MarkyG82

Generally if you copy the CDs the sofware you use will convert to MP3. The standard setting are usually good for most people however you can raise the bitrate of the files (at the copying stage) but this has the knock on affect of lager file size. If using an ssd or even a large sd that shouldnt be an issue. There are other file formats to choose from too (like flac) that offer a better sound quality. They are known as lossless and the idea is they are able to store more information for a given file size. Someone more knowledgable than me will be able to say what file formats are compatible. You can then decide how much space you want to take up compared to the sound quality you require.

Been mentioned quite a lot in the octavia section on the dsg button. Some have managed to get it done under warranty so worth asking IMO.

Software update should be free of charge as it's a known issue. What makes you say that dealers dont use genuine parts? They are obliged to use the correct parts are they not. They dont have skoda stamped on them (not all anyway). Also the Skoda listed prices for timing belt + kit is something like £450 or £500 with water pump. Should all be 'genuine parts'. I would suggest you question the quote as part of your discussion with the dealer.

Timing belt, tensioner kit and pump should be circa £500. Not £1k. Either way it's not a small amount of money. However the car is 4 years old and sounds like you plan to keep it. Might be worth stumping up if found to be the timing belt?

Sounds like you are clued up to the issue now you've had a chance to read up on it. Yep I was wrong. Didn't even think to question the lateral movement. Please let us know how you go. You'd expect a good will as a minimum considering the situation.

Also try searching for fan or auxiliary belt noise on internet/YouTube. See if you can fine something that sounds similar. I would be very surprised if the timing belt itself is making the noise as they don't slip. If they did you would have a very hard time keeping the engine running. Cars used to slip the fan belt quite often up to 15-20 years ago. Modern belts aren't affected so much. My guess is a fan/aux belt slipping and it's nothing to worry about unless it keeps doing it.

With courtesy car included and the potential for a more costly bill you have probably done the right thing declaring it. I have always tried to pay for damage myself even in an accident so it's my default go to.

Off topic warning! Was chatting with a mate at the weekend about posh fuels. He has a vrs tdi (vs my mapped 150 tdi) and always uses supermarket fuel. I pretty much always used v-power and gained a couple mpg (based on the couple of tanks regular when first getting the car). The main time I did notice it was when forced into using regular fuel and not able to use it on longer runs. The v-power was noticeably better around town if I kept using it. However, I do understand that many people see no difference. I think it requires a certain type of driver and journeys to see the benefit.

When it does get a bit warmer you should carry a can with you. it wont be 1000 mile tank unless you actually do it!

Can you wait till they have a definite answer on the damage before paying any excess. If it works out at £795 it could be worth just paying it. If more (new engine, etc.) then get insurance involved. It's not an accident with another party so no need to declare to insurance if you are paying for the repair. Just a thought.

Is no one else thinking 41k is low mileage for pads/discs?

Maybe a new engine could attract the right buyer knowing that there are minimal miles on the power plant?

Quite a lot of the modern VAG engines are plastic sumps. Not sure on specific models. You "upgrade" to a metal one or reinforced undertrays. Must have been quite a hit to go through the tray and bust the sump too. I imagine the sump is somewhat sacrificial. Prob best to inspect as thoroughly as possible before even starting the engine again. Where there any unwanted noises or just smoke?

Provided you didn't drive too far with no oil it should in theory be a new sump (and a few bits) and fill the oil and drive off. Although being a modern car with fancy fangled doojameehicks it'll cost 9 billion shillings and an arm. Ps. Sorry to hear about the issue. I don't want to come across as pointing and laughing.

Is that measured on a Dyno or quoted by the tuner? I think many tuned bigger engines are capable of higher gear tugs up a hill. The dsg however often changes down a gear to keep it in safer torque/vibration Vs revs

@shyVRS245 is there a moosetest vid of a regular FWD superb to compare to the IV? That would be the telling evidence. Good job on the 994 miles. Only 6 more to the magic 1k! I managed 612 last tank with 60 odd remaining. Not a fair comparison though due to the smaller tank and additional EV miles.

Someone please correct me but do the boxes not limit the torque? If the engine is tuned to 500nm does it actually pass 500 to the wheels?

I had seen those before but it's interesting to see them again too the end with the other cars to compare to. Theres no big wobble like you get in SUVs but the GTE/IV is definitely not as controlled as the pug or merc. I wonder how much of that is in the tyres (height and grip level). Mine has 18s I think so mabe a 19 would make a difference. Just forked out for cross climates so wont be changing the wheels anytime soon. The spacers I have are 12 front and 20 rear. An icreased track of 40mm should got some way to improving turn in and the dogbone insert improved the front end of the old car so hoping it helps the new one. When I have it in the air I'll take a look at the roll bar too. It could be a nightmare with the battery/fuel tank but could also be a simple swap out. Drop links with stiffer bushes could also be a big improvement at the same time just to give a bit more control. I think I have a plan forming.

Unfortunately my car doesnt have dcc. I am quite happy with the shocks apart from the bangs and thumps. Will keep an eye our for your comments on the new shocks.

Thanks for that. Very helpful and makes me think if sportline springs would fit... Your final point is very important. It's actually the motorway where I feel the car is unstable. Not uncomfortable just not as stable as my old car. Could be the weight. Dunno. I'll start with the simple stuff. Maybe a RARB as many others have done will help. It's surprisingly good in the corners just after that little bit extra sharpness and positivity.

@Patent The ride height thing is a strange one. I have been trying to work out if the srings are the same as a more normal version (4x4 or tdi?). The increased weight of the battery and other hybrid bits are roughly 200kg. This is equivalent of carrying 3 passengers so not crazy in that respect. My octavia did ride a touch low when loaded but nothing a bit of speedbump avoidance couldnt handle. If the springs are common only to the GTE or IV then would fitting standard spring bring it down enough to be lower I wonder... Having reread my original post It's really badly written and pretty much a brain dump so apologies for that. Having thought that springs may solve some of my needs, I think I may have been looking for the cheaper way out. I think Koni fsd or Bilstein B6 will get done first (or at the same time depending on budget). In the mean time I have spacers and a dogbone insert to fit.

Also Bilstein B6 for non dcc

Noone?

Thanks @JR RS. I actually had a powerflex insert in my old car (2.0tdi dsg) that I really enjoyed having fitted. The GTE is a different beast. Gear change is so smooth due to the ev motor helping with rev matching. The main reason I want it is to tighten up the front end and to remove some of the slop when transitioning from ev to hybrid mode. I already have the part so it's no cost (any longer) just need to find the time to climb under the car.

Not sure point 2 is consistent across phone models. I dont have to unlock mine. It just works. You do have to unlock to do the initial setup though.