Im looking at buying an '07 vRS TDi from a dealer, but the car is currently in the workshop for a "mysterious misfire" as they called it. I have little details exactly what is going on but slightly concerned in case i might end up spending good money on a dog of a car. Is this something common at all or are there generally fixes that sort things like this for good? Thanks

If its from a dealer then it should still have warranty left on it when you buy, so you have peice of mind there. I personally wouldn't worry too much because when they sell the car it "should" be in tip top mechanical condition. Most cars go wrong every now and again and its to be expected. Maybe worth voicing your concerns to the dealer and maybe haggle for an extended warranty on the car. Good luck.

Can diesels miss fire as they don't spark?

Steve

No but you can have other things on a TDI that might make it feel like it's a misfire

In short, yes they can but it is a bit different to a petrol miss-fire. In diesels it's created by a lack of fuel to the cylinder.

It is different and Cheezemonkai is correct, I guess its just the word "miss fire" is used in both petrol and deisels.

Edited 9 June, 200917 yr by Fitz323
More info

In short, yes they can but it is a bit different to a petrol miss-fire. In diesels it's created by a lack of fuel to the cylinder.

It is different and Cheezemonkai is correct, I guess its just the word "miss fire" is used in both petrol and deisels.

Lack of fuel or too much fuel that quenches the explosion.

By it's nature a derv runs air rich and the explosion will only take place when the fuel/air mix is compressed enough to make it go bang.

So in derv terms the nearest you'd get to a true misfire is a no fire really.

There's still 13mths of warranty on it so that dosent bother me so much, i just dont want to have to be taking it back to get it sorted out after a few days of ownership!

Find out what the problem is then look it up and if you're unsure about it walk away as there will always be others.

I'll ask them for more info about what it was when they ring to tell me i can come take a look at it, so i'll be back!

Are wee talking of a Skoda dealer that you are buying the car from or an independent?

At least the dealership is being honest (hopefully) in admitting there is a problem. Either way, once they have the car fixed ask to see a copy/print out of the workshop jobsheet and diagnostic reports. Afterwards, remember the car has a three year warranty so you will have some time to go on this.

Good luck.

Are wee talking of a Skoda dealer that you are buying the car from or an independent?

At least the dealership is being honest (hopefully) in admitting there is a problem. Either way, once they have the car fixed ask to see a copy/print out of the workshop jobsheet and diagnostic reports. Afterwards, remember the car has a three year warranty so you will have some time to go on this.

Good luck.

Its a Skoda main dealer. I like the salesman's honesty there full stop, only spoken to him on the phone a couple of times but he just comes out with stuff you'd not expect a salesman to say! Im sure i'll be able to have a good chat about what the problem was & what they did when i get to go see it finally! Its an '07 plate by the way so will have 13mths left on its warranty. The warranty dosent bother me unduely, i'd rather not buy a dog of a car basically that spends its time in the garage being fixed for a problem its got now!