Hi all,

 

That time has come around to get a new Octavia. My budget is somewhere in the region of £6-8k. I've had both the hatch and estate in the past, and don't really mind either, but obviously the family would find the estate more useful. I've only ever had TDIs in the past, but my commute has been substantially reduced, so economy is less important nowadays. I've had both the vrs TDI and standard 2.0 in the past, but never the tsi. My last vrs' dog died at about 150k, is this usual? I've also never driven the scout or 4x4.

 

I know I'll have to drive whatever I buy, so I suppose what I'm asking is:

1. What models/years should I favour/ be wary of?

2. How does low mileage and old age compare to high mileage and newer?

3. I know generally the TDI engine can go on for many miles, but how long is the general life expectancy of the tsi?

4. Any other general tips?

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Lew

Hi mate. There'll be far mote experienced and knowledgeable people on here than I, but since I've literally just been through the buying process I'll give you my tuppence worth. 

 

This is my first Skoda/vRS btw, but have driven VAG cars for many years, back to my VR6s etc. 

 

I decided on the petrol 59 tsi) mainly because my mileage is very low and I had concerns about DPFs with the diesel model. Be aware, though, that if you go for an 09-12 TSI then have a read about timing chain/tensioner failure, as if you're a worrier you may want to factor replacement of this into your purchase. 

 

In terms of the drive, all I can say is wow. For what it is, it's a great piece of kit. It's not what I would call a "fast" car per se - but then I get to hit about in a 600+bhp company car on occasion, so my perception of "fast" may be somewhat skewed. 

 

It's a very impressive car for the bhp/money though. I've only ever owned diesels in this power range before, the performance difference is very noticeable IMO. My brother in law (who took me to collect the car) was behind me on the way home. We both sunk the clog on the slip road to the M8 - I left him behind, by a good margin. He was in a remapped A3 TDi 170. 

 

All in all I'd say it depends on what you want mate. If MPG and all out torque is important to you then the diesel can't be beaten. Of you do short journeys then perhaps the petrol would be most suited to your needs.

 

Try driving both if you can, see what you prefer??

 

I'm delighted with my purchase and plan to get it in for the tensioner upgrade sooner rather than later, just for peace of mind. 

 

Whatever you go for, just make sure it's well maintained

 

HTH

 

Bryan. 

Have a look on the Internet at 'Honest john' who writes for the telegraph

It just depends on what you like. TDI = Fuel economy, albeit if you're looking for power its a little lower down.

 

I have a MK1 vRS and a MK2 vRS (TDI) and diesel is still quick, but its no racecar.  You cant push it much past stock, Stage 1 gets you 190hp at the wheels, as opposed to the stock 160/170HP. The only reason you'd get the diesel is if you want the economy, otherwise there arent any benefits I can think of.

Got a 2010 vrs tsi in the end. Very happy. Thanks for the advice guys.

Great stuff mate. Price/mileage etc? Saloon/estate?

Has the cam chain tensioner been done? 

£4900, 95000miles, estate. No, tensioner not done yet. Was gonna get this done pretty soon.

I was factoring in getting it done on my 1.8 TSI but as it’s still using oil the Skoda dealer are changing the chain and tensioner when they replace the pistons and con rods.

Do you know rough cost? I'm assuming something similar to the cam belt a the TDI.

Not cheap Around £700 but much better than an engine failure.

Figures. Yeah, that's definitely an easy decision to make. Are the failures really as common as people make out?

Not common as far as I can make out it’s about reducing the risk in my mind.