Hi folks,

 

I'm toying with the idea of buying a petrol yeti, the 1.8TSI 4x4 version looks like my preferable one.  I'll be looking at the cheaper end of the market, so can anyone tell me if there is anything in particular to watch out for on secondhand ones?

 

Thanks

Andy

It's late for y so I'll make a suggestion

The early 1.8 VW sourced engines had oil consumption issues which may not have inflicted the one you are looking at.

I seem to recall there were other problems with the early series.

Be careful and if you have a 'tame' mechanic, have him advise further.

Make sure the engine doesn't suffer oil consumption or timing chain issues.

Hi Andy, I have a 1.8TSI DSG 4x4 which has completed 42,000km (26,000 miles) in 4 1/2 years and have not had any issues with it. Yes, this is rather low milage for a 4 1/2 year old vehicle, but it was bought about one year prior to retiring. It drives very well and I am as pleased with it today, as I was the day I took delivery of it. However, will it suffer from oil consumption or timing chain concerns in the future, I cannot say. Knowing what I now know, would I buy this vehicle new today, I certainly think so. A happy 1.8 petrol Yeti owner.

Hi Andy, I have a 1.8TSI DSG 4x4 which has completed 42,000km (26,000 miles) in 4 1/2 years and have not had any issues with it. Yes, this is rather low milage for a 4 1/2 year old vehicle, but it was bought about one year prior to retiring. It drives very well and I am as pleased with it today, as I was the day I took delivery of it. However, will it suffer from oil consumption or timing chain concerns in the future, I cannot say. Knowing what I now know, would I buy this vehicle new today, I certainly think so. A happy 1.8 petrol Yeti owner.

G'day mate ))

I had the impression that high oil consumption was from new , otherwise ok.

G'day mate ))

I had the impression that high oil consumption was from new , otherwise ok.

Hi Ryeman, Maybe others are able to cast more light on this subject, but I am able to say without reservation that I have added less than a total of a half litre of engine oil to my Yeti and that was added because I prefer the oil level to be at the maximum required, rather than part way on the dipstick. This additional oil was added at two different times - the first, a week or two after taking delivery and another time was after the 3rd year service. The oil level has always been at the maximum level prior to each service.Yes, you may label me pedantic, but my Yeti does not use oil. 

I've never had a (sump) oil burner in >50 years .

Here is what I suggest you check, based on what went wrong on our 1.8TSI 4x4.

 

Check Bluetooth - module failed on ours

 

Check headlamp washers  - pipe can become detached

 

Check brake discs for corrosion, especially inner faces of rear discs if possible

 

Check for noisy aircon - indicates low gas pressure because of leaking condenser

 

Check steering wheel buttons all work - the 'clock spring' (spiral wire connector in the steering column) failed twice on ours.

 

Check for stiff handbrake

 

Check for oil misting on dampers

 

Check for failed or erratic illumination in the dashboard dials

 

We also had high though not disastrous oil consumption, a failed water jacket on the crankcase, and a failed secondary water pump (the one that cools the turbo, so important) but it would be harder to check for these faults yourself.

 

Finally check that the Haldex oil change was done if it became due. (Ours was done on time and the Haldex remained trouble-free, unlike everything mentioned above).

I have a FL Petrol 1.8 TSi 4x4 Yeti, L&K it has done just over 33K miles in a tad over 2.5 years ownership from new, virtually no city work and it has mechanically been faultless.

 

I was within a whisker of rejecting the car  just before it was a year old due to the door seals creaking like an old wooden barge, however after having all the doors alignment checked and all the door seals replaced it has been fine. ( warranty work).

 

I take it all the above issues are pre FL, & you are looking also at a pre FL ?

Hi folks,

 

Thanks for the feedback.  I'm looking at a Pre facelift model more than likely, mainly down to budget constraints!

 

I'm not going to be doing a massive mileage, hence the choice of a petrol model.  Is there an easy way to check for high oil consumption, and timing chain issues?  I'm going to do a bit of research on the forum now, but if anyone has any other tips, that would be great!

 

Cheers

Andy

I'd go for the relatively simple FWD and keep it as a classic which will be fondly remembered one day.