My friend bought a 2002 VW Golf 2.0L a couple years ago and now it likely needs a motor as it's missing and continuously fouling a plug with oil. The assumption is worn rings. I know it has a blown exhaust manifold, possibly from unburned gas that ignited in it. I think it only has around 160,000 miles, so it's surprising to have major problems already.
Now he wants to buy a 2010 Golf TDI. From another friends experience with 2 Jetta diesels and 3 motors, I don't think it will go well in the long run. Since I'm the one that fixes everything that breaks, I'd rather he get something more reliable that has parts that can be replaced with normal tools.
He likes the styling of the Golf and needs the ability to put his drum kit in it. He also drives often and far, with 100 mile roundtrip commutes a few days a week.
What are some other options out there that would be fuel efficient and reliable?
Didn't VW issue a Campaign to update the ECU a few months ago to address emissions, meanwhile reducing fuel economy and increasing DPF regens? How would I be able to tell if the car has had this update? Is there a way to reverse the update?
EDIT: Update at this post https://ecomodder.com/forum/showthre...tml#post576036