Any known issues to look for on the 1.4 and 1.6TDI

[Compo1]

Hi Lads,

Daughter is looking for a 1.4 petrol or 1.6 TDI

Anything i need to be looking out for when viewing ? Ive heard water pumps are an issue on the 1.4.

What are the timing belt intervals at on both models ?

 

[RUM4MO]

The 1.4 16V 86PS engine is reliable, lots of people either replace the water pump at every belt change or every other belt change.

The belt should be replaced every 5 years if you are playing safe.

I can't comment wrt the 1.6TDI.

 

[propane94]

The 1.6 is a good engine, had one in my ST for a few years. The belt on the 1.6 tdi is every 5 years or 130k miles if i remember correctly.

With the TDI engines you do need to do the mileage, or at least 1 long run a week to maintain the DPF, especially after the emmisions recall.

When viewing, if you can, take a good code reader for a VAG car and scan all the systems for pending/inactive codes.

 

[Compo1]

Thanks lads

Have a VCDS setup i use on my 184 i'll take it and see if they will allow its use. We are swaying towards the TDI for the longevity of the engine against the petrol engine. She has a daily 38 mile round trip just for work that includes a 9 mile stretch of motorway there and back plus running around on the evening.

 

[camelspyyder]

But it sounds like a concrete mixer...
As long as refinement isn't essential the 1.6 TDi is a sound car, but the 1.4 16V is quiet and handles better too with a 100 kg less weight on the front.

Our 1.4 averaged 45 mpg on a thirstier daily profile than yours.

 

[Compo1]

But it sounds like a concrete mixer...

went to view a 1.6tdi Sunday didnt buy that one but i didnt think it sounded that bad.

Main concern on the 1.4 is what mileages can they cover before the engines toast ?

 

[camelspyyder]

went to view a 1.6tdi Sunday didnt buy that one but i didnt think it sounded that bad.

Main concern on the 1.4 is what mileages can they cover before the engines toast ?

Yes, my daughter has a 2018 1.6 and it seems a lot more refined than the 2013 I drove.

The 1.4 16V seems very softly tuned. Ours drove like brand new until sold at 4.5 years old.

Other completely different VW 1.4 have a poor reputation but I believe the normally aspirated one is good.