Hey, I'm new to the forum and looking to get a vrs, something around 60k and 55 reg

I've had a look through the forum for 'common problems' but in addition i was wondering about some preventative measures to stop problems before they cause damage.

On my S3 the first thing I did was to replace the oil breathers then clean out the rocker cover and sump to stop the oil pick up from cloging up, so was thinking along these lines

I was thinking about removing and clean the turbo and egr as they seem to cause problems, i was wondering what other things you guys would suggest?

Thanks!!!

common problems are very minor i wouldnt worry about them at all , as long as its been well serviced,

all the blown turbo threads are usually cars that have been messed about with , a standard one will be ok.

mine has just had the following

blown fuse for the wipers

reg light bulbs

side light bulb

the fan speed controller has broke and wont work on setting 1 (getting fixed under warranty)

TC light comes on after 10 mins strange on will be a sensor (warranty again)

Squeaky SEAT (getting skoda to look at it ) might had week welds due to the torque of the car pushing you back in the seat

it also had a new turbo at 98k ! but thats because it had been remapped from 40k so i dont think its done too bad.

still on its first clutch 102,000k now !

Personally, I would buy one that had been run. Most of the cars on here that seem to have issues are cars that have been low mileage and then they have been "used", often in combination with a remap. If a car has been driven by Miss Daisy and then a new owner uses all tehj performance they will expose any little flaws that otherwise wouldn't necessarily had been an issue.

If you want to do something preventative then I would change all the bushes, springs and shocks. Delete the EGR valve to stop exhaust muck going back into the top of the engine if you're that way inclined. In general they are pretty well bulletproof.

I was advised to max mine out once a week to keep the injectors clean. Not a problem

I wouldnt say that most of the cars with turbo issues are mapped, just as many like mine went running standard power.

Matt

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/181083-how-reliable-is-your-fabia-vrs/page__view__findpost__p__2176269

I take the following basic steps to help maintain my vRS

oil+filter change every 3 months or earlier. This helps supply the turbo with clean oil and imo it keeps the engine running nicely. I do notice the difference after each oil change.

Change air filter every 3 months and clean air box out.(this would help reduce dirt getting into the EGR?)

Check and regrease battery terminals with PJ or copper grease. Spray WD40 in engine bay.

clean anti roll bar links and spray with silicone based grease.

Every so often take the car out for a good blast of energy, get it revving to 4200rpm if you can in 3rd 4th and 5th. I hold it in those gears for about 5 seconds

You could try cleaning the turbo but i'd suggest using the Innotec kit as have heard good things about it. I'm not technical at all but i've heard EGR usually gets closed if a car's turbo isn't flexed much, which is why i think italian tune ups are good.Can anyone clarify this please?

Thanks guys for all the replies and the link, i've book marked it for reference. Having never owned a diesel before, it's new to me, well maybe not turbos!

Gonna do some more research on deleting the EGR and also this Innotec stuff, would be good to clean it insitu.

I think i'm gonna add the AA's part and labour warranty to my cover as well, only pays out a max of £500 5 times a year but good value for £70, would be very helpful if the turbo gives up.

Just need the snow to clear now so i can get out and see some cars! My rwd bmw is completely immobilised by the snow, don't think i could of pick a worse time to of sold my S3 :S

Edited 2 December, 201015 yr by S3tle

I think i'm gonna add the AA's part and labour warranty to my cover as well, only pays out a max of £500 5 times a year but good value for £70, would be very helpful if the turbo gives up.

My mate has the RAC one with his car, seems pretty good, also heard good things about "warranty wise"

matt

yeah i've been trying to weigh up whats the best warranty, AA/RAC or a proper one,

AA is about £70 whereas Warranty Wise are £400ish including wear and tear or £300ish without.

AA won't cover clutch friction surfaces, and also £500 won't cover the full cost of a turbo replacement.

I first looked at the AA one after I called them out as i could hear the cambelt tensioner sounded loose on my old Leon Cupra. The guy said that if i had their warranty they would redo the whole cambelt change because I had changed it as per the manufacturers spec, ie 4yr 60k miles. Thought that was quite good and wouldn't of expected it to of been covered.

I`m sure he said the RAC top cover limit is £2000. Also, you can take it where you like. If i hadnt done 148,000 miles id have it too lol

Matt

I`m sure he said the RAC top cover limit is £2000. Also, you can take it where you like. If i hadnt done 148,000 miles id have it too lol

Matt

Cheers mate, just check rac website, £65 for £500 cover and £130 for £2000, sounds like a good deal

Just check the Ts&Cs before you get the warranty - full inspection service every 6 months at a main dealer is specified on some...