2.0 CDT vs 1.8T
 

Potentially considering swapping my CDT for a 1.8T (petrol cars are cheaper tax wise here + low emission zones everyone)

The 1.8T only has 71.000 km (44.000 miles), but how is the 1.8T reliability wise compared to the CDT?

I know there's an infamous head gasket problem, is it a big job? at what miles do most common issues occure with the 1.8t?

The diesel has usual crankshaft pulley issues, gearbox slave cylinder etc .. same for 1.8t?

The 1.8 is a very underrated engine, yes they can suffer from head gasket issues, check the water level weekly and you wont go far wrong, replacing the head gasket is pretty straightforward should you need to.

No crank pulley problems to worry about, the slave cylinder has the same failure issues as the diesel as it is the same design.

The driving experience is better with the 1.8 as the engine is much lighter and this allows the car to be a lot better balanced.

In my experience clutch slave cylinders fail much more often on diesels than 1.8 petrols.

My 1.8t has 209,800 miles on the clock and is still on its original clutch and slave cylinder.

Great engine, very well suited to the car especially in zt form. I had one for a year and I’ve enjoyed using it but the big disadvantage is the fuel economy. I always averaged less than 30mpg even on long runs, my replacement diesel is miles better on fuel. They do feel more nimble though, a lot less weight over the front axel makes for a more engaging driving experience.

I would only consider a diesel if it’s an auto, I wouldn’t consider a manual even if it was extremely cheap, there’s always that dark cloud looming over of slave cylinder going! I always though the 1.8’s were easier on clutches due to the lighter pressure plate. You don’t hear of as many on here but I’m not in the trade so I can’t comment. They also aren’t as bad for headgaskets but when it does go you need to change the turbo too otherwise it will fail soon after, they are very susceptible to bearing damage when a bit of water goes through. But it’s a straightforward job.