Could you tell me something about this engine and the accessibility of the important components within this body?

Thank you very much!

Important: Apply rust protection immediately after purchase.

Hello everyone!

Here's another question about a specific engine. Has anyone had experience with the 1.6 TDI, 110 hp engine in terms of durability and reliability, and can share their experiences?

Thank you all!