Engine Problems and Buyer Guides
One guide per common car engine: the problems it is known for, when they tend to show up, what the fix costs at a European workshop, what a generic OBD2 reader can and cannot show, and what to check before you buy a car with it.
1.2 PureTech
Buy with careStellantis (PSA) · Petrol · 2012-2025
Buy only with invoices showing the right oil, on-time services and a belt check or change, or choose a chain-driven third-generation version.
1.4 TSI
Buy with careVolkswagen Group · Petrol · 2006-present
A belt-driven EA211 (2012 on) is a sensible buy; a chain-driven EA111 only with proof of a replaced chain kit, no cold-start rattle and normal oil use, and an early twincharger only with full history.