JoeyEunos

^They didn't, or at least 1.4/1.6 models of Mk4 didn't. Worth mentioning that all three Mk1's I found with MOT fails past and present (Looking through MOT history online of prospective cars) were TDi and would/should have come with undertrays from the factory. As mentioned, I've come to the conclusion that this is an age thing rather than an undertray vs no undertray issue. I've only found this after looking at the history of tens of cars online.... As mentioned the youngest Mk1's are 14 (?) years old now so perhaps where as this wasn't a problem in the past it's now stating to become a niggle? Certainly something to be wary of when looking at prospective cars either way!

Thanks to all who chimed in on this I too thought this was something that just didn't happen, but having seen three cars with MOT fails for this in the last month I was slightly taken aback... Perhaps given the age these car's are at now this is something we're going to see more and hear more of in years to come? It's certainly an area I'll be looking at closely on any I go to view

There's nothing get's past you is there? (Read thread title)

As per the title I'm currently on the hunt for a clean Mk1 Octy estate and after about a month of looking (I'm picky, have lots of time and I'm prepared to wait an indefinite amount of time for the 'right' one) something that seems to be cropping up is subframe corrosion I've been horrified to find a handfull for cars have actually had it to the point that MOT failures have resulted, here's an example on sale at present... https://www.gumtree.com/p/skoda/skoda-octavia-elegance-estate-130/1287500793 Having owned, worked on (And still own) Mk4 Golfs for years I'd decided given the Octavias are slightly bigger and I need an estate I'd give one a go but I have to say this issue is putting me off slightly! This isn't something I've heard of in the Mk4 VW format, ever, so I'm slightly put out to see this cropping up on the Octy's! I've found three cars with MOT failure for this in the month or so I've been looking :( My question is simple, how common is it? Why are Octavias doing this whilst Golfs and other Mk4 platform cars aren't (Or at least not that I can find any evidence of) Thanks in advance chaps....

I've used a Gliptone products in the past with great results, here's a link to a 'how to' thread... Albeit based around an MX5 tan leather interior with pics that no longer work :( http://www.mx5nutz.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=141870 For carpets etc you can't beat a wet and dry vacuum but it's possible to clean them without. I've found Autoglym's Interior Shampoo to be good for this. Interior restorations are similar to lots of other aesthetic jobs, it's all about the prep and the amount of effort/time spent has a direct bearing on the results you'll yield.

Cheers That doesn't seem like a bad list TBH, all of those issues are standard Mk4 Golf niggles. As a serial Mk4 buyer and owner/tinkerer nothing there worries me much

Do tell...?

^ Yes hat does look to be a nice on but mileage still slightly higher than I'd like.... Ideally I'll be aiming for sub 150k, tough but do-able as they do turn up Also I'm in a bit of a predicament as I'll have to get the Passat advertised and sold before I get stuck into looking in earnest (Unless dealer cars turn up and decent price for PX is an option) FWIW the Passat is a 2004 PD130 saloon with chrome, heated leather, all of the usual 'Highline' extras and 136k on the clock, I probably value it at somewhere around the £950 mark.

Thanks for the heads up. Great that it's L&K trim but I'd prefer to avoid the 130 PD engine and opt for the earlier non-PD 110ps or even 90ps engines (I appreciate L&K wasn't available in 90ps) on the basis that I don't have to worry as much about the correct PD oil having not been used at some point and the cam wear that results as a consequence. I recon the non-PD engines are just that little bit tougher, less stressed. Also mileage is just a bit higher than I'd like, + it's a fair trek away, I'm based in Durham.

I take your point and for the most part I agree, none the less having owned cars with heated seats (Passat Highline/MX5) they are one of life's little pleasures. I've got a bad back these days and find they help, also it's nice to have somewhere that's toasty and warm to sit until the heaters start to do their thing... All that being said mK1 Octy's are now at least 13 years old, heated seats are by no means a deal breaker and I'd buy on condition/history more than anything else! Elegance trim level would do nicely

Cheers, I'd assume heated seats are also missing in 'Elegance' trim too?

Thanks, TBH the SDI's have their place, never having to worry about dual mass flywheels or turbos going pop is a nice way to live but a Golf Mk4 and a Lupo is enough SDI wise I use the Golf and the missus drives the Lupo and they're great cars, they will 100% stay put and continue to be used for the weekly slog to work and back (10 miles ech way). Our Passat was bought as a kind of weekend car for longer journeys and trips to the lakes etc, with the PD130 engine it feels powerful compared with the NA SDI's, also in highline spec it boasts heated leather, aircon etc and is a really nice place to be! The only problem being that after a few months of owning it I've relised I actually should have bought an estate for the extra room. I was tempted to start looking for another Passat in estate format but it struck me that Mk1 Octavias have only slightly less space, seem cheaper to buy and also share the Mk4 Golf platform so good used/aftermarket parts seem to be more plentiful and affordable, it's a no-brainer IMO In an ideal world I'd like a decent Mk1 estate in L&K spec but TBH I'm prepared to look at any decent estate models that turn up, I've always loved hunting for cars and finding a good one should provide me with some entertainment for the forthcoming weeks/months.

I've got the PD130 in my 2004 Passat Highline, albeit in AWX flavour. Great engine although perhaps not quite as strong as the earlier non PD types. FWIW I'll probably end up trading the Passat in against an Octy estate should the right car turn up. Another ALH?

Cheers. Scary stuff RE engine mounts failing at that kind of speed, not something I've heard much about TBH so hopefully not a common occurrence Was the car repairable?

Many thanks. Also, after some similar research RE the 110 engines, it seems that the only difference between the AHF and the later ASV engines is the ASV has oil cooled pistons and newer software in the ECU. It would still be interesting to know... * When did the 90ps change from AGR to ALH and which is preferable? * When did the 110ps change from AHF to ASV and which is preferable?