Turbo whine TDI FR+

[munchkincoupe]

I'm looking at buying a low mileage (under 30k) Leon FR+ mk1. The owner says that there is a small amount of black smoke on cold start up (my BMW 320D does this initially too and is fine) and that the turbo is a little noisey (whine). He had this checked at a Seat Dealers and they agreed it was noisey but working fine. He says that it isn't using oil either.

Should I suspect a problem with the turbo or is this just a common feature of the TDI engine?
Any other tests I can get him to do or questons to ask as he is a long drive from me and I don't want it to be a wasted day?

Thanks for your help

 

[volvic]

the PD150 has a very noisy turbo. test drive another (doesnt have to be a fr+, as long as its a cupra tdi/ 150 bhp) and see if its the same noise.

 

[BlackIce]

my cupra pd150 turbo whistles, doesnt bother me, works fine with no smoke

 

[StevenB]

I used to own an 04 Cupra TDI and now own an 05 FR TDI (on 30'000 miles) and they both have had the same whistly turbo noise, both cars are completely standard. So in my experience its completely normal...have to say i quite like it!

 

[Dyscontinued]

Yeh mine whistles louder than any other VAG car I've ever seen(heard) and I love it. Often accelerate past people at bus stops to get is going )