Hi all, I've just bought a 2011 elegance, 1.8,feel like I've made a huge mistake looking at all the problems on the forum. Hope there's some happy owners out there?

I have been using a good local garage for years,would I be better using main dealer which is close,what's the benefits? Last 4 years it's had non dealer servicing

Don’t be silly. People only come into forums to discuss problems and negative issues. 
 

I wouldn’t post that I drove from Manchester to London, spent 8 days in London and then drove back all on one tank of diesel because nobody would care. 
 

people come here for help and answers.

 

If you have a local garage you trust, keep using them. Dealers will do the same work but charge you at least double. If you’re loaded, sure head to the main dealer.

 

Enjoy your car, I absolutely love mine, probably the best car I’ve owned (apart from my 2 seater I used to have before kids!)

Thank you for the reassurance, I love it too,best keep clear of the forums!

Just one question, do they do software updates at dealership and if so is that important?

@Chrishour   At a Skoda Approved Repairer / Main Dealership any TPI / Service Campaign Software updates should be getting done if outstanding, 

but you are signing to allow that when you hand in the car.

 

So ask if any are outstanding, and if you do not want software updates put that on writing on the Work Sheet you are signing that allows them to work on your car.

 

Check if any 'Recall Actions / Service Campaign work'  is outstanding on here.  Not all will show.

http://skoda-auto.com/services/recall-actions

 

There are independent VW Group Specialists that may have the Licensed Equipment and can check TPI's etc. 

Also do Software Updates if any are required.

 

Concerning the issues that appear on forums, there are some that are very common, so with a Euro 5 1.8 / 2.0 TSI it is worth knowing what the issues can be.

The pinned thread at the top of the Octavia Mk2 Section is worth looking at. 

 

Many cars that have had issues might well have had those addressed and resolved / fixed.

We've had ours for 6-7 years, it's been very good on the whole, I'd definitely buy another Skoda.  Ours is the 1.8 petrol elegance (4 x 4).  Bought with about 40k on it and we've doubled that.

 

Ours likes oil which is standard for the petrol models.  Just keep filling it up.

 

I don't recall a failed MOT test during that time, just the usual tyres, brakes etc.  Recently we've had problems starting sometimes - it doesn't like lockdown (necessitated a new battery and still not very happy about being left outside for ages without moving), but it's only because we've stop using it.  

 

Never had a software upgrade.  Never been to a main dealer.  I doubt Skoda dealers are worse than any other dealer but we learned the hard way not to go to a main dealer with 2 separate VWs we previously had.  I can't imagine why anyone would want to go to a main dealer, except if they've been offered a 'free' service as part of purchase. 

 

I shouldn't think you've made a mistake.

 

 

7 minutes ago, Alvarado said:

We've had ours for 6-7 years, it's been very good on the whole, I'd definitely buy another Skoda.  Ours is the 1.8 petrol elegance (4 x 4).  Bought with about 40k on it and we've doubled that.

 

Ours likes oil which is standard for the petrol models.  Just keep filling it up.

 

I don't recall a failed MOT test during that time, just the usual tyres, brakes etc.  Recently we've had problems starting sometimes - it doesn't like lockdown (necessitated a new battery and still not very happy about being left outside for ages without moving), but it's only because we've stop using it.  

 

Never had a software upgrade.  Never been to a main dealer.  I doubt Skoda dealers are worse than any other dealer but we learned the hard way not to go to a main dealer with 2 separate VWs we previously had.  I can't imagine why anyone would want to go to a main dealer, except if they've been offered a 'free' service as part of purchase. 

 

I shouldn't think you've made a mistake.

 

 

 

8 minutes ago, Alvarado said:

We've had ours for 6-7 years, it's been very good on the whole, I'd definitely buy another Skoda.  Ours is the 1.8 petrol elegance (4 x 4).  Bought with about 40k on it and we've doubled that.

 

Ours likes oil which is standard for the petrol models.  Just keep filling it up.

 

I don't recall a failed MOT test during that time, just the usual tyres, brakes etc.  Recently we've had problems starting sometimes - it doesn't like lockdown (necessitated a new battery and still not very happy about being left outside for ages without moving), but it's only because we've stop using it.  

 

Never had a software upgrade.  Never been to a main dealer.  I doubt Skoda dealers are worse than any other dealer but we learned the hard way not to go to a main dealer with 2 separate VWs we previously had.  I can't imagine why anyone would want to go to a main dealer, except if they've been offered a 'free' service as part of purchase. 

 

I shouldn't think you've made a mistake.

 

That's great to know,I read somewhere that using 5/40 oil slows oil use,have you tried that? Re the dealer services,I thought also it would be more easy to sell when the time comes

 

I'm not bothered about easier to sell I'll probably run it into the ground.  Also how much are you going to get for it?  It'll literally cost you low thousands if you get it serviced at a dealer for 5 years.  Is it going to sell for two or 3 grand more?  Good luck with that.  Your mileage may differ but if I knew a decent, trustworthy, reliable and reasonable mechanic locally that's where my car would go.  It looks like you might know such a person.

 

As regards oil, I think I use 5W/30 but have also used 5W/40 before.  I'm not sure about slowing oil use, I did a bit of research once on what oil to use and the consensus seemed to be that I should use 5W30 so that's what I do.

 

I got a low oil light after a few months of owning it and emailed the dealer who sold it to me.  I got this in response and just fill it up when needed (it's probably much closer to the first figure than the second, and I've not noticed it reducing - though the car wasnt' new when we bought it).

 

'I am emailing with reference to your email enquiry regarding the engine oil consumption.

 

I have attached a copy of the Superb manual page and highlighted the paragraph for reference, which makes note that for this specific vehicle/engine, it is not unusual that an engine oil top up may be required up to 0.5 ltr per 1000km/650miles (this normally reduces as the engine covers more mileage) and this figure can adjust to 0.5 ltr per 7500km/4500miles.
 
Different engine and vehicle models mean the engine oil consumption can vary. We always recommend that customer travel with a 1litre top up bottle , just in case and always make sure it is the correct oil specification/grade for your engine type. (i.e. fully synthetic or semi-synthetic)
 
I hope this helps and reassures you, if there is no visible oil leaks evident and the running of the vehicle is fine, this is normal. If this changes then please get in touch and we will examine it for you'.

 

 

It's only done 33k,2011 Elegance,no leaks,hardly used it yet, I'll keep a check on the oil,thanks for advice

On 17/02/2021 at 08:18, Chrishour said:

Thank you for the reassurance, I love it too,best keep clear of the forums!

Just one question, do they do software updates at dealership and if so is that important?

If you are in need of software updates or specialised advise I can recommend C T Cars in West Horsley, Leatherhead. They are VAG specialists with all the latest diagnostic equipment. I've no affiliation with them, just a satisfied customer. 

The TSFI engines had a design "flaw". The piston rings have been changed in later models. Earlier ones had rings that silted up with oil and exhaust debris and lost the ability to keep the oil away from combustion. Thus your "normal" oil consumption.