On a previous thread I was debating going petrol over diesel for my next car. However after thinking logically (i.e. not every diesel owner suffers a turbo failure, or countless DMF replacements) we have both come to the conclusion that due to our mileage each year we would be around £700-£800 better off (and that is a conservative estimate) by going diesel.

However I'm also aware of potential pitfalls, especially with newer engines with DPFs, and with certain problems with older engines (i.e. 2 litre VW units).

I've noticed a couple of the older 1.9 TDIs for sale in an Estate version, obviously well within my budget unlike other engines, and wanted to make sure I am correct in thinking this is generally a reliable unit. I haven't read any underlying problems that plague users. I know it is slightly rougher than the newer common rail versions but that means very little to me.

I need fuel efficiency over refinement and also a solid lump of an engine too! The two I am looking at in the near future have around 59k on the clock and are from 2008. I have been in a couple of golfs with the same engine, and although quite loud at cold idle, both seemed quite quiet on the move, and with a fair bit of pull too!

My other options were the Mondeo 2.0 TDCI and the Mazda 2.2D, but from what I have researched, there is definitely more of a majority in saying the VAG 1.9 is probably the pick of the bunch reliability-wise (and less oil-thirsty too!)

Thanks for your views!