Hi, new here! 

 

I currently drive a Polo 1.6tdi which as of January this year was ruined by VW's "fix" which just puts the car into limp mode if you go above 3000rpm and averages 38mpg (used to average 53). But anyway, Im over it now and ready to move on.

 

So I have a budget of around £6k and really fancy a Fabia 1.2TSI 105 Monte Carlo edition. I think they look great and I love the small VAG Petrol engines (had a 1.2 2006 polo which was so much fun to drive!). I really want to keep this car for a while, I'm only 18 and I've already been through 2 VW Polos which just haven't worked for me so need a "fresh start"!

 

Unfortunately i have recently in the depths of Google found that this engine suffers from serious timing chain issues which if go wrong require can require an engine replacement. Has anyone got any advice regarding this engine or anything else to look out for when I go and have a look at this Fabia? 

Thanks 

Cam

PS I have attached a pic of my polo.. which VW ruined (a car I truly loved)

I would be interested in this. I haven't heard any horror stories yet. Chain seems eminently more sensible than belt?

If you are looking at 5 year old or older 1.2TSI's you had better check out if the timing chain tensioner has been updated, or look at having it done.

Plenty threads on the forum if you do a search.

My 1.2tsi is a late 2010 which I've had for nearly a year now. I also , and not had the tensioner changed,  use an independent vag garage with decades of vag experience (ex vag trained) who believes that with 12 monthly oil change reduces the chance of a chain failure. With this in mind  I checked that the car I bought had yearly service intervals with a oil change and not on mileage intervals. So mine has no sound of chain problems and touch wood it won't. Whether it coincidence or not I'm going to continue this regime, I never believed that mileage based service interval are good for a car , unless owner does in excess of the service mileage in a less than a year. Regular periodic service is best.

Edited 14 July, 20178 yr by Kenrw8

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/344005-12tsi-cam-chain-problem/?page=6