The exhaust is becoming smokier. I can foresee the need to visit a mechanic soon to face a hefty bill for god knows what. Have to get it back to full health before looking at the remap.

Are there any cheap and reliable mechanics that are recommended in the Basingstoke area?

I have used Grantleys before, and have heard about Autobarn in the area. Any suggestions, recommendations would be greatly recieved.

I know a cheap and reliable one that is around the bottom end of the M3, butwhile not a mile away i am sure somebody can come up with one closer to you.

PM me if you want their details

Firstly what sort of smoke? Blue, oily or just plain white?

Secondly I know a VAG specialist in the Bracknell Wokingham area if you are interested, he's pretty resonable....

Seems white. Car is still running fine, and just passed the MOT this afternoon. Could play dumb, and blame it on the weather, but I know it is not that.

I bet it is the weather, mine does it but it's only water mist in the cold damp air. What engine and model is the car ?

You loosing any coolant or getting any gunk in the oil/coolant, I am assuming not.

Fauling that what engine is it, have you have the fuel filter drained or changed recently?

I'd say the weather, mine got a little smokier of late.....could be worth a check up though....

Have just taken it to Grantleys a local vw independent garage, and they say that it is the turbo which is leaking, and is going to need replacing. It drives ok, there is no change in performance, although mpg is not great. Would this solve the problem before everything goes wrong? Have been quoted about £770 for the lob. Any comments, will have to book in today to get it repaired as soon as possible.

Take it somewhere else for a second opinion, just in case.

I'd get a second opinion and take it to a turbo specialist myself.

Would be worth asking them to show you the leak if you can.

Yep, me to.

Perhaps even think about upgrading the turbo, as this could be the same price as the OEM replacement.

I wouldnt uprate the turbo myself, but thats just me.

Collect it this evening. Had it replaced in the day. I have used the garage before, and have to trust someone. Not having a car whilst wait to see other garages etc was unfortunately not an option. Did consider the KO4, but knew too little with no money to start to have to get other things done to it to accomodate the difference. thanks for all the advice though.

Hmmm, was the smoke blue, moreso on idle?

Seemed white more than blue and only noticable on idle. Similar to when my water pump went however that was smoking like a mother.. Had it replaced, and can notice the difference. Angel are breathing on it as I speak, will have to see what difference that makes.

your using angel tuning ??????? :Yikes:

your using angel tunning ??????? :Yikes:

:eek: :eek: Noooooooo.

Erm tell them to do a mild remap, otherwise you might be saying hello to another new turbo

Thats exactly what I was going to say.... heard far to many horror stories about that company.