Hi folks.

 

The time has come to get rid of my 2008 170k mile Audi A4. To be honest I absolutely hate the thing now and looking to get something modern, previous workhorse was a 2008 Civic 2.2cdti which had 180k miles on it before needing to be sent to the car graveyard (corrosion).

 

I've seen a 2019 model from a dealers with circa 35k miles on the clock. It's priced keenly in my opinion but I do like the car. It has a pan roof amongst other toys, heated windscreen, seats plus more.

 

I do ~20k miles a year and need the economy of the diesel and also the convenience of an auto box, with this model having the DQ381 DSG.

 

I can't visit the car to check it before buying as I'm a fair distance away however I don't think I'll be disappointed. What I am miffed about is that I've been sent the warranty book (1 year warranty with the car) which looks absolutely worthless in my opinion. Am I being harsh in that respect or is that a shared feeling?

 

I intend on keeping whatever car I get next for at least 5/6 years but don't want to jump into something blind. I've never bought a vehicle outright with the kind of money I'm looking to spend before so trying to do as much due diligence as possible. What are the biggest issues I should look out for with this model, engine and gearbox?

 

Other replacements I've been looking at are Mondeo's and Focus's from 2017 onwards but I'm vastly drawn to the Octavia VRS even though slightly pricier.

 

Any opinions/input welcome. Thanks.

Yes the DSG would be a DQ381 which sadly does not necessarily mean this is a good thing. 80,000 miles service intervals on them but no way would i leave that long.

A Warranty that covers the DSG is of the greatest of importance IMO.  For the 1st year buying used, and then being able to buy an extended one. 

11 hours ago, Ootohere said:

Yes the DSG would be a DQ381 which sadly does not necessarily mean this is a good thing. 80,000 miles service intervals on them but no way would i leave that long.

A Warranty that covers the DSG is of the greatest of importance IMO.  For the 1st year buying used, and then being able to buy an extended one. 

 

Thanks for that.

 

I've since been in touch with a reputable independent local to me who has confirmed it's a box with issues and as I've read, with particular attention to be paid to the mechatronic side of things. I find it absolutely baffling there's a cracking car sitting at a Skoda dealer for 20k plus with a potential ticking time bomb of a gearbox being used (albeit on the electrical side) that hasn't been improved on/sorted out by now.

 

Would a mechatronics failure be included under warranty? I feel as though it would be a fight to get it through a warranty claim. I've actually just quickly done a quote for extended warranty on a named component - £650 per year! Sounds an absolute nonsense in all honesty.

 

Feel a bit deflated at the moment. 

I've found the guys at ECU Testing and although not specifying the Octavia, they do a rebuild for the DQ381 Mechatronic unit for the Tiguan and claim to use better parts. Cost is £368 plus postage with a lifetime/unlimited mile warranty. Pretty bold IMO.

 

Has anyone went down this route on here? If so what's your experience?

Members here have had Warranty Replacement MCU,s (Eventually)  and i read one recently that paid the cost of a New or Refurbed from VW.

 

The MCU repairs on DQ200 ,s have been fine from various companies and there is no reason that should not be the case with a Dq381.

It needs refitting correctly though.    That has even been an issue with Warranty Replacement ones and Main Dealer Techs messing up doing that. 

 

There are plenty vids on Youtube on the Refurbish Companies, and the Refitting a MCU for whatever.  DQ200, DQ250 or the DQ381.