Westbury63

Welcome to Briskoda. I loved my Mk1 Octavia. I ran it for 12yrs and without question it was the best car I've ever owned. Never let me down and was still going well with 160k on the clock. It had the trusty BFQ engine, which was very economical and would return 45+mpg without effort.

Change out of a twenty pound note ! You haggled very well !!! There is a Cappuccino round the corner from where I live, and it is clearly very loved. Shame I can't fit in one, because I'd love to have a test drive.

The MX-5 will be so much fun, and we've good weather in the post! They are such cool cars.

It can be tricky to ignore. Sometimes I want to rage against posts, and others I want to agree with. If I file it all under 'ignore' though, I do leave the site feeling happier!

Excellent posts, thank you. The floor of your Octi looks factory fresh, amazing. Really like the Police detais you're including, very interesting. Great idea keeping the glovebox chalk marks, although not sure I could stop myself from cleaning them up!

Last time I checked a car, the Skoda website made it clear that the 'update had already been done' or similar message.

The political stuff on here is a bit like clickbait really. No good will come of it, but just occasionally it is hard to resist ! Mainly, I just resist and ignore.

Nice colour. Our VRS was in race blue. Enjoy your new motor!

Blimey, they'd last for about half an hour before problems on Suffolk roads. Our local alloy wheel repair places do very well. When I had an 18" wheel repaired with our VRS, the owner said he loved the council !!

Sounds like you are winning! We know what to get you for christmas now.....more WD40 !! Did you see this in the 'Chuckle in Your Day' thread ??

I'm happy to push a replacement by a year or so, and on a low value motor just take a punt, but 225k for first replacement has to be a record! Still, the £8 must have been worth spending for the peace of mind!! 325k is proper mileage.

The FJR is a very nice beasty. They are underated IMHO and it'll be heaps more reliable than modern Beemers from what I've heard. Stay safe!

Sounds interesting. What did you buy?

Good post. I'd forgotten all about shed of the week! 136k on the clock, last cambelt at 45k. That'll want chaning then!

I would be promptly along to my Skoda dealer and ask them to seek good will. That shouldn't fail at such a tiny mileage. Not that it helps you, but my Mk1 Octavia was on its original shocks at 160k when I sold it on. 41k is barely run in.

Sorry to hear of that. It saddens me that people do that and just drive off !! PITA. I would be trawling the net already and trying to find a wing in the correct colour. These parts are mostly just bolt on affairs, so I would see a DIY repair as a good option and save the insurance claim.

Two options as I see it. 1: Replace the shocks. Not hugely expensive to buy, CarPart4Less have them listed @£70ea. 2: Clean the area. Take car for a decent drive and assess leakage. Either way, they do look shot and time for replacement. This is a very good point. Stopping distance can be increased by 20% with worn/defective shocks. https://www.monroe.com.au/what-are-shocks/shock-absorber-safety.html

I think if a customer presents their vehicle for its third service, then all items due should be included. The fact that the brake fluid is an 'add on' isn't great. Mind, I think all manufacturers do it and £59 seems about average cost.

Surely the gearbox is covered by the warranty? It's a major mechanical component.

Welcome to Briskoda. Enjoy your new Skoda.

It is a surprise as brake fluid that needs to be changed, is dealt with as an add on. If the change is part of the service schedule, then it should be included IMHO. I suppose it makes the service look cheaper, and they can make more money with the add on. Re MOT. I used our local council facility this year and paid £40. Fair test as they have nothing to sell/trade up!

Welcome on board ARaza! I've been DIY'ing for 30+yrs and still enjoy it. Saved an absolute fortune in that time.

Exciting times! Spluttering is good. When was the old car last in use? Can't help you with the electrics, no info at all sorry. I wouldn't be surprised if spec varied a lot though. Following your thread with interest.

Is that why BMW grills have gone 'cartoon' style/oversized? I hadn't considered that before. Chasing the Yuan rather than the Euro. They used to be elegant.

Very happy to use and recommend Bosch. I have been using their plugs, oil and air filters for many years on numerous cars with no problems. They are the cheapest brand that I recognise and I can buy them easily online. The only exception is pollen filters. I will buy any old brand, because it is just a pollen filter. Cheaper the better.