Bought my first car, Leon 2018 1.8TSi DSG - any advice?

[Paul_cz]

Hello everyone, at my advanced age of 38 I finally decided to actually use the drivers license I got a decade ago and buy my first car.
I got 2018 Leon Kombi DSG. I am complete newb, so here is hoping it will not fail me and I will not fail it.
So far I have driven it to work and back couple days and around the city, had the winter tires done yesterday (they came with the car).
Now I wonder what should I have a mechanic check/do on it. Change motor oil, transmission oil maybe (It has 146000 km driven and I don't think that has been done)?
And timing chain replaced perhaps? Is there anything I should look out for, any peculiarities, anything I should do to make sure it lasts as long as possible?

Any advice would be welcome, regarding anything. I really am total newb when it comes to cars.
Thank you

Btw I know one should not buy cars based on their look (and it was not the primary thing) but I can't help it, I really love how this car looks, over its brethren VW and Škodas.

 

[Bluepower]

Congratulations!
Gearbox service is a must (even though VAG says it is lifetime) with fresh oil for both the gearbox itself AND the mech unit.
I also advise to get the gearbox remapped, to prevent premature failure of either the mech unit or the clutch packs.
Other then that: regular service and enjoy

 

[Paul_cz]

gearbox itself AND the mech unit.

These are two separate parts of the transmission system that each require separate oil? (sorry I am noob)

I also advise to get the gearbox remapped, to prevent premature failure of either the mech unit or the clutch packs.

I googled what that is, but still not clear. It changes how early/late the gearbox shifts (at which RPMs) and this helps longevity? Is this something official Seat service does?

And the timing chain does not need service?

Thanks btw

 

[nd-photo.nl]

Congrats! Do a proper "stage 0", which is all your basic maintenance. Whenever I buy a second hand car, I do all the basics, even though it might say it has been done. I never trust that information and want to be 100% sure that it has been done.

- Engine oil + oil filter
- Spark plugs
- Air filter
- Cabin air filter
- Gearbox oil + filter
- Diff oil

Some other stuff to consider/check
- Remove silicat bag in the coolant expansion tank & swap over to G12 EVO coolant > https://www.seatcupra.net/forums/th...he-silica-bag-from-the-expansion-tank.478263/
- Replacing the fuel feed hose > https://www.seatcupra.net/forums/th...fuel-feed-hose-prevent-engine-failure.479333/
- Replace the PCV valve > https://www.seatcupra.net/forums/threads/how-to-replace-the-pcv-valve-on-a-ea888-gen3-engine.479206/

I probably forgot something

I believe your car has the DQ200 dry clutch DSG, the clutches wear out faster with the stock gearbox software. This has to do with allowing some slip. A DSG remap will be more efficient and is better for the clutch packs

[edit]
Timing chain issues arent common afaik

 

[SuperV8]

These are two separate parts of the transmission system that each require separate oil? (sorry I am noob)

I googled what that is, but still not clear. It changes how early/late the gearbox shifts (at which RPMs) and this helps longevity? Is this something official Seat service does?

And the timing chain does not need service?

Thanks btw

The 1.8TSI is paired to the DQ200 DSG box.
This is a DRY clutch dsg box - vs the stronger WET clutch dsg box from the more powerful engines from the Cupra or GTI/R etc.

This is some info:

DQ200 - TVS Engineering

tvsengineering.com

There is no 'chain service interval' just change your oil regularly with the correct grade. Only time you would change your timing chain would be if it's rattling at a cold start?

At your millage I had to change my front wheel bearings and rear shocks. Could hear a rhythmic whump whump at motorway speeds for the bearings, and the shocks had been misting for a couple years and were completely knackered.
At higher mileage (now on 140k+ miles) I had to change my front shocks, wishbones and top mounts. My next job is the 'dogbone' engine mount.

 

[Paul_cz]

Thank you guys for the advice above. I have another question. I went for a drive an hour ago, but first wanted to setup spotify via android auto so I started the car without starting the motor, and noticed this on the dashboard - EPC and motor lighting up.
Once I started the motor, it disappears and never appeared during the drive. Is this something I should be worried about, ask the mechanic to check as well?

 

[DaveS]

Thank you guys for the advice above. I have another question. I went for a drive an hour ago, but first wanted to setup spotify via android auto so I started the car without starting the motor, and noticed this on the dashboard - EPC and motor lighting up.
Once I started the motor, it disappears and never appeared during the drive. Is this something I should be worried about, ask the mechanic to check as well?

No, that is completely normal.

 

[LeoSlo]

Beautiful MK3.5. I have an MK4 right now, but I have to admit I miss my MK3 a little bit, it never did let me down, even after 260k km.

Apart from everything others mentioned, don't forget to check the state of your brake set (brake calipers + brake discs) and your tires - how old they are and how much profile they have. I think for winters below 3mm of depth is a risk, and if the tires are older than 6 years, replace them. They lose their elasticity after that much time, become stiff, and crack = bad time on the road
Leons aren't really known for any massive rust problems, I'd say, but have your mechanic check the underbody for any signs of it, they'll know what to look for.

Otherwise, keep it maintained every year and on the service intervals, and you're good to go.

Stay safe on the road and enjoy!

 

[Paul_cz]

No, that is completely normal.

Pheew, thank you!

Apart from everything others mentioned, don't forget to check the state of your brake set (brake calipers + brake discs) and your tires - how old they are and how much profile they have. I think for winters below 3mm of depth is a risk, and if the tires are older than 6 years, replace them. They lose their elasticity after that much time, become stiff, and crack = bad time on the road

Thanks, will ask them to check it. Winter tires are ok, I got a set with the car that is only year old and profile is good