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Should I replace my Skoda Octavia vRS? And if so, what with?

I have a 2011 Skoda Octavia vRS TDI (170 CR)Manual Hatch which I have owned car since new. It has now covered 102k (almost) trouble-free miles. I am now doing approx. 20k a year, and wondering whether I should replace before I receive some expensive bills. The cambelt will need replacing at 120k. Should I be concerned about other potential issues arising such as clutch failure, DPF problems, EGR problems etc? If you think it is a wise time to replace, I am seriously considering the new Octavia vRS TSI (petrol instead of diesel). Although my Octavia has been great, I can't help but think the new petrol vRS is more fun (I test drove one a few months back). Is this crazy because of my mileage? I'm inclined to think the additional refinement, flexibility and more rewarding driving experience of the petrol will be worth the extra in fuel! Am I likely to see 40 mpg driven at 70 mph? (official combined is 45.6 MPG). And with regards to extras, would you say Adaptive Cruise Control is worth an additional £765?

Asked on 28 May 2015 by JamesS

Answered by Honest John
You say "The cambelt will need replacing at 120k". Presumably it and the waterpump were already replaced the first time at 60k? If not, I wouldn't rely on them lasting to 120k. Other problems you could face are DMF/clutch, DPF, and EGR (if you are running on cheap diesel). All new MQB based VAG diesels have a newer manifold in head EA889 diesel engine that should be better long-term. By the same token the EA888 2.0TSI has been improved with indirect as well as direct injection to solve the carbing up problem. You should get 40mpg + from the 2.0TSI cruising at 70 and 50-55mpg from the 2.0TDI. I don't like adaptive cruise control and VAG's cruise control settings are less than ideal (5mph increments when you might just need 1-2mph changes in a contraflow).

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