VRScot

Any chance this is still available?

Hi all, Thanks for the responses. Yes I bedded the brakes in before any real hard braking, the shudder was gone before setting off on the trip (Sheffield to Croatia, pic attached of Octy chilling by the sea) I’m pretty sure the discs were warped before and are again now and that’s what causing the shudder. I’m wondering if hub run out could be the cause of the discs warping so quickly? There’s obviously an underlying problem causing this. Judder becomes more pronounced the higher the speed and when braking during cornering. Definitely not an ABS issue. Garage definitely changed discs and pads. Their service is very good.

Edit: I had them done because of a pretty serious brake shudder/ fluctuating brakes. The judder came back about a thousand miles into the trip

Hi folks, Just had the discs and pads done on my 1U Combi and done a 1500 mile road trip. This is what they look like at the end. Do these pads look normal? Any advice would be greatly appreciated, need to do the same distance back in 2 weeks.

Hello again folks, I took the plunge! I bought myself a 53 plate Octavia 1U 1.9 TDI (VE 110) Elegance Estate in Silver. £1800, 105,000 miles, full service history and a few minor niggles but nothing serious. It went straight in to get the timing belt and water pump done and it's now sitting in the drive outside, next will be full service and brakes, then maybe flywheel and clutch (conversion to single mass has been recommended as it's a little noisy). Can anyone think of anything else I should consider doing? I'm very happy with the car so far, it feels so solid and well built, it's not that slow either. Thank you all for the help in the run up to the purchase. I'll attach photos once I've taken some. All opinions welcome!

Thanks for the info mate, I know they’re quite mappable but given this will be a daily/ long distance car I’ll save the modding antics for the 300bhp ST that’ll be parked next to it 😉 Having said that it might get a dirty diesel spec exhaust on it just for giggles…

That’s great gents, thank you. Seems like the VRS and Scouts could be more trouble than I’m willing to risk so I think I’ll definitely be focusing on Mk1s unless a Mk2 comes up for a reasonable price with extra low mileage or something. I’ve found that they tend to be roughly the same price. When I track one down I’ll update with photos. Thanks guys!

Thanks John, this is where my research has taken me as well. Looking at 1U/1Z Elegance spec (really want the armrest) with the 1.9 PD. Seems like the clear choice and it also avoids the DPF issue. Obviously the car will be gone through and fully serviced before the trip. Good to know about rust spots too though, that’s the stuff I need to know. Budgeting £2k for the car and about £600 for servicing/tyres etc… I think the 1U looks like the better choice. Am I right in thinking that, electronics wise, The 1U is much simpler than the 1Z even when they both use the 1.9 PD?

Thanks gents, that’s great advice. It’ll be a cannonball straight from Calais to Croatia so I don’t think this will be a huge issue. The main things I’d really like to know are, for example, whether the awd system in the scout is reliable or troublesome, whether the 1.9 PD is really that much more reliable than the 2.0 and whether any of the 4 cars have known problems to look for when buying. As I said, my main area is Ford so Skodas are new to me, but I’ve heard very good things about these Octavias.

Thanks Pal, that’s a great thread for what I’m looking for. Don’t fancy having engine issues 1500 miles from home!

Hello folks, I’m completely new to the world of Škoda (except a 1998 Felicia I had when I passed my test 12 years ago), I’m currently driving a 2006 Ford Focus ST225. I am however looking at 1U/1Z (pre-facelift) Octavias for a long road trip car/ daily driver. I have narrowed my choices down to a 1.9 TDI Elegance 1U/1Z, a Scout or a 2.0 TDI VRS Hatch. I would very much appreciate your help in choosing the most reliable car of the four and also, if possible how much I should spend on one and what I should look out for in a used Octavia. I am very tempted by the VRS as I love the looks and the balance of performance and fuel economy but would happily end up in any of the four. Thank you for your time and help, I figured you guys were probably the best people to ask.