Hello everyone,

 

It is my first time posting on here after having read some of your threads. I know this subject has been discussed countless of times. However, I need your advice. I am currently looking to buy a 2011 Octavia vRS DSG with the 2.0 tsi and 100,000 km on the odo but I am worried by the chain tensioner issue.

 

The problem has been known for almost 10 years. I, therefore, wonder if some new information came to light. Do we know now if the problem affected a majority/minority of the cars (should I rather worry about whether or when it is gonna fail) ? Should I consider to change the part right away ?

On another note, is the DSG reliable on the 2011 Octavia RS ?

Thank you in advance and have a nice day.

Hi

I cant answer your query however I can share my experience of buying a  2nd hand VRS TSI however mines is manual.

 

So about 4 years ago I bought a 2009 VRS which had 100,000 miles however the engine was replaced at 48,000 due to the timing chain failure.   

So far I've had no majors issues, just the usual misfire due to coil-pack failure 

Immediately change it IMO. I didn't and it cost me dearly but I got lucky. It cost others a whole lot more. Just look at the engine failure sticky thread in this forum. It isn't a matter of if, but a matter of when.

 

 

It's all covered in the failure thread. There is no real change. AFAIR I still don't recall a single subsequent failure from the most recent tensioner revision.

 

It is a matter of time with the old tensioner revisions, especially very early ones,  I'd factor replacing it and the chain and guides into the purchase.

 

The wet 6SP DSG is pretty reliable, is regarded as such and has been in practice for me anyway. DSG Oil and filter need to be changed every 40k miles. So you should be approaching second change in next year or two.  The DSG service is not cheap almost £200 in uk.  If there is no record of any change, it could be a worry.  If you have to work done on the DSG box they are expensive and there are limited service centres that are experienced.  Those are downsides I guess.  If the previous owner liked launch control clutch packs can wear and DMF can fail.  Mechatronics can fail as well, but overall it's a fairly proven reliable unit in the main.