The 1.9 pd had been generally a great engine although some later versions (bxe?) have had major mechanical failures. Unfortunately it's getting more difficult to find good cars with this engine as they are all getting on a bit now.

The lower power versions are still surprisingly driveable/torquey - the 100 version tugged my previous Skoda Superb barge along very well indeed.

Re refinement - the 1.9 pd engine has never been known for this. The Audi A4 was better than most due to additional sound proofing, engine mount design and the fact the engine is installed in a longitudinal orientation. Unfortunately the additional soundproofing can also be the Audi's downfall as additional foam has been fitted near the engine bay such as behind the front wings - in time these get wet through and can cause major rust.

Beware the later 2.0pd especially in an Audi - for better refinement it can be fitted with a balance module driven by the same drivetrain that ran the oil pump. This can fail but a side effect is no oil pressure - not great! The pd unit injectors were changed to another manufacturer as well and that didn't go well - triggering a recall I seen to remember.

Avoid any pd engine fitted with a DPF - the cam driven/ electronically operated unit injector pumps were not designed around active regens needed.

Edited by Big John on 09/11/2022 at 09:43