One thing after another! Will it ever end?

VRSPhil · 20-08-2007, 11:51

I'm seriously starting to fall out with my Octavia at the moment

Since buying it last year, I had a steering clunk which after replacing the front ARB, turned out to be the steering rack - £££'s. Next came the water pump - so I had to shell out for the full cam belt kit etc (I suppose that one isn't such a bad thing as it was coming up 4 years anyway). Two months ago the ballast on my O/S/F Xenon headlight failed and cost the best part of £100 to replace then a month later (whilst on holiday) the climate control went mad and died (lovely thing to happen in holiday heat!). Last week I finally got to the bottom of an alarm fault when the dealership told me that I need a new convenience module (£170 plus fitting from them, I'm investigating cheaper options at the moment). And today I have discovered that my alternator is dead - another £110!

I don't really blame Skoda/vag for the faults (except for the water pump which they know is a problem but refuse to address), I'm just getting to the end of my tether. I keep thinking "if I get these jobs done then I'll have a nice reliable car for a bit" and it doesn't happen

.

ethos · 20-08-2007, 12:04

Unlucky

I had a similar problem on my old car. Oil pump failed, then needed a new cambelt.. then alternator went, then I got a nail in a tyre. Overall cost me about £900 in one month.

Just have to suck it up mate, all cars are a gamble.

Tom_vRS · 20-08-2007, 12:23

Yeah, bit of a bummer...

I think its worth keeping on top of things, and it all averages out nicely in the end.

gmaster · 20-08-2007, 12:44

Yeah mate i know what you mean my can't seem to go longer then a month without making a new knocking or clonking noise! just as i think everything is ok!!!!

WrightyRS · 20-08-2007, 16:55

Thats the trouble with cars,you have a good run and then everything comes along at once.

I'm coming up for MOT,Tax,Service incl Cam-belt+water pump(2nd change).
All servicing will be done by Mike at IP which takes the sting out of it.

Although can't complain as its on just over 130K miles now in 4 years.

Johnny50 · 20-08-2007, 17:05

These things do seem to all come at one.
Bit like Tax/MOT/Insurance..all seems to pop up at once.

I'm sure this will be the end of your troubles.

mluton · 20-08-2007, 17:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by WrightyRS

I'm coming up for MOT,Tax,Service incl Cam-belt+water pump(2nd change).

Same as me in feb, Arhhhhhhh!

vrs180 · 20-08-2007, 20:47

I know how you feel Phil

My Octy vrs is the first VAG car I have owned (always had Fords befor). I used to have the belief that VAG cars had superior build quality compared to Fords, but not any more

My cherished Octy vrs has only done 16,000 miles, gets really well looked after, but has still had quite a few problems inc;

All four wheels replaced due to corrosion, hazard light switch replaced, engine oil leak (cam box cover), oil level sender unit replaced, 6 CD player replaced, exhaust mounting bracket completly corroded away at only 12K

, wiper spindles seized and today the o/s head light adjuster f****d up which I have now stripped and repaired myself.

Despite the problems, I still love my Skoda

, I cant explain what it is about the MK1 Octy vrs, but you just cant help liking em

th4neuk · 20-08-2007, 20:56

Bad luck Phil,

Cars can be a serious pain in the butt sometimes (especially when they start costing!!) Look on the bright side that your car still looks stunning and very different from everything else on the road.

Cheers

vrswhite · 20-08-2007, 23:32

i must admit i love my octy but have to say and this includes all the VAG group. They aint as well built as everyone says.

Next time i'm getting some JAP crap car, has to be said they are bloomy reliable. (still keeping my mk1 golf tho

)

MisterGT · 20-08-2007, 23:51

VrsPhil,
I feel for you, my wife has bought a Panda( brand new) and done only 425 miles before it let her down (immobilisor issue, unable to start vehicle, diagnosed as factory **** up

), whereas my Octy vRS has covered 62000 without a hiccup of any description (apart from 1 coil pack changed under warrenty).

I guess its just the luck of the draw

Beretta · 21-08-2007, 08:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by MisterGT

VrsPhil,
I feel for you, my wife has bought a Panda( brand new) and done only 425 miles before it let her down (immobilisor issue, unable to start vehicle, diagnosed as factory **** up

), whereas my Octy vRS has covered 62000 without a hiccup of any description (apart from 1 coil pack changed under warrenty).

I guess its just the luck of the draw

Only one ??
When doing an Octy vRS coil pack on warranty or SUK bulletin on the earlier Octy vRS's, the garage usually contact SUK and all four are replaced, well, at least they did on mine and most others?

nshaunluke · 21-08-2007, 08:15

i know how you feel, we have had our octy rs for 1 year now and have had 4 courtesy cars in that year, and i am about to take it into the garage again in an hour, dont think i will be coming out in my car so that will be 5 courtesy cars

MisterGT · 21-08-2007, 08:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beretta

Only one ??
When doing an Octy vRS coil pack on warranty or SUK bulletin on the earlier Octy vRS's, the garage usually contact SUK and all four are replaced, well, at least they did on mine and most others?

Sorry wasn't very clear (it was late

). One failed, all 4 replaced.

Beretta · 21-08-2007, 08:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by MisterGT

Sorry wasn't very clear (it was late

). One failed, all 4 replaced.

No probs, I was just worried you had missed out on the other three, as its not often you get anything for free from SUK.

pdhealy · 21-08-2007, 11:01

Since December last I have had to replace:
2 x window regulator assemblies
central convenience unit
central convenience wiring loom
exhaust centre mount rattle
ARB bushes
ARB
radiator mounts

jason · 21-08-2007, 17:59

we should start a self help group.
cambelt and water pump done as skoda would replace the rubbish water pump.
2x arb links
2x front wheel bearing
1x steering arm which conicidently led to 1 week later
1x steering rack
i have a milltek sat waiting to be fitted ,but i can't afford to yet,just incase i need to sell it to buy something else thats broken.
mind you my wife says my SEAT's were as bad.just easier to DIY

edit:forgot 1x central control unit for conwhatsit i daren't add it up

edit again 4x coilpacks
1x coolant temp sender.the list goes on,not to mention previous owners warranty work.

richardsfavorit · 21-08-2007, 19:09

Im in the wrong place here really as I have Felicia, but I know what its like when everything goes wrong at once! Mine cost me £800 within 4 weeks - even the garage said I could have got a new car!

Clutch
2 tires
Ball joint
suspension strut
Oil leak - behind cam
Cam belt
Towbar (had to be replaced was rotting!)

It did feel like a new car - all ready to go on holiday. Then whilst I was away I got a stone chip which immediately cracked - £120 to replace

I give up! I was tempted to buy an Octavia but now I think you lot are putting me off!! (Only kidding)

ibolden · 22-08-2007, 10:20

I know how you feel, Phil

I had a similar situation with my previous car, a 1995 Jaguar XJR. Awesome car, but f**k me was it unreliable.

2x Air con reciever/drier
2x A/C condenser
2x Gearbox oil leak
2x Engine coolant leaks
2x Exhaust Manifolds
2x Rear exhaust backbox
Engine oil leak
Driveshaft bearing
A-frame bushes
Rear Shock Absorbers
14-15 mpg
Various other bits and pieces.

Total spent was around £3500-£4000 and all that happened within 5 months. It bled me dry and in the end it was breaking faster than I could afford to fix it. At the time of trading it in for the Octy it needed at least another £3000 spent on it!

herut · 02-09-2007, 16:33

My Skoda Fabia is absolutely the worst piece of crap I've ever owned in my 40 years of driving! TWELVE returns to the shop in the course of a 24 month 'warranty' (including 3-4 tows); and another THREE TOWS since going out of 'warranty'. Engine head changed at JUST SIX MONTHS on a brand new car! PLUS, horribly FAULTY 'warranty' work each time (including the plastic cowling falling off after an oil change, fog light plastic blank falling out after servicing, leaving the "1.6 Valve" plastic signage off the engine cover/filter housing, leaving a MELTED main fusing strip piece in the battery box, etc, etc.) "SKODA. Simply Clever"---make that "Simply CRAP."

SkodaMart · 02-09-2007, 20:55

Oh dear! This one thread alone is enough to put you off Skoda forever. It is true "Jap Crap" is probably more reliable and the problem with all cars these days is that they are so complicated that the average person (or garage even!) can't fix them when they go wrong.
The only problem I have had with my MK1 vRS is the squealing rear brakes, which I have now cured (see my other posts) I have had 4 older Golfs in the past and had a fair bit of work to do on those to keep them running. The difference between a mint car and a shed is about 2 problems i.e. squealing brakes and worn clutch, both of which are jobs that you may to do on any car. All I say is as soon as a problem arises do your best to get it fixed otherwise you end up hating the vehicle.
As for warrantys, in my opinion that is the biggest part of most peoples complaints "I have had the car back at the garage 4 times and it still hasnt been fixed" etc. etc. Find a good independant local garage and trust your car to them or even better do-it-yourself as I do. Then I only have myself to blame when its broken. Look at the fancy showroom at the main dealer and think who is paying for it!!

SkodaMart · 02-09-2007, 20:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by herut

My Skoda Fabia is absolutely the worst piece of crap I've ever owned in my 40 years of driving! TWELVE returns to the shop in the course of a 24 month 'warranty' (including 3-4 tows); and another THREE TOWS since going out of 'warranty'. Engine head changed at JUST SIX MONTHS on a brand new car! PLUS, horribly FAULTY 'warranty' work each time (including the plastic cowling falling off after an oil change, fog light plastic blank falling out after servicing, leaving the "1.6 Valve" plastic signage off the engine cover/filter housing, leaving a MELTED main fusing strip piece in the battery box, etc, etc.) "SKODA. Simply Clever"---make that "Simply CRAP."

....And there again there are Friday afternoon cars! That sounds like bad luck!

VRSPhil · 02-09-2007, 21:09

Touch wood, mine is all sorted now. I invested in VAG-COM which has already paid for itself AND saved me a fair bit.

Like I said in my first post, I don't really blame Skoda/VAG and I still think that it's much better than some of the crap I've had in the past (french). I just hope that I get a bit of trouble free motoring now!

I'm sorry to hear of everyone elses problems... I hope they have outcomes like mine

On the subject of dealers, I've always been of the opinion that it's unfair to generalise as they are basically independant companies, however, I have recently had dealings with a couple of Toyota dealers and I'm sorry to say that they wipe the floor with Skoda.

I would still have another, but I think I might buy the next one new/ 6 months old rather than three years.

Tom_vRS · 02-09-2007, 21:25

I've had 2 problems with the Passat since I bought it 18k miles ago, a cv boot split and the heated seat packed up. Not bad for a car with 124k on the clock.

I'll be fixing the heated seat in the near future with a replacement genuine part, and all servicing is done with OEM parts, on the button - but all DIY. I think as long as you look after a car, and fix things as they go wrong rather than letting them build up, then atleast I won't fall out of love with the old gal.

20-08-2007, 11:51	#1
VRSPhil Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Cleveland Posts: 2,281 Thanks: 205 Thanked 202 Times in 146 Posts	One thing after another! Will it ever end? I'm seriously starting to fall out with my Octavia at the moment Since buying it last year, I had a steering clunk which after replacing the front ARB, turned out to be the steering rack - £££'s. Next came the water pump - so I had to shell out for the full cam belt kit etc (I suppose that one isn't such a bad thing as it was coming up 4 years anyway). Two months ago the ballast on my O/S/F Xenon headlight failed and cost the best part of £100 to replace then a month later (whilst on holiday) the climate control went mad and died (lovely thing to happen in holiday heat!). Last week I finally got to the bottom of an alarm fault when the dealership told me that I need a new convenience module (£170 plus fitting from them, I'm investigating cheaper options at the moment). And today I have discovered that my alternator is dead - another £110! I don't really blame Skoda/vag for the faults (except for the water pump which they know is a problem but refuse to address), I'm just getting to the end of my tether. I keep thinking "if I get these jobs done then I'll have a nice reliable car for a bit" and it doesn't happen. __________________ '54 Passat PD130 Sport... 55mpg Octavia vRS WRC - Gone but not forgotten!

20-08-2007, 12:04	#2
ethos Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Cornwall Posts: 1,193 Thanks: 62 Thanked 37 Times in 33 Posts	Re: One thing after another! Will it ever end? Unlucky I had a similar problem on my old car. Oil pump failed, then needed a new cambelt.. then alternator went, then I got a nail in a tyre. Overall cost me about £900 in one month. Just have to suck it up mate, all cars are a gamble.

20-08-2007, 12:23	#3
Tom_vRS Briskodaholic Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Fenland, Cambridgeshire Posts: 11,529 Thanks: 675 Thanked 422 Times in 302 Posts	Re: One thing after another! Will it ever end? Yeah, bit of a bummer... I think its worth keeping on top of things, and it all averages out nicely in the end. __________________ 97/R BMW 328i in Boston Green.

20-08-2007, 12:44	#4
gmaster Briskodian Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Devon Posts: 562 Thanks: 3 Thanked 26 Times in 25 Posts	Re: One thing after another! Will it ever end? Yeah mate i know what you mean my can't seem to go longer then a month without making a new knocking or clonking noise! just as i think everything is ok!!!! __________________ Black octy mk1 VRS... with some mods.

20-08-2007, 16:55	#5
WrightyRS 200 laps....... Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Essex Posts: 2,382 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: One thing after another! Will it ever end? Thats the trouble with cars,you have a good run and then everything comes along at once. I'm coming up for MOT,Tax,Service incl Cam-belt+water pump(2nd change). All servicing will be done by Mike at IP which takes the sting out of it. Although can't complain as its on just over 130K miles now in 4 years. __________________ Alex Skoda Octavia vRS-Awaiting Mike at Impossible to sort out STILL RenaultSport Megane R26 Ultra Blue Number 21 Honda CBR600Fi

20-08-2007, 17:05	#6
Johnny50 Here's Johnny ! Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Edinburgh Posts: 5,387 Thanks: 254 Thanked 173 Times in 169 Posts	Re: One thing after another! Will it ever end? These things do seem to all come at one. Bit like Tax/MOT/Insurance..all seems to pop up at once. I'm sure this will be the end of your troubles.

20-08-2007, 20:47	#8
vrs180 Briskodian Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Cleveland Posts: 150 Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 8 Posts	Re: One thing after another! Will it ever end? I know how you feel Phil My Octy vrs is the first VAG car I have owned (always had Fords befor). I used to have the belief that VAG cars had superior build quality compared to Fords, but not any more My cherished Octy vrs has only done 16,000 miles, gets really well looked after, but has still had quite a few problems inc; All four wheels replaced due to corrosion, hazard light switch replaced, engine oil leak (cam box cover), oil level sender unit replaced, 6 CD player replaced, exhaust mounting bracket completly corroded away at only 12K , wiper spindles seized and today the o/s head light adjuster f****d up which I have now stripped and repaired myself. Despite the problems, I still love my Skoda , I cant explain what it is about the MK1 Octy vrs, but you just cant help liking em

20-08-2007, 20:56	#9
th4neuk Briskodian Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 441 Thanks: 7 Thanked 27 Times in 21 Posts	Re: One thing after another! Will it ever end? Bad luck Phil, Cars can be a serious pain in the butt sometimes (especially when they start costing!!) Look on the bright side that your car still looks stunning and very different from everything else on the road. Cheers __________________ Alan 04 Octavia vRS. Black Magic. Xenons. Green Cotton Filter. LCR Front Splitter 2000 Lotus Esprit V8 GT - Lots of mods and over 400BHP

20-08-2007, 23:32	#10
vrswhite Briskodian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: doncaster - yorkshire Posts: 707 Thanks: 4 Thanked 18 Times in 18 Posts	Re: One thing after another! Will it ever end? i must admit i love my octy but have to say and this includes all the VAG group. They aint as well built as everyone says. Next time i'm getting some JAP crap car, has to be said they are bloomy reliable. (still keeping my mk1 golf tho )

20-08-2007, 23:51	#11
MisterGT Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Okehampton Posts: 786 Thanks: 16 Thanked 8 Times in 8 Posts	Re: One thing after another! Will it ever end? VrsPhil, I feel for you, my wife has bought a Panda( brand new) and done only 425 miles before it let her down (immobilisor issue, unable to start vehicle, diagnosed as factory **** up ), whereas my Octy vRS has covered 62000 without a hiccup of any description (apart from 1 coil pack changed under warrenty). I guess its just the luck of the draw

21-08-2007, 08:15	#13
nshaunluke Briskodian Join Date: May 2006 Location: brighouse Posts: 368 Thanks: 10 Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts	Re: One thing after another! Will it ever end? i know how you feel, we have had our octy rs for 1 year now and have had 4 courtesy cars in that year, and i am about to take it into the garage again in an hour, dont think i will be coming out in my car so that will be 5 courtesy cars __________________

21-08-2007, 11:01	#16
pdhealy Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Ireland Posts: 969 Thanks: 23 Thanked 25 Times in 23 Posts	Re: One thing after another! Will it ever end? Since December last I have had to replace: 2 x window regulator assemblies central convenience unit central convenience wiring loom exhaust centre mount rattle ARB bushes ARB radiator mounts __________________ Dear Lord.. The gods have been good to me. For the first time in my life, everything is absolutely perfect just the way it is. So here's the deal: You freeze everything the way it is, and I won't ask for anything more. If that is OK, please give me absolutely no sign. OK, deal.

21-08-2007, 17:59	#17
jason Briskodian Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: shropshire Posts: 1,918 Thanks: 10 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: One thing after another! Will it ever end? we should start a self help group. cambelt and water pump done as skoda would replace the rubbish water pump. 2x arb links 2x front wheel bearing 1x steering arm which conicidently led to 1 week later 1x steering rack i have a milltek sat waiting to be fitted ,but i can't afford to yet,just incase i need to sell it to buy something else thats broken. mind you my wife says my SEAT's were as bad.just easier to DIY edit:forgot 1x central control unit for conwhatsit i daren't add it up edit again 4x coilpacks 1x coolant temp sender.the list goes on,not to mention previous owners warranty work. __________________ louder than war

21-08-2007, 19:09	#18
richardsfavorit Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Newtown Wales Posts: 514 Thanks: 27 Thanked 34 Times in 34 Posts	Re: One thing after another! Will it ever end? Im in the wrong place here really as I have Felicia, but I know what its like when everything goes wrong at once! Mine cost me £800 within 4 weeks - even the garage said I could have got a new car! Clutch 2 tires Ball joint suspension strut Oil leak - behind cam Cam belt Towbar (had to be replaced was rotting!) It did feel like a new car - all ready to go on holiday. Then whilst I was away I got a stone chip which immediately cracked - £120 to replace I give up! I was tempted to buy an Octavia but now I think you lot are putting me off!! (Only kidding)

22-08-2007, 10:20	#19
ibolden Briskodian Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: One thing after another! Will it ever end? I know how you feel, Phil I had a similar situation with my previous car, a 1995 Jaguar XJR. Awesome car, but f**k me was it unreliable. 2x Air con reciever/drier 2x A/C condenser 2x Gearbox oil leak 2x Engine coolant leaks 2x Exhaust Manifolds 2x Rear exhaust backbox Engine oil leak Driveshaft bearing A-frame bushes Rear Shock Absorbers 14-15 mpg Various other bits and pieces. Total spent was around £3500-£4000 and all that happened within 5 months. It bled me dry and in the end it was breaking faster than I could afford to fix it. At the time of trading it in for the Octy it needed at least another £3000 spent on it!

02-09-2007, 16:33	#20
herut Briskodian Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: One thing after another! Will it ever end? My Skoda Fabia is absolutely the worst piece of crap I've ever owned in my 40 years of driving! TWELVE returns to the shop in the course of a 24 month 'warranty' (including 3-4 tows); and another THREE TOWS since going out of 'warranty'. Engine head changed at JUST SIX MONTHS on a brand new car! PLUS, horribly FAULTY 'warranty' work each time (including the plastic cowling falling off after an oil change, fog light plastic blank falling out after servicing, leaving the "1.6 Valve" plastic signage off the engine cover/filter housing, leaving a MELTED main fusing strip piece in the battery box, etc, etc.) "SKODA. Simply Clever"---make that "Simply CRAP."

02-09-2007, 20:55	#21
SkodaMart Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Tameside Posts: 216 Thanks: 4 Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts	Re: One thing after another! Will it ever end? Oh dear! This one thread alone is enough to put you off Skoda forever. It is true "Jap Crap" is probably more reliable and the problem with all cars these days is that they are so complicated that the average person (or garage even!) can't fix them when they go wrong. The only problem I have had with my MK1 vRS is the squealing rear brakes, which I have now cured (see my other posts) I have had 4 older Golfs in the past and had a fair bit of work to do on those to keep them running. The difference between a mint car and a shed is about 2 problems i.e. squealing brakes and worn clutch, both of which are jobs that you may to do on any car. All I say is as soon as a problem arises do your best to get it fixed otherwise you end up hating the vehicle. As for warrantys, in my opinion that is the biggest part of most peoples complaints "I have had the car back at the garage 4 times and it still hasnt been fixed" etc. etc. Find a good independant local garage and trust your car to them or even better do-it-yourself as I do. Then I only have myself to blame when its broken. Look at the fancy showroom at the main dealer and think who is paying for it!!

02-09-2007, 21:09	#23
VRSPhil Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Cleveland Posts: 2,281 Thanks: 205 Thanked 202 Times in 146 Posts	Re: One thing after another! Will it ever end? Touch wood, mine is all sorted now. I invested in VAG-COM which has already paid for itself AND saved me a fair bit. Like I said in my first post, I don't really blame Skoda/VAG and I still think that it's much better than some of the crap I've had in the past (french). I just hope that I get a bit of trouble free motoring now! I'm sorry to hear of everyone elses problems... I hope they have outcomes like mine On the subject of dealers, I've always been of the opinion that it's unfair to generalise as they are basically independant companies, however, I have recently had dealings with a couple of Toyota dealers and I'm sorry to say that they wipe the floor with Skoda. I would still have another, but I think I might buy the next one new/ 6 months old rather than three years. __________________ '54 Passat PD130 Sport... 55mpg Octavia vRS WRC - Gone but not forgotten!

02-09-2007, 21:25	#24
Tom_vRS Briskodaholic Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Fenland, Cambridgeshire Posts: 11,529 Thanks: 675 Thanked 422 Times in 302 Posts	Re: One thing after another! Will it ever end? I've had 2 problems with the Passat since I bought it 18k miles ago, a cv boot split and the heated seat packed up. Not bad for a car with 124k on the clock. I'll be fixing the heated seat in the near future with a replacement genuine part, and all servicing is done with OEM parts, on the button - but all DIY. I think as long as you look after a car, and fix things as they go wrong rather than letting them build up, then atleast I won't fall out of love with the old gal. __________________ 97/R BMW 328i in Boston Green.

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