All,

I’ve trawled through all the very helpful posts but I’d like you to either talk me in or out of buying a high(ish) mileage MK3 TDI VRS.

Currently own a MK1 Octavia VRS which is sitting on 135k quite happily. Still going strong. I do however want something more economical to do about 15-18k a year on Motorways alongside the MK1.

I have a budget of between 6-8 thousand. For that price, there’s plenty of cosmetically good looking examples between 100- 140k miles. High mileage doesn’t put me off, providing the DSG has been serviced, possibly new flywheel etc and all associated servicing.

Before I pull the trigger, am I going to be playing a dangerous game? I’m not familiar with the 2.0 TDI!!

Cheers!

I bought what from outside looked a good buy - 2016 vRS TDi manual (won't touch a DSG box because of several friends' bad experiences) it also seemed to drive well in a short test. I traded in my 2008 Octavia Elegance TDi and I seriously wish I hadn't. I have had two TDi's as company cars since 2002 and loved both of them! The second one was given to me when I retired; over 180,000 miles and still on the original clutch and exhaust.

So far, I have spent more than £2,500 sorting out previous owners' misdemeanours which include:

2 x DPF pressure sensors at £96 each from garage,

2 x Exhaust gas sensors at £136 each from garage,

1 x New DPF can at £1250 from Autodoc

1 x EGR Cooler at £300 from garage,

1 x Driver door lock at £218 from garage, all the above plus fitting and VAT......

During the work to replace the above, the garage (VAG specialist I have known for 30 years+ not a main dealer!) discovered a damaged gasket between an oil pipe and the turbo, a couple of broken studs and a missing support bracket for the EGR cooler. This is presumably because the clown who changed the turbo in the Newcastle area is a first class bodger.....

I seriously wish I had spent a bit more and bought a petrol vRS back in May......

I have the 150hp manual version so the step below the vrs, it's on 300,000 km (186,000 miles) and drive about 45,000km (28,000 miles) a year, I've had no issues with it, only had to replace the interior blower motor and controller, screen wash pump and I have a minor oil leak from the crank shaft cover but that will be done when the timing belt is done. My advice would be find a car that has a good service record on particular oil services on or around time.

Thanks for the reply guys!

Yeah I’ve had similar experiences regarding bodges, current Mk1 VRS had all the warning lights plugged with putty when I bought it 🤣

The TDI is something I’d be interested in. Good to hear both sides of the argument. Service history is definitely a must, I’ll just be wary if buying something with a replaced turbo!