Buying an used Octavia or Superb - things to watch out for?

[Slugoid]

Hi, first post. Some of the questions may seem noob, but I'm new to anything from VWAG so please excuse.

This is not my ad, but is the exact car I'm after. Maybe it's one of the forum members here:
https://www.carsales.com.au/private/...SSE-AD-5426962

Questions I want to know:
1. For the km's and years, should I be concerned and what else to look for?
2. Owner said he's done an APR Stage 1 mod. I assume it can be done by the dealers and it's just a ECU mod? No issues with warranty?
3. If anyone with a keen eye can look at the ad and see what I need to lookout for

Pretty similar requirements as the OP, but I've got $20-25K (not tight budget) and I'm pretty set on a RS162. Mainly used for commuting but want something more fun.

[VR28LT]

If its a mk2 equipped with the ea888 155kw be sure to budget around $1000 for a revised timing chain tensioner as these are a flawed design and a lot of mk6 gti are suffering from failure.... Get it changed before it fails and you end up with a munched engine

Along with the usual minor and major services at some time around the 100-150k you will want to get the upper engine walnut blasted as these motors are direct injection only which will cause carbon build up no matter what you do.

The ea888 gen 3 in the mk3 is a much better engine with both port and direct injection

[VR28LT]

Hi, first post. Some of the questions may seem noob, but I'm new to anything from VWAG so please excuse.

This is not my ad, but is the exact car I'm after. Maybe it's one of the forum members here:
https://www.carsales.com.au/private/...SSE-AD-5426962

Questions I want to know:
1. For the km's and years, should I be concerned and what else to look for?
2. Owner said he's done an APR Stage 1 mod. I assume it can be done by the dealers and it's just a ECU mod? No issues with warranty?
3. If anyone with a keen eye can look at the ad and see what I need to lookout for

Pretty similar requirements as the OP, but I've got $20-25K (not tight budget) and I'm pretty set on a RS162. Mainly used for commuting but want something more fun.

That looks like a lovely example and the colour is quite rare.... looks like a very tidy example. If the log books are up to date and its been maintained using the correct spec oils and fluids I would go for it. Drive it and just make sure the dsg is smooth in its operation. At 15k average per year this example has driven a little more then average but if its mostly hwy and you can use that to negotiate further. My next door neighbour picked up his 2014 RS162 for 21k with 59k on the odo

[dArK5HaD0w]

If its a mk2 equipped with the ea888 155kw be sure to budget around $1000 for a revised timing chain tensioner as these are a flawed design and a lot of mk6 gti are suffering from failure.... Get it changed before it fails and you end up with a munched engine

Along with the usual minor and major services at some time around the 100-150k you will want to get the upper engine walnut blasted as these motors are direct injection only which will cause carbon build up no matter what you do.

The ea888 gen 3 in the mk3 is a much better engine with both port and direct injection

the carsales link is a mk3.....pre facelift.
same engine as the mk7 GTi.

the mk2 had the same engine as the mk6 GTi.

[woofy]

Yep that car won't have those issues. That's what you want something earlier on when the Mk3s came out. They had long waits so there aren't that many around. Just be aware they didn't get all the options earlier on, the tech pack and luxury packs were missing in the first year or so.

[Slugoid]

Thanks for the info! Anyone got info on the APR mod? I know it’s a ECU mod, but I read is it actually a factory mod? Also, can the tune be switched on or off?

[dArK5HaD0w]

The APR tune is most definitely not a factory mod!!!
Lol

The tune is an ECU flash, via the OBD2 port.
If the previous owner bought the tune with the multi program feature, then yes u can switch between the stock, Stg 1 and Valet mode tunes.
The APR website has instructions on their website on how to switch between tunes.

[woofy]

APR are reputable, if you don't want it though its very easy to remove.

[Tuan]

Check the dipstick and coolant reservoir for low oil and low coolant (check also for drips on floor), which 'may' point to potential consumption / waterpump issues.

Disclaimer is that a smart seller would top both up before an inspection ...

[pangit99]

Well I bought a 2013 Superb diesel wagon yesterday with low kms. Pick it up on Saturday. Acres of space and all the gadgets I could want. Thanks for the help guys, but I guess I'm heading over to the Superb forum now!