I just bought a 2017 Kodiaq and I’m looking for some advice please. Collecting it today. 

I have the 1.4L 123BHP TSI (would have preferred the 148BHP, but this was what was in my budget). I have regular commutes of 100 miles round trip mostly motorway. Will I struggle with that engine? 

Do I need to get the timing belt replaced? I’m at 109k and I don’t think it’s been done. 

Any other advice for a new owner of one of these?

According to Skoda / VW UK you no longer are on a 5 year / 50,000 mile recommendation for the cam belt. That was always a nonsense and changed in 2023. So up to you if you want the Belt and Tensioner kit done. I would do it, and with a independent with the equipment and knowledge. Cheaper than a 1.5 TSI ACT, but how much depends on who / where you go to. Service it, cambelt, plugs, airfilter, brakes etc then maybe get a Remap Done...

Hi,

I assume it has 109000 Miles (not km) on the clock?

If you confirm, I would say it's time to replace the timing belt.

I can't remember the precise recommended mileage on TSI engines, but just on top of the head, I would say 180000km (this needs to be verified though) and your Kodiaq has ~174000 km on the clock. On TDI engines, the recommended mileage to replace the timing belt, is 210000km.

Thanks for the advice so far. I am taking it for an inspection this week, to see about the belt.

Had a bit of a nightmare with the car so far, tbh. Here's a list of things that have happened:

*Day after buying it: driver side door handle snapped off when I went to pull the door shut.

*One week after buying it: car wouldn't start due to a dead battery, stranding me (luckily not that far from home). Subsequently took it to be checked and it was on 7% health! Replaced.

*Also just noticed the passenger side washer jet is defective and leaking washer fluid into the engine bay.

Am I within my rights to seek costs?

You won’t get costs returned, but ask the dealer to arrange fixes of the minor issues. Assuming it was a dealer and not a private sale.

It was a dealer. He tried to wash his hands of it and I needed certain bits of work doing (for example the battery was going from a full charge to dead overnight), so the plan is to get the work done and bill him. Fortunately I did pay the deposit on credit card, so I do have the Section 75 route.

Edited 15 April15 Apr by Bungalows

You could tell the dealer you could exercise your rights under CRA2015 and reject the car, but you would rather he took the sensible approach and fixed the washer jet and door handle. Give it to him verbally and by email if need be. He wont fund the cost of the battery, a consumable.

Section 75 will not work for you at present.

Why wouldn't Section 75 apply? I paid part of the purchase price on credit card. Would I have to go through certain steps first?

I'm certain you would need to explore the correct avenues before any claim by your CC provider would be accepted. Others may have a different experience

2 hours ago, JimG59 said:

I'm certain you would need to explore the correct avenues before any claim by your CC provider would be accepted. Others may have a different experience

Having used Section 75 previously, I don't think there's any need for anything formal at least. They just ask whether you've tried to resolve it between the two parties, and then they just consider evidence and how it stacks up against the relevant legislation.

In my case, bearing in mind when the faults occurred, there would be an assumption these are 'pre-existing' (i.e., not caused by my wear and tear), which means the car isn't of 'satisfactory quality' or 'as described' (none of the faults were mentioned in the advert, which I did save a copy of) according to the CRA2015. On that basis, and if I can provide proof in the form of an inspection report, photographs, etc, the credit card company would likely determine the dealer is legally liable and at that point either put through a chargeback for the amount paid by credit card, or a full Section 75 claim if the amount exceeds what the chargeback would cover (even if you pay just £1 of the total amount by credit card, the credit card company is liable for the entire transaction).

That's my understanding at least. Happy to be corrected though.

Edited 15 April15 Apr by Bungalows

So… I've had more problems with this vehicle. I was driving home from work the other day and the dash started lighting up like a Xmas tree: EPC warning light, engine management warning light, stop-start error. Stop-start no longer functioning at all.

I was on day 29 since purchasing the vehicle so I notified the dealer I wanted to reject it, which I believe is guaranteed by the 2015 Consumer Rights Act. Since then he's been completely silent.

What's my best course of action now? I'm thinking a Section 75 claim is better/easier than Small Claims?

Also, who's responsible for returning the vehicle: me or him, bearing in mind it can't really be driven?