Hi,

I left the Skoda family last September (Mk1 VRS) and changed to a 2004 Audi A4 Cabriolet 1.8T sport.  I haven’t had a 3 door car in 15 years and it’s becoming a bit too impractical.  So I’m looking at possibly a MK2 VRS (pre-facelift 06, 07), haven’t decided between a TDi or 2.0T, but would like to know of any potential pitfalls of them generally and also with each engine.  I don’t do massive miles, but the TDi and 2.0T seem to be similar prices (over in NI anyway - £2.5-3k, 100-120k miles) and the TDi will be easier run.  Anything to look out for?  I found some info below..

 

TDI

Injectors should be changed under recall

Oil-cooler issues

Any issues with oil pumps / balance shafts etc?

 

2.0T

 Any engine issues?

Thanks in advance

Hey Technics, got bored of the Bora Highline that you bought off me then lol, good choice on the MK2 just bought one myself VRS TDI.

 

Can't help you on the petrol side but if you are going VRS TDI it will be the BMN engine and they don't have the same cack design as the VW hex key / oil pump failures so you are covered there.

 

When you are looking try and find the highest spec you can, maxidot, digital climate, jumbo box armrest and a decent stereo like the Bolero or above, xenons are nice but rare when I was looking, Oh and 18" wheels.

 

I would be prepared to travel to England for the right one though as I looked at most over here and they just didn't tick the boxes and there is one in particular I would stay away from.

 

 

On the 2.0T the cam follower can wear which can then damage the fuel pump and Cam, so ideally you'd want to see evidence of it having been changed on a fairly regular basis. Coil packs were a recall on earlier petrols aswell.

Cambelt change is every 4 years so factor that in if it hasn't been done recently. 

Also, the PFL 2.0T should be run on 97Ron and above fuel and my experience runs very poorly on regular 95 unleaded.

 

3 hours ago, T2000 said:

Hey Technics, got bored of the Bora Highline that you bought off me then lol, good choice on the MK2 just bought one myself VRS TDI.

 

Can't help you on the petrol side but if you are going VRS TDI it will be the BMN engine and they don't have the same cack design as the VW hex key / oil pump failures so you are covered there.

 

When you are looking try and find the highest spec you can, maxidot, digital climate, jumbo box armrest and a decent stereo like the Bolero or above, xenons are nice but rare when I was looking, Oh and 18" wheels.

 

I would be prepared to travel to England for the right one though as I looked at most over here and they just didn't tick the boxes and there is one in particular I would stay away from.

 

 

 

Hi Bill,  I have had 5 motors since the bora.  I keep changing.. will send you a PM about what to avoid

2 hours ago, Mr G 76 said:

On the 2.0T the cam follower can wear which can then damage the fuel pump and Cam, so ideally you'd want to see evidence of it having been changed on a fairly regular basis. Coil packs were a recall on earlier petrols aswell.

Cambelt change is every 4 years so factor that in if it hasn't been done recently. 

Also, the PFL 2.0T should be run on 97Ron and above fuel and my experience runs very poorly on regular 95 unleaded.

 

 

Thanks, did the cam tensioner affect all models and engine codes?

11 minutes ago, technics100 said:

 

Thanks, did the cam tensioner affect all models and engine codes?

The 2.0T in the PFL ( BWA) has a cam belt and a chain, the chain isn't as troublesome as the FL TSI ( CCZA). It normally gives plenty of warning in the form of rattling. I've just had mine changed @90k as it was getting noisy. Budget £350-£400 if that needs doing.

I found the advice in this vRS Buying Guide very useful.

 

If you're having the cam belt done, I recommend you have the water pump replaced at the same time. It doesn't cost a lot for the part and takes little time if the cam belt is off but changing the belt can cause it to fail and, if it needs doing later, they will need to remove most, if not all, the stuff they had to to do the cam belt so you're talking mucho cash for the labour.

Ive my 2.0 tsi limited edition for sale.

http://www.usedcarsni.com/2009-Skoda-Octavia-VRS-Limited-Edition-2-0-TSI-182399517

 

Give a shout if intrested 

I've had my 56 reg petrol VRS estate for 5 years now and it has been brilliant. I'm going to change the fuel pump tappet this upcoming service (do my own) along with the cam belt due to age. The engine has always used a little oil which I understand is usual for them and as someone else said it does prefer the higher octane fuel and can occasionally pink on the standard unleaded. Fuel consumption varies from 26 mpg around the very hilly town where I live to up to 38 mpg if driven sensibly on the motorway.

 

The only niggles I've had with the car over the last five years are a stuck rear caliper which I stripped down, cleaned the piston and got working again, a new battery and a new rear headlight level sensor rod at the back. Oh, and a CV gaiter for an MOT. Not much for an 11 year old car I think!

Cracking post even if it is an old one . I'm looking at purchasing a VRS Saloon . Seen a couple of the limited editions up for sale and they look nice .

Only problem is that some seem to be around the 150 to 180 thousand miles . Is this something to worry about?

 

Thanks Mark