Looking at a 103TDI or 118TSI, advice needed!

[sukebe]

Hi all,

I am an ex Golf VR6 and Bora 4 Motion owner, currently Subaru Forester owner, looking for a newer medium sized wagon to replace the Forester. I have driven the Octavia vRS and loved it but cannot justify the spend and am looking at the 103TDI or 118TSI. I would not be buying new as, while I think these are great cars, depreciation in the first few years is shocking. Looking for a 2009/10 with <50k km and must be DSG (wife requirement). I am not fussed either way on diesel or petrol, though my only real reason at this point for considering the diesel is that it runs the 6 speed DSG which I understand has less issues than the 7 speed unit in the 118TSI. Fuel consumption is a non-issue as both will be far better than the Forester, price is by far the most important factor as this is to be a "comfortable run-about that is also enjoyable to drive on those weekend trips to the montains". Depreciation is also an issues, hence the reason for looking to buy slightly used.

Most of the info I have found on this forum relates to the RS, are there any 103TDI or 118TSI owners out there who can enlighten me on their experiences?

[wfdTamar]

I have a 103TDI in a manual 2008 4x4 wagon. It's the PD engine, a bit earlier than the current CR type one. Got it a few months ago at 67,000 km's. About half new cost. More comfortable than the RS. If you want RS power get an ECU mod (like Superchip) starting at around $600, but really in standard form they're fine. I reckon a few years old is a really good buy. Only a problem if you have some issues as you're out of warranty. I would get any potential car checked by a friend with VCDS or the dealer just to see if there are hidden troubles indicated by fault codes.

I had a few on mine - loose play in the steering is a worn universal joint at the bottom of the steering column. Can't get a new joint, it's a whole new column - $930 plus installation!

Here you go
2010 SKODA OCTAVIA 118TSI DSG 1Z MY11 Wagon Cars For Sale in VIC - carsales.com.au

[Ryan_R]

I've driven a 103TDI (hatch) as a loan car, the car is pretty responsive but having such a small rev range and the noise gets a little on my nerves after a (short) while.

I have an early 2009 118TSI which had its fair share of small niggles but the new ones are very different and much better. I've driven just about all good the mountain roads in VIC accessible within a day trip and the car (again, hatchback) is a joy to drive. If you miss your VR6 then you only need purchase a Stage 1 software upgrade to majorly improve performance.

Also remember the DSG6 in the diesel will need a $1200+ service at 60,000kms plus there's other diesel-only servicing costs.

[sukebe]

Thanks for the replies guys. wfdTamar, I had already spotted that one, I have a test drive booked already! Good idea regarding checking with VCDS for fault codes.

Ryan_R, I was not aware of the $1200+ DSG6 service, thanks for the heads up! I must say I was always leaning toward the 118TSI anyway.

Both the VR6 and Bora were great cars - those VW 6s make such an awesome noise! The Bora had CustomCode, Nuespeed ARBs, Golf R32 Euro suspension (Bilstein), Miltek catback, Haldex upgrade. It was quicker and handled better than my mates stock R32 Golf. The VR6 was similarly modified albeit with lower end brands. Both were good fun but a wagon suited my lifestyle better, which is why we moved to a Forester (XT Premium, so still plenty of go). I guess I see the Octavia as a nice middle ground between lifestyle needs, driver enjoyment and appeasing the wife who constantly nags that I'm not allowed to have fast modified cars anymore (though I reckon I might be able to squeeze in a cheap reflash without her knowing). My biggest concern is the DSG. From all I read it seems that quite a few people are having issues with stalling / jerkiness and the mechatronic (?) seems to need expensive attention too commonly. Still, many others seem to have no issues so I guess its a bit of luck of the draw.

[Ryan_R]

Most of those reports are from the 2009 owners keep in mind. The current DSG7 cars drive nothing like mine so they've obviously changed something.

[BluChris]

Might want to check the 60k service cost. I was quoted $900 for 1.9 TDI DSG (plus timing belt for me) and that dealer ain't cheap.

Both 6 and 7 speed DSGs can give trouble so make sure you know the quirks from the problems. Check the forum for info.

Have driven both. The 118 has good punch but I found it easy to spin the wheels. Liked the 103 as a relaxed drive and Scout best of all if you have the budget. Very secure on road.

[BluChris]

Oh yeah - watch out for cheap ex-Europcar rentals

[woofy]

Those should be pretty much all gone. It was early last year when the last Octy was pretty much gone in lieu of the crappy Cruze. Some Superbs were still lurking but I'd say they are gone too. Hopefully they will bring back some Octys, even if they are the 90tsi, they are still better than whats on offer at the moment.

[Jake02]

Those should be pretty much all gone. It was early last year when the last Octy was pretty much gone in lieu of the crappy Cruze. Some Superbs were still lurking but I'd say they are gone too. Hopefully they will bring back some Octys, even if they are the 90tsi, they are still better than whats on offer at the moment.

(Off-topic) speaking of Europcar, I've been seeing many Superb saloons/wagons but also Fabias with the Europcar stickers. Good to see!

[BluChris]

Only reason I mentioned Europcar is that there seem to be several 118s on Carsales that are cheap, have similar mileage and have been around for ages (eg the cheapest Victorian listed Octavia on there at present). Made me wonder.