MK4 TDI Buying Advice

[JAKEY1]

Hi all I am new to this forum so I hope this is posted in the correct place.

I am looking at buying a Golf Mk4 TDI and was wandering if anyone could advise me on the differences between the 115, 130 and 150 models (apart from the BHP:-). I was also wanting to know what the limitations are on remaping the 115 model as I have seen one for sale locally. Any other buying advise on the Golf would be much appreciated.

I am fairly knowledgeable on engines/engine terminology and have been tinkering with a 1996 VW Transporter for a few years which I have converted into a camper.

[alex160]

Make sure clutch is ok, make sure turbo is nice and punchy and that car deosnt smoke excessivly. As for bhp, the 115bhp has smaller turbo that 130 and 150 but is cheaper on insurance by a fair bit and when remapped is as quick as a stock 150 model. 130 is best all rounder imo, 150 has larger turbo and front mount intercooler than the 115 and 130, but can suffer cam shaft problems which are expensive to rectify.

[JAKEY1]

Ok thanks for the information.

[asif]

As above alot of people will agree the 130 is the best all rounder, perfect balance between power and economy and pleanty of room for more poke at a decent price.

[Kerrse]

As above errmm i personally think the only people who say the 130 is the best all rounder is people who own a 130 lol

150's are great cars 

[asif]

Deffo 150's are great cars no doubting that but as an all rounder i'd say 130pd FTW
Less costly problems to deal with although their not imune to the problems just less likely, so depends how many pennies you got aside after you buy the car to keep aside incase the crank goes. It is the crank that is like chocolate isn't it?

[Rhyso]

Deffo 150's are great cars no doubting that but as an all rounder i'd say 130pd FTW
Less costly problems to deal with although their not imune to the problems just less likely, so depends how many pennies you got aside after you buy the car to keep aside incase the crank goes. It is the crank that is like chocolate isn't it?

Camshaft 

[asif]

Yeah that thing

[Kerrse]

So people always say usually 130 owners loli have done 110k and never had any cam shaft problems. I don't get this whole the 130 is a better all rounder.

The 150 is better trimmed, better powered and better equipped

[Rhyso]

So people always say usually 130 owners loli have done 110k and never had any cam shaft problems. I don't get this whole the 130 is a better all rounder.

The 150 is better trimmed, better powered and better equipped

Consider yourself jinxed.  Steve's went at around 115K.........

Better trimmed? Yes that's why your front armrest is 'optional' and on the 130 it was standard.  Also you don't get that horrible fake wood trim in the 130