90 TSI reliability (or buy a 103 TDI)

I also have a 90TSI 6 speed manual.
What is it with replacing rear pads and rotors at such low k's?
When I was told that I needed new rear brakes I laughed at the guy and told him to stop telling me crap. But for sure he wasn't telling crap, I needed new rear brakes.
I also needed a new turbo at about 60,000ks (ish), they say due to a sticking waste gate. I've had mine for 3 years next week. 110,000 k's no oil used, however, new injectors, software update, turbo & turbo housing (as mentioned earlier) and a water pump at 100,000. I think the water pump at 100,000 is common. This is my second Golf and the first one needed a water pump at 100,000ks too.
Between 2000 & 3000 rpm there seems to be a slight hesitation in acceleration but after that it pulls nicely.
Overall it's a good car, not as good as the MkIV 2.0l Sport I had, but still a good one.

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Originally Posted by Corr

I think the water pump at 100,000 is common.

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Very common. A water pump is often a very cheap part, but may require the timing belt be removed in order to fit it. I've read that it's common to replace the water pump when the belt is changed (assuming the engine uses a belt and not a chain), because the work is being done anyway and it saves the risk of a cheap part going and requiring a stack of labour to replace down the line.

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Originally Posted by Tornado_ALIVE

So far I am thinking in order of preference

103 TDI Manual
103 TDI DSG
90 TSI Manual

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If it's bang for buck then I think diesel is the better alternative, too many reliability issues over a few years ownership with the alternative petrol engines.

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Originally Posted by AdamD

Very common. A water pump is often a very cheap part, but may require the timing belt be removed in order to fit it. I've read that it's common to replace the water pump when the belt is changed (assuming the engine uses a belt and not a chain), because the work is being done anyway and it saves the risk of a cheap part going and requiring a stack of labour to replace down the line.

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They're chain-driven. The pumps have been replaced due to various failures, not so much prevent of potential failures.

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Originally Posted by Corr

I also have a 90TSI 6 speed manual.
What is it with replacing rear pads and rotors at such low k's?
When I was told that I needed new rear brakes I laughed at the guy and told him to stop telling me crap. But for sure he wasn't telling crap, I needed new rear brakes.
I also needed a new turbo at about 60,000ks (ish), they say due to a sticking waste gate. I've had mine for 3 years next week. 110,000 k's no oil used, however, new injectors, software update, turbo & turbo housing (as mentioned earlier) and a water pump at 100,000. I think the water pump at 100,000 is common. This is my second Golf and the first one needed a water pump at 100,000ks too.
Between 2000 & 3000 rpm there seems to be a slight hesitation in acceleration but after that it pulls nicely.
Overall it's a good car, not as good as the MkIV 2.0l Sport I had, but still a good one.

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How many Ks had the car done before the rear pads and rotors needed doing?

Depending on the driver, most of them will get through to 75,000 before needing brake work.

Well, naturally enough I'm biased towards the 103TDI manual. Excellent fuel economy, I only put BP Ultimate Diesel in the tank, it costs around $100/month. I've just passed 61,000km and it's just celebrated its third birthday.

Yes, the 103TDI/MT combination is difficult to find, and for some reason VWA have decided it's no longer an option.

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Originally Posted by Frankenstrat

Well, naturally enough I'm biased towards the 103TDI manual. Excellent fuel economy, I only put BP Ultimate Diesel in the tank, it costs around $100/month. I've just passed 61,000km and it's just celebrated its third birthday.

Yes, the 103TDI/MT combination is difficult to find, and for some reason VWA have decided it's no longer an option.

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Odd, because manual diesels are the cheapest to service.

Someone told me Euro vehicles typically have soft rotors which wear reasonably quickly. When replacing, replace them with harder aftermarket units.

When I had my Golf V Gt serviced last week I was told that my front pads were 80% but the rears were only 40% Is it usual for the rears to wear out twice as fast as the fronts and ive only done 55,000km,and I hardly use the brakes I always back off way before I have to brake.

Hey Umai Naa
If I remember correctly brakes were done at 60k.
Cheers
Corr