Hello all,

 

I am due to look at a used Fabia VRS when it comes in to our local Skoda dealer for a test drive.

All I know so far is that it is a late model and done about ~18,000 miles - more, he didn't say as its just entered the system from a part ex.

 

Obviously I have read about the potential oil issues - but that is not very likely to show itself in a 10 minute drive around the dealership - so, what should I be looking out for?

After searching through numerous posts, I have gathered that the engine gained a facelift at some point from a CAVE to CTHE - but those are just random letters to me I am afraid so how would I find this out?

 

Any questions I should be asking about its history etc.

Also, any potential advice to not buy this car? 

 

Thanks for any advice - all is greatly appreciated.

 

Hiijinx

Edited 23 August, 201510 yr by Hiijinx

Roll up roll up and get your ticket to the great tsi engine lottery you pay your money takes your choice .Bit like the dorito roulette 1 in 10 gets the hot chilli. Ps better chances with cthe than cave .

Note the chassis number either ask the dealer or call Skoda Uk and ask if its a CAVE or not.... then roll the dice.

Welcome to the forum.

 

You will get a load of nonsense spoken and sometimes from those that know the cars but lots from some that have never been in one and know nothing other then they read or heard.

 

The CAVE engine was in the cars from 2010 until late 2012. 

some last quarter 2012 might have the first engines.

The CTHE Engine cars were in the UK about September 2012

There is a Sticker at the bottom of the drivers door pillar that has CAVE or CTHE.

 

Check the Cars Service and Warranty history and see what it has required.

Some CTHE engine cars since 2012 have required engines replaced as well.

Just be sure you buy one with a Valid Skoda Warranty.

If the oil light comes on when you are test driving it, you can talk the the price down....hahaha

Look for sooty (like pre dpf diesel style) tailpipes. This would indicate its a burner.

& equally that it might use no oil.

Many none Oil users have sooty exhausts, CAVE or CTHE.

There are several different maps for the engines from 2010-2012 and Updates 2012-2014.

 

So look at a Sooty Tail pipe, but that should not be an off putter, as any car salesman can read a forum and clean the Tailpipes.

Great advice guys, thank you.

I doubt it would ever be so easy, but do the "problem" ones give any tell tale signs which you might be able to hear/feel when the engine is running?

 

AFAIK, the Skoda warranty is 3 years so would be expiring soon, do you rate any 3rd party warranties? I had an AA 5 star once upon a time for a previous car and found pretty much "any moving part" not covered which seemed a bit ridiculous.

An after market warranty could be a good idea but get (in writing) confirmation that the whole engine would be covered, this is a known issue with the VRS and as such it may be excluded by some policies. Good luck if you do buy.

There is a thread here recently.

Buy a Extended Warranty after the 3 or 5 Year one Expires, or after the Skoda Approved Used Car 12 Month Warranty Expires 

if you buy a 'Skoda Approved Used Car'.

 

The Skoda Approved Extended Warranty for sale until recently was with Car Care Plan ltd, & £399 for 12 months or £547 for 2 years 

or there abouts.

 

Now there is a Skoda Extended Warranty Volkswagen, and less expensive and you pay according to Annual Miles, Excess to pay etc,

& Full Component or Named Component.

 

Maybe someone can post the link.

There is a thread here recently.

Buy a Extended Warranty after the 3 or 5 Year one Expires, or after the Skoda Approved Used Car 12 Month Warranty Expires 

if you buy a 'Skoda Approved Used Car'.

 

The Skoda Approved Extended Warranty for sale until recently was with Car Care Plan ltd, & £399 for 12 months or £547 for 2 years 

or there abouts.

 

Now there is a Skoda Extended Warranty Volkswagen, and less expensive and you pay according to Annual Miles, Excess to pay etc,

& Full Component or Named Component.

 

Maybe someone can post the link.

George is the extended warranty as comprehensive as the original supplied by Skoda?

 

Are there any shortcomings?

Lots of shortcomings, terms and conditions / Exclusions, 

on Diagnostics etc, then Business / Commercial Use, Motorsports etc, but then they are all much the same.

 

but the offering from Skoda / VW covers the Engine & Geabox,

so £4,500 & £2,500 which is the big deal and what makes the 'Skoda Original Manufacturers Warranty,

3 years, or 5 years from New, & then a Approved Used Warranty, or Extended Warranty worth its weight in Cash Money IMO.

 

But the car needs the Full Service History to Schedule / Guidelines,

& not invalidated by a Remap or the likes.