Hi guys,

My parents are looking for a new car, and went to have a look at a 1.9 TDI Octavia estate last night. As it had a 6-speed gearbox, I'm assuming it's the 130 bhp version, with the engine from the Fabia VRS (ASZ code).

Anyway, it seemed OK, except for a slight noise when picking up drive - if you changed up a gear at up to approx 2,000 rpm, as you let the clutch pedal up and started to accelerate, you'd get a slightly rattly/rumbly noise (the best way I can think of describing it is "a bit like a cat purring, but a bit deeper"). It's only present for a few seconds, and goes away as you accelerate when driving normally (not pushing it). It's not an overly loud noise, although I could easily hear it in the back seat. Any ideas what it might be? Just wondering if it's a characteristic of the engine, or a sign of something failing?

Also, there was a slight high-pitched squeaking noise on a couple of occasions ... sounded a bit like an alternator belt ... can the alternator belt in the Mk I Octavia make that noise? Or would it be something else?

Thanks for any info.

If the noise goes away when the engine's revved harder, it's characteristic of the Dual Mass Flywheel.

Otherwise, maybe there's a cat stuck in the gear linkage?

Thanks, Ken.

If the noise goes away when the engine's revved harder, it's characteristic of the Dual Mass Flywheel.

Not good then - probably a case of steer clear (I know I can get an OEM DMF on service-exchange for my Fabia for about £125, so I assume it would be about the same + fitting, but that would mean there's more interesting things around at the same cost).

Otherwise, maybe there's a cat stuck in the gear linkage?

Could always be a miniaturised lion cub! Had about that sound to it!

Edited 20 July, 201015 yr by martinch