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?

Anti roll bar bushes creak when on the way out HTH

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).

When was the cambelt last done?

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

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.

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?

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