Hi everyone,

 

Been a while since i was on here as i orginally signed up when i purchased my octavia MK1 elegance model.

 

I kept that for 2 years then changed to a Leon FR, Vauxhall Insignia and now own an Audi A6 (07 plate).

 

Well looks like im coming back to Skoda, potentially.

 

Im seriously interestes in the MKII, 1.8TSI, Laurin & Klement model.

 

They are good prices too, anywhere from 5000 upwards.

 

Seems to be a fantasic equiped car, great performance (almost as quick as the VRs!).

 

Im actually inbetween a MKII and a BMW E90, however there seems to be many more issues with the E90, not to mention after owning an Audi, the cost of parts! And also i can purchase a 2011 MKII for the price of a 07 E90!!

 

Ive read a few bits about possible failures with the 1.8tsi engines but it really foes seem rare. I wondered if anyone could give some advice on a few things...

 

1. Common faults, if any.

 

2. I have 2 children in front facing maxi cosi seats, i sometimes have a passenger in the back but its a squeeze, whats it like in the MKII.

 

3. Ride comfort, my A6 is fsntastic...i dont mind a conprimise obviously but after owning a Leon FR with sport suspension not sure my body is ready for more harsh rides haha.

 

3. Overall good/bad qualities of the car, inside and out.

 

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

Edited 5 March, 20179 yr by slim123

The big fault that seems to crop up all too often is a failing cam chain tensioner on the 1.8 TSI, which destroys the engine if it goes. I believe there is an updated version available, so if there's any doubt whether it's been done, budget to get that changed. A search on here will find a lot more information for you.

I can't comment on the 1.8 engine as I've got the 2l petrol.  In terms of three people in the back, we have three children and two are in similar seats to your children.  If you are using the Isofix points, you've not got a lot of room in between the kiddies seats.  If you don't use the Isofix points then there's a bit more room as you can move the seats slightly closer to the doors and create a bit more room in the middle.  Our ten year old fits quite happily in there, as have I once or twice but it was a squeeze!

Edited 5 March, 20179 yr by skinnyman

You will find the Skoda noisier on the road compared with the Audi - part of the cost-cutting for the cheaper brand goes in sound proofing.  Test drive it and see what you think first before committing to buy.

Also watch out for worn piston rings which causes high oil consumption

Yes, budget for a timing chain and tensioner replacement unless done in the last few years with a receipt.

 

The 1.8 Tsi can be affected badly by the poor piston and ring design and causes significant oil consumption and a potentially massive repair bill if so afflicted. Cars with serious oil usage can still appear to drive ok and not be belching smoke (edit: making it very hard to pickup on a test drive and inspection).    A purchase from a dealer with a right to return or exchange beyond the statutory return right if faulty would give you some extra protection especially compared to buying privately.  The 1.8 and 2.0 tsi unit problems are a VAG group wide problem not just confined to the Skoda marque.

 

There are other smaller things to look out for as well, search this forum for mk2 buying guides / checklist.

Edited 5 March, 20179 yr by TheClient

I think the 1.4 TSI is the engine with fewer problems and that has not suffered the cam-chain/tensioner issues. But 122 up you may find too weak. But with a stage 1 it easily goes of to 155-160 hp...

As I understand it, the L&K suspension is softer and set up very much for comfort whereas the vRS is set up for handling and I believe comes lowered 20mm out of the factory. Don't get me wrong, I find the vRS a very comfortable ride with stock suspension. The L&K has a lot of the vRS power but, if you throw the L&K into a corner hard, I don't think it will go round it anywhere near as nicely as a vRS.

 

I find the Mk.II very roomy in the back.

Edited 3 April, 20179 yr by Papfox

I recently sold my 1.8tsi L&K estate and see it's for sale down south at a dealer called Windmill Autos. Way overpriced at £6500. I bought it from a Skoda dealer for £6000.

I was disappointed with the refinement. Very crashy suspension below 40mph especially around town and a lot of road noise at any speed even with "quiet" tyres.

I had to get the work done because of high oil consumption which is a fairly common problem with the 1.8 but luckily it cost me nothing.

As usual Skoda infotainment is crap compared with anything else on the market. Even Bluetooth is not standard.

Doors were starting to rust, which again is a fairly common problem across the Skoda range. Shocking for a 6 year old car.

On the plus side it's a brilliant engine. Very quiet, smooth, and plenty of effortless power. Masses of space for passengers and luggage.

But as mentioned you can tell where the cost cutting is compared with the VW or Audi counterparts especially regarding soundproofing.