RussellJ

You will love it. Officially the best car ever Had mine for a year now still look forward to every journey. vwroc forum is a useful place.

This is why the Golf R Estate exists! All of the same fun as the Golf R hatch with the same boot space as the Octy hatch +/- a few litres. Did I say I love mine? IT IS the perfect car. Scientific FACT :) Ah, yes, the ONLY reason for hesitating (well, that and purchase price too, obv!). Claimed mpg on the Golf is 40. This is unachievable in my opinion. In situations where I could get 52+ in my remapped 170 VRS TDI I get 34 in the Golf. Where I used to get 44 in the Octy, I get 30 in the Golf. (And if you drive it like a real hooligan you could see 20... allegedly). So you'll need to factor in an economy drop to 2/3 of your current mileage WHEN (not if) you're working out cost to change :)But is it worth it? For the feeling of being back in a car that loves to rev (unlike a grunty but really boring diesel)? And the better refinement? Lower road noise? Superb handling? Limpet like grip? Lack of wheelspin on slightly damp roads? I spent 3.5 years *enduring* my Octy, persuading myself that mpg was really important, in fact the only thing that really mattered (due to my annual mileage of 23k). A remap made no difference to the lazy diesel dullness - they just aint fun. After spending 4 months with the Golf R Estate... they're going to have to bury the keys with me...

I went from a MKII VRS TDi to a Golf R estate in Oct last year. Absolutely flippin LOVE the car (and great to be back in a petrol again). 4WD means never having to worry about traction! Feels like the perfect car to me - has the same split personality that I loved in my MkI VRS. Although I didn't post much on Briskoda, I did spend a lot of time reading posts (and even pop back occasionally to see what's going on). VWROC.com is a friendly forum. My first post (with more first impressions) here http://www.vwroc.com/forums/topic/16404-golf-r-estate-newbie/ DSG is really smooth and makes the car so easy to drive (do still miss the interaction of a manual sometimes, but compensated for by the smoothness at *all* times). Still can't get over the refinement when pootling along... and the performance/handling/grip when you put your foot down - the car really feels like two completely different animals. I don't want another car... ever!! Hope you enjoy yours as much!

Just wanted to give credit to Listers Banbury for an excellent servicing experience over the past 4 years or so. I had my Mk1 VRS petrol serviced here a couple of times, followed by my Mk2 VRS TDI which was serviced 7 times over 3.5 years and 80k miles. I've never had any complaints about the work carried out, needless work or pricing. They even proactively dealt with a couple of common Mk2 issues that occurred a few months after the end of the warranty (A/C Compressor failure, and a swirl flap motor issue which came back after being initially dealt with under warranty). The compressor episode just involved paying for labour - I didn't even get a chance to draft my complaint letter to Skoda about the A/C compressor being not fit for purpose under the Sale of Goods Act! There are other nice touches too - a courtesy call the day before a service to remind me, and again afterwards to check all was fine. The car is collected/dropped off from my home, and has a free wash/vacuum as part of the deal. And the guys are really friendly - I usually deal with Julian. I've now moved onto a Golf R estate which will be serviced @ Listers too. I have no connection with these guys, but have been impressed enough to drop an email to head office - not something I do very often! Apologies if this sounds like a commercial, but like I said, credit where it's due.

Sold! To one very happy chap.

Price reduced to £7,995.

Hi All I'm selling my Octy VRS after 3.5 years of ownership (switching to a Golf R Estate ). I purchased the vehicle from Jewson Skoda Oxford as their ex-demo in Jan 2013. Extras include... Factory Sunroof (rare as hens teeth!), Rear Parking Sensors, Bluetooth, Space Saver Spare. Full Skoda Service History - almost all with the Listers dealership in Banbury (nice guys). 7 stamps, no expense spared - Services @ 18k, 37k, 47k, 56k, 66k, 77k, 87k. I've had a Bluefin remap since the 37k service (hence the switch to 10k fixed service intervals). Recent A/C Compressor and Hunter 4 wheel alignment (so that's those necessary jobs taken care of!). Car has just had a service and MOT (passed with no advisories). Next MOT due on 09/09/2017. Excellent overall condition with just over 88k motorway miles. Also advertised on AutoTrader. Clicky for piccies - http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201608126754168 I'm located in the Banbury/Bicester area. Any questions, let me know... Russell Edit - 28.09.2016 - Price Reduced to £7,995

I dropped an email to Skoda via the Contact us page on the Skoda.co.uk website on Monday. I stated that I was aware that a diesel 4x4 Octavia VRS was available, but I was interested in a petrol version, ideally with the 280 engine as per the Superb. I received the following voicemail just now... "At the moment there are no plans for a petrol 4x4 Octavia VRS. This may change, but there are no plans for this in the UK at the moment."

Had a MkI VRS for 7 fun years, then changed to a MkII VRS TDI two years ago. Not loving the diesel drive and road noise (even with Goodyears fitted), so pondering a MkIII petrol despite doing 20k+ miles per year. Interesting feedback here - thanks. A new petrol VRS is £19k from a broker - http://www.buyanewcaronline.co.uk/skoda/octavia/octavia-hatchback/2.0-tsi-vrs-5dr/ - you'd obviously want to add metallic paint and a few options, but even so, that's around £20k (compared to £25k list) - similar discount % to the "No VAT" offer when I brought my MkII, making it much more reasonably priced as a private purchase. The ST Cupra is getting great reviews, so I took a test drive (of the hatch) but the road noise was terrible - now struck off the list. Currently musing a new Superb 280 4x4, but only after 12+ months to allow bugs to be ironed out and prices to drop. But it's also only DSG. I bought my 6 month old Mk1 VRS for £12k in 2005 - I'd do so again today in the blink of an eye! There must be an enterprising company somewhere that could start making these again...? Reliable, fast, quiet, well made, cheap? Those are the qualities that made me first buy into the Skoda brand. As others have said, with the move upmarket, Skoda is in danger of being just another brand...

I *need* to know about the bacon...

That's *exactly* the scenario. Explains why the car felt fine around town and on the motorway but was noticable when "wafting" along county roads at 30/40 mph. Appreciate the reply - thanks

I currently drive a Mk2 VRS Tdi but am not loving the way diesels drive so considering a change to a Mk3 petrol VRS. Had a test drive in a (demo) DSG version this morning which confirmed I want to change back to petrol, but I would prefer to choose my own gears (and pay less for the privilege). So I then drove a manual version (1 year old, 10k miles) in the afternoon from another dealer. It was only a slight sensation but it felt like at low speeds, with only very slight pressure on the accelerator, there was a subtle jerkiness to the way the manual version drove every now and then - a hesitation or slight stutter in power. I wasn't in too low a gear - about 2k rpm showing. It was only a small thing, but enough for me to notice on several occasions during the drive. And it was enough to make me walk away from doing a deal on the spot. The salesman didn't recognise the issue and said this one drove like the others he'd driven. Unfortunately he didn't have another with which to compare it. My only other thought is that coming from a sluggish diesel I've forgotten how a more revvy petrol drives. But I was driving as smoothly as I could. I will have a go in another manual but wondered whether anyone has any (helpful) comments/ suggestions?

As per a recent post I replaced the fronts (Conti 5) on my VRS CR after 28k (mostly motorway) miles with 4mm tread left. Impressive life but the tyre roar was driving me mad on the coarse tarmac on the M40 south of Jn 10. Replaced with Dunlop Sport Maax RT which are substantially quieter 2k miles on. Replacing the back tyres made little difference to noise levels for me - it was the fronts. Nearly sold the car due to the roar! Now it's ok (but still not as quiet as my Mk1 VRS). Moving from a Mk1 to Mk2 I didn't think to check for things that *weren't* a problem on the Mk1. Top priority for my next car...? Road noise. And I shall ensure I go for a long drive along a stretch of coarse tarmac.

Just replaced the fronts (Conti 5) on my VRS CR after 28k (mostly motorway) miles with 4mm tread left. Impressive life but the tyre roar was driving me mad on the coarse tarmac on the M40 south of Jn 10. Replaced with Dunlop Sport Maax RT. Seem substantially quieter so far.

Hi V8 Dave That was my car! Serviced every 10k on the nose (x15). You got a bargain there! Assume you bought it in Woking? Reckon it's good for another 50k miles at least.

It's too late to help the OP, but thought I'd contribute anyway… Had a MK1 VRS (05 plate) for 7 years and 150k miles. Loved it. Faultless. Excellent to drive and extreme value for money. Bought it at 6 months/1.5k miles for £12k. - traded it in for £1k :( The regret... the regret... Swapped it for a 62 plate TDI VRS at the end of 2012 (after a brief dalliance with a fun, but ultimately broken, 3.0TDI A5). The Mk2 VRS diesel is nowhere near as much fun to drive as the Mk1 petrol - noisy & reluctant to rev (but that's just diesels I guess). Feels fast in 3rd gear (30-70 mph) but can also easily feel sluggish and is generally not as nice to drive. Considering a remap to bring some fun back. The Mk2 seems noisier when cruising at 70 on the motorway (road/tyre noise) - that's a disappointing backward step! Feels bigger & heavier too, not as nimble as the Mk1. On the plus side, pootling along at 70 on the motorway I get 53 MPG in the TDI (used to get 40+ in the MK1 - both measured brim to brim). Since I do 25k miles a year (most of which is at 70), the diesel was the "right" choice. Get 600 miles to a tank. Radio in the Mk2 takes an SD card which is nice. Sound quality is much better too. But I wish I did fewer miles :( For anyone reading & contemplating the same decision, I'd be tempted to keep the Mk1 and run it into the ground.

Have been very happy with the previous dealer I used for almost all my servicing up to 70k (Willis Motor Company, Ruislip) but moved recently so needed to find a new place for the 80k service. Was put off by other comments here about the Skoda dealer in Ipswich (Bristos) so didn't bother enquiring with them. Instead, went to Cattermoles. I guess they didn't want to stump up for the Skoda showroom overhaul a few years ago, so are no longer a retailer, but they still retain Authorised Repairer status for Skoda. They're also a Daihatsu dealer. Had an 80K service on my 05 reg MK1 Octavia VRS - came in at £275 all in, inc synthetic oil, brake fluid change and a few other minor bits and bobs. My impression was that they did a thorough job. Front of house chap (Graham) seems very knowledgeable, as do the chaps with spanners. Seems to be a good old fashioned garage in that they seem to know what they're talking about, won't rip you off, and do a good job. Have booked in a wheel bearing for next week, and intend to return for future services whilst I'm still in the area. Russell EDIT: Correction - After having checked the Skoda website, they would appear to no longer be Authorised Repairers. Could have sworn they used to be!

I've taken my 05 reg MK1 Octavia VRS to Willis for the 10, 20, 40, 50 and 60k (inc. cambelt) services to date. (30k service carried out an *another* dealer... who left a spanner rattling around under the bonnet :eek:... haven't been back to that dealer since!). Very friendly and helpful staff @ Willis (both reception and technical), no complaints at all. Would recommend them. Russell

There's a thought indeed. May well be that kind of metallicy rattling noise. Thanks.

Have a Mk 1 05 VRs hatch - 54k miles - which also appears to have started to produce a pinking noise recently. Only seems to do it at low revs (1k to 2k) - I guess, ultimately, in the "wrong" gear - the noise is noticeable with the window down. It's not the charcoal canister - I know that noise. Did a quick search for "pinking" on here and found this thread. Would appreciate an update as you (hopefully) progress this issue to a resolution. Good luck. Cheers Russell

Thought I'd post a quick update - after 1,200 miles things seem to have improved - suspect they did indeed just need more time to wear in. This seemed a bit odd as when the Toyos were fitted on the fronts, grip seemed to be excellent from day 1. Thanks to all. Russell

Thanks Chris - appreciated.

Hi I drive an Octavia VRs (MkI), 2005, 40K miles on the clock. I've just replaced both rear tyres 2 weeks and 500 miles ago - (swapped the original Contisports for a pair of Toyo Proxes T1-R 205/50 R17 Y). I went with the Toyos since I was so impressed with the improved wet & dry grip when I changed the front tyres over to them. However, since replacing the rears, the "feel" of the back of the car has taken a distinct turn for the worse. This is especially noticeable driving around roundabouts in a "spirited" manner, or braking and steering at the same time (yes, I know that's not a good thing). The sensation is actually quite alarming and doesn't feel at all safe - like it's going to lose grip and swing away. Both tyres are at 2.1 bar pressure. I can't believe the Toyos are worse than worn Contisports. Could the tyre fitters have knocked something? It just seems too much of a coincidence that this issue occurred as soon as the tyres were changed. Any ideas? Thanks in advance. Russell

I used to have to wait ages for my 05 Octavia screen to demist... until I thoroughly cleaned the insides of all windows with some window wipes from Sainsburys a couple of weeks ago (cheap, but effective). The usual (interior) morning mist has now disappeared - don't need the air con on in the mornings at the moment for the drive to work - just leave it set to ECON. Bliss....

Nothing much new to add to this thread, but thought I'd chip in as well... 05 vrs - driving style mixed, no mods. My computer over-estimates by approx a couple of mpg - e.g. (computer) indicated 37 is actually (manually calculated over a couple of fill-ups) 35 mpg. Indicated long term computer average hovers around 36-37, so actually 34-35 mpg. Best single tank range was 450 miles, pootling around the Highlands a few weeks ago (couldn't find an open petrol station after 6pm!). Down to the last few molecules of fuel - became *very* concerned. Will not be doing that again. Around town driving does seem to give v.poor mpg. Driving at 50-60 (e.g. 20 mile motorway journey to work) seems to give the best results - regularly see (indicated) 42 mpg on this trip. The return journey at 70 Mph (and perhaps a leetle bit more) sees (indicated) 34 mpg. Leaving aircon on seems to cost approx. 5% consumption. Fuel consumption does seem to be slightly worse in the colder months. This is not connected with switching the air con on for demisting. Wonder if it might be something to do with cooler air being denser and therefore the chip squirting in a little more fuel to match? Anyone else noticed poorer cold weather fuel consumption? Or is it all in my mind...?