velocette

I have noticed my Octy is very sensitive to overfilling. When first purchased I was keen to check mpg by brimming the tank but soon learnt to stop filling when the pump clicked off. I would suggest the second click could be click too far. Velocette

I read this in the Telegraph yesterday and was somewhat concerned as I have a 54 reg 1.9 tdi Elegance DSG with 72k on the clock. Is there any indication that anybody knows of concerning the criteria about failure of this component? Age, mileage, BF change etc that might help me and others take a view on the likelihood of failure. As it happens I bought this car from a main dealer with a 1 year full warranty which expires next July. I do a high mileage and change cars based largely on the economics, so might well consider chopping it in at some stage or waiting for it to blow and then claiming! Thanks Velocette

A very big thank you to Nathanio for posting the advice about how to fix the cruise control switch. I did it this evening when we got back after a weekend away and - it works! Getting the module out of the stalk is very simple. A little judicious levering with a screwdriver eases the rear (dashboard facing) side of the stalk off allowing for the easy removal and unplugging of the module. Getting the tork screws out proved the most difficult part as I didnt have the right tool, but a very small screwdriver blade proved effective in the end. The various contacts were cleaned with a cotton bud dipped in nail varnish remover (ie acetone - all I could find) and then dried with another cotton bud,reassemble and test drive. 20 mins from start to finish. Interestingly the original, Danish author of the note commented that his cruise control failed at 85k kms (53k miles), mine was inoperative when purchased at 57k. Thanks also for advice about the boot lock. I think a combination of remote button pushing and fiddling with the locking switch by the gearlever plus a bit more experience did the trick. Anyway one click to unlock the drivers door, two for all doors and then the boot operates on the button above the number plate or with the remote. Now done 600 miles in the car and very pleased with the drive. Thanks to all, Velocette.

Thanks for the very helpful and positive input. Yes, I have read the manual. Or rather, I have one but like many of us RTFM applies too often in my case. The link to the page on cleaning the contacts in the the operating arm really appeals, and I love the pidgin english as well - terrific, great link! There is nothing more I like than taking things to bits in a bodge-like way and then making it work. As it doesnt work anyway not much to lose if I muck it up. If push comes to shove I can get another arm from the scrappy too at minimum to restore the cosmetics and even the functionality. What does puzzle me is that the boot can only be unlocked by button-pressing the key. OK I can live with it, but if the key fails what's the fall back? Sorry for the longish post for those of you of with a tenuous grip on the subject, but I am grateful to you all. Thanks, Velocette

Thanks to the advice received on this forum i took the plunge and traded my mk1 manual for a mk2 1.9tdi Elegance DSG. Nothing wrong with my original car, far from it in fact, I was delighted with the reliability and economy. It was a lovely car and somebody will get a bargain, but my left foot has had a persistent ligament problem not helped by gearchanging and 30k a year. I have had the DSG for a week now and am delighted with it. My last one was a lowly 90bhp and this is 105bhp. That and a sixth gear has transformed the performance and overall the ride is excellent and there is distinct and very positive difference between the two. I have been pleasantly surprised at all the extras. I knew about the glasses box in the rooflining, very handy, and all the storage areas. I was pleasantly surprised to find I have headlamp washers, automatic wipers (hey, what are they doing turning themselves on and off?!) and a self dipping rear view mirror. However two minor issues which perhaps you gurus can help me with. Firstly I can only seem to unlock the boot with the key. Its a big chunky thing with three buttons, the middle one when pressed unlocks the boot. But surely one click or perhaps two on the door opening button should work? I have tried various clicking combinations and can even open all the windows from across the car park, but the boot remains locked. All OK with the button, but what if the battery runs out? Suggestions welcome. Secondly I have cruise control on the car, which is useful for long motorway stretches. However this doesnt seem to work at all - and I have even read the manual, hows that for dedication! It is on a stalk to the left of the wheel, rather than on the steering wheel as with my previous car. The switch is in the "on" position and pressing the "set" button has no effect. I have tried various combinations of switching on and off, pushing buttons, switching the engine off etc. with no luck. Is there something I dont know here? Perhaps a minor but well known problem that would easily fix it? Failing that a trip back to the dealer I think. Anyway, all suggestions welcome, thanks, Velocette

Just bought a 54 1.9tdi with 57k on the clock, with a year's MOT and a new cambelt. Concerned at 60k? Dont be, its average mileage for the average car and these diesels are not average - they are capable of monstermiles. If you are buying from a dealer then you will probably get, as I did with my last Octavia, a one year Skoda guarantee. Thes e are well worth having in my opinion and I would happily pay, say, £300 above the market price for comfort that this would give. Just check on autotrader that the price is sensible and I really would not worry in the least about that mileage, it really is very modest so be guided by condition, service history, no. of owners etc. Good luck! Velocette

These mileages are very impressive, and there are also very positive comments about the DSG on other sites as well. I am grateful to all for their comments - you've convinced me! Velocette

Many thanks for the additional comments, confirms my own and others thinking. I dont worry too much about budget, I am more limited by how much I feel comfortable spending, not that I am rolling in it, than the cost as such. I am one of those who always looks for the deal, I enjoy the hunt and when I find the car I will certainly enjoy it. Had some terrible trade in suggestions on my current car from a couple of dealers so it will be an interesting challenge! Thanks again all, Velocette

Many thanks to all for their helpful responses. Looks like a largely thumbs up but with a need to just check the pick up from a standing start. One of the things that I dislike about conventional autos is the slow take off as the things spins up, I had a Merc 300d with the straight six which was abysmal on take off but fine once moving. My current vehicle is indeed a turbo model, and within its limits performs well, it runs out of grunt at 2.5k or so revs but more than punches it weight at motorway speeds so i am sure a 140bhp motor will be much more relaxed if at the penalty of a few mpg. so I will start looking around and make sure I take a round town test drive. so if anybody has an Elegance dsg with less than about 35k on the clock, and even fancies a swap then just let me know! Cheers, Velocette

Dear All, I have a Mk1 1.9 90bhp that does eveything I need extremely well. I drive around 25k miles a year so need something reliable (brilliant in that respect) economical (diesel, 53.43mpg over the last 1k miles, cheap to buy and service) and capable of taking all the usual luggage, dog etc without being too big. So a great car and I am very happy with it - but the problem is my left foot isnt. I have a problem which is causing acute pain and possible bone problems as well which may need an operation. It is a well known condition to do with the arch and sole, and unfortunately aggravated by using the clutch. I have changed the seat distance etc but it is getting worse and the condition is not going away anytime soon. So, what next? The obvious answer is an auto Octy, and if I change the car I would take the opportunity to upgrade to a Mk11 with DSG and preferably in Elegance trim with the 2.0 tdi to give it a bit more poke. I have seen various cars advertised that fit the bill and I reckon I am looking at around a 3-3.5k cost to change to get a 54/05 vehicle with less than 30k miles to that spec. My current vehicle is an 04 Ambiente SE with a brand new MOT, two new tyres and in excellent condition. I have searched the forum and found various feedback about the DSG box. Economy looks fine, but can be a bit lumpy on the change? I would need any car I buy, which would be about 30k miles, to run to at least 100k over the next three years with just routine service. A gamble I know but is this a sensible expectation? Advice and comments welcome, my first post since joining a while back. I have enjoyed reading the informed comments here, Thanks, Velocette