Hi folks

I'm picking up a 10 plate Škoda Fabia 1.6 TDI Elegance (105) CR at the weekend with 30k on the clock. It's been serviced by a main dealer and has all its stamps. It will come with 3 months warranty.

I'm not new to the VAG group or diesels, am handy with spanners and run an A4 2.5TDI quattro sport (160k) avant and an A2 1.4TDI SE (131k) in the family.

I've discovered that there's a potential problem with the EGR valve on this particular engine, which has integral inter-cooler, costs £250 for part alone and apparently is 5 hour job to fit?

I plan to service the car myself, usually swear by Castrol Edge oil every 10k and regularly change fuel filter every 20k. Am I worrying unnecessarily, given likely costs involved, or does the car simply need to be driven and avoid short start stop journeys? New EGR valve has apparently been modified?

I've used Forte diesel conditioner before straight into the fuel filter and driven hard in first to third gears. Is this advisable on a new to me car, or simply do usual consumables?

Any advice appreciated. Looking forward to soaking up your knowledge on all things Škoda!

Edited 30 June, 201412 yr by spartacus68

Hi spartacus, regarding the egr valve, I don't have particular experience with that engine and car. However, normally egr valves are very reliable and shouldn't give trouble. But, there is a caveat to that. EGR valves last longer and work better if you don't loiter at low revs all the time. Many of our customers who drove the engines at low engine speed (low revs) in high gears for most of the cars time, using just the engine torque, often had problems with the egr valve clogging up or seizing or both. My own bro in law drives a diesel Toyota 2.2 litre and he drives it around at 1200 rpm all the time in 6th gear (that's actually quite fast) but the valve is a constant source of trouble and clogs regularly. After I had a word about it he changed his driving style and revs it more. Now, no trouble.

my EGR failed at about 15k. I had a flashing glow plug warning light which disappeared but then came back a week later. The car went into limp mode. Failed egr was diagnosed and replaced under warranty. It seemed to be triggered by having to sit in crawling traffic for 30 minutes. I`m out of warranty now also. I took out a carplan extended warranty which costs £180 a year. Skoda mechanic told me it is a lot of work to replace.

Appreciate the feedback.

The more reading I made on these new Skodas, including faulty exhaust sensors, the diesel particulate filter, EGR valve, etc, makes me more than a little apprehensive. Time will tell I'm sure.

Most of my daily journeys will be 50 mile round trips with very little queuing or start stop traffic.

Looking forward to reducing my fuel bill and £20 road tax is fantastic.

sparticus, don't be apprehensive. Just enjoy your car. There are no problems you need to worry about especially as you drive a decent distance everyday. Diesels need to be used and your trips sound perfect. Folks who have experienced the odd problem are mostly low mileage drivers. Remember too, that people with problems are the ones who are most vocal (rightly so of course). There are far more folks who never ever have trouble.

Update folks. Picked up the car on Saturday. I had the alloys professionally refurbished, then I steamed cleaned the interior and treated the bodywork to a coat of Collinite 476.

Looking back through the history that came with the car - the EGR cooler was replaced at 27k miles back in April 2013. Looks like it was done under warranty.

Edited 6 July, 201411 yr by spartacus68