Hi All,

 

In a pinch 3.5 years ago when I did not have much money I managed to pick up a 2009 Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI (Ex Rapid Response Car, All De-badged and blues and twos removed). It had an extensive and vast pile of paperwork for all the parts and servicing all done regardless of cost and cost me a little under £2k for other Octavia's at the time being at least twice that with the same kind of paperwork. Don't get me wrong there were issue and a bit of recent neglect but all round she looked like a good car and the family loved the idea she may have helped save lives and she was dubbed 'Angel Car' by our kids. There were lots of little bit of broken plastics inside where Radio's etc had been pulled etc but a quick eBay job and a few weeks later all the small cosmetic things inside were sorted. She had a read squeal on the rear breaks which ended up being a dodgy caliper with only one bolt in it so all the breaks and calipers were replaced all over the rear end. Anyway long story short some small issues all resolved.

 

I have thought since I owned the Car it seemed a little under power, 1st Gear pull away is a bit naff and she struggles to make speed above 70-75 mph but give it an age and she will go faster (EVENTUALLY). I had the garage do a fundamental check and they said no errors and no issues they can see. So for the last 3 year been driving it as is without this getting better or worse. Had a Major and Minor service in that time, Cambelt and Water Pump last year and now due a Major Service.

 

So I have bitten the Bullet and asked for a Proper Investigation into this Power Issue. (I had a carbon clean just in case about 6 months ago now and they said the Turbo was pushing out near the specs it should for the car so this put my mind a little more at rest). I know it will have been pushed HARD in its previous life as a Rapid Response Car, But since we have had her she certainly is not RAPID. So just wanted those of you with experience as to what this might be and what those things could cost (Just to prepare myself).

 

So that plus the major investigation...... BUT to add...... The last few month she has also been drinking and engine of oil over a period of about 1-2 months. So I have had to keep her topped up. 

I have checked all the Oil and Water and no sign of mixture and there has been no effect on the car in any other known way. Again suggestions / cost ideas on the back of a postcard.

 

With all this in mind and with the face until this point we have paid for anything needed, DO you think I should keep going? She is a great car and the family love her and I would hate to be part of our throw away nation. In my heart I want to keep her going but I am just mindful of costs and worried about these issues above.

 

Hope you can all give me some suggested clear insight, She is booked in for Mid Feb for all this stuff!

Mike.

 

P.S. Excuse my bad English, My written word has never been my strong point.

 

Under powered and drinking oil - clapped out - sell it. Let some other mug have the problems.  You got it cheap enough, I doubt that you're going to lose much.

Edited 28 January, 20206 yr by ignoramus

This is a well timed post for me; I'm thinking of buying one of these, but not your one ! 

Can I ask - how many miles yours has done, where it came from ? Ambulance, police, other, and which part of the country.

Edited 28 January, 20206 yr by ignoramus

have you tried unplugging the MAF sensor to see if it made a difference to the performance?

Hi Williydog,

 

No - Worth trying?

 

Hi Ignoramus,

 

Was via guy who buys used service cars, Its previous life was of a Rapid Response Ambulance. When I got the car it had done 130,000m Full Service + TONS more.

 

Mike

 

If it is drinking oil, probably got worn out pistons.

 

Lack of power could be coked up turbo, or clogged up exhaust (can't remember if a 2009 2 litre TDI had any filters), or worn and leaky inlet or exhaust valves (this could have allowed oil or diesel to clog up parts again).   You might struggle to get it through a MOT on emissions.

 

My gut feeling (without seeing it) is that you will be throwing good money at a worn out vehicle, and could end up spending more (cumulatively) than its worth.   

I think you need to tot up the potential cost of fixing all the above and comparing to its value.

I wouldn't spend any more money until you are sure you are keeping it

Edited 28 January, 20206 yr by SurreyJohn

The Garage I use is going to diagnose the issues before the Service for me and then come back to me. So there is that in mind. I am thinking if I can get whatever needs to be done and the Service for £1k I would keep it. If its going to cost more then I would seriously reconsider keeping it.

4 hours ago, Big_Mike said:

Hi Williydog,

 

No - Worth trying?

 

 

 

Yes, just unplug the MAF connector on the inlet pipe and go for a drive to see if it makes any difference to the performance.  

 

The MAF controls the fuelling so if your MAF is under reading it will feel very gutless as it be under fuelling. 

 

Worth a shot as it doesn't cost anything to unplug it as an out of spec MAF doesn't always generate a fault code.