Oct 31, 2025
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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.

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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
 
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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 :)
 
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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
 
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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:

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.