Hi - I've just purchased ann 04 Octavia 130 tdi. It's only six months old with 13k on the clock but is a little stone-chipped and the interior is worn for the age and mileage. Guess whoever had it didn't give a toss. In view of this, I asked the dealer to throw in an oil change which they agreed to do. Only problem is, I don't think they did it. When I checked the oil when I got home after only 40 miles, it was black :eek: Dealer was most offended at the suggestion that it hadn't been done, particularly as they had stamped the service book. Anyway, only way I'll have peace of mind is to do it myself - so, QUESTION 1 does anyone know the torque wrench settings for the oil filter bolt and the sump plug? ? Also, where is the oil filter hiding??

Any simple instructions on this procedure would be much appreciated - any gotchas?? accustomed to working on my Golf so basic maintenance isn't a problem for me but don't want to inadvertently break anything.

Also - all the tyres are the same type of Bridgestones. Rears are about 2/3 worn out and badly worn on the outside. Fronts I would guess are about half shagged. Looks as though the dealer has swapped them front to rear but it looks as though the tracking on the front must be out. Is this a common problem and is it something the Skoda would look at under warranty?

It did occur to me to wait a few months to see what wear developed on the front tyres.

Any help/comments gratefully received - beginning to wish I'd bought a new one

The oil in diesel engines goes black very quick.

If the dealer says he has changed the oil then is possible he has.

have a look around the oil filter to see if any oil has been spilt around there.

I would expect it to be obvious that the filter has been changed.

Also do a search on this forum for info on the oil used in the PD engine (it is not cheap for the variable service interval oil).

regarding the tracking, I think you will find that Skoda do not warrant tracking (you could have done it when driving off the forecourt even on a brand new car).

Hope this helps

Dougal

I presume that the car comes with the balance of the standard 3 year Skoda UK warranty? I take Dougal's point about tracking, but the evidence from tyre wear does point to the tracking having been out for some time. I would go back to the dealer and ask to have it checked and put right.

thanks for that. From the condition of the car I had concluded that it might have had a hard time and a pothole or kerb can be enough to upset the tracking and it would seem unreasonable to make a warranty claim. Perhaps I could ask the dealer to check it for me

I already have some Castrol Long-life oil, filters etc so I'll change the oil anyway. At least I'll know for sure that it's been done

Anyone have any torque settings - if not, I'll try my local VAG agent but seems a bit of a cheek to ask really

javaman

In my Haynes manual for the Golf/Bora diesel engine the torque is quoted as 30Nm or 22lb/ft.

Dougal

Is it just me that thinks the 13k mileage is a little suspicious.

I wouldn't expect a shabby interior or badly worn tyres after that short a period.

thanks for that. From the condition of the car I had concluded that it might have had a hard time and a pothole or kerb can be enough to upset the tracking and it would seem unreasonable to make a warranty claim. Perhaps I could ask the dealer to check it for me

I already have some Castrol Long-life oil' date=' filters etc so I'll change the oil anyway. At least I'll know for sure that it's been done

Anyone have any torque settings - if not, I'll try my local VAG agent but seems a bit of a cheek to ask really

javaman[/quote']

Make sure what service interval it is on, and get the right spec oil..... if you put the wrong oil in it will get very upset and turn on the service light very quickly!

Mines on variable service and the oil is about

Yeh - I've got the right oil (