Don't know if this info is too late but, another thing to listen out for is a ratlle when starting on the 2.0 TFSI engines - the ones with a timing chain. I heard the rattle from several cars when I was looking to buy, but didn't realise the potential for damage.

If the rattle lasts for more than a couple of seconds, BEWARE - the timing chain tensioner has backed off too much over night and this leaves the possibility of the chain jumping before the tensioner gets to pressure. When this happened to my 2009 VRS 9 days before the warranty expired, it cost Skoda a new engine - 8 bent inlet valves and four marked pistons!! All the damage was caused when starting the engine.

It's a known fault and there is a VW/SKODA bulletin for this to get the tensioner changed.

Check out the GTI forums as well.

Good luck

Thanks for the info bubbles - much appreciated. If there's an issue, this rattle will exist during the whole time the engine is on?

Not too late as I've decided that one I viewed was silly overpriced and think I'm going to be patient and wait for a private seller, as the price drop is quite dramatic.

On this note - what are the other common major faults with this model?

Edited 23 January, 201313 yr by Wardy-

The problem with the timing chain tensioner does not affect the TFSI engine as it has a cambelt,it does effect the TSI engine fitted to 2009 onwards cars.

The rattle will only happen at startup before the tensioner does it's work and tightens the chain.

There seems to be a number of threads about this where the "victims" have cars outside of warranty. Needless to say these guys are understandably pretty upset as a new engine is expensive. An example is below.....

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/254274-09-vrs-ltd-edition-20-tsi-engine-gone-bang/

Personally, I had no real issues with the service from the dealer and a new engine was fitted FOC. It's now been run in properly (<4500 rpm) and the oil was changed after 1500 miles.

Currently, I've no info on other faults. It's been fine since I got the car in July.

oops, user error - my VRS is the later TSI version - registered Oct 2009

I wouldnt say there is any major problems,the abs pump can fail(may of already been replaced on the age of the vehicles your looking at)id look at the rear tyres & look for wear on the inner edges as it will need new tyres & a 4 wheel alignment,check its had a cambelt,tensioner,idler wheels & ideally a water pump recently,a full service history is a must,other than that just the normal stuff to check when viewing a car.

Check the year / Diverter Valve level. If is feels sluggish, then change this to the latest rev D (IIRC). The early ones have a rubber seal that splits and leaks boost.

I have had mine 2 months now and love it. I have a 56 plate in blue, with zenons, cruise, 18s, and reverse sensors. I had a 120 mile run to and from York the other week and got 41.2mpg and that was sticking to the speed limits and not driving like Mrs daisy. On my daily commute to work and back I get 34mpg and its a twisty 14 mile journey one way. If you use the performance a lot though don't expect to see above 28mpg. The 1st week I had the car I used a full tank of fuel in 220 miles.....

I had a new shape civic diesel before this and can easily say the octy seats are better in comfort and support.

The gear box is extremely smooth. My mate who has a 12 plate A4 s-line recons my gearbox is smoother than his.

I am a converted Skoda fan! And so is the Mrs.

Thanks for all the info above people, appreciated!

Another small question... seen one up for sale at the moment which is listed as 'blue' and got me thinking as to whether they did a metallic race blue and also just a blue colour? Are there 2 blue's?

Does anyone know of a website that details the colours which were standard/optional on cars in general? Would be interesting to see

If it's a vRS you're talking about, it'll be race blue.

Another update!

so... finally found a good one and have agreed to buy from a private seller next Sunday!

Race Blue - 06 plate

Xenons

49k Miles

Full Service History

Immaculate paintwork

Agreed at £5.9k, think I got a good deal considering the mileage on it and how well it's been looked after! Will post pics when I pickup on Sunday!!

Also...Just want to say thanks to everyone who's helped out with their responses in the thread. Thanks all and can't wait to be part of the Skoda ownership

.. oh and also wanted to ask about Tyres. It's probably going to need a front tyre, maybe 2.

Have looked at the Eagle F1 and Conti. Sport 3 tyres - anyone have any recommendations on which is better?

I have had both, both in the top 3 in evo magazine shootout in the last 2 years.Continentals are 5 now, which I have on my R36 , I had 4s on my Octy, F1 slightly better in the wet, but contis a better all rounder

I have had both, both in the top 3 in evo magazine shootout in the last 2 years.Continentals are 5 now, which I have on my R36 , I had 4s on my Octy, F1 slightly better in the wet, but contis a better all rounder

Thanks for the info. I'm slightly leaning towards the Eagle F1's as they've come up top trump in some of the reviews I read yesterday. Considering how bad our weather is generally, it might be worth opting for the better tyre in the wet? :think:

I have had both, both in the top 3 in evo magazine shootout in the last 2 years.Continentals are 5 now, which I have on my R36 , I had 4s on my Octy, F1 slightly better in the wet, but contis a better all rounder

You don't mean you had SC4's do you? Because 4 is considered an unlucky number in many cultures, they were never released. SC's went straight from 3's to 5's.

Edited 5 February, 201313 yr by Stoofa

Yes you are right, as I only bought them last year for the Octy in November and then got a set in January of 5s I rightly presumed the previous Contis were 3s you learn something everyday. The Contis were better in the snow

Another thread update...

Picked up my blue vRS today and first impressions are loving it! Unfortunately the weather has been terrible rain and looks like I'll be driving in the snow tomorrow.. typical

Guess I'll find out how well it grips in bad weather! Will post some pics up when possible

If its anything like mine you will notice it doesnt handle the snow very well, tyres are too fat but apart from that you will love it, i can honestly say it still makes me smile today like it did the first day i drove it home.

Well... after months I finally found one and picked it up yesterday

Unfortunately the weather has been terrible!

You've knicked me motor!

Seriously great colour choice!

You've knicked me motor!

Seriously great colour choice!

haha sorry about that .

Thanks mate, It took me long enough to find the exact one I was after! I've even had the first vRS owner give me the waves on the road, a blue FL version

Blue is best

quick question for you all....

Does using premium unleaded make any difference to just unleaded petrol? (I fill up at Tesco). I've heard small gains in MPG, but not sure it's worth it considering its about 7p per litre more.

It is designed to run on 98. Do not give a racehorse cart horse food. more performance and mpg too

It is designed to run on 98. Do not give a racehorse cart horse food. more performance and mpg too

Mr blue - In your experience, how much extra performance and mpg have you gained from using the premium?

It is designed to run on 98. Do not give a racehorse cart horse food. more performance and mpg too

I think these high octane fuels work better on highly tuned engines. 197bhp from a 2.0 is not highly tuned. Pretty unstressed engine TBH but it works well and is a good engine but its not a race car. Thats the reason it has good low end response as its not highly tuned and this is why i liked the engine and why it gets well recived in the press.

I can understand people wanting to put the best in their pride and joy but in my experience these super fuels make no noticable difference. I used it in my scooby as it was re-mapped for 98 octane fuel but the VAG TFSI / TSI 2.0 simply isnt highly tuned.

Edited 12 February, 201313 yr by Jockdooshbag