I'm thinking of buying a W reg Octavia 1.6 GLXi, its done 120000 miles, had a service at 117000, cambelt at 104000, is there anything i should be wary of? I've not had anything to do with the Octavia's, i just fancy something newer and this is available at the right price.

What's the difference between the red i in GLXi and the standard 1?

VRS's are very cheap and you get 30mpg and 35-38mpg on a run the 1.6 is a bit naff and you don't get that much better mpg. The VRS on the other hand is great to drive, great extras, comfortable trim unlike lesser models. just the tax is a bit dearer, because of the damn bureaucrats.

Good luck

Would love the vRS but the insurance is too steep for me, thats why i'm looking at the 1.6.

The 1.6 GLXi has the higher powered 100BHP engine, whereas the 1.6LX has the 75BHP engine.

1.6 Would be just fine for your needs if you need a car in a cheap insurance group

Enough go for everyday driving and not too bad on fuel

is there anything i should be wary of?

If it was me, I'd be checking the documentation for lambda probe changes (mine went at about 60k miles which is their "expected" life), and temperature sensors - I've been through a few of these including header tank changes, etc.

Other than that, check for usual things, although some emulsification on the oil cap shouldn't be too much concern ("they all do that, sir"). It's a VW 1.6 8v unit (fairly similar to the Felicia 1.6 unit), which is commonly regarded as being pretty solid. Bodywork and interior should be pretty sturdy and not have suffered too much despite the mileage.

Rob.

I have the same model that your thinking of (S Reg 1.6 GLXI) and have had the car for 4 months and had no problems. I got mine for £900 and it only had 3 weeks MOT all i did was put new pads on the front and 2 new tyres and it went straight through.

The body work is excellent with good uderside protection.

The only issue i have is with the central locking where one door doesnt lock but i can live with this just check that this works fine as for all windows as it has 4. As mentiond dont worry about a bit of moisture or a small bit of white stuff in the oil cap as mine had this due to only doing short journeys by its previous owner a few trips on the motor way and its now fine.

I find it very reliable and is a good roomy car, One more thing check to see if the water pump was done when it had the cam belt changed. and for any obvious leaks under the bonnet/engine.

I would have another octavia due to its reliabilty.

Let us know how you get on.