Hungry Horace

Should have mentioned the year it would probably help its July 2005

So I am guessing it is a Facelift. Is there anyway to tell which engine is in it?

Thanks just what I was looking for. Now to find out if the vRS I pick up tonight is a facelift or not

What exactly changed in the Mk1 vRS Facelift and when did this happen. Many thanks

Oh ok didnt realise the phone holder was only available on Euro models. I will check it out tomorrow and post a closer pic. It has some sort of phone connection in the centre tray in front of the gear stick so it might be OE.

Thanks for the replies. Will go to the dealer and order the part. Can post a close up pic when I get the car but I think my question is answered. Thanks again.

Pick up my Mk1 vRS tomorrow. Will be like a kid at Xmas tonight and probably find it hard to sleep . Attached is a picture of the satnav unit on the right hand side I have circled in red is a stupid phone holder thing that is screwed in. I can take this off no problem but the piece of plastic surround is not with the car. Is it possible to buy this piece? Thanks

Thanks for the replies with regard to the PD or CR engine around what time did this change were there any other changes that are easy to spot that would give away which engine is fitted i.e different lights or similar. Thanks again

And I know it should say Octavia in the title not Octavian, auto correct switched on Lol

As title suggests I am thinking of buying a diesel vRS Octavia estate around 3 years old. Are there any known issues or problems I should specifically look out for when viewing potential cars. Also is it relatively easy to retrofit the factory satnav, and one last thing was a multiple function steering wheel ever an option as I have seen a lot of photos on autotrader etc and none appear to have this. Many thanks

I'm living in Germany at the minute as well. If you look on your green log book papers ( can't remember if it's big or small part ) it will tell you what size wheels and tyres are approved for your vehicle. Choose the size from that or when you go for the TUV it will fail if sizes are not listed on the log book.

There is a guy selling the kits on eBay. Think they are about £65. Guess they are original kits but not sure.

What is the best way to clean up an engine bay from usual dirt, grime and spilt oil. I dont have access to a steam cleaner but wondered if anyone could recommend any products or a way it could be done. Many thanks

Does the Mk1 vRS have a factory model code, like MINI is also known as R56 or some Golf's are known as R32 depending on model. Thanks

I have read on here about fitting cruise control to a 2005 vRS and I am thinking of doing the same. However its mentioned that once installed it has to be activated via VAGCOM. Is this only available from the dealers or can someone point me in the direction of an OBDII scanner or similar that I can buy to do it myself. Many thanks

Thanks for the replies.

Question regarding the engine on the diesel vRS. If the cam belt breaks will it bend valves etc or will there be no damage and it just needs re-setting up and a new belt. Thanks

Well I went and test drove a vRS earlier and I must say I was very impressed. All in all a well looked after car but could do with a few things to bring it up to perfect condition (front & rear discs & pads, 4 tyres, and possibly a rear silencer) Deciding on how much to offer. Fingers crossed I will be a vRS owner before monday.

@Sonner Thanks for the reply and help. One other question, it was mentioned to look out for problems with console bushes when viewing potential cars. If I were to fit a polybush kit would these bushes be in the kit or is it other bushes you can only get OEM. Thanks again.

@vindaloo I am testing one this evening. Is the handling not so good then or is it just not comparable to a MINI.

Thanks for the replies. @hyte1 will look out for these issues thanks. @softscoop Thanks for the info looked at there website its exactly what I am after. Shame I just missed there summer sale :-(

Hi I am in the process of looking for a Fabia vRS my budget will stretch to model year 2005. I have just got rid of my lease car a 2008 MINI Cooper D and have been looking for something similar in size that is still a lot of fun and with an economical diesel engine. The vRS seems to fit my requirements perfectly. So a couple of questions is there anything I should look out for when viewing potential vehicles and is there any re-map system available like the Bluefin where you can put the re-map on and off as you wish, I dont really want to put on a chip mod that cant be removed without going to a specialist. Many thanks