Hi all,

Going to look at a mk1 Octarvia VRS 02'

What should I cast my beedy eye over?

What size wheels should a hatch have 16' or 17' wheels?

How do you check it's boosting correctly?

Many thanks

Nick.

An 02 plate should have 17's IIRC

Check for noises going over bumps, could be broken radiator mounts, broken centre exhaust mount or worn ARB bushes.

Service history, every 10k or variable up to 20k.

cam belt every 60k or 4 years.

Only early Y and 51 plate hatchbacks have 16s so an 02 should have 17s unless the dealer has done something sneaky at some point.

Check for leaks especially the boot, the washer pipe can come off and the fluid goes into the boot and whilst in there check the c.d changer as and water can effect that.

I would check paint finish and panel gap in case any repaired accident damage.

Just do the usual checks as in all electrics, brakes, steering, noises and strust your instincts.

There are plenty about and it's a buyer's market, so if there's anything your not happy with just walk away.

HTH.

Get someone with VAG-COM and check the car out with a lap top. It's amazing what you will uncover. Log the car if you can i.e. Boost levels, maf, lambda, timing, knock, etc .

I bought an '02 vRS hatch this time last year, so I'll pass on my experience!

-Check that the cam belt has been changed (Every 60,000miles or 4yrs). Mine had not been done, but my local Skoda dealer did the job for £270.

-Check the front tyres. Mine were bald, so had 2 new ones fitted for £200.

-If you discover any rattles or knocks, it's generally a simple or cheap fix. For example, my centre exhaust bracket had come away from the pipe, welded the bracket back on for free. My starter motor also made a screaming noise on startup, it just needed cleaning, so was also free. I then developed a knock over bumps, which was the radiator mounts, which got fixed with some new bushes (only cost about a tenner). But I wouldnt worry about things like this, as it's all easy fixes, just be aware of it.

-Other than checking the boost with a boost guage or VAGCOM, i'd just say if it goes fast then it's ok! Test drive it with the window open, and listen for turbo noise. If the turbo is really noisy (loud whistling), then it may be nakkered. But the standard turbo unit is pretty reliable, due to it having a water cooled bearing housing.

-Make sure it's got the full vRS interior, green calipers and 17" wheels, and 2 diagonal strut braces in the boot.

I tend to buy on gut instinct, so if the car gives off a dodgy vibe just let it go. But if you feel happy with it just go for it mate, and enjoy many happy miles!

Best car I have ever owned by far. It just does everything! I've blasted it around the Nurburgring, but at the same time I'm using it to move house this weekend! It's the perfect compromise for me.

I agree with Bodge.

I bought my 02 VRS 2 years ago and its by far the most enjoyable car I have ever owned, took a while to persuade the missus that she could drive a car with a skoda badge though. Thats until she test drove it and then she was hooked. It's pretty quick but can return over 40mpg on a run if you are carefull not to put your foot down to often

Reverse it and then apply the brakes. If it makes a horrible loud groaning noise then it's still got the standard brake discs and pads and you may want to swap those for chamfered-edged discs and pads to stop the noise.

Water pump should have been changed at 60k along with the cambelt as it's easier (and less expensive on labour) to do it at the same time as the belt.

If you wind the windows down and accelerate steadily in 2nd or 3rd you should hear the turbo start to spool up at about 1800 revs, it's makes a whistling sound but not too loud - so if it sounds too loud as Bodge said above it could be dodgy.