1.2 TDI (CFWA) vs 1.8 NA

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.8 NA BUY 80/100
+18 points over 1.2 TDI (CFWA)
0 / 100
CAUTION 1.2 TDI (CFWA) Volkswagen
0 / 100
BUY 1.8 NA Volkswagen

Specifications

1.2 TDI (CFWA)
1.8 NA
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
CAUTION
BUY
Reliability
62
80
Years
2009--2014
1991--2000
Displacement
1199 cc
1781 cc
Layout
I3
I4
Type
Diesel
Petrol Na
Power
75 hp
90 hp
Known Issues
3
1
Total Risk Cost
€850--€2,200
€200--€400

Character

1.2 TDI (CFWA)

"Polo/Fabia/Roomster. 3-cylinder diesel. Timing belt. DPF clogs rapidly in city use. EGR valve fouling. Very low power. Good motorway economy but terrible for Athens stop-and-go. Linked to EA189 Dieselgate."

1.8 NA

"Golf III/IV, Passat B4. Simple 8V NA. Hydraulic lifters. Timing belt (interference). Oil leaks. Nearly unbreakable with basic maintenance. One of VW's most reliable engines."

Issues Comparison

1.2 TDI (CFWA) 3

▲ HIGH
DPF clogging (city driving) €400--€1,200 30,000 km--60,000 km
▲ HIGH
Timing belt (interference) €250--€500 60,000 km--90,000 km
● MODERATE
EGR valve fouling €200--€500 60,000 km--100,000 km

1.8 NA 1

▲ HIGH
Timing belt (interference) €200--€400 60,000 km--90,000 km

Models

1.2 TDI (CFWA) 2

Roomster 5J 2010--2015 Fabia 5J 2010--2014

1.8 NA 1

Golf Mk3 (1H) 1991--1997
Full 1.2 TDI (CFWA) Report Full 1.8 NA Report