polo 1.9tdi vs polo 1.6

[hashbrown99]

Any forumites driving the above metioned vehicles?

I'd appreciate your views and opinions (Pros and cons, performance etc)


Ta all

[BCO]

I'd take the 1.6. It's a little more environmentally friendly and it won't suffer from the reliability issues that have apparently plagued the 1.9 diesels.

[hashbrown99]

I'd take the 1.6. It's a little more environmentally friendly and it won't suffer from the reliability issues that have apparently plagued the 1.9 diesels.

What kind of issues are we talking about?

[BCO]

Turbo failures. Lots of 'em.

[hashbrown99]

So I see. Damn - such a cool car otherwise

http://http://www.news24.com/City_Press/Motoring/0,,186-2051_2267568,00.html (http://www.news24.com/City_Press/Motoring/0,,186-2051_2267568,00.html)

[Pitbull]

I'll take the 1.9 TDI

Turbo failures are due to people that has never driven a Diesel before.
Max power is at 3k revs not 7k. Turbo is to run cold after driving. If you take care of it and drive it correctly, you will have no issues ;)

[TiredOfWaiting]

I'll take the 1.9 TDI

Turbo failures are due to people that has never driven a Diesel before.
Max power is at 3k revs not 7k. Turbo is to run cold after driving. If you take care of it and drive it correctly, you will have no issues ;)

Most diesels' rev counters are only marked off to 6,000. :D

Good luck pushing it to 7,000! :eek:

[Pitbull]

Most diesels' rev counters are only marked off to 6,000. :D

Good luck pushing it to 7,000! :eek:

Dude you must see the way some of these kids drive those 1.9's
I feel the engines pain :eek:

[TiredOfWaiting]

Dude you must see the way some of these kids drive those 1.9's
I feel the engines pain :eek:

They probably all graduated from the Honda School of Driving Excellence... :p

[JK8]

The sportline or the highline?
Personally I like a 2.0 after the Gti.

[BCO]

Peronsally, I'd take a Mazda 2 1.5 over any Polo. :D

[Viper25]

I was once interested in buying a polo 1.9 tdi.
So i went into a vw dealership, and they informed me that it was discontinued.
When i asked why, they said because it was extremely popular so they had to discontinue production... :confused::confused:
Sure they knew that the real reason was due to the turbo failures....

Some car sales people lie alot :mad:

[lcbxx]

My wife has a 1.9 Sportline and I've driven the 1.6 as a rental for 3 weeks.

The only differences are the power of the engine, fuel economy, slightly mushier ride in the 1.6 and a really fugly 4-spoke steering wheel.

[lcbxx]

I was once interested in buying a polo 1.9 tdi.
So i went into a vw dealership, and they informed me that it was discontinued.
When i asked why, they said because it was extremely popular so they had to discontinue production... :confused::confused:
Sure they knew that the real reason was due to the turbo failures....

Some car sales people lie alot :mad:
The 96KW TDi was discontinued in the UK first and then 14 months later in SA.

Reason:
Polo GTi was a better seller in the UK than the 96KW TDi. Over here it was the other way around...

[JK8]

The 96KW TDi was discontinued in the UK first and then 14 months later in SA.

Reason:
Polo GTi was a better seller in the UK than the 96KW TDi. Over here it was the other way around...

Thats because their Gtis were 2 doors ours is 4, I want a 2 door and so do all the other sportline drivers...

VWSA sucks!!


One thing to note that I saw in the 1.9TDi, it has the same interior as the base model 1.4 trendline which is ugly and standard.... The 1.6 interior is better than the 1.9. I feel interior is slightly more important than the exterior, hence my reason for choosing the Gti.

[PoiZoNouZ]

I drive a 1.6, had it since new, best small car IMHO. Servicing sucks though, the 90000km service (cambelt) cost me R7100, which I think is crazy, but the car has never missed a beat, very quiet, feels much bigger than it is, just needs another 10kw to kae it better.

[jacqvt]

Did you test drive one of the 2? Well if you did, you wont be asking here. The Tdi is a lovely car. Just remember to idle the car after highway driving to keep the turbo good. Try www.vwclub.co.za for more info.

[lcbxx]

Thats because their Gtis were 2 doors ours is 4, I want a 2 door and so do all the other sportline drivers...

VWSA sucks!!


One thing to note that I saw in the 1.9TDi, it has the same interior as the base model 1.4 trendline which is ugly and standard.... The 1.6 interior is better than the 1.9. I feel interior is slightly more important than the exterior, hence my reason for choosing the Gti.
I have to admit that the 1.9 Sportline's interior seems to come from the CITI parts bin, especially the seats.
The pre-facelift model (round lights) had sport seats. It also states in the broshure that the gearknob is leather - it seems rather plastic/rubbery to me...

[hashbrown99]

Peronsally, I'd take a Mazda 2 1.5 over any Polo. :D

Sorry but it's fugly ;)

Still each to his/her own

[HaNsA]

the sportline is back in production in SA, with a better turbo.

i would take the 1.9 any day

[hashbrown99]

Did you test drive one of the 2? Well if you did, you wont be asking here. The Tdi is a lovely car. Just remember to idle the car after highway driving to keep the turbo good. Try www.vwclub.co.za for more info.

Going tomorrow and yes I found an article on vwclub.co.za that backs up what Pitbull is saying about driving diesels and the reason(s) for turbo failure. I am so torn... :confused:

[hashbrown99]

the sportline is back in production in SA, with a better turbo.

i would take the 1.9 any day

Linky? Or source of this info please? I don't want to spend that kind of money on a car that'll be in for repairs more often than not

[HaNsA]

http://www.vwclub.co.za/vwforum/viewtopic.php?t=51946&highlight=sportline+turbo

[JK8]

the sportline is back in production in SA, with a better turbo.

i would take the 1.9 any day

Nah not worth it. I want the 2 door but thats about it.
That Diesel engine can only do so much in terms of mods...

And I love the revs AFTER 5000rpm:)

[Defib]

chalk vs cheese

[JK8]

chalk vs cheese

Wrong.

Its cheddar VS Gouda.

[DarkDenim]

I'll take the 1.9 TDI

Turbo failures are due to people that has never driven a Diesel before.
Max power is at 3k revs not 7k. Turbo is to run cold after driving. If you take care of it and drive it correctly, you will have no issues ;)

Who wants to idle a car every time after driving it? I know I don't want to pay R160k and then be forced to idle the car for 5 minutes just so the turbo cools down. VW have apparently resolved the problem with a new turbo, same as the Ibiza turbo I think.

[jacqvt]

Who wants to idle a car every time after driving it? I know I don't want to pay R160k and then be forced to idle the car for 5 minutes just so the turbo cools down. VW have apparently resolved the problem with a new turbo, same as the Ibiza turbo I think.
I might be wrong, but I was told that the idling is just when you drove at highway speeds, because then the turbo gets really hot. Normal city driving won't make the turbo that hot. I still vote for diesel, cause I just love the power under the hood. My dad has the 2.4 camry, a new one, and I will beat him with my tdi jetta robot to robot, and on a stretch, anytime. His car just feels so dead.

[Highflyer_GP]

Who wants to idle a car every time after driving it? I know I don't want to pay R160k and then be forced to idle the car for 5 minutes just so the turbo cools down. VW have apparently resolved the problem with a new turbo, same as the Ibiza turbo I think.

That issue has been sorted out long ago. Newer turbo cars implement a timer that keeps the fan running for a certain period after the engine has shut down.

[hashbrown99]

That issue has been sorted out long ago. Newer turbo cars implement a timer that keeps the fan running for a certain period after the engine has shut down.

That's a relief because if the numbers work out for me that's what I want to get

[DarkDenim]

I don't see the Polo 1.9TDi Sportline on the VW site. Was it really discontinued?

[JK8]

I don't see the Polo 1.9TDi Sportline on the VW site. Was it really discontinued?

Yip November 07, theres a few dealers selling them at full retail:rolleyes:

[Sonic]

OK, full story on the Polo 1.9 TDI sportline, only in highveld and similar conditions (thin air) the turbo's did not last. the one in the polo is a GReddy ripp-off. it is made to spin to 180 000 RPM's, .... BUT at those altitudes they spun to 240 000 RPM's, they litterally .... well, you get the picture. they were discontinued, but was supposed to be re-launced with software adjustment, to not let it spin so high RPM's, in other words, the BOOST at high altitudes. well, normally when buying a second-hand car you don't want one from the coast, when it comes to the Sportline, you want one from the coast. But as far as I know the problem was fixed. it is just the whole Polo line which was in ***** with poor quality product. We almost, (and might still) lost the contract to export the polo's.

[hashbrown99]

I don't see the Polo 1.9TDi Sportline on the VW site. Was it really discontinued?


Nope; still there. Second page of polo model list

[JK8]

Nope; still there. Second page of polo model list

Thats the highline....:sick: 4 doors 74kw....
Go for the 2.0!

[lcbxx]

OK, full story on the Polo 1.9 TDI sportline, only in highveld and similar conditions (thin air) the turbo's did not last. the one in the polo is a GReddy ripp-off. it is made to spin to 180 000 RPM's, .... BUT at those altitudes they spun to 240 000 RPM's, they litterally .... well, you get the picture. they were discontinued, but was supposed to be re-launced with software adjustment, to not let it spin so high RPM's, in other words, the BOOST at high altitudes. well, normally when buying a second-hand car you don't want one from the coast, when it comes to the Sportline, you want one from the coast. But as far as I know the problem was fixed. it is just the whole Polo line which was in ***** with poor quality product. We almost, (and might still) lost the contract to export the polo's.
Uh, where do you get the idea that the VTG turbo in the Polo is GReddy? VW/Audi only use Garrett, who makes VTG turbo's for turbo-diesels.

FYI, it is a Garrett GT1749, same is found on the 2.0 TDi Golf as well

[hashbrown99]

Test drove both today. I wouldn't be unhappy with the 1.6 but my heart was stolen by the 1.9 tdi (in less than two blocks nogal)

*sigh*

[BCO]

Don't buy a Polo, they're certainly not the best cars in their class/price range. For example, in this month's Car mag they have their annual Top 12. In the "light cars" category the Polo wasn't even mentioned. They chose:

1) Mazda 2
2) Honda Jazz
3) Toyota Yaris

[hashbrown99]

Don't buy a Polo, they're certainly not the best cars in their class/price range. For example, in this month's Car mag they have their annual Top 12. In the "light cars" category the Polo wasn't even mentioned. They chose:

1) Mazda 2
2) Honda Jazz
3) Toyota Yaris

) Mazda 2 - fugly
2) Honda Jazz - fugly and expensive
3) Toyota Yaris - sorry but no.

Have you driven or owned a Polo before? That's what I'm asking because magazine reviews are an extended test drive - not actual day to day experiences

[Pitbull]

) Mazda 2 - fugly
2) Honda Jazz - fugly and expensive
3) Toyota Yaris - sorry but no.

Have you driven or owned a Polo before? That's what I'm asking because magazine reviews are an extended test drive - not actual day to day experiences

Buy the Tdi. She's a beauty. Will give you no problems at all, just look after her. Read up on Turbo Diesel engines. Let the car idle a bit before you switch it off, also when starting the car put the ignition to "on" but not start for about 10 seconds before you start it.

Never ref it over 3.5k and you'll be very happy with her ;)

[BCO]

) Mazda 2 - fugly
2) Honda Jazz - fugly and expensive
3) Toyota Yaris - sorry but no.

Have you driven or owned a Polo before? That's what I'm asking because magazine reviews are an extended test drive - not actual day to day experiences

Well regarding day to day experiences the Polo hardly excels either - have a look at this year's JD Power Customer Satisfaction Index.

The fact is, the Polo is average at best. Also, I love your reasons for not considering the 3 cars I mentioned - 2 you dissed their looks, and one you couldn't even give a good reason. Not sure what makes you say that the Jazz is expensive compared to other cars in its class either.

[hashbrown99]

Well regarding day to day experiences the Polo hardly excels either - have a look at this year's JD Power Customer Satisfaction Index.

The fact is, the Polo is average at best. Also, I love your reasons for not considering the 3 cars I mentioned - 2 you dissed their looks, and one you couldn't even give a good reason. Not sure what makes you say that the Jazz is expensive compared to other cars in its class either.

I know the HD Power survey is a starting point but it is lacking in a few areas. Only looking at "initial quality", i.e. what is wrong when you drive it off the showroom floor is quite irrelevant. Says nothing about the reliability you will get from a vehicle, or the longer term building quality.

As for looks well I have to look at it for the next 60 months and that's important to me ;)

Lordy, didn't know this would provoke such a debate :eek:

[nivek]

http://www.news24.com/City_Press/Motoring/0,,186-2051_2267568,00.html

stay away from the 1.9tdi

[BCO]

I know the HD Power survey is a starting point but it is lacking in a few areas. Only looking at "initial quality", i.e. what is wrong when you drive it off the showroom floor is quite irrelevant. Says nothing about the reliability you will get from a vehicle, or the longer term building quality.

As for looks well I have to look at it for the next 60 months and that's important to me ;)

Lordy, didn't know this would provoke such a debate :eek:

There's the JD Power Initial Quality Survey and the JD Power Customer Satisfaction Index. The CSI is a longer term evaluation.

But whatever, it's your money.

[Sonic]

Uh, where do you get the idea that the VTG turbo in the Polo is GReddy? VW/Audi only use Garrett, who makes VTG turbo's for turbo-diesels.

FYI, it is a Garrett GT1749, same is found on the 2.0 TDi Golf as well

:o oops, I always swop them around, but except for the little detail in name, which I know is important, the main thing was that the turbo was not the orginal. it was cheaper "copy" of the same one found in the golf V and the SEAT. but if anyone really read what I wrote........ In any case overall I think the polo's are nice cars, they obviously have a few hickups, but hey, ask VW...... "it is the best car, no flaws, and the citi golf will never be replaced......." whatever.:rolleyes:

[tyerone]

rather get the ford fiesta 1.6tdci i have one and am very happy with it, no problems the turbo makes the car a whole lot of fun :)

[hashbrown99]

So anyway I bought the tdi

*sigh* only 12 more sleeps till delivery

[timgaul]

Nicely done, my son. You'll enjoy your ride. :D

[JK8]

Don't buy a Polo, they're certainly not the best cars in their class/price range. For example, in this month's Car mag they have their annual Top 12. In the "light cars" category the Polo wasn't even mentioned. They chose:

1) Mazda 2
2) Honda Jazz
3) Toyota Yaris

Those three cars are all ugly and slow. Have no street cred at all! They also have smaller chassis than the polo, I would take the Polo over those 3 cars anyday and so did all the other Polo drivers.

JD power survey are done by individuals who know next to nothing about cars, they see shiny inserts here and there and rate it high, do a few knock on the doors play with the indicators then make a choice....

I wouldnt question the build quality of German cars(Citi aside). But they have standards that have yet to be beaten.

[BCO]

Those three cars are all ugly and slow. Have no street cred at all! They also have smaller chassis than the polo, I would take the Polo over those 3 cars anyday and so did all the other Polo drivers.

JD power survey are done by individuals who know next to nothing about cars, they see shiny inserts here and there and rate it high, do a few knock on the doors play with the indicators then make a choice....

I wouldnt question the build quality of German cars(Citi aside). But they have standards that have yet to be beaten.

No. Polo's are known to have reliability niggles.


The mechanicals date back to the 2002 model, which has not been entirely trouble-free. Owners have reported gearbox problems, engine management issues, suspension faults and drivebelt failures, as well as general build quality defects.

Link. (http://www.channel4.com/4car/rt/volkswagen/polo/432/3)

If anything, Polos are for people who "know next to nothing about cars" and who mistake a soft touch dashboard for a quality car.

That's why people who know about cars, like motoring journalists, don't rate the Polo as top of its class (read my post about Car mag's Top 12, or have a look at 4car where they rated their top 3 superminis as 1. Corsa, 2. 207, 3. Yaris)

"street cred" is pure bull**** and means nothing, and as for speed, the Mazda 2 1.5 or Jazz Vtec are just as quick as most Polos.

[Highflyer_GP]

If anything, Polos are for people who "know next to nothing about cars" and who mistake a soft touch dashboard for a quality car.

Oi! Not all of them :p

[JK8]

No. Polo's are known to have reliability niggles.



Link. (http://www.channel4.com/4car/rt/volkswagen/polo/432/3)

If anything, Polos are for people who "know next to nothing about cars" and who mistake a soft touch dashboard for a quality car.

That's why people who know about cars, like motoring journalists, don't rate the Polo as top of its class (read my post about Car mag's Top 12, or have a look at 4car where they rated their top 3 superminis as 1. Corsa, 2. 207, 3. Yaris)

"street cred" is pure bull**** and means nothing, and as for speed, the Mazda 2 1.5 or Jazz Vtec are just as quick as most Polos.

In the small car market the Polo is the best in terms of sales, for what would you base that on? Ps its every type of buyer who buys a Polo.
I know a little here and there about cars i bought a Polo.
A motoring journalist tries to be fair. But the ones in SA lol are really sad IMO all of them really.... I last read a car magazing and they were harping about how hard it is to get the car sideways on the track? Now when did the driftability of a road car become a "pro" or "con?"

I wouldnt buy any of the 3 cars you mentioned. Minus street cred(which is and has become very very popular hence the little yucky cars outhere with their "sports packs".)
The corsa Mazda 2 and a Jazz...
I wouldnt buy an Opel, maybe old Corsa drivers who know nothing about cars might buy it, but I doubt anyone else will... they not very popular and won be as popular as the previous one.
The Mazda is a perfect little girls car, its in the exact same market as the Yaris, and anyone wanting a Yaris should consider the Mazda2.
Personally I feel sorry for the straight guy wearing a pink shirt and driving a Mazda 2!:p
Handa Jazz looks like a mini loaf. Vtec 1.7 is painfully slow. I wouldnt drive it.

[BCO]

Oi! Not all of them :p

I'm just retorting to JK8's comment where he says the Jazz, 2 and Yaris are for people who know nothing about cars.

[BCO]

In the small car market the Polo is the best in terms of sales, for what would you base that on? Ps its every type of buyer who buys a Polo.
I know a little here and there about cars i bought a Polo.
A motoring journalist tries to be fair. But the ones in SA lol are really sad IMO all of them really.... I last read a car magazing and they were harping about how hard it is to get the car sideways on the track? Now when did the driftability of a road car become a "pro" or "con?"

I wouldnt buy any of the 3 cars you mentioned. Minus street cred(which is and has become very very popular hence the little yucky cars outhere with their "sports packs".)
The corsa Mazda 2 and a Jazz...
I wouldnt buy an Opel, maybe old Corsa drivers who know nothing about cars might buy it, but I doubt anyone else will... they not very popular and won be as popular as the previous one.
The Mazda is a perfect little girls car, its in the exact same market as the Yaris, and anyone wanting a Yaris should consider the Mazda2.
Personally I feel sorry for the straight guy wearing a pink shirt and driving a Mazda 2!:p
Handa Jazz looks like a mini loaf. Vtec 1.7 is painfully slow. I wouldnt drive it.

Good reasons :rolleyes: ALL of your arguments are based solely on your opinion. How about talking about things like safety, reliability, value for money, fuel consumption etc, instead of just looks and whether or not they're "girly", whatever that's supposed to mean.

You said it yourself - motoring journos attempt to be FAIR, whereas you're a full-on VW fanboy. I'd take a car mag's opinion on this over yours any day.

The Jazz Vtec is not painfully slow compared to Polos in the same price range. You can't compare it to a TDi or GTI Polo which cost more.

[JK8]

Good reasons :rolleyes: ALL of your arguments are based solely on your opinion. How about talking about things like safety, reliability, value for money, fuel consumption etc, instead of just looks and whether or not they're "girly", whatever that's supposed to mean.

You said it yourself - motoring journos attempt to be FAIR, whereas you're a full-on VW fanboy. I'd take a car mag's opinion on this over yours any day.

The Jazz Vtec is not painfully slow compared to Polos in the same price range. You can't compare it to a TDi or GTI Polo which cost more.

True im a VW fanboy.
Safety... which of the 3 are more safe? They all have the neccesay airbags/abs etc. And if half a star on Ncap is your sole choice for buying the car then go buy what you feel is best.
You dont think Polos are reliable? Maybe the 1.9 sportline but the rest of the range?
Value for money its as good as the rest.
Fuel consumption is not higher or lower then the others, infact theres no other diesel better than the 1.4 Polo.
Vtec 1.7 VS 1.6 Velo and Polo 1.6 is very slow... I promise!

Ps Car mag is very biased to BMW and VW:D

[Highflyer_GP]

I'm just retorting to JK8's comment where he says the Jazz, 2 and Yaris are for people who know nothing about cars.
Ah ok, fair game then :D

[hashbrown99]

So anyway I bought the tdi

*sigh* only 12 more sleeps till delivery


My new baby...:D

http://mybroadband.co.za/photos/showphoto.php?photo=3126

[Fern9do]

Very sexy Car dude,my favourite colour aswell:)
Congrats and treat her gently!

[lcbxx]

My new baby...:D

http://mybroadband.co.za/photos/showphoto.php?photo=3126
Enjoy. That particular TDi engine pulls much like 2.0 8V petrol-engines.

[Highflyer_GP]

Hehe 'gratz hash, treat her well :)

[sn3rd]

"tossa blue" :D

[lcbxx]

Saw the 96KW TDi is for sale again on VWSA's site.

It's costs over R200k, R30k more than when it was sold initially with "Sportline" spec level.

Basically it's a normal 1.9TDi "Highline" with the 96KW engine & 16" alloys. No more 2 door's, no more hight adjustable seats. What a rip-off as the GTi is only R8k more. Dare I say a 1.6 Polo with Tiptronic is now a better buy (R168k)!

[JK8]

Saw the 96KW TDi is for sale again on VWSA's site.

It's costs over R200k, R30k more than when it was sold initially with "Sportline" spec level.

Basically it's a normal 1.9TDi "Highline" with the 96KW engine & 16" alloys. No more 2 door's, no more hight adjustable seats. What a rip-off as the GTi is only R8k more. Dare I say a 1.6 Polo with Tiptronic is now a better buy (R168k)!

Wow the prices increased!!:) If I have 08 Polo Gti will my car hold more value now?
The 2 door was the selling point, otherwise I wouldnt buy it.

[lcbxx]

Wow the prices increased!!:) If I have 08 Polo Gti will my car hold more value now?
The 2 door was the selling point, otherwise I wouldnt buy it.
My wife already phoned me and said she saw "her car" now comes in 4 door "which will be nice if we decide on a family later. You think I can swap mine for that?"

Now I don't know whether I should be worried about the 4 doors & crappier spec car, or the fact that she is hinting that we have a baby....

[JK8]

My wife already phoned me and said she saw "her car" now comes in 4 door "which will be nice if we decide on a family later. You think I can swap mine for that?"

Now I don't know whether I should be worried about the 4 doors & crappier spec car, or the fact that she is hinting that we have a baby....

Lol I can assure that with the new Highline tag the cars interior will be a huge upgrade to your wifes 2 door.
I was going for the 2 door but it shares the exact same interior as the 1.4 trendline, which I didnt like hence I bought the other one.

Oh and congrats!!:p

[lcbxx]

Oh and congrats!!:p
No no, bun the oven yet, but she's hinting that we concoct one I guess..lol

[Gnome]

Uh, where do you get the idea that the VTG turbo in the Polo is GReddy? VW/Audi only use Garrett, who makes VTG turbo's for turbo-diesels.

FYI, it is a Garrett GT1749, same is found on the 2.0 TDi Golf as well

Have you physically checked the engines HERE in South Africa because I know that what is sold here and internationally is 2 different things, General Motors being a perfect example, they regularly sell engines/parts/etc. here that differ from the product in overseas markets.

The fact that VW SA still sells the Golf MK1 rebadged as "Citi Golf" doesn't inspire much trust that the builds are always the same as internationally.

[Flanders]

*thread revival*

I just wanted to say that I have the 1.9 TDi Sportline and I love it! :D

2 reasons - it's got loads of grunt (in my car experience anyway) and has brilliant fuel economy. On the open road I can get around 1000kms on a 45l tank. Around town I get anywhere from 600-700km.

I drove a rental the other day - the new polo 1.4. The interior of the TDiSL is far better. The seat in the 1.4 made me feel like I was riding "on" the car. The TDi's seats have a far more "buckety" feel.

[TheThinker]

*thread revival*

I just wanted to say that I have the 1.9 TDi Sportline and I love it! :D

2 reasons - it's got loads of grunt (in my car experience anyway) and has brilliant fuel economy. On the open road I can get around 1000kms on a 45l tank. Around town I get anywhere from 600-700km.

I drove a rental the other day - the new polo 1.4. The interior of the TDiSL is far better. The seat in the 1.4 made me feel like I was riding "on" the car. The TDi's seats have a far more "buckety" feel.

Negative, i have a Velociti 1.4i , I so want a 1.9TDi Sline, test drove one the other day. Rides like a dream. But congrats. :(

[MAGANGAT]

I was fortunate(maybe) to have the 1.9 tdi sportline and the polo gti :)

both were awsome to drive and both had their downsides

I had the 1.9tdi from March 06 till nov 06 , it never gave any engine troubles but the body was terrible , probably built on a friday afternoon , the doors were always rattling and squeeking and there was a terrible creek noise coming from the front left suspension .
After lots of fighting with the dealership , they got somebody down from the factory to drive and see what i was fussing about.
when the guy drove it , he immediately heard the noise and said he'd get back to me , after 2 days he told me that they will replace the car but i needed to pay in about R50 000.00 for depreciation and wear and tear .

It was a shock to me because the car only costed me 162 k and i only had it for 4 months and i was losing 50k .
After weeks and days of continous moaning via telephone and email they eventually told me to pay 8k for a new polo 1.9tdi
I was thrilled and told them to bring it .
It arrived at the dealershipn on 1 November 2006 on a truck with the 1st polo gti destined for dbn , it was amzaing and i requested a test drive .
After test driving it i told them i wanted it . i paid them 40 k and took the 1st polo gti in dbn .

[MAGANGAT]

Now the polo gti ..

It had a great exhaust note (the tdi sounded like a tractor after 6 months and 15 000km) and the gears were much closer and the engine loved getting stretched where in the tdi you have to change quick at low revs to make it hop.

It was a great car , interior was better than the other polo's , the steering , gearknob and handbrakes had red stitching , so put leather on the seats and outlined it with red stitching.
looked snazzy

the problems ive had was 2 , after 20k km , the gearbox was grinding when changing gears (everyone i know that has the polo gti had the same problem once ) but they fixed it and the second problem was something used to get loose in the engine and the note used to sound terrible , that i will admit was my fault because i enjoyed listening to the sound of the exhaust , they say its not ideal to rev a turbo power car and that was the cause of it.
other than that , i loved it .

i sold it in july and bought a white golf 5 gti , dsg with 18s and sunroof .

[MAGANGAT]

the only thing i missed from the 1.9tdi was the fuel economy , cos the polo drinks fuel and the golf gulps it .
but its not an issue for me cos i couldnt really put a price to my passion .

[Brawler]

Nice triple post :D

[Stokstert]

Monologue? ;)

[Stoner]

This TDi thing is very interesting. Read up on a lot of articles and it definitely indicates that no matter how good or bad the drivers were and what precautions they took, the turbo's failed. To me this points to a manufacturing fault. Either the turbo's used were of bad quality or the lubrication system from the engine to turbo was bad. Let's hope either has been sorted.

Turbo engines are awsome in petrol and diesel form but like any engine it must be taken care of very well if not that little more.

So many people complain about things going wrong mechanically and when you break it down, they either have not followed manufactures indications and service intervals or/and not used their common sense.

Good things to do when you have a turbo engine are as follows (petrol and diesel.

Just like it's important to idle the car after driving, it's even more important to idle the car when starting it up(espcially from cold) or drive away slowly. The turbo spins to 150 000 - 200 000rpm so imagine a piece of metal being cold and then have to do that kind of speed "almost instantly". The other reason for idling is to build up oil pressure for lubrication in the turbo. When you drive and stop, the turbo is spinning way faster than it's own idle speed. When you switch off the engine the oil pressure to the turbo stops but the blades are still spinning. This is why it's good practice to idle the car so that the turbo can spin down to it's slowest speed before switching off the engine.

Always use the best quality fuel if available. 95 for petrol and ULS (50ppm) for diesel. The 500ppm diesel is rubbish and would only recommend it for very old diesel engines or inductrial/truck use. As any diesel owner should know the higher the ppm the more the oil in the engine is contaminated. This oil also goes to the turbo. This is why the service intervals for diesel cars are shorter than petrol. (however it is extending with the 50ppm diesel available)

(just for interest our petrol and diesel in this country is crap. we should have petrol options ranging from 98 octane to 102 octane and diesel from 40 to 15ppm)

Always stick to service intervals! Never skip or try to get a couple of thousand k's more before taking it in. The fresher the oil in a engine the better.

If something has gone wrong or maybe something happens later take note of the above before taking or giving blame.

Hope everyone has awsome fun in what ever turbo or N/A car they have.

Enjoy!

[3x-a-d3-u5]

Wow great thread guys :)

I was looking at getting a Polo 1.4 TDi, as I love the fuel economy! Any particular years I should look out for?