Hi all, 

 

I appreciate this topic has probably been covered a few hundred times by now but I'm hoping for some guidance from the community.

 

I've lined up a viewing for a low'ish mileage 2011 Octavia VRS this weekend and was hoping for some trouble spots to check before buying?

 

I've researched the hell out of the car but getting stuck on the engine types, TFSI vs TSI. When did they switch?

I understand the two types come with their own issues but is there a preferred type or one that offers better reliability over the other?

 

Apologies for all the questions, I'm new to Skoda and would like to avoid any costly mistakes.

Hello and welcome!

First of all, try and find out what engine it is, check for the engine code so you know what you're dealing with.

Usually the later the generation, the less trouble you'll have, though maintenance is obviously a critical factor too.

Try not to get too bogged down into wanting one specific engine over another, though.

You can still do everything right and end up with a lemon, and do everything "wrong" and end up with a gem.

That said, that era of Gen 2 EA888 engines are susceptible to high oil use, IIRC. I think 1 litre per 1000 miles is considered "normal" by VAG. (Hopefully someone will correct me on this if I'm out on that figure.)

I'd check the oil level and if it's a bit low, consider it fair warning.

How many miles has the car done?

Is it manual or DSG?

Have you run a check on the vehicle?

Hi @EnterName,

 

Thanks for the information. 

 

Its a manual, approximately 70K on the clock. 

Beyond checking MOT history online I haven't checked much else yet. Is there a site to check engine type based on reg? 

 

Side note, I was checking ULEZ compatibility and that lists the car as "SKODA OCTAVIA VRS TFSI" which I'm assuming is correct... but i thought the switch over to TSI had already happened by 2011. 

 

I've read about the high oil use online. Is there anything else i need to be aware off?

 

I've brought some real expensive lemons in the past, I want to be open minded and like you say not get bogged down by the horror stories but also want to walk into this with my eyes open.

 

Thanks again for the advice.

 

 

This might be helpful.

Have a look and see if everything that should be done has been done.

I'd also be looking into the cam chain and make sure the tensioner is working as it should.

Check the water pump for any evidence of leaking.

Not sure if you have the silica bag in the coolant, but if you have, that might be a cause for concern, so make sure the heating inside works on both sides and the coolant looks a healthy pink/purple.

Some silly things can be annoying, like the fuel flap not opening sometimes, but there are other folks on here who may be able to give you more specifics on things to watch out for.

What's the service history like? Full Skoda dealer or independent specialist?

I appreciate the help, I'm sure I'll come back with more questions.