Buying Used Golf V? 2.0 FSI or 2.0 TDi

[bristolfashion]

Hi,

Very new to this forum as I don't have a Golf... yet.

I'm trying to make a decision, and would like some honest advice/opinions....

I'm looking at Golf V either a 2.0 FSI or 2.0 TDi.... But my budget is limited so I'm looking at higher mileage cars.

Would you go for:-
2.0 FSI Auto with 112k Kms for $16k
or
2.0 TDi DSG with 121k Kms for $18k.

Both 2005 models.

Both have full service history and are in a very similar condition. TDi was just (120k) serviced with timing belt, waterpump, front and rear rotors etc replaced. FSI will have timing belt changed before purchase (but not full 120k service).

Things that are going through my mind are the DSG life span and the large cost to repair/replace. How does this compare to the FSI auto box?

Looking to buy as a second car and it will be doing regular drives to Wollongong from Sydney for work.

I look forward to some sensible, serious and honest opinions and advice

Cheers,

[Guest0608]

No question 2.0TDI get it bought.............VW.........

[team_v]

Since it doesn't seem you are after performance, i would go the TDI.

If you wish to go the performance path, you can get a DPF delete pipe and i believe this bumps up the power figures somewhat.

Really no reason not to get the TDI lol

[Manaz]

Both will be DSG - there was no regular torque converter auto offered with the Mk5.

120,000km is nothing on a diesel. The TDI has 125kW and somewhere north of 300Nm of torque - it will actually perform pretty damned well anyway

[mikinoz]

Since it doesn't seem you are after performance, i would go the TDI.

If you wish to go the performance path, you can get a DPF delete pipe and i believe this bumps up the power figures somewhat.

Really no reason not to get the TDI lol

Let me clarify some things.

The 2.0 103KW is pretty capable engine. The performance for around the town is more than adequate.

There is no DPF on any MKV apart from the GT Sport Diesel model - so there is no need to do any modification to that. Rear muffler delete however is an option.

The life expectancy of a diesel is considerably longer.

Make sure that they have had the timing belt change done as that is important *and expensive*.

I would buy another 103 TDI any day.

I'd say putting some 17" wheels on it and if you really wanted a sway bar.

Both will be DSG - there was no regular torque converter auto offered with the Mk5.

120,000km is nothing on a diesel. The TDI has 125kW and somewhere north of 300Nm of torque - it will actually perform pretty damned well anyway

2005 2.0 TDI are only 103KW sadly. But your performance comment still stands.

[Tim]

Both will be DSG - there was no regular torque converter auto offered with the Mk5.

120,000km is nothing on a diesel. The TDI has 125kW and somewhere north of 300Nm of torque - it will actually perform pretty damned well anyway

I believe the 2005 2.0 FSI was available with a tiptronic auto

[team_v]

Let me clarify some things.

The 2.0 103KW is pretty capable engine. The performance for around the town is more than adequate.

2005 2.0 TDI are only 103KW sadly. But your performance comment still stands.

I understand that the TDI engines are capable but performance wise, the TSI eats it.

The TDI will keep on trucking but if you are in it purely for zippy driving and go fast fun, then TSI is really hte only option.

TDI is still "capable" but not a "performance" car

[bristolfashion]

Its a choice of 2.0 FSI or 2.0 TDi.

No option on a TSi. I think that is a much more recent version and is way out of the price bracket I'm in.

And I believe it's a 103kW on the TDi as mentioned. And stadard auto on the FSI.

True, I believe a diesel has a good life span over petrol, but what about that DSG box?

Cheers,

[Deano]

the DSG has very little issues if serviced every 60,000km's, and a mechatronics update if it judders on take off.

[mikinoz]

I understand that the TDI engines are capable but performance wise, the TSI eats it.

Sorry, I thought the OP was interested in comparison of the TDI and FSI, not TFSI.

I'd still choose the TDI DSG.

[Cam]

2.0L TDI definitely.
I say this with some bias I suppose.


The TDI is a great little engine, pulls hard in every gear, great economy (even when giving it some stick), great noise (some may chuckle but I love the growl of the TDI) and the smile it puts on your face when it pins you back into the seat in second gear + can still retain 5.5L/100km and get nearly 800km out of a tank.

I haven't driven the FSI, but I have been behind many going up hills and even followed one on a cruise day. They're a nice little car but they lack the one thing that makes the TDI great....thats torque. The effortlessness and pull the little diesel has up top is simply phenomenal.


My vote goes to the TDI.

[Marcotto]

For the drive between Sydney and Wollongong I would go the TDI. the engines are superb and you will find going up the hill from the gong will be a breeze with the amount of torque available to you. The diesel also would have a longer life span.

My drive between Sydney and Wollongong on cruise control I average 7.1 – 7.2L. and that’s using the GTI, you would get phenomenal fuel consumption on the TDI.

[Cam]

Yeah going from Wollongong to Sydney in the TDI is great. Even better if you come up on a weekend from the coast like me. I love putting up Kiama Bends in 6th gear when you hear most other cars dropping back hehe.

Mt Ousley is a breeze too. Can cruise up there in 6th gear if you hold around 90kmh.

[Manaz]

2005 2.0 TDI are only 103KW sadly. But your performance comment still stands.

Bugger. Still a damned nice engine - 300Nm+ torque IIRC...

I believe the 2005 2.0 FSI was available with a tiptronic auto

So it was, damn!

[Bizi]

Just to chime in on a classic question... the other fun part of driving the TDI from Wollongong is the curves in RNP - get a HSV on your tail - floor it on a corner to put smoke in his eyes. Once that clears you're gone.

I've had no dramas with the TDI and spirited driving on empty roads or following certain Porsche and GTI vehicles.