Achrys

Hey aug1984, Cheers, we like it - and it's hard to get more for your money with these cars! With regards to the retrofit, I literally took a bread knife to the existing foam after offering up the spare I bought (just make sure its either the same size, or has the same rolling circumference). Check out your depth when choosing a spare to purchase, as a full-size can be a bit tight (caliper space issues on the VRS), but standard ones may fit nicely. There is a foam inlay you can buy, but whats the point, just turn your existing one into what you need - do it neatly, and you'll never look back. I came to that decision, when looking at new inlays etc, and realising, that as long as the spare is in there, I'm hoping never to see/use it at all! lol Also it's nice to get a space with a foam tool tray in it too - it helps support the floor panel above it. All I'd say, is when cutting, cut little bits more often... like the old saying measure twice, cut once Good luck!

Got a pic of it here. Heavy misting? Or leak?..... Thanks Alex 👍

Really appreciate your help guys. I should be able to get down to see Dad this week, and take the trolley Jack for a good look. Will also look up for some imagery on 'acceptable issues', and 'fails'. Thanks again!

Hi, Hoping that someone can help shed light, as I seem to be going around in circles. My dad has a 2017 Octavia SE L TSi S-A (1.4litre, 147bhp) and he has been advised by the garage that one of the front shocks has 'gone'. They said it's leaking oil and he should replace it. The car has only done approx 29k miles! (He bought it a year old with 11k miles), but I appreciate it's London and roads aren't fab at all. Mileage aside, I'm pretty sure it'd be better to replace both the front shocks at the same time. And thinking about it further, possibly to upgrade the shocks to a pair which would have a better lifespan? I've heard mention of Bilstein B4? (£73.90 incl vat & del https://www.dpmperformance.co.uk/car-parts/skoda/octavia/bilstein-b4-sport-front-shock-absorberoctavia-1z-20042013-12tsi-14-14tsi-16-16tdi-18tsi-19tdi-20fsi-20tfsi-20tdi-inc-vrs ). It's out of my skillset due to the tools alone - I only have a basic garage set for servicing 'things' - but could someone confirm which set of shocks I should be looking at (or are Bilstein the best for London's bumpy roads/speed bumps etc)? I can't see any OEM numbers on the existing, and there always seem to be many 'options' when surfing (eg. front strut diameter 50mm or 55mm?)! He won't be off roading any time soon, but surely (for the money the garage was quoting), he should be able to get a better, more reliable set? Sorry if I've missed any critical details - please just prod for more info if needed. Plan is - better shocks for the cruddy roads, local garage to fit. Keeping costs down for a pensioner. Thank you in advance, Alex ps. On the Bilstein site, it references the Octavia as 1U2, 1U5, 1Z3, 1Z5. Not sure what model his is either? pps. Is it prudent to change the springs when doing the shocks? Any other 'bits' I need to purchase if supplying the garage with the shocks?

Hey Steve, I agonised for ages in selecting a box. They’re all pretty good on that site, but all have pros and cons. Sliding laterally is easy - the Kamei comes with t-bar bolts/adapters which work perfectly/cleanly with aluminium bars. And if you have the evo bars - you just ‘slide the box’ to the desired position (before tightening the wing it’s) without cutting rubber strips. Inside the box, the T-bar screws come through the adapters which can slide forwards and backwards - which means you can set it as far back as possible without hitting the open boot door. Very easy to set up. The only downside I can see so far, is that it opens just on one side, so you’ll have to stand on the door sills to load it up (I’m 6’3” too). However, not such a bad thing if you know how and what you’re loading in. We’re leaving on Sunday morning, but I’ll take a couple of pics for you if you haven’t already bought it. Overall it gets really good reviews for the money, and the locking system is pretty much foolproof and very secure. It has gas struts too which is nice. I bought the cover too, but it’s pretty lightweight - and doesn’t encase the whole box (think of fitted bed sheets with elasticated corners!) hope that helps!

Yeah, new prices are pretty steep, but if you're patient you can find a deal. I paid £100 for the 127 through bars (can fit a box, and a couple of bikes too if you want). If you're extra lucky, you can find a kit with the Skoda Feet (which have two 'pips' for mounting onto the car - extra secure fitting!). However, defo go for the new evo bars if you can - as you won't need to cut any rubber - the strips are about £20 each! And a 3Nm torque wrench from Thule is about £20! (I ended up buying a mini wrench set instead, as I can use it for other jobs too). Going camping this weekend. so will get to test out the new kit!

Morning all, 1) Alex 2) Octavia VRS Challenge (Mk3) 3) White with black badges and a Maxton spoiler (was there when I purchased) 4) No engine Mods yet - but a retrofitted space saver and some Thule Bars with Kamei Delphin box for camping trips. Cheers

I loved the look of the new RS, but based on what I read, I decided to get one of the last Mk3's (2020 plate). Also, I wasn't happy with the quality of the cloth seats- so Alcantara was a must for me (Children and dog in tow...). I generally would always let the first version go, and pick up the next where 'things' are ironed out.

Morning all, About to become a proud new owner of an Octavia VRS Challenge in a couple of days. Been toying with the idea for about a year now, and can’t find a better ‘all-rounder’ for fun, family, and practicality. Sold my P&J A7 yesterday and agreed a price on a 2020 model. Really looking forward to contributing and picking your brains, just like I do on my motorcycle (and coffee) forums. Family man, who has decided that life is too short, and important to be spending it away from the important things that matter. sending out a virtual cuppa, and biscuits (sorry, it’s only 9:30am 😉) Alex ps. Lovely Patient wife, 2 crazy children (f16/m5) and stupid dog in tow.