MikeTheThinker

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

You said originally a "banging ticking noise". Did the problem start quietly with a ticking noise and progress to a banging noise or was it both from the start? Has there been any loss of performance?

Thanks for the update, Colin. Any ideas on how such behave in a crash? I'm thinking in particular about the inertia from a high-mount battery on an e-bike.

Could it be one of these? I think it could be a clip to hold the door seal ... or maybe a cable clip?

I understand that clamp-on-the-towball devices work fine but they still feel as though they are violating natural laws without a top steady ... Looks like an excellent piece of kit and great that it can canny an e-bike. I'll be very interested to learn how you find it in use.

There was one on fleabay recently near Birmingham - don't know if it's still available.

I think you're looking for items 8 & 9 here.

If you start the car but don't set off straight away do you still hear these noises (whilst the car is standing)?