I'm hoping to get myself an Audi A4 that I'll keep for a few years until the new Volvo S40 comes into my price range on the used market.
I'm not sure what engine to get though. Due to my budget limitations I'll probably be getting a car with around 70K miles or more. I've seen a lot of the 1.8T around at the right price, but I'm a bit worried the life of the engine... a turbo with that many horses running seems a bit risky, even for an Audi. Do you think it's still a safe buy? I'll be doing only 10-15K miles a year in it. Otherwise I'll probably go for a slightly high mileage 1.9 130 TD.
What do you think? Should I just go for a Volvo S60 or a (bargain priced) Rover 75!
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With current high levels of manufacturing quality, this is largely down to sympathetic use AFTER a run, in my experience.
By this I mean:
1) No 'blipped' throttles as you switch off, leaving a turbine spinning without lubrication.
2) If switching off after working the turbo hard, let the engine cruise gently for a while if possible (though tricky at a motorway fuel stop), and idle for a short period before switching off. This minimizes carbon build up that knackers the bearings.
Stick to these rules, and I have never known one give up the ghost prematurely. Hopefully my V70 2.4T will still be on the original turbo in a good many years, and we plan to keep it as such.
See post "Help! - Focus TDCi Tuned" for my comments about a friend's high mileage, and very tuned, turbocharged Volvo that's still going strong. He abides by both of the above.
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My Rover Vitesse Turbo is up to 129k miles without problem. This is due IMHO to letting the engine idle for 60 secs after ignition and also before switching off. Another salient point is regular oil changes with semi-synthetic oil. Don't bother with fully synthetic if changing the oil frquently - it will be unecessary cost. Please don't leave the oil changes to the Audi intervals! Turbo motoring is great fun, so buy the A4.
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I\'d go for the 131PS Turbo Diesel Rover, BMW engine has a good reputation, virtually the same engine is used by BMW to give 150PS in the 320D so it isn\'t overstressed in the Rover.
I\'ve had several problems with my 130 TDI VW including a new turbo at 50k so I couldn\'t recommend a higher mileage car.
Agree with the general consensus that oil changes are critical and ensuring that the the right oil is used for the PD engines.
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Seems rather variable.
An aquaintance had one fail on his SAAB at about 4 years, 60,000miles. When he had it replaced (by and independent SAAB specialist) he was told that it was not that unusual.
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I don't know what the expected life is of a turbocharger on a car engine but turbo failure on the industrial/marine/genset diesels that I was involved with wasn't something that ever came to my attention.
What I *have* noticed is that the reports that come up from time to time about car engine failures involving major components like crankshafts, conn-rods, etc., almost always relate to turbocharged engines.
I imagine that the turbo has a long life if treated properly (sensible oil change periods especially) but the problem is in knowing if the previous owner has done his bit.
I agree about the BMW turbo diesel in the Rover 75. It is a superb engine and I marvel at mine every time I feel like a bit of spirited driving on the open road (well, as 'open' as they ever get these days!).
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I dont know if this has now filtered down to the mainstream makes of cars, but porsche fitted an electric oil pump to continue pumping the oil to the turbocharger after the engine had been switched off (certainly on the 944). This stopping the need to keep the engine switched on after a hard drive to allow the turbo to cool.
Are these now fitted as standard ?
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Good point raised here - IMHO most engines with a turbo weren't specifically designed for a turbo, whilst some parts are upgraded to cope with the extra power/torque/thermodynamic properties the basic engine wasn't designed for this stress.
Also it's very difficult to tell if the car has been chipped and restored to default mapping, my old Xantia was sold after being
'breathed' on by Van Aaken and the dealer didn't notice.
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