I'm test driving a used 2006 06 Reg SKODA OCTAVIA 2.0 TDI PD Elegance 5dr tomorrow. It's black magic and black trim and has 30k on the clock and the pics on the dealers site look great. A colleague at work is trying to persuade me to get an Audi A4 TDI 2.0, but they look plain and for the money I have, they are all 2005 model with 70k+ on the clock.

Right now, I have no idea what to expect, having only ever driven a Ford Fiesta and a Renault Clio, so the drive should be interesting. I'm going Diesel over Petrol because of the fuel economy and after reading the extensive thread on here about the differences, I think for the moment my selection is justified.

Just thought i'd say hi and i'll let you know how I get on.

How much would it cost to add Zenith wheels to the Elegance (is that even possible). I can't afford the vRS. Any other decent skoda type wheels aside from the stock alloys I should look at later down the road when I can afford it?

How difficult is it to retain that very smart shiney black exterior that the new ones have, or that the dealers polish back into it? I'm worried that unlike a silver, it will dullen over time.

welcome to briskoda :orb_wave:

good choice - I actually think that if your colleague is being honest he/she will be surprised by the octy. However there is still a lot o brand snobbery around!

It's the same engine in teh two cars, but obviously there are other factors to how a car drives. Compared to you fiesta and clio, the octy will be much more refined and a pleasure to drive, although you may not feel as much fun...it'll feel like a tank in comparison!

As for kit, to get the same sort of spec as an elegance on an A4 you would certainly have to pay a lot more. Space wise I think you are better off with the octy too.

Black Magic is a pain in the rear to keep clean as everyone here testifies, however when they are clean I don't think there is a better colour in my opinion. The more you think about this the more you will find yourself splasing out on various detailing products, but the key is to make sure you use the two bucket wash method with microfibre (or lambs wool) wash mitt to reduce the chance of getting paint swirls which will show up more on the black magic.

There is loads of info in the Styling forum or you can take a look at A world for detailers... if you are really anal about that sort of thing!

Let us all know how you get on with the test drive, I'm sure you will enjoy it!

Hello and welcome to Briskoda.

I'm sure you will enjoy the test drive. I've just traded my Octy II 2.0 TDi Elegance in, but I thoroughly enjoyed owning it. It has a reasoanable amount of power and a good spec with plenty of toys.

There are a good selection of alloy wheels available - both OEM and after-market.

You need to find something that has 5 * 112mm stud pattern. Golf Mk V wheels are a possibility, as are some Audi ones.

I had some Audi S-line ones on mine just to be a bit different - they are in need of refurbishment but up for sale at the moment if you wanted something cheap - http://briskoda.net/forums/items-sale/audi-s-line-alloys-sale/113642/

Edit: Found a pic of them on the car too...

With regard to keeping it clean and shiny, the main thing is to get a good layer or two of wax on at the start.

Assuming the paint is in good condition, and not swirl marked, many on here would recommend Collinte 476 - Collinite Super Doublecoat No. 476S

Then just be careful how you wash it - throw away and sponges and chamois leathers you have - and learn all about the two bucket method at Car Care Advice - How to wash and dry your car safely and effectively

I remember the big surprise I found upgrading to an Octavia from a Focus, was misjudging the speed! Its very easy to let the needle creep into licence losing territory. The car is quiet and solid at motorway speeds. The build quality is a big improvement too - look at the door hinges and catches and see what I mean.

Conversely, I did find the engine noise louder than expected at low 1st & 2nd gear speeds.

Great engine though - bags of torque for 4th and 5th gear overtaking.

My Elegance has the standard wheels and suspension, but the 5-spoke Pegesus with sports suspension looks great I think. Just can't do it around us because of the massive speed bumps and kerbs.

I like the Sputnik alloys myself and like the Octy as a car. I have looked at A4 estates and found as you have I would be looking at 2-3 years older and usually over 4 times the mileage for the price!

Ok, I drove it, fell in love and bought it. Here she is. All for £10250 in pretty much mint condition, with 30k on the clock. Elegance model, 2.0 TDi.

So pleased. I didn't expect the little spoiler on the back, which looks to have been added after.

Congrats! Looks well looked after

Yep, spoiler is a nice touch, very nice looking car, enjoy.

It was obviously chucking it down with rain when he took some of the pics.

I agree, nice car.

The Octy is a good looking car in general, only thing that I think that lets most the range down IMO is the black rubbing stripes on the doors and bumpers. With yours been black they not so noticeable and so car looks good.

If the car has got swirl marks on then maybe getting it detailed would be a wise move. Will cost a few hundred but will come out looking like new. Then, with care can be maintained as a new condition.

The 2.0 140 engine can be remapped to about 170, giving closer to vRS performance.

Zenith Alloys quite often come up on ebay as people upgrade, infact there have been a few on here in recent months.

Steve

Very nice looking I like the little lip spoiler and I would like a flamenco red L&K with vRS bumpers and the lip spoiler.

Do you have it now or got to go back and get it?

I get it on wednesday at the earliest. My birthday coincedently.

Is this really an Elegance? or a Sport from whats described.

2006 06 Reg SKODA OCTAVIA 2.0 TDI PD Elegance 5dr with Duel Climate Control

Features: 31,000 miles Manual Black Magic with Black Cloth trim Diesel Hatchback 1968 cc

5 Doors, Manual 6 speed, Hatchback, Diesel, 31,000 miles, Metallic Black Magic with Black Cloth trim. ABS, Adjustable seats, Adjustable steering column/wheel, Alloy wheels, Climate Control, Computer, Cruise control, Driver airbag, Electric mirrors, Foglights, Head restraints, Folding rear seats, Immobiliser, Lumbar support, Park distance control, Passenger airbag, Power assisted steering, Rear armrest, Remote locking, Radio/CD Multichanger, Side airbags, Rear headrests, Traction control, Carbon Dash Effect, Electric Front Windows, Electric Rear windows, Leather Steering Wheel, Air conditioning, Anti theft system, Cloth upholstery, Colour coding - Body, Front armrest, Metallic paintwork, Spoiler, Sports seats, Tinted glass, Full Service History. Insurance Group:10

Also, will getting it remapped affect Insurance?

Hi, I have a 05 black elegence 2L tdi and what is described is an elegance except sports seats and boot spoiler? If it was a sport it would know doubt mention the 17" alloys and sports suspension, which mine has too. Pic is definitely NOT the sport version.

Ref remap insurance , I have a Revo remap (approx 180bhp?) and it bumped my insurance up by about a £100 a year at the time, however at present my premium is £330 from Chris Knott (advertised on here)

I get it on wednesday at the earliest. My birthday coincedently.

Is this really an Elegance? or a Sport from whats described.

2006 06 Reg SKODA OCTAVIA 2.0 TDI PD Elegance 5dr with Duel Climate Control

Features: 31,000 miles Manual Black Magic with Black Cloth trim Diesel Hatchback 1968 cc

5 Doors, Manual 6 speed, Hatchback, Diesel, 31,000 miles, Metallic Black Magic with Black Cloth trim. ABS, Adjustable seats, Adjustable steering column/wheel, Alloy wheels, Climate Control, Computer, Cruise control, Driver airbag, Electric mirrors, Foglights, Head restraints, Folding rear seats, Immobiliser, Lumbar support, Park distance control, Passenger airbag, Power assisted steering, Rear armrest, Remote locking, Radio/CD Multichanger, Side airbags, Rear headrests, Traction control, Carbon Dash Effect, Electric Front Windows, Electric Rear windows, Leather Steering Wheel, Air conditioning, Anti theft system, Cloth upholstery, Colour coding - Body, Front armrest, Metallic paintwork, Spoiler, Sports seats, Tinted glass, Full Service History. Insurance Group:10

Also, will getting it remapped affect Insurance?

Deffo elegance spec, and confirmed by the pictures.

Remap will affect the insurance, but vary by insurer. Try the car for a while standard, and you will be surprised. I was going to remap mine, that was 2 years ago and I have not yet.