Citroen Xsara Picasso - buying used.

Johnmcl7

skittles_m wrote: »

I also don't have the DPF which I believe was introduced as standard in 2008. Before that it was an option (but don't see why anyone would want it!)

OP of you can find a mk5 Golf TDI or an Audi A3 tdi. I'd stick with the 140 variant, the 170 ones haven't been very reliable

The DPF wasn't an optional extra in the UK, it was required on the Euro IV engines with higher particulate counts which for the Skoda Octavias were the 2.0 TDI PD 140bhp 8v engine used in the 4x4/Scout models (not any of the other 140bhp PD engines) and the 2.0 TDI PD 170bhp engine used in the VRS. This is one of the reasons the PD170 engine doesn't have a good reputation as it wasn't designed for the DPF which meant it tended to cause problems, the other big issue was problems with the injectors which were eventually subject to a recall.

The Euro V CR version of the engines all had DPF's but being designed for them they have a lot less issues, there's no exact times for when these came in and there was a crossover period for the Octavias between the older engines, interiors and facelifted models meaning some cars had the old exterior but the new engine.

The 1.9 TDI was a solid one but unfortunately not available in higher power outputs in the mk2 Octavias nor any of its VW siblings I assume, when the 2.0 TDI PD140 engine came out the 1.9 was relegated to 105bhp versions until it was eventually replaced by the 1.6TDI CR engine around 2010.

I'd say it's certainly worth considering the Octavias as they've a huge amount of interior space and plenty of information out there about them.

John

skittles_m

I've driven the old 1.9 TDI's (130 version) and besides its reputation as being extremely reliable, the BKD 2.0 TDI surpasses it in all other areas.

If you want a car that's within 10 years old I'd recommend a 2005-2007 2.0 BKD 140 TDI, without the DPF.

The 2.0 BKD TDI 140 is known to eat through turbos but I think that's partly down to the long life service, which I'd avoid like the plague. It also had injector issues early in its life, but there was a recall by VAG to change the injectors so this shouldn't be a problem anymore. Also, give it around 10 seconds before turning off after a drive, this will give time for the turbo to simmer and cool down.

PS: I'm on my original turbo at 190k miles and since new the oil has been changed every 6 months using nothing else but fully synthetic VW 507 oil.

Overall, the BKD 140 TDI without DPF is an excellent engine if treated and serviced diligently. Only bad point is that, compared to the third gen diesel engines introduced in the past 5 years it sounds a lot more agricultural and it probably is not as fuel efficient. I get around high 30's city driving and 45 on a motorway run.