I am looking at picking up a Golf for the wife and studying up about the various models. Looking at a second hand VI. I am keen to get a 103 TDI manual, however there are not too many around. I am currently driving a VW courtesy car which is a 77 TSI DSG and am quite impressed with it despite being a base model.

OK, the 7 speed DSG I am planning to keep clear off as with the 118 TSI after reading a few of the threads on here.

So how is the 90 TSI. Is it the same engine as the 118 minus the supercharger. Are they reliable?

The DSG 6 speed in the TDI, how reliable are these.

So far I am thinking in order of preference

103 TDI Manual
103 TDI DSG
90 TSI Manual

Looking around the 20k mark. Some of the TSI’s (Trendlines) are a bit cheaper than the TDI’s

What are peoples thoughts. Looking forward to hearing other peoples advice.