New 2018 1.8 TSI owner here

[dmc133]

Hello everyone, I'm due to pick up a 68 plate petrol 1.8 TSI Leon (180ps) FR Technology with a manual this Tuesday. I've had a test drive and really liked the car but have noticed it doesn't seem to be to common compared to other engine sizes and specs. Is there anything I should be aware of when first getting the car? Any other owners want to share there thoughts on the vehicle? I'd love to hear from you!

 

[rmills55]

I had one... For an extremely short time as it was returned.
Camchain so no need to worry about changing it unless noisy, just make sure it's serviced every 10k or so!
Mine had a low noise when foot came off clutch between 2nd and 3rd, two friends do the same so wouldn't worry if you hear it!

The sync for reverse isn't particularly good, it will give slight resistance/grind, Google it and its normal. In the 2018 it's the gen3 of that engine, same as I had in my 17, they're pretty robust engines, can't think of any real problems!

On my 2013 diesel I had the fuel cap jam shut and then the 2016 1.4 did the same, so Id recomend having the solenoid changed either way for the sake of £30 or so as they had to snap it open both times! other than that, I've only had previous owners taken bad care issues on all my leons

 

[Mr Mustard]

I had one for 5 years (DSG). Only problem in all that time was the DSG and the waterpump, which was replaced under warranty. Great engine, preferred its power delivery to the 2.0tsi which I have now.

 

[dmc133]

I had one... For an extremely short time as it was returned.
Camchain so no need to worry about changing it unless noisy, just make sure it's serviced every 10k or so!
Mine had a low noise when foot came off clutch between 2nd and 3rd, two friends do the same so wouldn't worry if you hear it!

The sync for reverse isn't particularly good, it will give slight resistance/grind, Google it and its normal. In the 2018 it's the gen3 of that engine, same as I had in my 17, they're pretty robust engines, can't think of any real problems!

On my 2013 diesel I had the fuel cap jam shut and then the 2016 1.4 did the same, so Id recomend having the solenoid changed either way for the sake of £30 or so as they had to snap it open both times! other than that, I've only had previous owners taken bad care issues on all my leon

Was there any particular reason you returned it after a short while?

 

[dmc133]

I've heard that some models of the MK3 experience Kangarooing. I didn't have this on my test drive but The car was running when it was drove out to me. Is this prevalent in the 1.8 tsi?

 

[adam davies]

I have the 1.8tsi in manual had it mapped by apr when i bought it. Had map on for two years almost. No issues at all great engine. Just oil change every year.

 

[silverbawz]

Hi
i have 1.8 tsi fr tech manual 18 plate had it since november love the car plenty of power for me coming from the 1.4 tsi act
Only fault yet was steering wheel volume control button replaced under warranty.

 

[Johnny Leon]

Welcome and good choice. Guess you've picked it up by now so probably out enjoying it ! Had a 2015 (MY2016) one since new and now done 71k miles at 40mpg average. Still got original exhaust and battery. No problems other than - as per silverbawz - the steering wheel volume control (started reacting intermittently or on its own so worth checking yours). I replaced mine myself with 2nd hand part as out of warranty. I test drove the 1.4 alongside it but preferred this.

 

[Mr Mustard]

I've heard that some models of the MK3 experience Kangarooing. I didn't have this on my test drive but The car was running when it was drove out to me. Is this prevalent in the 1.8 tsi?

I've only ever heard of this problem in relation to the 1.5tsi act engine. Never on the 1.8.