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Oh right that is different. I have seen a pile of these sort of things on ebay but none of them look quite like that one - they are a bit bigger though same say they shoudl fit my car bit they do look bulkier than this one above! I maybe need to get the part number to be sure as most of the ebayers say it is best to use that to get the right one - just a bit dark to do that now! Thanks so much for your help at least I can see it looks different to the ones I have seen - where did you get the pick from? Is there some threads on this issue soemwhere else? Ta RJ

Does this look like it might be the correct ignition module - there is another on ebay but thought this maybe it though not sure of my engine code/type? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Ignition-Module-Skoda-Octavia-1-8i-20v-10-96-Bosch-/220756626756?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item33661ecd44 Thanks RJ

Sorry yes you did and it look like you hit the spot as this does seem to be a linked issue - still not sure why the fixed vacuum hoses would make cylinders work but then I know nothing so maybe it does make sense! At least the thing you noted was mentioned but do you know if the price is right at over £200 fitted or it something that can be done for less - do you know the cost of the part at all? £12 for the alternator belt is great and if I can do it myslef all the better too - it would be good to get some guide to what I need to do if one exists anywhere? Thanks for your comments thus far it is a great help! RJ

Hi all, I thought I would update you all on where we are now. The car has been into a Skoda Garage in Broxburn and we have a resolution which seems to not be connected to anything that has been mentioned in the thread or by any of the mechanics who have already looked at the car!! It has cost a wee bit but a lot less than replacement of the car that is for sure. The garage did a fault check on the old girl and found two issues related to the cyclinder missfire (which I don't get at all but maybe you guys do?)...anyway they replaced the vacuum hoses because they were split and now the car seems to be running as it should do though they said it might still have an occassional missfire...it cost like £5 for the part!! Does that make sense to anyone at all? To totally fix the problem they did also find a fault with the 'ignition control mudule' and said this needs replaced but at £218 fitted I am a bit concerned at the outlay if the car is running OK...any thoughts at all? Does that sound like a logical fix and cost?? Also in their car check they said that the coolant is the wrong type and needs replaced as it is the wrong viscosity and might be causing another fault code?? Should I get that sorted out do you think as the coolant hasn't been changed or added to in years and years? And fianlly that the alternator belt is splitting and needs replaced (£82.80)...any thoughts on any of this as making any sense woudl be great. Again thanks for your input so far! RJ

The cost of mine on PCP is

Guys, thanks for the kind comments. Think I am glad no one has said it is a bad deal so far. In total i am paying £489 per month so I think I am getting a good deal. This doesn't include insurance or servicing so still got that on top as they were looking for £55 per month for maintenance!! Well i am hoping it looks like the wall paper I have on the PC at the moment!! Also are there any good Passat forums on the UK side? Vortex is pretty good but very USA orientated...can't seem to see much in the UK that might cover newer Passats? Still glad I have the old Octy though as it is always good for a quick sprint round the block!! I am just hoping this diesel is as good or better than the Toledo because the 110 BHP engine was excellent and probably one of my favourit non-tuned engines as this revs were always good and it could go if you pushed it hard in second and third....still a great car and the wife loves it too. Cheers all! Hopefully some pics and a review around December/January time!!

Well guys it has been a while since my last chat on here (as you will see if you see my history). At last my dilemma has been sorted out. I was looking at a choice between a Superb and an Octavia.....I was all ready to go for the Octavia 2.0 TDI with DSG when the company who are dealing with my work on cars offered me a Passat at an extra

Just an update to the discussion so far. I may now be looking at opting out of the company car scheme and this has now also altered my spending and choice of fuel too. For me it looks like I could have a PCP monthly allowance of around

Just thought I would pass on that Drive the Deal have the new Octy Diesel vRS listed on their site at

Man, that looks awesome. Nice mods and would think about the same myself once I actually get a Superb!!

I have used these guys several times over the last couple of years and they always do a good job for me. Car has had full set of brake discs and pads fitted; a service and an MOT. All with a minimum of fuss and a courtesy car was provided when I needed one. Free coffee and usually get the car washed as well. Staff are pleasant and are usually very helpful. I am looking at a new or nearly new and will go these guys as well as the other two ro three dealerships close by to get some haggling done.

Baker, that is great thanks. Thanks to the rest fo you too. Looks like you can specify from new which what I wnted to know. Baker your car look great. Are those crome inserts standard on your vents and speakers? Must say they look great (maybe these are the milltec things I have seen?) If so I like the look of them...was also thinking of the crome covers for the mirrors...would look nice against the black paint?? Looking at your car makes me think the beige inserts look pretty good too. Probably will go with black leather as it is easier to keep clean/hide dirt. Anything else on invisible maps?? Would like to look into this too. Star Performance did my 2000 Octy 1.8 T (which is still doing well - shame about the dynamic blue colour though). I think they do a map that can be switched off for delaer visits. My local delaer also said that they are OK with maps and do some themselves?? Might be worth a look! Thanks all.

Guys, stil on the new car thing and was wondering what colours the carpets etc come in. If I get the onyx black leather does that mean that I automatically get black carpets and insets on the doors. I have seen a black paint version with black leather but with a sort of cream/beige colour carpet and I didn't think much of the pairing. So the quesiton is can you choose these things? I think me preference is to have everything black if possible. Cheers. PS I am hopefully getting some quotes on the new company car using different payment types (PCP; Contract Hire etc) to see what will fit my budget with what the company is going to give me. Hopefully some left over for an 'invisable' map!!

Guys, once again many thanks for the informed debate on this issue. From what i have read here I am still in tow minds...I think the Superb is still a little ahead of the Octy. One of the key things is to have a car that sits just under the £20k price OTR (and/or) P11D price. I think a test drive will be the big swing as i need to be sure I can throw the Superb around a bit (also want to know that I can go for the 2.0 TDI and get it tuned...and be invisible to the Skoda Dealer - I also need to be able to switch off the tune as well). Apparently we are going for contract hire as opposed to what we used to do (the company buying the car and having to put up with depreciation)...what difference if any does this make to getting it tuned? Does anyone have any experince of contract hire and what you can get away with? Again, thanks for all your comments.

Thanks for the feedback and comments. Not really decided on either yet but I have plenty of time. I am split between the L&K Octy and the equivalent Superb (probably the 2.0TDI Comfort/Elegance). The Superb extras are pulling me a bit at the moment and with a kid on the way I think the extra comfort and space in the cabin might be a bonus, though the boot in the Octy seems to be bigger. The question is over what I drive like whn no wife and kid in the car and which of the two would suit that best..I think the Octy would be best. Damn it is difficult but maybe a test drive of both models might sort out any questions. Still, I am very glad I have this option at all as I don't have to pay for it...so really I can't complain with this kind of decision. Next question....what about the wait until the 170BHP Diesel vrs comes along....this could be another option to look at/wait for!! Cheers all.