The family wheels

[Neil M]

Golf TDIi 150 PD is bullet proof and residuals (whatever they are) are probably they best of the bunch.

[mattCSLnut]

Originally Posted by Neil M

Golf TDIi 150 PD is bullet proof and residuals (whatever they are) are probably they best of the bunch.

Sorry Neil but the 150 PD TDi is not as bullet proof as U say. Worn out cams, week head gaskets and Boom! Bang! turbos have proven that time & time again
It's the 130 PD TDi that's the best of the TDi bunch. It's even better then the later MK V 140 TDi that has it's fair share of common problems.

[shane@mbtech]

I personally think that VW/Audi in the last 5 years have become very problematic.

[mattCSLnut]

Originally Posted by lawsy

I personally think that VW/Audi in the last 5 years have become very problematic.

That's absolutely correct and it seems more then just your personal opinion. Just look at the systematic problems VAG are having with that 2.0 TDi engine, which BTW accounts for about 80% of their UK car sales. From suddenly failing engine oil pumps, irrespective of mileage (especially terrible on a Diesel) to dodgy injectors (which VAG are now reluctantly recalling after 1000s of their customers reported this problem to VOSA) to failing Head Gaskets & premature Turbo failures. Enough to put you off VAGs for life

[GregorJP]

Thanks all for the contributions. By way of update, the order went in for the Megane yesterday. The consensus view toward the Golf made it a harder decision, but the main reason for the choice is that it's a sportier set up than the Golf (Renaultsport suspension, etc) and you get more extras for the money. Also, had several Golfs but never owned a Renault before and was curious, so we'll see if everything I've read about dodgy reliability is true. The good news is that it's a lease car, so I can drive it like I stole it

[Neil M]

The old man has a Mk.4 Anniversary TDi with the 150 engine as a run about, 123,000mls. and never missed a beat, regular servicing and annual cleaning of the turbo bits sees to that - touch wood!

Anyway GregorJP, I thought this car was your wife's? I'm sure she will get a lot of benefit from it having Renaultsport suspension, did you let her choose the colour?

[GregorJP]

Originally Posted by Neil M

The old man has a Mk.4 Anniversary TDi with the 150 engine as a run about, 123,000mls. and never missed a beat, regular servicing and annual cleaning of the turbo bits sees to that - touch wood!

Anyway GregorJP, I thought this car was your wife's? I'm sure she will get a lot of benefit from it having Renaultsport suspension, did you let her choose the colour?

Mk 4 TDI is a great car. Quick too.

Correct, it's her company car, but in winter I won't use the CSL. The last time she chose her company car we ended up with an Audi A3 1.6 TDI economy version...

I had to do a sales job on the renaultsport suspension in the same way that I have to persuade her to ride shotgun in the CSL with the noise, bumpy ride, squealy brakes and erratic driving. I'm also in the process of persuading her that me buying an E36 M3 track car is a good idea...

[GregorJP]

Originally Posted by GregorJP

Mk 4 TDI is a great car. Quick too.

Correct, it's her company car, but in winter I won't use the CSL. The last time she chose her company car we ended up with an Audi A3 1.6 TDI economy version...

I had to do a sales job on the renaultsport suspension in the same way that I have to persuade her to ride shotgun in the CSL with the noise, bumpy ride, squealy brakes and erratic driving. I'm also in the process of persuading her that me buying an E36 M3 track car is a good idea...

Ladies, just an update on this - took delivery of the Megane this week and I have to say that as a family runabout, it's pin sharp and so much more fun than the Golf we looked at. Very stiff suspension and respectable turn of speed. In fact, I can see why people rave about the Megane Cup.

Meantime, I have not managed to get the CSL off the drive. Snow and Cups don't mix.