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Is it ok to buy an Octavia TSI?
Hi Shane, I am considering buying a Skoda Octavia 1.2Tsi manufactured in December 2012 registered Jan 2013, it has 42,000 miles on the clock. I was told the Tsi 1.2 have a major problem with the timing chains breaking. What is your expert option on these engines?
Our answer:
Hi Frank,
Yes, it’s a known problem and Volkswagen actually switched the 1.2 TSI to a timing belt in 2013 to combat the issue. Basically, the problem stems from manufacturing faults in the timing chain not being picked up in services. If the car has been fully serviced, it should be OK, but I’d buy only from a Skoda or Volkswagen dealer and make sure the chain is inspected, preferably replaced, before buying. If you have any troubles with it, don’t let the dealer fob you off – Volkswagen knows about the problem and, if you put pressure on them, there’s backup available.
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