One year since I picked up a used Skoda Laura TSI: Mods and Maintenance

The ownership experience has been fantastic! The build quality is absolutely solid and the driving experience is also very enjoyable. Have clocked close to 15K Kms.

BHPian thetinywanderer recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

My Google Photos memory reminded me that it was already an year since I got hold of a new set of wheels and this post was long overdue, I have been wanting to share my experience with buying and taking care of an used Skoda Laura TSI with all of you like minded folks

Quick background - I moved to Gurgaon in late 2022 and was looking to get an used car, given I would not be here for more than 2 years - decided to get a used one (plus, I do believe they are a better bang for your money unless you are looking to own it long enough). Prior to this, I was in Bengaluru where I owned a Honda Civic which was also bought used and I was spoiled by the overall quality of owning a nice Sedan.

Was looking for a mid-range overall good car with priorities on ride characteristics, Power, Looks, Interior space and hassle-free (or less hassles) maintenance. I am still a fan of Sedans especially given that most of my driving would be on paved roads. One exception was the Yeti - I always was a fan of its quirky design and also seemed like a fun car to go out on adventures with my bicycle (I cycle quite a bit and with the interest to explore places outside the proximity of my house - I drive to destinations along with my bike and make a ride plan in these new territories. Cycling is the ideal pace for me to explore new places and let them soak in, I had actually lived (while employed) in the Himalayas for 2 years of my life with my bike and have many adventures and pictures I am excited to share with everyone - this thread is WIP)

Sorry for digressing, coming back to the hunt - I checked out a lot of Yeti's but did not find any in good condition at the time, I was also looking at other options such as the Laura itself, Jetta, Elantra, Passat and found a 2011 Laura at a good price and was in OK condition - given the price I paid for it, I had enough reserve to get it painted and fix some of the issues it had. Mechanically it was in OK condition with service records till ~50K and at the time ODO was reading ~62K. No history if the frequent issues were taken care of (Timing chain, Water Pump, AC etc) I drove it around and got it checked with a few mechanics and rolled the dice on it - it somehow felt like the right fit

Some pictures from the day I got it

I took it straight to the garage (Heera Motors near IFFCO chowk, basis recommendation from the directory) and below are some of things that it underwent,

• Repainting the entire car - there were dents and scuffs across the Body
• Replaced the windscreen as it was too scratched up and impaired night visbility
• F and R suspension bushings and related items
• Changing of all fluids
• Changing of all filters
• Got a set of used Octavia Rims and replaced the stock 15s with this 16s

Below are some pictures after this overhaul

One of the other things I got along with the Octavia rims was the Slavia steering wheel. IMO, the Laura stock steering was a little too big + dated poorly and I was lucky to find a good one on olx.

What the massive boot is used for 

Very recently, the car received some much deserved love with the following changes,

• Got an android Head Unit with Android Auto to bring it back to 2020s
• Backup Camera
• Amp + Sub Woofer for some quality sound
• Sound dampening of the doors and trunk
• I had blacked out the Logos, replaced with stock new emblems from ASS (Did not like the look of blacked out Logos)
• Windows Tinted for the Delhi heat (unpopular, I know but I was getting toasted)
• Got an android tablet with Android Auto to bring it back to 2020s
• New set of number plates
• 'Eyelids' for the headlights as the parking light area on the headlight was cracking
• A brand new set of Yokohoma Earth 1 tyres

Below are some pictures after this, unfortunately I dont have enough pics as this was recent - especially of the front view and interior - I can add more on this thread when I do get some

Below are some of the issues I had to take care of in the last year

• The AC system broke down twice, both due to the condenser fan not working
• The clutch system needed replacement - the plate, cylinders etc

The maintenance experience has been better than expected, I was ready to have atleast 2-3 systems to needing serious work given its an old german car but the engine has been solid expect for one dreaded issue - the engine oil consumption  I am still trying to figure out the rate at which it is consuming but still not able to. I did a full capacity replacement with fully synthetic and the rate seemed to have increased vs the standard one. If anyone has any tips and recommendations on this, kindly help

The ownership experience has been fantastic! The build quality is absolutely solid (The sound damping adds to it) and the driving experience is also very enjoyable. Have clocked close to 15K Kms on with a few long trips to Manali, Agra, Uttarakhand and several shorter ones as well and its a rocket on the highways (wish there was cruise control) The interiors are a bit underwhelming (coming from the civic) but still looks clean. A very fun car to own!

Although I am very happy with the current setup, below are some of the thoughts that pass by occasionally yet hesitant to act on them as I might I might just end up spending more than I should  But your thoughts are welcome

• Any sort of performance upgrades? Filters to Tuning - if it makes any sense to start this journey
• If I can get the steering controls to work on the Android HU with some sort of jugaad
• Lowering the car/ upgrading some of the suspension parts

Any thoughts/ advice/ feedback on the car/ mods/ whats written above is much appreciated

Cheers!

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