Looking at buying a 2010 66TDI Diesel

**MrB** · 18-03-2016, 10:55 PM

Hi guys,

I'm new to VW's, and looking at buying a used Polo Diesel very soon.

I've found 2 cars, one is 77,000km for $11,990 and the other is 100,000km for $11,900 w/ Timing belt just completed.
Both full log book at VW.

Can anyone provide an insight in what to look for during an inspection, and what to ask?
I'm somewhat mechanically savvy, but as mentioned, no exp. with VW.

And, how much does the timing belt service cost?

**alexaescht** · 19-03-2016, 08:28 AM

Timing belt service through VW will cost you $1,200+. I bought a Gates timing belt kit and a Hepu water pump online and provided it to a trusted Euro independent and the entire job including parts and labour was well under $600 (less than half the VW price).
If they both have full VW log book servicing I'd imagine they're both in good mechanical order, but drive them both and make sure there is no hesitation, rough idle/rough running or 'pinging' during acceleration at low revs, and make sure the engine revs cleanly to redline during acceleration.
Our TDI has been and still is driven pretty abusively (I'm not the one who drives it - it's my sister's car and she has zilch mechanical sympathy) yet at 132,000km it still runs just as well as it did when we picked it up with 7,000km on the clock.
We did have injector issues early on, but they were fixed under warranty. Symptoms are obvious - engine cutting out at idle, poor acceleration, loud pinging and general rough running.
Overall I have to say they seem pretty bulletproof considering what ours is put through and these engines are rated to 300,000km+ in the Caddy vans they're also used in.

Are you going manual or DSG?

**alexaescht** · 19-03-2016, 08:31 AM

Here are some resources for you as well:
What the injectors sounded like pre- and post-replacement:
https://youtu.be/fE8m2aAq7do

How to change oil and oil filter:
https://youtu.be/pGrPGD3DZBM

Alex.

**MrB** · 19-03-2016, 08:53 AM

Thanks heaps Alex, I really appreciate your info.

I was leaning more towards the 100,000km car because of the timing belt service already being completed but if it's only ~$600 (because I'm like you and provide the parts to the mechanic) then I can live with that coming up soon.

I'm looking at the DSG because my wife is using it for work around town and doesn't have her manuals. She'll be doing around 1000-1200km a week. Any known issues to look for with them that I can test?

**alexaescht** · 19-03-2016, 09:23 AM

No problem

I'd personally be wary of the DSG, as the 230Nm output of the 1.6TDI is very close to the 250Nm torque limit of the DSG box, however there have been many with 250Nm GTIs that haven't had issue, so you may very well have no issue at all.
Things to look out for with the DSG are mainly shuddering, not-smooth gear changes etc. and ask to make sure all the recalls/campaigns have been done for the DSG box.
If you want me to help you with getting the parts for the timing belt just let me know. Drop me a private message, always happy to help.

Here's the breakdown of the timing belt cost:
Water pump $81
Timing belt kit $276
Labour $297
Total: $654

**Guest001** · 19-03-2016, 10:28 AM

For around the town use I would buy a petrol It takes 20 mins for a diesel to get to optimum operating temp and they run best hot and long. Will S++t up the DPF a lot faster with short cold running.

**alexaescht** · 19-03-2016, 10:29 AM

Originally Posted by Hillbilly

For around the town use I would buy a petrol It takes 20 mins for a diesel to get to optimum operating temp and they run best hot and long. Will S++t up the DPF a lot faster with short cold running.

He says "1,000 to 1,200 kms per week" that's plenty enough for the DPF

**Guest001** · 19-03-2016, 10:43 AM

Originally Posted by alexaescht

He says "1,000 to 1,200 kms per week" that's plenty enough for the DPF

I saw that but could be several short trips around town during the day and a reasonable run in and home. Whatever, just pointing out what could happen which would make me WARY of using a diesel for that.

**alexaescht** · 19-03-2016, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by Hillbilly

I saw that but could be several short trips around town during the day and a reasonable run in and home. Whatever, just pointing out what could happen which would make me WARY of using a diesel for that.

Yeah that's certainly true. DPF issues are a pain in the...

**MrB** · 19-03-2016, 11:41 AM

Yeah, very good points. There are a lot of km's but each stop will be long enough to cool down the engine again (1.5hours roughly).

I'll have a look at petrols too, I'm sure they're also pretty good on fuel and probably cheaper