Canadian new to OZ - TDI or TSI, which is for me???

[MapleMan]

Hi everyone, I'm just going to give a brief explanation about my situation and the reason for this post. I'm moving to NSW in the next few months and will be looking for a vehicle to purchase. I've narrowed it down pretty much to the MK6 Golf, but the issue is whether to go with the TDI or the TSI. Truth be told, I'm not to concerned with performance but more so with overall reliability, and fuel economy.

The commute for work will be about 70-80 kms one way, which brings the question of fuel prices. I know the TDI is better in fuel economy but isn't diesel more expensive in OZ than gasoline? If so, what do you guys think? Is it worth getting the TDI over the TSI?

The other question is the gearbox. It will be an auto, and I've read some horror stories about the 7-speed tranny, but is the 6-speed in the TDI plagued with the same issues?

Price wise, I've seen both models go for the same $$$ (about $35K) so initial cost seems to be the same.

I guess what I'm asking is, if you guys were in my shoes, which would you get and why?

Thanks everyone, much appreciated!

[rossw]

If I had a 70km commute, I'd go for the diesel. Add up your fuels costs for a few years and see if the difference adds up to more than the difference in price. Both are around A$1.50-A$1.60 per litre, remembering that the petrol version needs the most expensive type (98 Octane). I think prices for petrol fluctuate more than for diesel.

I have only had my 90TSi a short time and can't yet comment much on issues with the gearbox. A lot of those issues are said to have been have been sorted in newer cars.

The one thing that I have found, although hardly a horror story, is that they're not as smooth off the line as a conventional automatic, and low speed motion is a bit jerky.

[bugsalanko]

With that many km daily, I'd say you would have to go the 193tdi.

You get a fairly good level of trim, solid torque figures so you don't crawl everywhere and have enough juice to overtake on the freeway and have fun when needed.

As mentioned above the TSI 's run on 98 octane which fluctuates in price at least 15 cents a L (in qld anyway) a week, whereas diesel sits pretty still at 1.50 which runs cheaper then the petrol anyway.

Down the road your looking at a higher resale value as well if you have a 3 year change over rate.

Hope that helps.

[Greg Roles]

I'm biased, but one benefit of diesel is simply less stops at the servo, and having a 1000km range from one tank is a huge plus. With that sort of commute, my vote is diesel, just try to stick to BP or Caltex, Shell if you must. The only problems from fuel you hear about usually are due to cheap no name servo diesel, such as the Woolworths or other such bargain places.

Just do your research into the local VW dealers, there are better and worse in every place, might as well buy from one with a great reputation of actually looking after customers with any warranty issues, all the sales people promise that up front to get a sale!

Welcome to the VW gang mate, eh!

[kaanage]

While the 6 speed DSG can suffer from similar mechatronics issues to the 7 speed, it doesn't seem as common. And the 6 speed definitely doesn't have the clutch shudder issue that the 7 speed can suffer from (wet clutch vs dry clutch may be the reason).

I have the 103kW TDi MkVI with DSG and it is terrific at longer trips - you barely notice it is a diesel except at a slight rattle at idle, although the 118 TSi engine is a touch smoother.

[MapleMan]

Thanks to everyone! Very helpful info, especially the resale factor which would play a major role. With respect to the 1000 km range in the diesel, how large is that tank??? If that truely is the case, that would be a major plus, not having to fill up all the time.

The other comment is regarding Shell, is there something up with their diesel? They're a huge fuel company here so I'm curious if they aren't looked well upon in OZ too.

Apart from that, all the info was very helpful.

There was one last question I had which is in regards to the warranty. I've been looking at cars online from carsguide, etc. and there seems to be no mention of remaining factory warranty for transfer? Is that not available in OZ? In Canada, the original owner gets the warranty, and so does the next owner, assuming there is any left. I ask because I'm looking at some demo models too, or used 2011's with super low km's and if the warranty is not transferable, that would be a major problem

Thanks!

[bugsalanko]

Warranty is transferable on them definently. When new its 3year/100 000km so whatever the remainder is.

[kaanage]

With that sort of commute, my vote is diesel, just try to stick to BP or Caltex, Shell if you must. The only problems from fuel you hear about usually are due to cheap no name servo diesel, such as the Woolworths or other such bargain places.

Since Woolworths sell Caltex Vortex Premium, I don't see the problem using their servos (that's what they sell in Vic anyway).

Mapleman, the tank is 55 litres (14.5 US gallons). With mostly country driving, it's easy to get over 1000km on a tank if you drive with a light foot.

[SMOK3Y]

Warranty is transferable on them definently. When new its 3year/100 000km so whatever the remainder is.

its 3yr unlimited ks, ive got 90tsi & get 800+ks to 40/45 litres i travel 126k round trip for work so the little petrols not too bad

[MapleMan]

That fuel range is unbelievable on only 55 litres!!! WOW!
Thanks again for all the help, especially with the warranty questions.
I don't think I've ever been a member of an auto forum where every reply has been helpful.

Side note, I found a website called Pickles.com.au and from the site, can see that they are an auction. Has anyone ever purchased from them? It again comes back to warranty, anyone know if the factory warranty would be transferred through them as well? Some of the deals seem too good to be true...

[bugsalanko]

its 3yr unlimited ks, ive got 90tsi & get 800+ks to 40/45 litres i travel 126k round trip for work so the little petrols not too bad

Are you sure it's unlimited? Swear the sticker on my rear passenger says 100 000km's

[Rob_R]

Welcome MapleMan, from reading your needs and wants I'd probably recommend TDI as others have already mentioned. I don't have one myself but a family member has a jetta TDI and I was impressed by it's performance and economy.

Good luck in finding your new drive.

[The_Hawk]

Petrol might have more peak power, but the 320Nm of torque in the TDI vs 240Nm in the TSI makes the TDI great choice. As has been said, 98 vs Diesel prices are about the same and consumption is even pretty close too with 5.6L/100km on the diesel vs 6.2L/100km on the petrol. 0.6L/100Km will take a long while to add up.
So long as you drive a reasonable distance each trip the diesel is an option. If like me you do more smaller trips, the petrol is probably the better choice.

In your case it looks like your trips are long enough to make both viable options. Long story short, it's going to come down to personal choice. Give both a drive and see which you prefer.

[rossw]

Are you sure it's unlimited? Swear the sticker on my rear passenger says 100 000km's

Mine doesn't:


At least for MY12 you get unlimited km.

[Digger11]

My MY12 is unlimited kms as well.

The Petrol Golf's are so economical I would get one of these. Cheap to run, no greasy Diesel fuel pumps (Spilt Diesel does not evaporate like gasoline) and amazing smoothness from the small turbo petrol motors.

If I was buying an X5 then definitely the diesel - in a little Golf, I really wouldn't bother.