Buying a GT TDi 150 bhp

[Shrodinger's Cat]

Hi All

I am new to the board and only stumbled across it on my quest for information about the GT TDi 150 bhp.

As you are all no doubt knowledgeable in the way of the Golf, I was wondering if you might like to share your opinions on this car.

Also, I don't want to go too nuts and spend loads of money (was thinking of around ?10000). Would I be better looking at the 130, the 115 or the 110 rather than the 150?

All opinions gratefully received.

p.s. My previous car was a Golf Mark II diesel (1990 G reg). Slow as a week in the jail.

[Stevie Callaghan]

I think you may struggle to get a 150 PD for 10k, you should get a 130 for around 10k. Paid ?9500 for my 130, silver, 3-door 02 reg with sport pack, winter pack, cruise, auto dimming mirror and a few other bits. Actually thought that wasn't a bad price. There are a lot that are expensive though.
 You prob allready know that the 115/130/150's are the PD engines and have the 6-speed box, the 110 isn't a PD and has a 5-speed box.
Other than that  i don't know much more about them exept in the 2 months i've had mine I can honestly say its the most unreliable car i've had!! Just one of those things i suppose.

Steve

[Shrodinger's Cat]

Thanks for the advice.  Perhaps I'll look into the 130's a bit closer. Sounds like you got a good price. Is there much difference in performance?

Shocked   to hear that it 's the most unreliable car you've had. Is this the general consensus? Should I look elsewhere?

[Stevie Callaghan]

Not sure on the performance difference between 130-150, but there obviously will be one. As regards to reliability, just a bit unlucky. Wouldn't sell it though as it is surprisingly quick, and 'in gear' acceleration is almost unbelievable. I would buy another. And as its a Golf it will always have a good residule value.

Steve

[Shrodinger's Cat]

Thanks again Stevie.

Next - I must source the perfect model, with the exact spec that I want. This may take some time...

[topher]

Don't forget ?11k will get you a brand new PD130 Skoda Fabia VRS, thats a serious piece of kit for very sensible money. A full warranty is always nice too  

I'd always choose a golf but just throwing that suggestion out there.

Performance-wise a PD130 will kick out about 150bhp as standard anyway so dont worry about being as quick as a PD150, you can always get it remapped.

As for buying advice in general, do a quick search for "buying advice" in this here MK4 section to familiarise yourself with the more common mk4 golf faults.

Chris.

[Shrodinger's Cat]

thanks v much tophuh

will look into these aspects

The Cat

[frosticles]

I have a PD150 and love every minute in the thing (specially when re-mapped) As said though, You will struggle to get one for the 10k mark For that money, I'd go for the PD130 in GT trim which is a very nice car. Get it chipped and never look back (Only at the others you storm by)  

[Shrodinger's Cat]

Thanks to y'all for your help.

Maybe I should save a wee bit harder and go for the 150.

Chris, you said something about the 130 kicking out 150 bhp. This has confused me no end!?

Will it give 150 bhp once modified or as standard. If as standard then why is it called the 130 and why was it succeeded by the 150?

Also, scuse my ignorance, but what's remapping (presuming it's to do with the electronics) and does it affect fuel economy, warranty, insurance etc?

Questions questions questions...

[S11EPS]

The PD130 would kick out around 150bhp as the PD's are notorious for 'over-achieving' when it comes to power.

Most of the PD150's leave the factory with high 160's, mine was rolling roaded a couple of months back (as standard) at 186bhp.

Re-mapping is a term used to describe altering the manufacturers standard ecu settings for timing, fueling, economy, boost etc and modifying it to deliver more power.

Years ago this was referred to as 'chipping' (as a new chip would be hard soldered into the ecu) but now manufacturers software is simply modified or over-written. Plenty of people on here have had it done, with some great results.

In terms of the implications, obviously you're supposed to tell your insurance company. Many tuners boast their re-map are invisible, even to the manufacturers, so the chances of an insurance company finding the modified code are slim, but they do still exist.

Warranty, as above - if the manufacturers can't find the remap, they wouldn't be able to deny a warranty claim. But if they do, you will have a big argument on your hands to get them to pay for something they will argue was damaged by altering their product.

As for economy, most diesel drivers who have opted for a remap actually report an increase in fuel economy, which has got to be a bonus!!

I'd say if you can save that bit more, go for a 150. Better suspension as standard, 16" wheels over 15's, woody bits inside etc etc.