Well,my tdi was just under 100K when it came to a sudden early demise in Dec. It was 03 reg. Engine was still running as good as new, 52 to 60 mpg, no problems. However, the rest of the car was starting to show its age. 4 new springs plus a wheel bearing wasn't cheap, plus electrical problems were creeping in, rear door stuck shut, central locking dodgy, glow plug/duration tempermental, water leaks. .In my experience VAG cars are reasonable but not really any more durable than anything else, after 6 or 7 years - and probably less so than Japanese makes, if the surveys are to be believed.

Like all cars, depends how much you want to spend on it to keep it running.

My Mondeo is 7 years old, 71k on the clock, and engine problems have been non-existant. I've put complete new suspension, clutch, wheel bearings all round, and fixed a few electrical gremlins.

I'm happy that the car will run another 70k no problems now, as most things that wear out or break have been replaced already.

I part ex'd my hwell spec'd up 05 1.9TDi at 160k miles 15 months ago, when it was still going as well as ever.

The turbo went at 103k (seemingly not a rare occurance models of around 2005), and the radiator needed replacing at around 120k).

My experiences up to 134k were related in

www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=80894

I replaced the cambelt at around 150k, together with the water pump (for the first time) as a precaution. (The tailgate leak stopped after the vent seal was fixed).

I had intended keeping it for a long time, but circumstances change and I've now got an 07 Roomster 1.9 TDi... slightly thirstier, bit more noisy, but more space and easier access for elderly parents.

I bought an 02 plate golf gtdi 130 specifically for this engine as I had heard that if serviced correctly it was nigh on unbreakable. I did my research and got a very well looked after example with 96000 on clock for £3500. It had been serviced every 10k miles ( this appears to be key with the 1.9 pd engine + correct oil ) and all the usual niggles - suspension, electric windows had already been done. Cambelt and water pump was done at 50 k and 88k and it had new winter tyres. I have done almost 10k in it this year and only had to service it. It is a fantastic car regularly returns 50 mpg + and never drops below 45mpg even around town. Pulls like a train and everything still works. It still has a real feeling of quality 10 years on. I love it I have a 40 mile a day commute and it is the cheapest motoring I have ever experienced. It is officialy our second car but as it is so ecconomical it would be foolish to drive anything else on my long journey. Do your research and find a well maintained one you will not regret it. By the way a chap down my gym has a black 51 plate with full leather interior which is immaculate. I looked at the odometer inside 182k on the clock!. I know I could sell mine for what I paid for it and be confident that whoever bought it would be getting a well built, maintained and reliable car. Brilliant engine makes you wonder why VW / Audi built the 2.0 tdi hash.

Brilliant engine makes you wonder why VW / Audi built the 2.0 tdi hash.

Emission regulations ended the 1.9tdi

Is that because the 1.9 130 PD is Pump Deuce and the new one is common rail? I would imagine the mechanical parts are identical so recent problems must be down to the fuelling system. Cheers Concrete

Thanks for all the responses guys. I did end up buying it. I got offered 2 grand for my '53' plate Hyundai Coupe when most garages were offering half that. The dealer is also having it fully serviced and replacing the cam belt as well as a few other bits and bobs so I can't complain. Only thing that frightens me is everything I've read about the Dual mass flywheel. Obviously I drove the car and the clutch was fine and there was no knocking from the engine, but looks an expensive job should it go!!!

Anyway, thanks again everyone.

Prince, reference recent threads. Even if you have to pay the extra few quid INSIST the dealer replaces the waterpump too. This apparently is vital so get to it. I am sure others, far more qualified than me will agree with this. Cheers Concrete

I have an Audi A3 1.9 TDi and at 99,000 miles I snapped a con rod doing 60 in 5th. So roughly anywhere between 2,500 and 3,000 rpm and the engine gave out.

The catastrophic engine failure caused a tennis ball sized hole in the side of the crank casing and threw oil all over the road. I have a collection of broken parts that the recovery driver pulled out from the sump tray when he was winching my car onto the flat bed.

Audi have already advised me that a new engine will set me back £2,009 inc VAT + labour.

I've only had the car just over 7 months and noticed how quicky the engine drinks oil - I know that the 1.9 is notoriously reliable and can notch up a clock load of miles before it ever develops any problems, but contrary to statistics I have heard of catastrophic engine failure occuring in a small number of cases.

I fell victim to a manufacturers defect, something to be aware of.