118TSI - General Discussion

[Kiark]

Thanks mate. I noticed that with some of these cars you can actually see the intercooler at the front. Is there a reason for that? I don't see it on my car.

Thanks again for the reply. I was wondering for the longest time!

[Ephraim Gadsby]

2010 Golf MkVI 118tsi Second-Hand Purchase Questions (Post 35c1)

Greetings all,

I have a sneaking suspicion many versions of this question may have been raised on this forum before, so forgive me if I'm retreading old ground. I have also posted this query on another VW community site, so apologies I am distorting the universe somewhat.

I am looking at purchasing a second-hand 2010 Golf MkVI 118tsi. It's in lovely condition, has driven 60k, and is still under warranty. Now, after reading these forums, and other Golf community sites, I have stumbled across the old DSG clutch/transmission issue... Which has made me extremely nervous/cautious.

Upon inspecting the vehicle, and the paperwork, I noticed the 37G7 recall was done in October 2012, and the 35C1 recall was performed back in November 2013 (34k on the odometer)... With this done, should there still be any problems? What would have actually happened in this recall? And is it work the risk? Love the car... But, yes...

I appreciate any help or feedback.

Cheers.

[The One]

I would be more worried about pistons self destructing than DSG issues!

[Ephraim Gadsby]

To be honest, the more I read other 118 TSI horror stories, the more I realise I shouldn't purchase this car... A shame, as it was really nice to drive (and I probably can't afford the Mk VII).

If anyone wants to convince me otherwise, please let me know.

[Ephraim Gadsby]

Yeah... That's what I'm beginning to hear...

[AdamD]

To be honest, the more I read other 118 TSI horror stories, the more I realise I shouldn't purchase this car...

You'll want to read right through this thread; I expect it'll give you confidence that you're making the right decision passing it up:

http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/f112/golf-118-tsi-engine-failures-service-campaign-24s4-44540.html

[Ephraim Gadsby]

You'll want to read right through this thread; I expect it'll give you confidence that you're making the right decision passing it up:

http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/...4s4-44540.html

Thanks AdamD. I have decided to pass on the 118 TSI. I appreciate the help.

[Mk R]

To be honest, unless you're specifically after the twincharged engine and know what you're getting into then you're better off getting the 90 TSI, 103 TDI or the GTI/GTD.

[Ephraim Gadsby]

To be honest, unless you're specifically after the twincharged engine and know what you're getting into then you're better off getting the 90 TSI, 103 TDI or the GTI/GTD.

And there are no problems with the 90 TSI from the Mk VI era?

[Lucas_R]

And there are no problems with the 90 TSI from the Mk VI era?

If your getting DSG then theres still potential issues with the clutches and mechatronics unit (electronic brain that controls it) as that gearbox has had multiple recalls due to design flaws.

The only real issue with the 90TSI engine is the potential for the timing chain to stretch/fail. Its not super common but it does happen. This can cause quite a bit of damage to the pistons and valves if/when it happens. This particular issue also plagues the Mk6 GTI and its much more common on the GTI.

[Ephraim Gadsby]

If your getting DSG then theres still potential issues with the clutches and mechatronics unit (electronic brain that controls it) as that gearbox has had multiple recalls due to design flaws.

The only real issue with the 90TSI engine is the potential for the timing chain to stretch/fail. Its not super common but it does happen. This can cause quite a bit of damage to the pistons and valves if/when it happens. This particular issue also plagues the Mk6 GTI and its much more common on the GTI.

Okay. It feels like another roll of the dice then... I may just have to hold out for a Mk7 instead.

[Lucas_R]

Okay. It feels like another roll of the dice then... I may just have to hold out for a Mk7 instead.

Whats your budget? You can get Mk6 TDI's and GTI's for around $15-18k these days. The TDI's are probably the most reliable of the bunch.

Otherwise, go the safe route and buy something Japanese.

Or....http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/...sg-114409.html

[Ephraim Gadsby]

Whats your budget? You can get Mk6 TDI's and GTI's for around $15-18k these days. The TDI's are probably the most reliable of the bunch.

Otherwise, go the safe route and buy something Japanese.

Or....http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/...sg-114409.html

My budget, realistically, is about $12-$14k...

[Ephraim Gadsby]

Whats your budget? You can get Mk6 TDI's and GTI's for around $15-18k these days. The TDI's are probably the most reliable of the bunch.

Otherwise, go the safe route and buy something Japanese.

Or....http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/...sg-114409.html

The Skoda is probably just a little big for our liking as well (would like to stick with a hatch).

I didn't want to head down the Corolla route, but it is beginning to look like the path forged for us. Considering a 2014 Polo, but after looking at/being teased by a Golf, it seems like a step backwards...

[Lucas_R]

The Skoda is probably just a little big for our liking as well (would like to stick with a hatch).

I didn't want to head down the Corolla route, but it is beginning to look like the path forged for us. Considering a 2014 Polo, but after looking at/being teased by a Golf, it seems like a step backwards...

Go for a Mazda 3 over a Corolla. Its a better car and more enjoyable to drive. For that budget you should be able to get a 2nd hand current 2014 model as they are only $20k brand new. The interior in the Mazda is a huge step up from the previous model too - it looks very Audi/BMW'ish and is nicer than the Corolla.

We used to have a 2011 Mazda 3 Neo (which our friends now own and its done over 100,000km without a single issue) and now we have a 2015 Mazda 3 SP25 Astina which is a great car. My only complaint is that it could use some more power.....but im used to my modified GTI which has a lot more power than the Mazda.