My 98 Octy - gradually, I'm getting there..

[Davidn]

So, picked up a 98 Octavia TDI with 125000 miles on it, about a month ago, for £800.

Since then, it needed a new alternator - previous owner got diesel in it somehow. At the same time as that, had discs done - £225

Rear brakes also needed doing - £85

Two more things - glow plug relay shot, so having that done - £75

I've got a creaking noise under front of car. I reckon bushes of some kind - do you think I'm right?

I reckon, even with the work I'm having done, it's still coming in good for the money - plus what I'm saving doing 55 mpg instead of the 28 I was getting on the 20v Auto Passat it replaced...

Anyone care to offer any advice, agree or disagree?

[Lex Dysia]

Anti roll bar bushes creak when on the way out HTH

[ncarring]

And if it's the bushes get 'em done quick because otherwise it's a new ARB as well and that's £180 or so (parts and labour).

[rwbaldwin]

When was the cambelt last done?

If it does need doing you might consider replacing the water pump too.

[Tom_vRS]

Yep, a cheap car that should serve you well if you keep on top of maintenance.

Defo check when the cambelt was last done - when it needs doing again make sure you do the waterpump and tensioner etc.

Creaking does sound like bushes, a nice cheap fix if you catch them soon enough.

[Davidn]

Thanks for the replies... Cam belt and tensioners done by last owner not too long ago, so should be ok. How much do you reckon for the bushes?

[Lex Dysia]

About £10 tops if you are doing it otherwise about an hours labour on top iirc