buying advice leon fr 1.4 tsi

[JohannesIX]

I consider buying a used 2015-2016 Leon 1.4 TSI 140hp with 100k KMs.

I have been reading about many stories of things that go wrong with these TSI engines (including cambelt failures) . Am I crazy to buy this car if it is dealer maintained? Are there any things to pay particular attention to?

Would I be better off putting my money in a naturally aspirated engine (e.g Honda civic 1.8 140pk)?

 

[SuperV8]

I would say the 1.4TSI EA211 in the MK3 Leon is generally well regarded on here.
I have not heard of cam belt issues on this engine?
The previous 1.4 EA111 with a chain had some issues - but this is a completely different engine.

 

[JohannesIX]

I would say the 1.4TSI EA211 in the MK3 Leon is generally well regarded on here.
I have not heard of cam belt issues on this engine?
The previous 1.4 EA111 with a chain had some issues - but this is a completely different engine.

And is the newer 2017+ 1.5 TSI more reliable than the 1.4 or not? I only found contradicting evidence.

 

[CalJames]

I own a 1.4 with about 74k on it. Been running a high tune on it for nearly 2 years and apart from blowing the turbo in Dec 2021 haven't had any issues.
Had it a little over 4 years now

The 1.5 is a bit of a failure, read up about the kangaroo issues and you'll soon avoid it.

 

[JohannesIX]

I own a 1.4 with about 74k on it. Been running a high tune on it for nearly 2 years and apart from blowing the turbo in Dec 2021 haven't had any issues.
Had it a little over 4 years now

The 1.5 is a bit of a failure, read up about the kangaroo issues and you'll soon avoid it.

74k kms or miles?

Blown turbo? Sounds costly! Was that because of the tuning?

 

[CalJames]

74k kms or miles?

Blown turbo? Sounds costly! Was that because of the tuning?

Miles.
Yup 100%. I needed a big filter and didn't put one on for 4 months. Done 30k ish miles since and no problems.
Cost about £500 to repair, £190 for a 2nd hand turbo and the rest labour. The dumb intercooler design saved the engine

If you keep it stock and service it regularly these engines will last a very long time.

 

[Wilto]

I own a 1.4 with about 74k on it. Been running a high tune on it for nearly 2 years and apart from blowing the turbo in Dec 2021 haven't had any issues.
Had it a little over 4 years now

The 1.5 is a bit of a failure, read up about the kangaroo issues and you'll soon avoid it.

Two questions,
1 What BHP is the standard tune..?
2 Did the tune interfere with the ACT, if you have it?

I'm seriously thinking about putting either a Revo or APR stage 1 remap on my 2018 1.4 150 BHP, but am a little weary about f***ing the engine or gearbox up.
TIA Chris

 

[Mr Pig]

I have a 2016 1.4tsi and it's a beautiful engine. Quiet, smooth, great torque spread and quick. I think I'm about 60k miles and no issues.

 

[SuperV8]

The 1.5 is a bit of a failure, read up about the kangaroo issues and you'll soon avoid it.

The 'kangaroo' issue doesn't happen in ALL 1.5 TSI's.
If you test drive one which doesn't kangaroo then it will be fine.