Just bought a Skoda 1.3 lxi , 21000 mls, x reg, imaculate.

1) I have noticed it Kangaroos when releasing the throttle this mostly happens when when crawling in traffic jams, mostly 1st and 2nd gear, it cant cruise smoothly without a bit of gas. There is a tiny bit of play in the accelerator, would this be causing it or is there another known issue?

2) The engine is a little rattly, reading through the forum I see that this is common place, its not something thats alarming just that it doesnt seem to sound like an engine thats done 21000 - thoughts?

3) When the engine has been driven for a while and is at about 90degrees (normal running temp) It shudders occasionally and shakes the whole car, it doesnt seem to sit at constant revs. What is this?

4) How do I get my rear windscreen wipers to stay on?

Thanks for your help in advance.

Hi, in brief a few answers...

1) Very common, mine used to do it alot. A throttle body clean up and alignment can help (req's diag equipment) as can a coolant temp sensor.

2) Pretty normal, have the tappets been adjusted? Its more than likely a timing chain as they dont have an adjusting tensioner. Does it have a full service history?

3) Again a coolant temp sensor can cause this

4) You cant unless you fancy rigging up someting extra wiring wise.

Dont know if the tappets have been adjusted, i did notice this morning that its eases to almost nothing when I press the clutch pedal in.

It does have a full service history.

Its under warranty anyway from my local Skoda dealer, I will take it in and get them to do all the work.

Thanks for your help.

(shame about the rear windscreen wiper)

2) The engine is a little rattly, reading through the forum I see that this is common place, its not something thats alarming just that it doesnt seem to sound like an engine thats done 21000 - thoughts?

Ditto. Recently got one myself with 20k (see my thread above yours). Rattles seem to be the norm due to tappets and chain, I suppose how bad it seems might depend on what you're used to. Checked my tappets but they were fine. I find slightly less rattling with the clutch depressed too, presumably the clutch or gearbox rattles as well but it all seems to work fine. It's not too bad though and at least there's always the radio!