I'm thinking of buying a Audi a3 2.0 tdi manual or automatic dsg and just wanted to know if they are reliable I've bin told there not as reliable in comparison to the other engines and wanted to modify and remap the engine.

Just wanted some thoughts and opinions on what engines are the best for doing so 

My previous car was a 2005 2ltr TDI sport, BKD engine. Had it 9 years. Possibly the most reliable car I’ve ever owned. That said,  It wasn’t totally without its problems during my ownership and  it was getting a bit tired  towards the end of my ownershi but it was a Great car, build quality better than my current 2012 1.4 tfsi. Never tuned mine, engine was totally stock. 

They  are plentiful and cheap now. Watch for rust in wheel arches , chasis, noisy, failing turbos 

Edited May 1, 20251 yr by enc

Ok thanks for that just out of interest how many miles did it last u if u can remember and what was the problem for it giving up 

Bought at 80k sold at 140 odd k. Still on original clutch, exhaust, turbo etc. had replaced wings due to corrosion they rust from inside out. Rear arches can rust but mine were perfect due to me keeping on top of mud/ silt from building up. Chasis also rot free due to keeping on top of it with regular cleaning. I’d replaced dampers and wishbones during my ownership but rear arms bushes were getting tired  

no major defects just got bored  with it and fancied a change. 
the turbo was always a bit winey but never got worse and always a bit of smoke on first start up, again this never got any worse and is caused by oil leaking past the piston rings after a long stand. Another common issue. in the nine years I had the car as said, never got any worse. Couple of pics from the advert when I sold it…

 

Edited May 1, 20251 yr by enc

Ahh won’t let me look at them I guessing it’s pictures 

poxy site wont allow linking to imgur 😁  should be working now...

 

as said, bought at 80k sold at 150K in better condition than when I bought it 😄

Yh I see now 

quite a niece example of a 2 L u had there same as me and what I’m looking at getting but auto dsg 5door