1.8 TSI vs 2.0 TDI

[hannemanne]

I have looked into buying a Seat Leon mk3, probably the facelifted version as i like the design of this car alot, i have decided it will either be the 1.8 TSI with 180hp or the 2.0 TDI with 184 hp.
So my question is, have any of you guys had any problems with these cars and are there any common faults on them to beware of before buying, and what would you guys recommend? I drive about 25k miles a year with a long drive once every two weeks approx.

 

[RADIOTWO]

I don't think there in any specific problems with either engine, but i think you need to ask are you wanting fuel economy, as you are doing a lot of miles annually I would go for the TDI

 

[Bluepower]

Both have pros and cons:
2.0TDI: far more fuel economical
easy to tune(because of the torque, feels quicker of the line) but the 2.0 has a weakness in the block causing cracks under high boost
has the DQ250 gearbox (if you get one with the DSG ofcourse)
Cons: diesel

1.8TSI: less fuel economical (although better then the 2.0 petrols)
also pretty easy to tune, but limited to the
DQ200 gearbox is weak and can't handle too much torque plus the clutches wear out quickly even in stock form..

Based on this, I would go for the 2.0TDI with DSG

 

[Pinky]

Owned a 184tdi FR manual since new in Nov 2015. 104,000 miles. Nothing has ever failed. Original exhaust, rear discs, suspension. Uses a little bit of oil.
Runs 55-60mpg in cold weather. 65-70mpg summer.
Looked after and not abused.

 

[MarkDH]

I had a 170 PD 2L TDI FR (2008) manual Leon for over 12 years. Brilliant car. Great engine. Loads of torque. Excellent acceleration. Great fuel economy. Every trip over 50mpg. No matter how I thrashed it.
I have had a 1.8TSI FR DSG (2018) for just under 2 years now. Had 18k on the clock when bought.
The two cars are like chalk & cheese.
Even in the sport setting or using the paddles, the car is not as responsive or quick off the mark as the old diesel. And the fuel consumption over that time (7k) has averaged 41mpg. And that's driving miss Daisy style! When I do thrash it (rarely) the fuel consumption plummets.
I don't do high mileage so not too much of an issue but still annoying.
Apart from a great interior with all the latest gizmos, I really, really preferred my old diesel.