Just looking for some advice please. A local garage has suggested that unfortunately I require an engine replacement. The timing chain has slipped causing damage to the engine. The mechanic said there is knocking at top and bottom end and that the engine was dry- albeit no warning lights were on and id previously topped the oil up when a light came on.

They've suggested that I try and source a reconditioned engine and they would do the work. Im weighing up the options now as the car has done 165k. Only worth 5k as a trade in, but likely to cost 3-4k for parts and labour.

Are there any recommendations for suppliers of reconditioned engines, perhaps who do the work or supply? Is it worth getting a second opinion from Skoda approved garage, albeit the garage that have looked at it has done work on the car previously and have always been helpful? Not being mechanically minded, not sure if these is a very easy one to diagnose. They did put me off spending 10 hours stripping the engine down to which they suggested may be a waste of money , which seems to show they are giving me reasonable cost effective advice.

Welcome any advice.

The other question is whether I would need to find an engine that was also in a DSG or whether I could buy an engine that has been in a manual car. Ive been give the following engine code and part number by some ebay sellers: Part number - 04L 100 033 C Engine code - CRLB, who havent got any in stock at present.

Sorry to hear about the issue and the dilemma. From a financial point I’d budget for the worst case scenario (assuming that’s including VAT) and add 10% for unforeseen issues. That potentially puts you at £4,400 on a £5,000 car; which is a slim dilemma when you then start to factor lost time without the car etc etc.

In relation to the second post I don’t think there’s any difference in engine otherwise there’d be a change of engine code depending on the gearbox (albeit some engines only have a DSG option). If yours could be either then I can think you can choose either.

Be aware that the majority of 'reconditioned' engines being touted will be no such thing - almost invariably pulled out of a wreak, steam-cleaned and plonked on a pallet (pallet optional)

Car has a timing belt not a chain

In its current state, would you realistically get the £5000 if traded in? If you could get another engine, in good condition, fitted, what would be the trade in value then?

What you then have to factor in, is, would you get a car that suits you as much as this one has done, or would you be sacrificing some things such as age, trim, ICE, engine, different model, or even make, etc to meet the budget you have for a replacement?

It's your choice. If getting another engine fitted brings the car back to a condition that you'd consider keeping it for another few years, or, you can commit to the cost of replacing it, either on a like for like (ie, 66 plate) car, or something a bit newer with a few extra bells & whistles. It's your finances & you are the only one who knows which makes the better financial sense.

Perhaps a discussion with your garage to see if they can offer a fixed price, maybe with also obtaining an engine in that, plus a warranty on the work, will help you to make up your mind one way or another.

Good Luck whichever way you decide.

Edited 14 May, 20251 yr by wharferat
additional text.

I think what @wharferat says is on the money (pun intended). I often find it funny when people say "the car is only worth....". Yeah ok the car might be worth £5k when working and you have to spend £4k to get there. You then have a car you like for £4k. The only unknown part of the maintenance is the engine (see warranty comment above). How much money would you be willing to spend on a car to get the same confidence in reliability. Probably a fair bit more than the £5k yours could be worth. Is it 7, 8 or even 10k? Even then you only have the same confidence in the engine as you would have if you replaced the engine in yours (i.e. a used unit).

As above, it's your finances and your tool for the travel you do. If you are in a good financial position then maybe it's the time to change to petrol or EV. There's a thread in here near the top about the economy of the 190 tsi and how good it is.

Another route for replacement could be a diesel tuning house like darkside. They might have a lump kicking about that will offer better performance from an engine built by race engineers.

On 10/05/2025 at 10:18, AMD87 said:

Car has a timing belt not a chain

Of more than a little concern that OPs garage , unless misreported, is that they do not know correct valve drive of engine.