Potential New Buy Tdi , What Costs To Expect ?

[Guest apk1]

I am looking to buy a TDI, probably about an "02/52" so about 3 yrs old, with about 50,000 miles. I expect to do ~ 20,000 miles a year mainly for work. What sort of running costs can I expect in terms of service costs/MPG, also anything to watch out for? I expect to buy privately, and ideally keep long term so would like as high a spec as possible. Presumably the 90HP ones are best avoided ? ( currently have a 90hp picasso which is certainly no ball of fire !)

[NikpV]

I don't think you could get a 90bhp one of that age - 115 or maybe 130 (think a bit ear;y for that??)

[Ivor_E_Tower]

90BHP still available in LX trim at that age, and best avoided. Go for a zetec or Ghia. Avoid auto transmission as there seem to be a fair number of issues with it (several forum members reporting rebuilds at cost of around 2 grand !!).

Make sure cambelt has been changed if car has done over 40,00 miles, make sure aircon works and that you get a warranty that covers the aircon for at least 12 months from date of purchase.

Otherwise, usual things like make sure that all electrical items work, reasonable tread depth on all tyres including spare (make sure that the winch works ....).

Don't forget that only 1 remote locking key comes as standard.

Running costs: At least 30mpg possible around town (more likely 35 in my experience) and nearer 50 on longer runs if you stick to the legal limits. Servicing costs will vary with geography - much worse in London and south-east. Service interval is 10,000 miles or 1 year, 2 "minor" services then a "major", then 2 minors then a major (get the pattern?) with cambelt change every 40,000. Minor services are around

[NikpV]

:( :(

90BHP still available in LX trim at that age

 

I stand corrected :P

 

Note what Ivor said re: autobox ours was replaced with new one by ford under warranty at 45000 miles, parts + labour

[NikpV]

Oh and if you can, check the aux heater works, this seems to cause more than a few problems judging by the number of posts here. Now that summer :( is on its way this may be difficult to do since you need to start the car from cold with air temp less than about 8C, the heater is located under the left sill just in from of the rear wheel - look for a small exhaust pipe there, its smokes a bit when starting but there shouldn't be clouds of it.

 

Cheapest tyres I've found (215/55 REINFORCED) are about

[Ivor_E_Tower]

Now that summer <_ is on its way ......>

Well, my aux heater kicked in this morning when I drove to work ;)

[Guest apk1]

Thanks for prompt replies, will do a search re aircon probs and start looking.