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Any Advice On Buying A Skoda III vRS

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Hi Folks

 

I'm new to the forum :) & I'm looking into buying a Skoda III vRS petrol from 2013 onwards, I just wanted to ask a few questions as regards to what to look out for?  

 

  1. is there like a pedal test or anything I can do, to see if there is any fault codes stored?
  2. how good is the DSG gearbox compared to the manual gearbox?
  3. What should I look out for in-terms of the DSG gearbox?
  4. Any common faults to look out for when viewing?

I'm not really to sure what else I should ask for but I think the above should be enough, just so I can get some basic knowledge, that would be a great start.

 

Any help/information you can share will be greatly appreciated ;)

 

Thanks

 

Hi BATVANVRS and welcome to the forum!

 

With regard to your questions the DSG box is a great bit of kit although I have a manual in my mk3, I've driven them with paddles and they are good. Fault wise your looking for abrupt changes in both directions, delayed up changes things like that. It should be pretty much seamless and smooth on the changes but apart from that I'm sure someone else will be along soon to assist further.

 

I'm not aware of any pedal test that shows faults but there are many members on here with VCDS, and for a few beer tokens will scan it and show a detailed log of any faults stored. 

 

Again as mine is only 1 1/2 months old I haven't come across any faults yet however I am aware of cabin noise being an issue on the mk3 but as I say mine does not do it, could be down to what tyres are fitted but that is not conclusive.

 

Hope this helps in your search for a mk3 vRS

  • Author

Hi steveo82

 

Thanks for your reply, Its good to know that the DSG is a great bit of kit  :thumbup: in-case I come across a DSG, I will remember what you say as regards the gear changes in both directions, make sure there smooth & not abrupt. Will test that in auto and S/A mode.

Had mine with dsg more than a year. One of the best cars along with the 2 MK 2 L&K's I've had. I use D most of the time. But you'll love sport mode. It's so easy and fun. Just one major error when they chose the tyres, the rims are almost flush with the tyre wall. So check for damage.

  • Author

Thanks everyone for your help & advise, at least I can now view a few cars with some very good knowledge that has been pointed out to me  :thumbup: knowing what to look out for. Nice 1 :) 

One final thing, beware if you floor the pedal with tsi, dsg, in sport when overtaking. You could end up in someone's boot......

Keep a close eye on the coolant level. A few of us have had slight leaks, I can think of one dodgy rad, a few water pump/pump seals, and a few thermo regulators.

The good news is that any mkIII you buy with less than 60k miles should have the balance of warranty remaining. Any faults should be fixed for free so long as the car is unmodified.

  • Author

cheers guys for all your input :) will keep this thread updated

If looking at a dealer, get a warranty history of the car (they're all linked on the same system) just in case a car has a hidden history.

That would be my main concern with a nearly new,low mileage or year old car...especially a VRS. Unless a dealer vehicle always a bit wary why people get rid of a one year old car!

If you're buying a used Mk III, I would test the sound system carefully too to ensure that you're happy with it.  

 

A number of us are very dissatisfied with the sound from the standard Bolero setup in the VRS - particularly for playing mp3s and CDs (for some reason DAB radio sounds different).   If it were me, I'd be looking for a car with an upgraded sound system and I'd go along with an SD card or USB stick with a selection of music to try in the car.  Even if you're not that bothered about top-notch sound and therefore assume that adequate sound quality can be taken for granted, you should check for yourself.  

 

There's a thread about the Bolero Sound quality here http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/302836-bolero-sound-system-on-octavia-rs-iii/?p=3613295 if you're interested.

That would be my main concern with a nearly new,low mileage or year old car...especially a VRS. Unless a dealer vehicle always a bit wary why people get rid of a one year old car!

I'd be double checking the warranty history of a car even if from a dealer if I was parting with my own money.

  • Author

cheers guys

 

A lot of the cars nowadays 2-3 years old, be it private owned or even a dealer selling, they all seem to have low mileage? suppose this is what attracts a new buyer. Also people more so in today's market seem to just get rid of a car within there 1st year of owning, dont know! maybe they get board quick or even circumstances change? 

 

I think as someone said above, as long as you buy a new car below 60k miles, it will still have warranty (peace of mind) 

 

Thanks alancha for that read about the car audio issues ;) I'am in to my car audio and love a bit of bass especially on a nice drive etc so think i will look into upgrading the factory speakers & tweeters, maybe even add a little 10 inch sub in the boot  :thumbup: do you know if you can install a sub of off the factory car stereo? does it have rca inputs/outputs or is there another method to achieve this 

No rca outputs on the head unit so you need to take speaker level outputs.

I think a lot of cars were bought on 10k/year PCP leases, sometimes even less.  Don't forget ex-demos as well.  Not all are bough at 25/30k/year company cars ;)

That would be my main concern with a nearly new,low mileage or year old car...especially a VRS. Unless a dealer vehicle always a bit wary why people get rid of a one year old car!

 

Also I do also agree, there are sometimes reasons for this. Bored of the car, it's a lemon, person's circumstances change (lost of job etc).

 

As for year old models, I would look at how you are going to buy it. Skoda finance on used is  bit higher than new (9%ish), do the sums it might work out cheaper to buy a new one and get the spec you want. All depends on your circumstances

  • Author

Well guys n gals :)

 

Got a vRS TSI combi on a 63 plate race blue, you will probably know it as I brought it from peanut on here, absolutely a beast in sport mode, the actual drive is really nice n smooth & the power is so effortless when it wants to get up and move :) hoping to do some mods but any mods that interfere with the warranty will be done after the warranty finishes.

 

My plans are to get it tinted all-round, wrap the bonnet badge matt black or carbon black & maybe lose the skoda octavia badges on the back but keep the skoda logo boot badge & the vRS badge, but so far I'm very happy

 

does any know of someone with VCDS in the London area? I would like to add CC if possible but I'm not sure how this all really works properly to tell the truth, hopefully someone can advise me so I can get up to par with a bit of knowledge :)

 

cheers 

If only I could bring my laptop with me! I'm heading down to London town on Saturday for a few days, sorry mate but I'm sure there is someone very near you to help out and great choice hope your pleased with it??!!

  • Author

Cheers steveo82 :)

Yes mate, very happy with the vRS, do love the colour (Race blue) thanks for the offer as regards the VCDS ;) hopefully there is someone in the London area

What part of London are you visiting?

I've no doubt there will be someone close by and you can check the members map as to who has it near you and drop them a PM.

 

As to the visit, I believe the middle bit! Mostly the touristy bits IWM, tower of London, the queens main gaff that sort of stuff!

  • Author

Cool, cheers steveo82 I'll check the members map, so your going more central London, if your near Tower Bridge, Tower of London you should pop into a lovely pub named the Dickens Inn http://www.dickensinn.co.uk/ right by Tower Bridge on St Katherine Dock beautiful scenery & has loads of boats all docked in the inn, great beer & food, can be pricey but if your out for the day & with a partner or even friends its a great place especially if the sun is shinning ;)

Awesome cheers BATVANVRS, the only thing that will keep me sane after trawling round a busy capital city with the brood in tow is BEER!!!

  • Author

How was London for you steveo82 :) did you have a good time & did you try that lovely pub out  :thumbup:

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