Some advice from the tdi geeks!

[Dan_GTI]

well my pride and joy is sold and gone and already regretting it but i need a diesel. been looking at tdi 130 golfs and boras but as im a petrol man can someone tell me what to watch out for?

[Adam]

Clutch and boost pipe lugs.

[Gareth F]

DMF is a big thing, clutch and DMF are about £900 in parts before you even think of labour.

[tech1889]

smf can be fitted no ??

[flamotronic]

smf can be fitted no ??

I wouldn't touch SMFs with a barge pole if you don't want vibrations entering your car. Even if you can cope with the vibrations they are not very healthy for the gearbox!

In response to the OP, check the response of the turbo for failure, i.e. the usual tell-tale signs of failure (oil consumption, smoke, unfamiliar noises, etc.). Oh, and the common and well-noted PD150 'chocolate' camshaft can affect PD130s too (even if some disagree or if it isn't a common fault for those engines), so if you are able to, whip off the cam cover to check for signs of wear and tear. If so, walk away, or budget at least a grand for repair! 

Finally, make sure the cambelt has been changed as per service history.

[Adam]

With regards to the chocolate camshafts they are known to go on the 130PD as well. Only way to tell is a ticky idle on cold start and to remove the cam cover and inspect the cam lobes and tappets for wear.

Other than the other common faults for the mk4 (Windows, water pump and the rear wiper motor) there really isn't too many more other than what is listed above.