T5 1.9 vs 2.5 TDI

[matt13]

Looking at buying a 2nd hand T5.
Have had the 6speed 2.5 TDI previously but am currently looking at a 1.9 5 speed.
Don't need to tow or carry any weight, just for camping, surfing and mountain biking.
Any pros or con's on a 1.9 over a 2.5?
Cheers

[IN2VWS]

Never had a 2.5 TDI, but my previous T5 was a 1.9 TDI Crewvan.
I had it chipped, and found it to be quite nice to drive. Had all the power I needed. It was more economical than my current van. I was getting 6.5-7 l/100km out of a tank.

[gldgti]

for the use you describe, I'd go 1.9 every day. The 2.5 has a much more involved maintenance schedule. The 1.9 is so easy to maintain, and it will do whatever you need unless you want to to multiple tonnes.

Recently did 2500km around NZ in a 1.9 T5 camper, and it used on average 8l/100km with me driving it like I wished it was my audi (all those perfect driving roads!)

[Diesel_vert]

2.5 R5 PD TDI engines not equipped with a DPF requires the use of engine oil which complies with VW oil standard 506.01, which is expensive and difficult to source.

[Transporter]

Any pros or con's on a 1.9 over a 2.5?

As others said, the 1.9TDI is a nice engine, well proven and should last forever when maintained properly.
Though there is one disadvantage, the 1.9TDI has timing belt to replace on regular bases, which could be expensive, where the 2.5TDI has no timing belt to worry about. Haven't said that, when buying secondhand (you can't buy new anymore ) and especially with higher mileage, the 1.9TDI is much safer option, since the repairs on 2.5TDI are very expensive.

[Umai Naa!!]

You still have the Gates couplings to do on the 2.5, which are not cheap.

I've got a 1.9. Even fully-laiden with all my gear, it keeps up with the traffic.

I could've gone for a 2.5, but for the same money, it'd be a massive punt.

[Transporter]

Yes, the couplings need changing as well (every 150,000km - no time limit?). I'd be already saving for a second timing belt kit and the water pump if I went for 1.9TDI, while I'm still on the original couplings.

It's not as massive punt when you buy a very low mileage.

[SGG]

We have a manual LWB 1.9 T5 with a Oettinger ECU upgrade and converted to an 8 seater people mover. We are happy with it. Had it for 4.5 years now (bought as a 2.5 year old demonstrator from VW Aust). Only done 42K and only had to do the basic maintenance.

At the time we bought it I couldn't justify the $8,000 extra for a 6 speed manual 2.5l engine. Would have liked the 400nm motor but 300nm gets the job done