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Hi,
I am considering buying a 2007 Volkswagen Tsi 1.4 Comfortline Variant (hopefully that's in the right order). The dealer tells me the engine uses a timing chain rather than a timing belt. I've read about faulty timing chain tensioners in some VWs but read it mostly affects models from 2009 on. Do you have any more information about this? I'm getting an AA pre-purchase inspection so hopefully any such problems will be flagged. Thanks

Hi there,
These engines are often "twin-charged" and can be a bit volatile at best. However I have heard about the timing chain issue and the high potential of failure causing damage but mainly possible In vehicles with a manual transmission (possibly not too many in NZ). This can mainly be if the engine is ever left in gear and if the car ever moved it can cause the engine to turn in reverse which slackens the chain and causes it to slip unknowingly.
So regardless of which type, I recommend that when looking for a car, if there is any sort of noise coming from the engine that sounds like a chain rattle, it might be best to steer clear.

Thanks so much. That clarifies things a bit. The one we are looking at is an auto and definitely no chain rattling. Thanks again