Mk3 FR TDI 180 Buyers Guide?

[sprainedmind]

Hi everyone,

I'm considering picking up a 2013 Mk3 with the 2.0 TDI 180bhp lump in it for my new 100 mile a day commute.

Anything to look out for? When are the major service items needed?

Thanks.

 

[TripleBob]

Need a bit more info than that - is it a manual or DSG? How many miles has it done?

The 184 tdi lump is a pretty solid old thing (same engine as Golf GTD), most of the known issues are generally true across the MQB based cars:

Water pump is a known issue, so make sure this has been changed to the newer version when then cambelt was changed
Silicate bag in the coolant tank - loves to burst and make an expensive mess of the engine. 2 minute job to remove
DPF - get a Bluetooth ODB dongle and use your phone to check how full it is

From memory:
Cambelt is every 5yrs or 50k (do water pump at same time, every time)
DSG gearbox is every 4yrs or 40k

 

[sprainedmind]

Thanks! That's a good starter for 10.

It's going to be manual, and I've not seen anything too concerning, provides it changes well on the test drive.

Will bear in mind the cambelt & water pump and check the receipts carefully.

 

[cuthound]

Water pump is a known issue, so make sure this has been changed to the newer version when then cambelt was changed

Interesting. Do you now when the new version was introduced? I have a 2020 Cupra 300ST, will this have the later version and does it eliminate the water pump/thermostat housing leakage issues?

 

[TripleBob]

Unsure - there have been multiple revisions of the water pumps as VW have altered the part to try and eliminate the failures and thermostat issues. You can see here how many official part revisions there have been for the TSI alone!

Genuine VAG 1.8/2.0TSi EA888 GEN 3 Waterpump & Thermostat Kit

Replace your Waterpump & Thermostat with the latest revision to stop any potential coolant leaks occurring

www.akstuning.co.uk

 

[SuperV8]

Interesting. Do you now when the new version was introduced? I have a 2020 Cupra 300ST, will this have the later version and does it eliminate the water pump/thermostat housing leakage issues?

This is talking about the TDI!
TSI is completely different.

 

[SuperV8]

Hi everyone,

I'm considering picking up a 2013 Mk3 with the 2.0 TDI 180bhp lump in it for my new 100 mile a day commute.

Anything to look out for? When are the major service items needed?

Thanks.

100 mile a day
Some instances of high oil consumption - suspect piston rings, difficult to find out if this is an issue on a second had car though unless they have a bottle of oil in the boot!
Heater matrix common for blocking but not an expensive fix.
Dampers and wheel bearings don't seem too durable - mine needed doing at 100k which is probably par for the course!
Cam belt every 5 years or 130k miles.
Apart from that quite reliable I would say.