1.9 CDTi 150 engine - advice

[bertxuk]

Looking to change from Vec to nearly new Astra 1.9CDTi 150 SRI XP (same engine as Vec apart from DPF? so you folks have lots of experience to draw on).

I know that they are really nice to drive and give a very good performance/ economy/co2 balance but having looked at the info on here (and the www generally) about issues/problems with this engine, would I be better off avoiding?

Any thoughts/advice much appreciated.

Cheers

[parsco]

I think the generally consensus is that they are hit or miss. You'll either get a good one with no problems at all or you'll get one that keeps getting problems.
If it's been well serviced and looked after then i would say that there should be no problem. And the last person who owned it didn't have a really heavy foot then there hasen't been a lot of stress on the engine.

HTH

[sdemps]

There was a poll done on here a while ago about whither or not you have had a problem with this engine. The result really showed it was down to your luck really. I've had a few problems but wouldn't change it's a great engine IMO loads of power and good economy, best of both worlds. Plus the bits are cheap for the common faults just need to find a friendly mechanic.

[signum_1.9]

I'd say that it depends on the mileage that you are covering too. If its all short journeys that are stop and start then petrol is the way forward.

The CDTI doesnt like being driven stop start and not getting the chance to warm up.

Mine is on an 06 plate and has covered 49k miles and in the last 2 weeks has had the EGR cleaned out and Inlet manifold (swirls) replaced.

I do about 14k miles a year, a lot of it is stop start, but we get a few good runs on the motorways to visit family, so it pays for itself then.

Overall, its a brilliant engine, and with the Caterman Box fitted, it can give the Sister in Laws 530d Beemer a run for its money.

Good luck to you if you get it, you'll enjoy it. Just dont be fobbed off by Vx service

[Stevel]

I'm on my second. First one needed a new EGR Valve after 33,000 miles. 90% motorway always allowed to warm up properly and the turbo allowed to cool dowm at the end of each trip.

Current one is OK so far at 18,000.

The engine is great but I wouldn't own one out of warranty and have now decided against a map or tuning box although there are plenty of people who have had no problems at all. If I didn't have to travel so far I'd go for the 2.0 turbo.

The Astra goes like a train with the 150 cdti and you'll have close to three years warranty on a nearly new one.

[bertxuk]

Thanks all.

It will probably be a low mileage (under 5k) ex-Vx management.

My use currently (but could change if job moves) will be less than 10k per year with a typical commute during the week of 20 miles round trip.

Is that going to be bad for it?

Am tempted by looks, driving experience, economy and 120/125 tax on post jan 08 149gm models.

[signum_1.9]

TBH, it should be ok on that. As long as it warms up on the drive and you dont hammer it.
Should be fine!

[Stevel]

My round trip is 60 miles per day and the EGR still gave up the ghost. It's a modern engine and a few things have been put right in the later models so personally with a warranty why not. The Missus next lease car will be one.

[signum_1.9]

Since my EGR and manifold were sorted by Vx, I have noticed how much quieter and smoother it is. Even quieter than when I got it 2 yrs ago with 24K on the clock. The modified parts seem far better

[bertxuk]

This is all good stuff thanks.

What's this about warming up on the drive and cooling down after a run? I normally start up and drive off and turn off when I get there! :-)

What about this DPF stuff? Is that what they fitted to get it under 150gms co2? Do they give problems?