[Ghost0033]

Hi BHPians!

Seeking advice for a major conundrum.

I'm currently driving an Octavia 1.8 TSI, 2017 (57,000Kms) which I recently started upgrading. As of now, I've done an ECU & TCU remap along with bigger rims and Michelin PS4s.

The plan is to build the car gradually, the next steps kept wavering.
I finally decided to start with suspension and an air intake

The problem, DQ200 is notorious for malfunctions & failures. Hence, I drive the car in constant fear of a mechatronic failure.

For peace of mind, I would have to shed almost 10lakhs to get it changed.

Basically, the plan was to optimize the performance along with cosmetic changes (interiors in particular), to make it similar to a VRS (I'm a sucker for black & red)

All in all, the bill will hurt the pocket and the journey will be long.

Now an opportunity in the form of a second hand VRS (2021) has presented itself. The catch, it has 85,000 on the Odometer.

Have heard a lot of bad feedback about German cars misbehaving after 90,000 KMs. How legitimate is this?

What should be the right course of action for me here?
1) Sell my Octavia (which I started driving last year and fell in love with very recently) for the VRS
2) Continue upgrading and driving my car despite the constant fear of mechatronic failures

[itwasntme]

Originally Posted by Ghost0033

I'm currently driving an Octavia 1.8 TSI, 2017 (57,000Kms) which I recently started upgrading.
The problem, DQ200 is notorious for malfunctions & failures. Hence, I drive the car in constant fear of a mechatronic failure.
For peace of mind, I would have to shed almost 10lakhs to get it changed.

Rubbish! The DQ200 with installation is around 4L. Keep it aside in a FD and you're fine.

Every brand = model = variants have unique issues. If they are known ones and you have the risk appetite, anything can be managed.

[car_guy1998]

If I were you, I'd keep the Octavia and get it modified to compete with VRS. The difference between Octavia and VRS isn't that much I guess in terms of exterior though VRS do look sporty when compared to regular Octavia. If dynamics is a concern, get the suspension upgraded to Bilsteins.

As itwasntme said, keep an FD of 4L for mechatronics and call it a day.

[iliketurtles]

In my (somewhat brief) time trying to build up a car to a higher level, I came realise one essential truth. Factory horses, are factory horses. 🐎

You can do lots with the Octy. But at the end of the day, it is not a VRS. And I sense that is what you lust after.

If I were you, I’d aim for a 330i M sport (SWB). There are inherent limitations to a FWD car, and there’s no sense splashing endless amounts of cash on the Octy. Close to 250 horses stock with an RWD chassis is a super starting point for even a basic build. Either buy the BMW, and enjoy the big upgrade, or get a cleaner 245. No one in their right mind would recommend you pick up the 85k run one.

Until you make up your mind on that, I would advise you to cut back on spends on the Octy and hold onto it, and instead plonk that cash into the next car, whichever it is.

[suhaas307]

The Octavia 1.8 TSI is a great car, I have owned and driven one and I can say that even in stock form it’s quick and has the potential to be fun.

The vRS 230 / 245 are great cars too. What sets it apart from the garden-variety Octavia isn’t just the drivetrain (engine and gearbox - which is better equipped to handle more power should you wish), but also the factory brakes and suspension (larger rotors and a tighter suspension). The vRS models are also equipped with better seats and more kit than the standard Octy, making it a more rounded performance car when compared to the Octavia 1.8 TSI.

Having said that, if you have the money for a vRS 230/245, I am sure you have the money something even better!

Do consider the F30 330i as these cars will offer you similar levels of straight-line performance, with the added fun-to-drive factor of a RWD car. The general maintenance and upkeep of these cars will be similar to an Octavia, and you will thoroughly enjoy the tighter chassis and RWD of a BMW over any front wheel drive car!

[Ghost0033]

Originally Posted by itwasntme

Rubbish! The DQ200 with installation is around 4L. Keep it aside in a FD and you're fine.

Every brand = model = variants have unique issues. If they are known ones and you have the risk appetite, anything can be managed.

Hi!
Thanks for the reply. I understand what you mean.

Since I have to get the gearbox changed anyway, why not go for AWD DQ380/381. Hence the amount.

That's stock configuration for the VRS245, which is why I'm considering the alternative.

Thoughts?

Originally Posted by iliketurtles

In my (somewhat brief) time trying to build up a car to a higher level, I came realise one essential truth. Factory horses, are factory horses. 🐎

Thank you!

This really helps. I do want a RWD vehicle in the future.

Meanwhile, your stance about the VRS245 in question seems very clear. Do these cars not do well after 85k? Will be really helpful if you could elaborate a bit more on this.

Thanks!

[Mtv]

I too went from a 2014 1.8 tsi to a new vrs in 2018 (APR stage 2 FBO, B6). It's of course a much nicer car in many ways. Then again its also the same basic car, same interior and same front wheel drive platform. At the end of 10 years of being in the same interior and with the usual rattling issues, I am somewhat fatigued. Suggest you look at a g20 330i. You will appreciate the upgrade more. It's a much nicer place to be in as well. Far more polished experience

[iliketurtles]

Originally Posted by Ghost0033

Thank you!

This really helps. I do want a RWD vehicle in the future.

Meanwhile, your stance about the VRS245 in question seems very clear. Do these cars not do well after 85k? Will be really helpful if you could elaborate a bit more on this.

Thanks!

It's not just about a VRS245 at 85k, my man. I'd say the same for a BMW, Merc, Audi, or almost any other brand unless I know the history of the car intimately.

That is to say that unless:

A) I know the owner since years, and I've known the car since years OR
B) It has an in-depth service history that is verifiable at the workshop.

There are just too many lemons and duds floating about in the used car market these days, and too many unscrupulous sellers passing off these citrusy cars as "immaculate, saar".

So unless one of two scenarios I described plays out, I would not touch a used car in today's day and age, especially at that age.

The other point is that in my personal experience, BMWs are very reliable and easy to own with preventive care. I have never owned a VRS245, so I cannot speak for how they age, but any car of a certain vintage will have its niggles and worries. I am just more confident about fixing them in a BMW than a Skoda.

I know many pile onto Skoda here, many without owning one, and I don't want to be one of them. But I will say this; if I am picking up a car with niggles to be sorted, I'd rather the reward of that toil have much bigger upside, which I believe to be the case with owning (and enjoying) a BMW versus a Skoda.

I'm sorry, but I'm just biased towards RWD versus FWD. For the same money, or a little more, I'd rather have the former, the feeling is just very different. I feel you should too if you wanna drive like an enthu cutlet.

So yes, don't sink bucketloads of money into your Octy, unless it's a functional mod you absolutely want (e.g: a 4K dual dashcam, or a catted/catless downpipe, etc.). It's a slippery slope, you can throw endless amounts of money at it. Just build a car from a higher base than the Octy 1.8 is what I'd say. Like Suhaas correctly said, there's just too big a gap. Don't bother bridging it, unless your papa answers to the surname Bambani.

In which case, why are you mucking about with an Octy? Poora tamanna poora kar le, with a Purosangue.

[Ghost0033]

Originally Posted by iliketurtles

It's not just about a VRS245 at 85k, my man. I'd say the same for a BMW, Merc, Audi, or almost any other brand unless I know the history of the car intimately.

That is to say that unless:

A) I know the owner since years, and I've known the car since years OR
B) It has an in-depth service history that is verifiable at the workshop.

There are just too many lemons and duds floating about in the used car market these days, and too many unscrupulous sellers passing off these citrusy cars as "immaculate, saar".

So unless one of two scenarios I described plays out, I would not touch a used car in today's day and age, especially at that age.

The other point is that in my personal experience, BMWs are very reliable and easy to own with preventive care. I have never owned a VRS245, so I cannot speak for how they age, but any car of a certain vintage will have its niggles and worries. I am just more confident about fixing them in a BMW than a Skoda.

I know many pile onto Skoda here, many without owning one, and I don't want to be one of them. But I will say this; if I am picking up a car with niggles to be sorted, I'd rather the reward of that toil have much bigger upside, which I believe to be the case with owning (and enjoying) a BMW versus a Skoda.

I'm sorry, but I'm just biased towards RWD versus FWD. For the same money, or a little more, I'd rather have the former, the feeling is just very different. I feel you should too if you wanna drive like an enthu cutlet.

So yes, don't sink bucketloads of money into your Octy, unless it's a functional mod you absolutely want (e.g: a 4K dual dashcam, or a catted/catless downpipe, etc.). It's a slippery slope, you can throw endless amounts of money at it. Just build a car from a higher base than the Octy 1.8 is what I'd say. Like Suhaas correctly said, there's just too big a gap. Don't bother bridging it, unless your papa answers to the surname Bambani.

In which case, why are you mucking about with an Octy? Poora tamanna poora kar le, with a Purosangue.

Aahahha, no. Nowhere close to a "Bambani"!

Going to stick with my car. Confusion is thoroughly cleared!

Thanks a ton!

[AKSarkar1]

Originally Posted by Ghost0033

Now an opportunity in the form of a second hand VRS (2021) has presented itself. The catch, it has 85,000 on the Odometer.

Have heard a lot of bad feedback about German cars misbehaving after 90,000 KMs. How legitimate is this?

What should be the right course of action for me here?
1) Sell my Octavia (which I started driving last year and fell in love with very recently) for the VRS
2) Continue upgrading and driving my car despite the constant fear of mechatronic failures

I’ve been fortunate enough to own several Germans beyond the 9 year or the 90,000 Kms mark and let me just say that it boils down to 3 basic factors

1. Conditions of the of the road that the car is being used on the most: e.g. pothole ridden/smooth, urban/village, city roads/highways etc. Of course if a car is used in a city like Mumbai for 80% of its total odo reading then one must factor in repairs for suspension, bushings etc as it is bound to happen

2. Service: Even the worst and most finicky German cars are admirably reliable when serviced on time and within the stipulated intervals. In my opinion, out of all the brands, German cars, throw the worst tantrum and wear when not looked after properly, they are no Toyotas.

3. Luck: You have mentioned the tension that you have with the DQ200 gearbox a couple of times. There are countless stories of the early batches of the DQ200 going bad, however, in the newer models there seem to be lesser instances of the gearbox having issues.

My overall advice: I own a Jetta too that is slowly creeping towards the 1L Kms mark, sure there are certain issues here and there and the car is bound to go to the workshop for an unexpected visit once a year but apart from that it is as reliable as any German car can get in India. To me, I always look at the replacement cost theory of a car, i.e. how much will I have to spend in order to get a brand new car of the same quality today. In 99% of the cases, I prefer to get my car fixed an hang onto to it.

My specific advice: Fixing the mechatronics on the DQ200 that is known to go bad isn’t that big of an issue, can be done easily and relatively economically from specialist garages. If you are crazy enough there is also an option of changing your entire gearbox to DQ250 or an even more reliable one. As for the VRS, if the car is tuned to anything above stage 1, I would steer clear. I wouldn’t want a performance car that has been run close to 1L kms with stage 2, 3, 3+ as even if it is done professionally it still puts extra pressure on the engines and other components, to be this is more of a risk than the DQ200.

All the best!

[Desmosedici]

Originally Posted by Ghost0033

The problem, DQ200 is notorious for malfunctions & failures. Hence, I drive the car in constant fear of a mechatronic failure.

For peace of mind, I would have to shed almost 10lakhs to get it changed.

2) Continue upgrading and driving my car despite the constant fear of mechatronic failures

Mechatronics replacement costs around 90k at Skoda ASS and comes with a warranty of 2 years (any part replacement at Skoda carries a 2 year warranty).
Do some preventive maintenance and change the Mechatronics and Gearbox Oil. Hardly costs anything.

My take as a owner of 2015 pre worshipped Octavia, the car has enough than a lot others in the market including newer gen cars. The one thing that can be improved is the suspension and brakes and that in itself would improve your overall experience. Try that first.

If you don’t want the constant fear at the back of head then go for something else other than a Skoda again. Maybe a beemer as others have suggested.

Just my 2 cents.

Cheers,
Raj

[RevJ]

Originally Posted by Ghost0033

Now an opportunity in the form of a second hand VRS (2021) has presented itself. The catch, it has 85,000 on the Odometer.

Have heard a lot of bad feedback about German cars misbehaving after 90,000 KMs. How legitimate is this?

What should be the right course of action for me here?
1) Sell my Octavia (which I started driving last year and fell in love with very recently) for the VRS
2) Continue upgrading and driving my car despite the constant fear of mechatronic failures

I had bought a 90,000 KM VRs 230, from second owner and it had it's fair share of gremlins, but it was nothing unexpected. It is a high performance car, which requires a little bit more attention than your regular Germans. I sold mine at 1,06,000 KM and it was bought by a new T-Bhp member, he also faced a bit of trouble after the maintenance I did, but it is rewarding and it is totally worth it.
A 1.8 TSi will never be as good as a VRs, and spending lakhs of rupees on it for making it reach near to a VRs is not logical in my opinion. Since you already own and Octavia, a VRs will satisfy your need to more power and more sport car like feel. It is a choice from the heart. I jumped into a VRs after owning a 2018 Octavia TDi.

P.S. - Get a 330i , a change of cockpit, rear wheel drive and more fun!