Potential new Octavia owner

[MassiveJim]

I test drove a 14 plate Petrol Octavia VRS  with DSG yesterday which I was quite happy with and will potentially buy.

I have a few questions that I am hoping you guys might have the answers to.

 

1 - There was no service book with this car, the car dealer said it is all done online now and they had printed out the service history from Skoda, this didn't say much other than the dat the milage and where it was done.

I am use to buying cars with a service book which gives a little more detail about what needs to be done and when.

So how can I find out more about its history before I buy it.

 

2 - How do I know what needs servicing and when, I have googled this quite extensively and the information doesn't appear to be readily available ?

 

3 - Last question, anything in particular I should be looking for when buying one of these, any common faults etc ?

 

Thanks

James

[Extreme3d]

Hi James,

 

1. Pretty normal nowadays, when I purchased mine, all I got was a printout of the Skoda (Complete Record) of when the vehicle had been serviced, although it was backed up with the service invoices.

 

2. As long as the service interval clock has been reset on the vehicle, it will notify you on the MFD (multi function display) or in car display when it requires a service, depending on how the vehicle has been set up. Depending on driving style an oil changed may be requested before a minor / major service is required. You can go through the in car menu and look at the information.

 

Take a look here to see what forms part of a service.

 

Worth mentioning the DSG gearbox requires an oil and filter change every 40,000 miles, Make sure its done, you don't want to have issue with that.

 

Suggest finding a good/reliable Skoda/VW independent specialist

 

3. Having owned mine for over a year, my only issues have been bulging front tires, make sure they are at the correct pressure and check, noticed after i drove away from the forecourt (after purchasing) and checked the pressures.  I have had a wheel bearing fail, when driving at approx 70 mph I was getting a "wooh wooh wooh" noise from the front of the car.  I have had an issue with DSG selector bringing up a message on the MFD while driving, in the past it meant a new mechanism although now there is a modification that has come out that bypasses the switch that causes the problem and replaces it with a new switch that is fitted onto the selector mechanism. It has been discussed in this forum quite a lot here . The mechanism is approx £1000 inc fitting, so I was happy when the modification kit came out. 

 

Can't think of anything else, hope this helps. Maybe other people can add to this post.

 

Think the car itself is great, lots of fun and I can fit the family in it as well.

 

Enjoy!

 

Paul

 

Edited 18 June, 2020 by Extreme3d

[Axle_of_weasels]

20 minutes ago, Extreme3d said:

 

 

...As long as the service interval clock has been reset on the vehicle, it will notify you on the MFD (multi function display) or in car display when it requires a service, depending on how the vehicle has been set up. Depending on driving style an oil changed may be requested before a minor / major service is required. You can go through the in car menu and look at the information.

 

 

...but it will only get it right if it is in the right mode. This should always be the case if it is serviced in the Skoda network, but sometimes indies either don't know or don't bother.

 

For the 'variable' servicing, you need the long life oil, although some people use the longer life oil and still service at the shorter fixed intervals.

Cost difference isn't that much these days, although it was once probably higher.

 

29 minutes ago, Extreme3d said:

Worth mentioning the DSG gearbox requires an oil and filter change every 40,000 miles, Make sure its done, you don't want to have issue with that.

 

That's true of the six speed DSG fitted to the Diesels, but the seven speeds fitted to the petrols (all? I think so) don't have scheduled oil changes.

[MassiveJim]

Hi guys,  thanks for the responses

 

I'm aware of the dsg service at 40k, but how can I check if it has been done? The dealer was willing to get it done before the car is sold, so not a huge issue. 

The car has done 47k and has a full Skoda service history but with the services not stating exactly what was done I don't really have anyway of knowing What was done and what needs doing. 

Cam belt is an important one for example. 

 

As for future servicing, I won't be using a specialist but a back street garage that I have used for years that I trust,  he isn't very tech savvy mind, so he won't be registered online to be able to update service history etc. But he is capable and experienced and I've used him for over 15 years.

 

If there is anything specific to vw/skoda that he can't handle,  there is a very knowledgeable guy in Nottingham that I have used in the past on an audi i used to own. 

[Extreme3d]

Unfortunately James if there are no paper invoices with the car, you will not be able to tell if it has been done or what has been done over the past 6 years, short of accepting the skoda online history. 

 

The main things changed during a minor / major service on a petrol car would be the engine oil and filter, air filter (although even they are long life now), pollen filter and spark plugs at 40,000 the rest would just be visual inspections and lubes and general top ups.

 

Brake fluid change at 3 years and every 2 years after I believe as well.

 

Worth checking the air conditioning, for proper function, that is an item people forget, and should really be looked at / inspected, and topped up. My Mk2 vRS ended up needing a compressor, another expensive job.

 

So ultimately, with no receipts,  you would just have to take your chances.

 

My petrol Vrs (CHHB engine) has a timing chain and not a belt and as such shouldn't require replacing.

 

Is the vehicle coming with a warranty?

 

 

Edited 18 June, 2020 by Extreme3d
Addition info

[MassiveJim]

This particular one comes with 3 months warranty,  but i know there are also consumer rights that cover me for longer. 

If the services have been done by skoda can I assume that the gearbox and brake fluid have been done as it was serviced after 40k (can't remember exact mileage now) or do they come under a separate service category?

What mileage does the cam belt need changing?

[peter3197]

I don't think you can assume the brake fluid and gearbox fluids have been changed. The Skoda service paperwork shows the dealer that did the services. It may be worth phoning them and asking them to tell you what was done on each service. The cambelt change views differ considerably, from country to country, dealer to dealer, 5 years change to 140,000km check. There have been numerous discussions on this on here, try the search" cambelt change".

[paulski]

you can get more info on what's been done at service intervals  if you can find out where the car was serviced. I just called up the two dealer service departments that my car had been to in its life and asked them to check what parts had been used. They can see more detail than you think. 

 

[Extreme3d]

On 18/06/2020 at 22:39, Axle_of_weasels said:

That's true of the six speed DSG fitted to the Diesels, but the seven speeds fitted to the petrols (all? I think so) don't have scheduled oil changes.

But mine is a 6 speed DSG petrol, so I don't know where you are getting your info from, and my oil and filter were changed @38000.

 

Again, the petrol 2.0L tsi engine (2016 / chhb engine / mqb platform) has a cam chain and as such, there is no requirement to change it.

[Axle_of_weasels]

My Mk II has a seven speed gearbox, and I wasn't expecting them to go backwards. but, I didn't know, and that's why there is the question mark in there.

[MassiveJim]

I'm not really any clearer on the subject of servicing, how would I know which gearbox is in this car ?

Its a MY14 does this mean it doesn't have Cam chain, as you mentioned 2016 year platform.

[Guest]

47 minutes ago, MassiveJim said:

I'm not really any clearer on the subject of servicing, how would I know which gearbox is in this car ?

Its a MY14 does this mean it doesn't have Cam chain, as you mentioned 2016 year platform.

 

I can assure you that you'll never be clear on the subject of servicing, none of us are, that's because all of the VW Group of manufacturers are unclear themselves. We can get the basics right tho.

 

1: As you have posted in the mk3 forum then I assume the car you're looking at is a mk3?

2: If as you say you're concerned about a petrol VRS then the only mk3 petrol VRS is the 2.0tsi engine.

 

conclusion:  All mk3 2.0tsi engines are chain cam driven.

 

Hope that clears at least one thing up.

[Ecomatt]

If you have any doubts about the service history and what has or has not been done. I would just get things such as spark plugs, air and pollen filter, oil and filter, dsg serviced, brake fluid changed. That way you know it has been done. I got my car that had been serviced by Skoda and there was no record of the DSG being serviced at 40,000 miles. My car was at 59,000 when I got it so I had it serviced the other week when fund's allowed.

You are covered for 6 months from the date of purchase under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 so ignore any 3 month warranty a garage will say. 

[Gaz]

On 18/06/2020 at 22:39, Axle_of_weasels said:

That's true of the six speed DSG fitted to the Diesels, but the seven speeds fitted to the petrols (all? I think so) don't have scheduled oil changes.

 

3 hours ago, MassiveJim said:

I'm not really any clearer on the subject of servicing, how would I know which gearbox is in this car ?

 

This one'll have the six speed DQ250 wet clutch DSG.

 

Gaz

 

[MassiveJim]

Have found an estate that is £2k more expensive,  but nicer colour (blue) and has the pano sunroof, but smaller wheels and is a 2016, missus has fallen in love with it,  but its 200 miles away.  Fgs. 

[MassiveJim]

bought one!

its the one I mentioned in the OP that was actually 

 

64 Plate, hatchback, 49,000 miles, petrol with DSG in black,

19" anthracite alloys (was this a factory option or has the previous owner had the diamond cut ones refurbed ?)

Columbus nav with 8" screen

Canton sound upgrade

heated part leather seats

Black pack

plastic Skoda bootliner/tray thingy

 

general condition is excellent, few little marks on bodywork, and a couple of marks on one of the alloys.

 

feels very nice to drive, have never owned an auto before so that will take a little getting used to.

[shyVRS245]

I would say the Sat Nav, Canton and 19" alloys as well as the metallic paint were all factory options so you have a well specced early 217bhp Vrs (220PS).

[KieranD]

If you contact your local Skoda main dealer they can use the "Volkswagen Management System" (VMS) to pull up a more detailed history of the car than the standard history they print out. There is one section that is the customer facing side of it which just gives you mileage and date and then there is another explaining absoloutely everything including warranty recalls and change of ownerships etc. Failing that just message me the reg and I can get this sorted out for you as I am a manager for Skoda 👍. 

[themanwithnoaim]

On 25/06/2020 at 16:24, MassiveJim said:

bought one!

its the one I mentioned in the OP that was actually 

 

64 Plate, hatchback, 49,000 miles, petrol with DSG in black,

19" anthracite alloys (was this a factory option or has the previous owner had the diamond cut ones refurbed ?)

Columbus nav with 8" screen

Canton sound upgrade

heated part leather seats

Black pack

plastic Skoda bootliner/tray thingy

 

general condition is excellent, few little marks on bodywork, and a couple of marks on one of the alloys.

 

feels very nice to drive, have never owned an auto before so that will take a little getting used to.

Somewhere in the boot under the liner you'll find the spec sticker for the car, loads of codes that you can check & see the complete optional extras of the original factory build.

 

I'd be surprised if heated leather seats in a 64 plate DIDN'T also have the heated washer nozzles and windscreen 

Edited 28 June, 2020 by themanwithnoaim

[MassiveJim]

2 hours ago, KieranD said:

If you contact your local Skoda main dealer they can use the "Volkswagen Management System" (VMS) to pull up a more detailed history of the car than the standard history they print out. There is one section that is the customer facing side of it which just gives you mileage and date and then there is another explaining absoloutely everything including warranty recalls and change of ownerships etc. Failing that just message me the reg and I can get this sorted out for you as I am a manager for Skoda 👍. 

I've just pm'ed you.  Much appreciated

[Kenai]

On 18/06/2020 at 20:25, MassiveJim said:

2 - How do I know what needs servicing and when, I have googled this quite extensively and the information doesn't appear to be readily available ?

 

Picking up a slightly old thread but I noticed earlier that Skoda now have a 'See our suggested services year by year' PDF on their fixed price servicing site - it only covers Year 3 onwards but it certainly outlines the very broad brush approach they take.

 

https://www.skoda.co.uk/owners/servicing-maintenance-fixed-price

 

https://az749841.vo.msecnd.net/sitesengb/alv1/a06b23b4-1cad-431f-8a9e-9a845954d0e2/NationalPriceServicing.1ca5db45f2690fccdbcc4ad8cae7a857.pdf

 

Certainly one i'll be saving and maybe printing to stick in the wallet with the user manual and my receipts.

[MassiveJim]

7 minutes ago, Kenai said:

 

Picking up a slightly old thread but I noticed earlier that Skoda now have a 'See our suggested services year by year' PDF on their fixed price servicing site - it only covers Year 3 onwards but it certainly outlines the very broad brush approach they take.

 

https://www.skoda.co.uk/owners/servicing-maintenance-fixed-price

 

https://az749841.vo.msecnd.net/sitesengb/alv1/a06b23b4-1cad-431f-8a9e-9a845954d0e2/NationalPriceServicing.1ca5db45f2690fccdbcc4ad8cae7a857.pdf

 

Certainly one i'll be saving and maybe printing to stick in the wallet with the user manual and my receipts.

So to summarise

Oil & inspection every year/10k

Extended scope every 2 years/20k (starting at 3yrs/30k)

Pollen every 2 years/20k

Plugs every 4 years/40k

air filter every 6 years/60k (seems very high)

Diesel fuel filter every 6 years/60k (doesn't mention petrol fuel filter though)

 

Found some other information from another site regarding what is included in the standard inspection/ extended scope

 

Oil And Inspection Service Oil and Inspection Service is carried out every 12 months or 10,000 miles, whichever comes sooner.

Extend Scope The extended scope service is recommended at year 3/30,000 miles than every 2 years and additional 20,000 miles (e.g. 5 years/50,000miles; 7 years/70,000 miles etc.

Oil & filter change (premium synthetic oil) Full vehicle road test - which includes checking steering operations, clutch and braking operations, engine performance, suspension noise and driving controls Inspection of all lights, instruments, bodywork, glass, locks, battery, drive belts, suspension, steering, fuel lines, brake pads/shoes/discs, hoses, wash/wipe system, exhaust system, engine components, fluid levels tyres Diagnostic check and visual health check including reports Wash and vacuum

Car inspection test and report - lights, instruments, bodywork, glass, locks, battery, drive belts, suspension, steering, fuel lines, brake pads/shoes/discs, hoses, wash/wipe system, exhaust system, engine components, fluid levels tyres Remove wheels and check brakes Check/adjust tension of all drive belts Check/replenish gearbox oil (where applicable) * excludes DSG gearbox Check/replenish final drive oil (where applicable) Check suspension system