MikeTheThinker

Did you find the plug that came out of the hole? If so (or by looking at the hole) can you tell from the angle and shape of the edges which way it came out (ie. pushed out or pushed in)?

Just a note of caution; there's no "sold" listing for such a vehicle showing up on fleabay ...

I've had a root through the parts diagrams (these for a 2007 pre-FL Octy 2, but other years are available on the same site) and these may help to explain what's where: rear wheel hub/bearing rear axle (all parts) Do be careful about the dates and relevant PR codes of you're looking for parts numbers.

I don't have my Haynes here so can't comment on the similarities; mine was done by a local National tyres depot and it took them four hours and some help from an oxy-acetylene torch to free off all the rusted down fixings. If you're looking to get some money back you're best getting a professional quote to do the job; a Skoda dealer would be most credible (and the most expensive!). If you're going that route I'd inform the seller as soon as possible, letting them (and fleabay) know you're not happy - "item not as described" - and intending to seek a professional opinion on the problem.

Almost certainly a rear wheel bearing. If it's smoking then it's not far off failing altogether - messy if under way, especially at speed! Cure involves replacing the rear hub - not a DIY job I'd recommend unless you have good workshop facilities including heat and a press. I had one of mine done a couple of months back for £210. As regards the ebay deal it's definitely a fault and unless the seller has sold the car 'as seen' you have a good case for either a refund or some money back for the repair. If you're looking to recover your costs as well you'll probably have to go legal; fleabay are quite good at refunds but won't consider costs as well.

Is there a groaning, droning or rumbling noise from the rear of the car, especially at higher speed?

I have a full set of VRS seats I bought for my mk2 Octy which I'm now not going to use as I've upgraded to a Scout. Is there likely to be any interest in them, do you think? If so, I'll dig them out and organise some piccies for the "sale" section.

The VAG part number is N10292201, which is common across most of the group's vehicles. There are some listed here on fleabay or here on skoda-parts.com and I've included a Brisky thread below which discusses the general issue:

I'm just dipping my (little) toe into the water here with a couple of Ultrabrite Smart devices bought from Poundland. I'll report back on how I get on and am keen to learn about the wider picture.

Can't speak for the Yeti specifically but an auto-leccy friend used to swear by talc as a cure for squeaky dashboards. BTW you might want to look for an "unscented" variety ...

I've also used this site for VIN and option information but it still doesn't show the actual build date unless you pay 5 squid : https://en.vindecoder.pl/

This is a generic graphic but it shows what the various parts of the VIN mean:

Thank you!

You wouldn't happen to have the 2007 brochure by any chance?

Depending on the build date of your car you're looking for either 1Z0 853 085 (build date to 2009-05-24) or 1Z0 853 085A (build date 2009-05-25 onwards). The trim is actually described as part of the front bumper, which may be adding to the difficulties in locating it. Scouts are few and far between in breakers and most breakers don't know (or care about) the differences. skoda-parts.com are offereing either part at just over 50 Euro if that's any help - https://www.skoda-parts.com/spare-parts/octavia-2/1z0853085.html

SkodaParts in Czech list mk1 Octavia ashtrays here. They certainly ship to Greece but worth asking about India. Otherwise there are a number of mk1 Octavias in UK breakers but you will need to explain which model (trim or variant) and colour you need.

Don't know if this will help in your case but when I did this I called the AA who did a "non-destructive break-in" and rescued the dog (from inside) and me (from outside).

From memory there are a couple a plastic cogs deep inside the lock that can fail. There's a thread on here somewhere about sorting it. Sorry can't offer more right now - off to the dentist :(

Morning Mark Sorry to hear about your Scout but glad you're OK. The Scout front bumper and lights setup are unique to the model; only the headlights are common to the standard Octy, both saloon and estate. Similarly, the side trims are Scout-only. The rear bumpers are standard with minor variations for the VRS IIRC. You can (with a bit of ferreting) find the part numbers on 7zap.com. When I get back to a decent screen later today or tomorrow I'll find you some better links. Scouts in breakers are rather like rocking horse **** and often not identified as such. There are new 'in primer" plastics available from Germany at reasonable money. Good luck with the hunt!

You could always use stainless steel ties. Pretty well 100% scrote resistant ...

Rattled the piggy bank for you

This isn't about whether there's a case to be answered by Mercedes or not, but about VBH selling herself for an 'ambulance chaser' type campaign. I've always respected VBH for her journalistic insight, honesty and entertainment value, and it saddens me that she has to lower herself to such roles. The nearest current motoring journo (as opposed to a 'celeb') I can think of is Chris Harris, although his style (and appearance, naturally) are very different

"The number of petrol filling station forecourts in the UK is experiencing a gradual decline. Experian Catalyst 2019 highlights that the number of petrol forecourts in the UK has fallen to just 8,382, compared to the 1967 high of 39,958. Of these forecourts, 7,402 have a kiosk/shop." {snippage] "Conversely, the number of registered UK vehicles at the end of March 2019 was 38.5 million (DfT Vehicle Licensing Statistics)." https://www.chorley-guardian.co.uk/business/new-chorley-petrol-station-scheme-co-op-store-create-30-jobs-3045977

Glad you got it sorted. What exactly does it do, after all?

Very much bearing George's advice in mind and assuming all VAG towing eyes are the same 18mm thread it looks like one from a T5 or T6 caravelle is longer that the Yeti one: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-T5-T6-T5-1-Towing-Eye-And-Tyre-Bar-Transporter-Caravelle/224235880579?hash=item3435800083:g:xQgAAOSwBxpfjIjF There are also extensions available (at a price, mind you!): https://travelinlite-transporters.co.uk/products/t5-t5-1-t6-towing-eye-extension-for-sportline-lower-spoiler