VW Turbos For Sale

It depends on the engine and condition. The diesel turbos are the most-searched: a 1.9 TDI (PD) is one of the cheapest at around R4,950, and the 2.0 TDI runs roughly R4,950 – R8,950 depending on whether it is a used pull-off, a reconditioned/exchange unit or new aftermarket. The 1.6 TDI sits around R7,950 – R8,950. On the petrol side the 1.4 TSI is about R5,950, the 1.8 TSI R6,950 – R8,950, and the performance 2.0 TSI (GTI IS20 / Golf R IS38) roughly R7,950 – R9,950. The 3.0 V6 TDI Amarok turbo is the dearest at around R11,000 – R13,500. Submit one quote request and compare verified suppliers for your exact model.

The 2.0 TDI, 1.6 TDI and 1.9 TDI all use variable-nozzle (VNT) turbos, and the most common failure is the VNT vanes and actuator sticking with carbon and soot. That shows up as power loss, going into limp mode, a whistling or whining noise, or black smoke. Sometimes it is just the actuator or a clean-and-recon rather than a whole turbo, and worn injectors, a blocked DPF or EGR faults can mimic the same symptoms — so it is worth having it properly diagnosed before buying a full unit. On any VNT turbo, check whether the electronic actuator is included and calibrated when you compare quotes.

Both are BorgWarner turbos from the EA888 2.0 TSI family, but they are not the same. The Golf 7 / 7.5 GTI runs the smaller IS20; the more powerful Golf R (and Tiguan R) run the larger IS38 — which is also shared with the Audi S3. They are not interchangeable, and fitting the wrong one is the most common VW turbo mistake. Confirm IS20 vs IS38 by VIN and spec before you buy, and tell suppliers your exact model and power output when you request a quote.

Yes — most of them. VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda are all part of the VAG group and share engine families, so the 2.0 TDI (EA189/EA288), 1.6 TDI, 1.9 TDI, 1.4 TSI (EA211) and 1.8/2.0 TSI (EA888) turbos cross over between a VW and its Audi equivalent — for example the Golf R IS38 and Audi S3 IS38, or the VW and Audi 2.0 TDI GT1749V. That is good news for supply, but you must still confirm the exact part number by VIN, because the same engine family can carry several turbo variants across model years.

All three are common in SA. A used pull-off is the cheapest and fine if it has been tested and comes with some warranty. A reconditioned or exchange unit (you surrender your old core) is usually quote-only and carries a longer warranty. New aftermarket or OEM-grade units cost the most but are brand new. On the TDI VNT turbos especially, check whether the actuator is included and calibrated. Get the warranty terms in writing and confirm whether fitment at a qualified workshop is required.

Confirm it by VIN or engine number — VW uses more than one turbo part number per engine. The 2.0 TDI can be a GT1749V or a BorgWarner unit; the 1.6 TDI is commonly 03L253016H; the 2.0 TSI splits into IS20 (GTI) and IS38 (R); and the 1.8 TSI runs K03 or IS20. Tell us your model, year and engine (and ideally your VIN) when you request a quote and verified suppliers across South Africa will confirm the exact unit before you commit.