Octavia 3 VRS TDI 184 4x4 with many extras

[varaderoguy]

From the House of Too Many Skoda's;

 

Dear all,

Recently picked up and traded in my Octavia 3 VRS TSI for a similar year but older mileage TDI. However, the TDI is something a bit special. The selling dealer didn't really know what they had 🤣 so undersold the car massively. It has many many factory fitted options (over 212 shown on Erwin) Bad for them, good for me, but this is not a perfect car. It will be a high days and holidays car as well as a project car.

From the top:

It is a Quartz Grey 2018 TDI 2.0 4x4 with ACC. The car has over 58000 miles on the clock but drives like a car that has done 20000 miles fewer. 

 

It has: KESSY, finger touch opening on door handle, Dynamic Chassis Control, 4x4, sun roof, flappy paddles, full winter pack,tow bar and 18" wheels plus a 6 speed DQ 250 auto box plus all the usual VRS features. My local dealer (oddly enough the same dealer who originally sold the car from new) gave it a clean bill of health but there is a list as long as your arm to look at (because I'm a perfectionist).

 

1) Battery - it's on the edge of acceptability. The standard VAG battery tester shows it just to be in the green but it loose voltage very quickly in the cooler weather up here on Scotland. I'm looking at a high-end BOSCH battery to replace it with.

 

2) The windscreen is scratched to hell and has an almighty crack from a stone on the edge of the passenger side. I put new windscreen wipers on but it needs replacing. I'll see how much a new screen from Autoglass will cost. It looks horrible.

 

3) The headlights are scratched to buggery. I'm going to try some Autoglym headlight rejuvenater for starters but it could be two new headlights if push comes to shove.

 

4) The interior is clean - a horrible scratch on the passenger side dash needs some attention. It also needs a full leather clean on the half leather interior.

 

5) Header tank....needs a new one due to Silicon bag nonsense. That should stop that ticking timebomb.

 

6) The selling dealer has identified that whilst a HALDEX oil change has been done, nobody has cleaned the filter to the pump. I'll book it in shortly to have that done.

 

7) The paint work needs attention. We are going to deal with stone chips galore (especially around the rear off-side). It needs a proper clean and detail too.

 

8) All the usual SuperSkoda accessories to be applied. Bright Boot lights, Puddle Spots and interior lights to be installed. Front and Rear Mudguards (because it's the Scottish Borders and the roads are rubbish), LED Audi style Indicators, Alloy-Style foot rest (to match up with rest of the car pedals), VRS seat handle inserts. That will do for starters.

 

9) From my old VRS, I have transferred:

Kopacek VRS Boot Mat

LED Boot Lights 

Skoda Warning Triangle

Skoda First Aid Kit (in Czech)

Floor Mats were purchased new from the selling dealer.

Bonnet Struts

 

10) It needs a proper 17" full sized or 18" skinny spare (I'm not doing foam because it's useless). To be purchased.

 

11) Things done already: Firmware 0478 has been applied to the MIB2.5 system. I've enable a small number of options via ODBEleven but I need a nice quiet day with my laptop and VCDS to really enable lots of options (like Lights Assist, Traffic Sign Assist) and other tweaks like enabling the second fog light. I'll be speaking with @SashaGrace
and @langers2k
for their advice on what to do to make this beasty amazing.

 

12) My husband has informed me that the dashboard plastic cover is badly scratched.  It needs replacing.

 

Edited 9 April, 2021 by varaderoguy
updated

[varaderoguy]

Blimey - already an update (I'm inpatient)....

 

1) I removed the Silica Teabag from the coolant system.  REALLY glad I did that as it was ~just~ on the edge of splitting. Eyk....

2) Number 9 is now done: Fitted -

• Kopacek VRS Boot Mat
• LED Boot Lights 
• LED Door Lights with VRS Down Projectors (also from my old car)
• Skoda Warning Triangle
• Skoda First Aid Kit (in Czech)
• Floor Mats were purchased new from the selling dealer.
• Bonnet Struts

Fitted upgraded LED Lights to the front courtesy lights (2 LEDs) - got another lot arriving soon from ebay for the rears....

 

Superskoda / Kopacek equipment ordered: Mud Flaps (front and back), Puddle Spots, LED Audi Indicators, Alloy Footrest, and VRS seat inserts.....

 

Headlight restorer polish ordered: I've also got to put in a Dashcam to keep me covered for my insurance.....

 

Been out in the car today with my other half - it is a SUPER lovely car to drive.....I am loving it as much as my Scout (so that is saying a lot).

 

P.S. I think the car is called Rabbie....but that name could change.

Edited 9 April, 2021 by varaderoguy

[Schtum]

1 hour ago, varaderoguy said:

Blimey - already an update (I'm inpatient)....

 

 

In which hospital?  I'm sure we can have a whip round and send you flowers and grapes....

[varaderoguy]

The local La La Looney Bin which my husband would probably like to commit me to most days.....for buying too many Skoda's. More photos to come hopefully tomorrow when it maybe washing day for the car. It needs a jet wash and plenty of TLC.

[varaderoguy]

The cars first wash today and wax. I use Autoglym products because they seem to work well with Skoda paints. It is now looks considerably nicer. A scratch on the right hand side rear (previous owners poor parking me thinks) has all been buff out via Autoglym Scratch Remover. My husband has also applied some Super Resin Polish to the rear half of the car. It looks amazing.

 

Meanwhile internally, the car has had a clean and has had leather treatment applied to the half leather interior. Headrests, steering wheel and all leather panels have been treated with Autoglym Leather Cleaner and Treatment. Leather feels supple again. Vinyl and Rubber Care has been applied to internal door panels and door entrance panels. It all smells better too (instead of a fake cherry smell the car came with, it now smells clean and fresh).

 

Went around and touched up some stone chips on the paint work (bonnet mainly).

[varaderoguy]

25/04/21

 

Update on the VRS.  Its been a weekend of fettling the car.  Let me put on record to say that I really detest some car dealers [sadly some of them Skoda dealers].  The selling dealer of this lovely VRS were less than honest in selling the car.  That dishonestly shows when dealers say that the car has been fully serviced and had the oil/filter/haldex/air filter and cabin air filter done.  Guess what....none of this has been done. 

 

Since we've had it, the DSG DQ250 gearbox has started to make some odd noises on shifting down the gearbox.  I think it is the usual Flywheel issues that are a known problem; there are also issues with the grabby/snatchy nature of the gearbox when cold.  Its going into West End Skoda to be looked at tomorrow:  The selling dealer has also been informed, because like my previous VRS (where it needed a new clutch), I suspect the gearbox will need attention.

 

Whilst it is there:

 

1) New Battery - VAG6161 shows that the battery voltage level is not holding its charge very well - half-capacity - this seems to be normal for VAG batteries, so I'm not too put out on that one.  Its just disappointing that the car has been with us less than a month.

2) Selling dealer stated that Haldex service had been done.....no it hasn't....because the filter has not been changed.  WES are doing that tomorrow too.

3) Gearbox being investigated.....

4) Might get WES to do another enhanced service on the car after the state of the cabin air filter - because you can bet the air filter is also not done.

 

Sigh - people tell me that I expect too much from dealers; if they were honest and said there wasn't enough margin in it for them to get it serviced then that's fine.....its just when I'm lied to and they then have the gal to also put it down on the Service Record; that is when I get upset.

[varaderoguy]

Headlight Restoration

 

As usual, I'm using Autoglym products and their Headlight Restoration kit. You don't need a drill especially on a FL MK3, but you will also need plenty of masking tape.

 

Husband decided to try it out. It was hard for me to photograph this but the headlights seem to have suffered from one too many Car Washes.

 

The principal is that you have to use low grade sandpaper first working up to a very fine grade/grit sandpaper. 

 

Most of the fine scratches are now gone on the headlights. Here are some (scarry) photos whilst it was being done.

 

 

[varaderoguy]

Its been an interesting week with the Octavia.  It turns out that the selling dealer told us porkies about the mechanical state of the car.  Firstly, we love the car, but if the dealer is not going to play nicely, it will be returned. 

 

Things that were recently done (remember its less than 3 weeks old) ->

 

1) New VW Battery as the auto/stop start failed and the electrical supply in the car was being wobbly.

2) The DSG gearbox oil and filter was changed - it hadn't been changed by the selling dealer (who said they had).

3) The HALDEX Oil and internal gause Filter were also changed: it hadn't been changed by the selling dealer (who said they had).

4) A Full Service (it wasn't due, but the oil and all the filters were all dirty)

5) Electric Mirrors mechanisms greased

6) Engine mountings greased.

 

However, not all the issues were resolved.  The dreaded metalic clanking of the DMF (Dual Mass Flywheel) on the DQ250 has been making more and more noises.  My other half heard it today - clanking away at high torque.  Less than ideal. 

 

I'm about to negotiate with the selling dealer.  Wish me luck.

 

Edited 24 May, 2021 by varaderoguy

[J.R.]

I'm not sure that a Haldex coupling on your model year has an external replaceable filter.

[varaderoguy]

It has an internal gauze filter within the pump for HALDEX 5 - not a HALDEX 3 external filter.....

 

Sorry - that's was I referring to.

[varaderoguy]

I have just had a quote to replace the clutch and the DMF on the DQ250 gearbox on this car.  This came in at £2368.12 from our local Skoda dealer.  Almost fell off my perch on this one.  I am in discussions with selling dealer about the car.  Nobody is keen to move quickly to sort this out, so I will have to escalate this to Skoda UK for their attention - I have been promised a call from their Customer Service Manager.

[varaderoguy]

22/05/21

 

A month and a half after we have first purchased this car, My husband and myself have decided to keep the VRS.  I would like to say that Skoda Customer Services have been less than good and that Skoda Finance have been very good.  I was in the process of returning the VRS to Skoda Finance, but for the sake of a clutch pack and DMF.  If you get over the DMF rattle and the jerky transmission, the car is a peach.  It revs and pulls amazingly cleanly.  We both love driving it and that is why we have dithered on the returns process. 

 

The quote from West End Skoda is too much at £2368.12 for Clutch pack and DMF.  On that basis, I have therefore spoken with Darkside Developments in Barnsley (I'll reveal the price as soon as it is confirmed) and I am booking the car in there for fettling next month.  Sadly don't totally trust our local independent VAG specialist.  The price is high due to the 4x4 Haldex system and that it is a DSG.

[varaderoguy]

For those of you who are interested, here is the spec of the car from erwin

Vehicle-specific+information-modified.pdf

[VRSbaz]

Great write up so far.

I have been in touch with Skoda UK for my build sheet but they keep fobbing me off. 

[varaderoguy]

@VRSbaz thanks for the posting.  if you go to Skoda Erwin and take out an hour's subscription (about 7 Euros), you can get all the information on your car from there.

[VRSbaz]

19 minutes ago, varaderoguy said:

@VRSbaz thanks for the posting.  if you go to Skoda Erwin and take out an hour's subscription (about 7 Euros), you can get all the information on your car from there.

Should i download anything else while i have paid? 

 

[varaderoguy]

If you have paid for an hours subscription, go to "Vehicle Specification Information" and type in your VIN number, then the car information will be displayed in the same dropdown menu.

[J.R.]

The final item was revealing, "Infotainment subscription 1 year"

 

From reading another thread it would appear that the thing will stop working after a year unless you pay the ransom.

[varaderoguy]

(we are going massively off-topic here folks) - you pay for the infortainment subscription for news/sport/information and latest traffic info.  VAG outsource this service to a different service provider, so they have to cover their costs.

[varaderoguy]

More updates from the car that just keeps on giving!

 

I am now booked into Darkside Developments in early July to have the work to replace the DMF and Clutch sorted.  They have quoted me £1400 inc VAT.  That is somewhat different to the £2300 from my local dealer.

The issue is not getting better by itself; the drive train is definately not happy. 

 

The other new and potentially interesting thing is that I think the timing is a little out.  My current TDI engine on my Scout is lovely, purry engine, quiet and not at all sounding like a diesel.  The TDI184 on the VRS sounds and feels asmatic and it smells as though it is running rich too.  The air filter should have been changed recently (I'll double check it) and the oil which has only done <500 miles is super black with dirt. 

 

So - I am thinking that the combination of a recent decent service and decent super diesel in the car is getting rid of a LOAD of tutt from the previous owner's [lack of] maintainance regime (it had a full Skoda service history though).

Any helpful hints to tell me how I can find out what the timing is doing (I have VCDS).

[HeavyMetalRich]

Are you sure it wasn't just trying to do a regen?

[varaderoguy]

Some good news from "the car that keeps on giving (in a bad way)".  However, I will have to give the car a new name, because I think I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

 

Firstly - selling dealer update.  Its really interesting that just as I was about to write this, Skoda Finance called - with an extremely unhelpful individual rejecting my complaint out of hand.  They sadly believed the selling dealer who have not told them them truth and didn't listen to my concerns at all.  My servicing dealer (who are different) - have told me to pursue this with the Chief Exec's office at Skoda UK - which is now being done.  A complaint to the Motor Ombudsman is also in play.  It basically boils down to two things: a) Getting an applogy from the selling dealer and b) getting them to contribute to the outlay I have had to do to fix the problems with the car.

 

Good news re: poor running.  @HeavyMetalRich was right to a certain extent, but not totally there.  With the improvement of running the car on Super Diesel and performing maintainance on the car, I think it is beginning to get out a whole load of crud from the EGR and from the DPF.  After a run on Sunday where the car was running like a dog after a sprited run (really very poor performance and clattering like mad), on Monday - the car started and ran considerably better.  Its now running far better, more power and smooth like my Scout.  If it was doing a regen, that was a FULL regen of maximum order! 

[Schtum]

On 22/05/2021 at 16:29, varaderoguy said:

The quote from West End Skoda is too much at £2368.12 for Clutch pack and DMF.  On that basis, I have therefore spoken with Darkside Developments in Barnsley (I'll reveal the price as soon as it is confirmed) and I am booking the car in there for fettling next month.  Sadly don't totally trust our local independent VAG specialist.  The price is high due to the 4x4 Haldex system and that it is a DSG.

 

Do you mind saying who your local VAG independent specialist is?  If it were my car, I'd be taking it to Star Performance in Dysart, here in Fife.  

[varaderoguy]

@Schtum - Yes, sorry - the local VAG specialist refered to in Edinburgh - Autohaus.  They were kirt and unhelpful when I went to them for a service. 

[HeavyMetalRich]

Ah yes, I forget that diesels do smell like they're running rich when they're a bit bunged up. I encounter this with some of the vehicles at work. If they don't get a long run every so often they start to smell rich and not quite run right. Takes a good few long runs to sort them out usually.

 

Glad your car seems to be improving, hopefully this continues to be the case!