Hello all

 

I’m new to this group, I’m just wondering if I can get advice on a car I’m going to potentially buy at the weekend. It’s a 2011 VRS with DSG with 80k miles just had a major service with break pads, DSG oil change etc Just looking at getting some advice really thanks. 

you'd probably do better posting the ad up

1 hour ago, CJ4235 said:

Hello all

 

I’m new to this group, I’m just wondering if I can get advice on a car I’m going to potentially buy at the weekend. It’s a 2011 VRS with DSG with 80k miles just had a major service with break pads, DSG oil change etc Just looking at getting some advice really thanks. 

 

It is a good car. Do a search on this forum reference  2.0 and 1.8 TSI engine failure and cam chain tensioner. In brief if it's not had a replacement tensioner, there are a fair few unhappy owners who have paid significant amounts of money to repair resultant engine failures. 

I have a 2011 DSG bought with 32k miles about 1.5 years ago.

 

Check service records  for detail of what has actually been done. I.e. brake fluid, plugs would be due, air filter etc. etc.

 

You say DSG and DSG filter have been done twice now?

 

Also per @Redboy the timing chain main tensioner is a fairly bad failure item and previous revisions are unreliable. Yours will not be current unless it has been replaced.  It is a worthwhile consideration to replace the timing chain and tensioner preventatively unless you can safely rely on a third party warranty or consumer protection.

 

Inlet manifolds are a fairly common fault and not that cheap.

 

Ring scraper design is also a weakness, mine doesn't use oil but plenty of EA888 engines (1.8 and 2.0tsi) can have an excessive consumption problem that ultimately ends the engines life.  It is very hard to pick up at inspection and more likely to be noticed after a month or two after you've travelled 1000 miles. If buying privately, this makes it a risky purchase as resolution options are almost nil.

 

An engine replace is probably in the region of £5k plus from dealer.

 

Other than that it is just the Oct Mk2  platform faults that can present minor problems but overall the mk2 is a decent package.

 

Edit:

Ps fixed 12 month service regime is arguably more friendly with the EA888 engine design than long life. So take that into account with the service records.

 

 

Edited 11 December, 20178 yr by TheClient

1 hour ago, TheClient said:

I have a 2011 DSG bought with 32k miles about 1.5 years ago.

 

Check service records  for detail of what has actually been done. I.e. brake fluid, plugs would be due, air filter etc. etc.

 

You say DSG and DSG filter have been done twice now?

 

Also per @Redboy the timing chain main tensioner is a fairly bad failure item and previous revisions are unreliable. Yours will not be current unless it has been replaced.  It is a worthwhile consideration to replace the timing chain and tensioner preventatively unless you can safely rely on a third party warranty or consumer protection.

 

Inlet manifolds are a fairly common fault and not that cheap.

 

Ring scraper design is also a weakness, mine doesn't use oil but plenty of EA888 engines (1.8 and 2.0tsi) can have an excessive consumption problem that ultimately ends the engines life.  It is very hard to pick up at inspection and more likely to be noticed after a month or two after you've travelled 1000 miles. If buying privately, this makes it a risky purchase as resolution options are almost nil.

 

An engine replace is probably in the region of £5k plus from dealer.

 

Other than that it is just the Oct Mk2  platform faults that can present minor problems but overall the mk2 is a decent package.

 

Edit:

Ps fixed 12 month service regime is arguably more friendly with the EA888 engine design than long life. So take that into account with the service records.

 

 

yes the owner has said the dsg oil has been replaced on 40k and 80k 

Is it a risk or not 

Of course, every used car is a risk. It depends on how much risk you want to take and if you want to de-risk by paying more. E.g dealer purchase with warranty, undertake the timing chain and tensioner replacement etc etc.

Would it still be wise going ahead with it

20 minutes ago, CJ4235 said:

Would it still be wise going ahead with it

the only person who can make that decision is you. but as the client said there is always a risk with second hand cars and he's given you some decent advice.  go over the car with a fine tooth comb and take your time look through every receipt and stamp and if at any point something seems off don't be afraid to walk away.

If you really like the car buy it and have the tensioner done immediately by a proper VW /Skoda trained tech, not necessarily a dealers. Don't take it to the cheapest back street garage. You can try to negotiate a discount from the seller explaining the reason. Frankly the seller maybe aware of this issue. Either way even if you buy a pristine example of this decent car, or another marque, you will  need to ensure it's been sorted. It's a 6 year old car but MkII Octavias are good quality solid cars. 

Edited 11 December, 20178 yr by Redboy

I do appreciate the replies guys it’s much appreciated! How much are we looking to get that part fixed ? The car does seem to have been kept well, fsh history etc just wondering what you guys would do in my shoes. 

Cam chains and tensioner replaced last year for my own piece of mind. Done by my local excellent independent garage who have worked on my cars for a number of years. Cost--around £650. Main dealer prices, way more that this.

Okay I see would be worth getting that done then I know the cam chain hasn’t been done he said it needs doing at 100k ? 

Due to the issues with failing tensioners I would counter his answer with a no it needs changing now. As in yesterday!! Honestly, if it's still on the original tensioner get the cost of replacement knocked off the price or ask if he'll have it changed. Also, pay for a hpi check. They are very thorough and check for mileage discrepancies insurance claims on the vehicle etc. Well worth it for peace of mind imo. 

15 minutes ago, meaty101 said:

Due to the issues with failing tensioners I would counter his answer with a no it needs changing now. As in yesterday!! Honestly, if it's still on the original tensioner get the cost of replacement knocked off the price or ask if he'll have it changed. Also, pay for a hpi check. They are very thorough and check for mileage discrepancies insurance claims on the vehicle etc. Well worth it for peace of mind imo. 

Okay I’ll message him and see what he says I’m sure he won’t  be happy, I’ve seen another VRS but in manual with the cam chain and tensioner done which is a few hundred more  I may go see what that’s like.

No he probably won't be too happy because unfortunately he'll probably find someone else with money who will just buy it as it is. I know a few people that for some reason just walk into a garage and feel embarrassed for haggling!! The dealers expect people to haggle it's part of the game. But as has been mentioned they are good solid car and very reliable so that's a good start!! The issues with the tensioners is a sticky at the top of the Octavia mk2 section.

So give that car a miss then ? And go for the one I just previously mentioned ? 

How can anyone really advise on this. There are scant details. In fact unless I've missed it, there aren't even prices, there is no history provided, no spec, no condition and we can't see any of the cars you refer to. We can not make the decision for you I'm afraid only help with information for you to decide!!!!!!  Maybe a wind up?

 

1 hour ago, TheClient said:

How can anyone really advise on this. There are scant details. In fact unless I've missed it, there aren't even prices, there is no history provided, no spec, no condition and we can't see any of the cars you refer to. We can not make the decision for you I'm afraid only help with information for you to decide!!!!!!  Maybe a wind up?

 

Was only after some advice Jesús 

We have gave you some good advice. But it seems your asking us what you should do regarding buying a certain car and without ALL the information, or links to the adverts, we can't tell you what to do. Sorry!!