Bought this 2002 Octavia (auto 2.0l petrol) just a few weeks ago for 1500 quid.

It has only 61,000 on the clock.

 

Just had a full service done at my local VW/Skoda garage. Recommended by my father and friend who both have VRS models.

 

Cost an arm and a leg!

Belts and tensioners done.

oil/all filters/brake fluid changed

plugs changed

rear discs and pads replaced

exhaust mountings needed rewelding

inner wheel arch lining being replaced.

Code read done (warning light was on)

 

 

I did notice just getting it back this morning that I can hear a very faint ticking noise from the right side of the engine bay.

Could this be just the spark discharge?

 

I had issues with older cars and their tappets. Had 2 failed hydraulic tappets but these (alfa) ticked only when hot as they were bleeding out.

How reliable are the tappets/lifters on these? Are they on rockers? (maybe the oil change just needs a work in) Quantum 10w40.

 

I was just curious how difficult it is to change timing belts on these. I have the Haynes book but doesn't cover the 2.0 auto model.

 

I am used to old school cars (my previous old alfa 33 - I used to change the belts myself in 20 mins).

 

I hope this Skoda will be good for another 50K.

 

 

 

 

Thanks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You should think about changing the gearbox oil, the oil is the weakest link and should be changed every 40,000 or every 3 ish years

You should think about changing the gearbox oil, the oil is the weakest link and should be changed every 40,000 or every 3 ish years

Just spoke with them and they said on this model its a sealed unit and really doesn't need changing until at least 90/100K. Not an easy job either as its sealed from the factory.

And in the Haynes manual it says 'filled for life' also.

I was originally looking for a auto, though was put off after talking to a vw tech who said oil really needed changing regularly but the book quotes what you said. Sorry to confuse you but if I had the auto I'd change the oil, I'd phone round a few places myself, you never know the vw tech I spoke to could have known nothing a few phone call couldn't hurt

Just found this http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/305916-when-to-change-automatic-transmission-atf-oil-and-filter/

Also here are detailed instructions on how to diy it

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?p=288052

After a quick google search I'd defo be changing the oil, bearing in mind the cost of a refurbed is more than you paid for the car.

Edited 9 July, 201411 yr by Alastairh

Thanks for the advice.

I'll phone around a couple of places.

 

But strange as the VW/Audi/Skoda specialists appeared to know what they were talking about and it coincides what the manual says.

Shame its not an easy plug out/drain/fill kind of transmission as I would do it myself.

Only giving my 2p's worth, its your motor, just have a quick Google, I could be wrong but ask the dealer what they think the life of the auto box is, 2 salesmen at vw quoted 100k on a new Passat which is what started me doing some searching for myself. Hope this helps you though

Thanks guys.

 

Got quoted 120 quid for the change (strainer included).

May do it later in the year once cash flow is better.

Just found this http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/305916-when-to-change-automatic-transmission-atf-oil-and-filter/

Also here are detailed instructions on how to diy it

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?p=288052

After a quick google search I'd defo be changing the oil, bearing in mind the cost of a refurbed is more than you paid for the car.

Brilliant break down with pictures of how to do it. Doesn't look too tricky. I worked on my old alfa 33 a lot, totally rebuilding the engine and carbs so this doesn't look too difficult. Just an awkward location.

Is the box on the 2.0l petrol the same as this TDI?

 

Cheers

the lifetime of a car is 8 years....is  not eternal

I've read somewhere in the past that when manufacturers refer to something as being on a "lifetime" service plan they are actually referring to the "lifetime" of the warranty they provide for the vehicle. This sort of makes sense as nothing can last forever. My attitude to "lifetime" parts is that they do need changing, just not necessarily on a frequent or annual basis like you would engine oil etc. (e.g. im having the "lifetime" manual transmission oil on mine changed soon as the car has now done 70,000 miles)

I would imagine the box is the same just different engine, I think the important point is to change the filter and run a magnet through the oil to see how much filings there are, the less the better. Also the point about a clean working area is critical with auto box's as the tolerances are so small