MikeTheThinker

Would it fit a mk2 Octavia estate, do you think?

Is it fairly high pitched?

Going back to the shocks question, it is possible that the shocks are so worn there's no oil left to mist out. Have you done a "wing bounce test" on the rear shocks?

Looking at the less likely possibilities here; firstly, have the rear tyres had enough use to scrub off the silicone preservative (which is definitely slippy in the wet) and secondly, have you checked both tyres are the same type/tread and have been fitted the correct way round (unlikely, I appreciate, but possible). Also another maybe; have you used a tyre prettier product on the rear tyres? If so, has any of it gotten onto the tread area?

Two points: 1) back end uncertainty can also be caused by worn tyres or tyres at incorrect pressures 2) I can't see any sign of oil mist on the shocks which suggests they are still working OK; once the seals on the shafts start to go oil mists out and the shock performance degrades.

Blowing head gasket often results in water in the engine oil - remove the oil filler cap (engine off!) and look for a whitish emulsion around the inside of the cap = water getting in somewhere. Another quick check is to let the car stand (engine off again) for about 15 minutes after a run then pull the dipstick and look for water droplets in the oil on the end of the stick. Other signs can include water levels in the cooling water reservoir going up and down as the car is revved up (with the pressure cap in place) plus possibly scum in the reservoir.. Can't help on the EGR but I'm sure someone else will jump in ...

Which engine is in your VRS? It will be something like BMM, BMN ...

You also need to understand the maximum permitted weight of caravan your car can tow - I think it's 1500kg but your handbook will confirm.

Thanks for taking the time to write this up; one day someone will be very happy you did so

Is your boot lock key or button remote operated?

Try looking up the fault codes on the VCDS site - www.ross-tech.com.

I'd recommend starting in the middle and only partially pushing the seal home until you have all of it part attached; then seat it properly. This might be an abundance of caution but pliable seals do creep and you don't want to end up with either a gap or a bit left wagging in the breeze ...

I rang it just now and navigated through their automated system, so it's either genuine or someone has very detailed access to their inner technology ...

Does it sound like knuckles cracking? If so, suspect your CV joint. A quick look to see if the protective boot is damaged will help.

They don't appear to be listed as a separate factory part, so I'd try fleabay for starters, plus aftermarket "bling" suppliers such as SuperSkoda. https://skoda.7zap.com/en/cz/yeti/yet/2014-779/8/853-853030/

Here's a new one for comparison, althougfh it's Euro390 plus shipping ... https://www.skoda-parts.com/spare-part/5k0953569l-electronic-module-skoda-20903.html

Here's a piccy of the rear seat belts in context of the rear seats (2003 facelift) ...

eBay or aliexpress.com. Ali are cheaper but shipping takes a few weeks.

Can't find a Skoda kit but several of the major factors list kits: here's one from europarts.

It has to be explicitly reset so may have been missed ...

The VAG Group's market strategy has always been a spread of offerings from lower cost lower margin to higher cost higher margin. Audi has been the flagship marque with all the toys and (allegedly) flashy looks, followed by VW as the "sensible" or "family" brand, then Seat as the "young person's" brand and Skoda as the "economical, reliable but not flashy" brand. Various things have happened that probably come under the "laws of unintended consequences" for VAG, including changing reliability figures putting Skoda above Seat above VW and way above Audi, the "dieselgate" scandal which has hit Audi and VW brands hard, harder economic times making buyers more concerned about value for money than bling and the outright success of the Skoda and Seat brands themselves. VAG accountants are looking hard at Margin Return (ie, how much profit they get to keep from selling a vehicle) and MR for Audi especially and VW is being reduced by market pressure on selling prices and the cost of after sales support (reliability). A major influence in the car sales market is fleets, where fleet managers are looking harder and harder at the cost of ownership - and the likes of Skoda are coming out well. Skoda's own "blinging up" of its offerings is making them more attractive to fleet car drivers which also adds to the pressure. Then of course there's the EV shift, which is adding further buggerance to the market. Despite the public image VAG likes to portray of everyone working together in harmony stories from insiders tell of bitter battles between the boardrooms of the various marques who are fighting for prominence, and I expect this will continue until the markets get past the shakeout that's gathering pace now - EVs, Covid, economic downturn, decline of the US empire, rise of European influence and the rise of the Chinese Empire. It's going to be an "interesting" ride ...

There are loads of Bluetooth, WiFi or USB OBD2 adapters available on aliexpress.com. https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=0&initiative_id=AS_20201009050843&SearchText=carista+obd2+bluetooth+adapter AliExpress offer pricing in NGN so I presume they will also ship to Nigeria OK.

If the price is right ...

Ask me who has one to sell

I've seen something like this where one set controls tram traffic, but I don't see any tracks here?