I am looking to buy a second hand Skoda Octavia MK2. Prices seem to vary massively depending on the type (classic, ambient, elegance, vrs), I have noticed quite a few local to me that have well over 100,000 miles.

I am looking for a cheap, safe, reliable, economical, family car and although this fits the bill my only concern is servicing costs for cars that have done a lot of miles. I've heard of taxi's doing over a million miles, but what sort of service costs am I looking at for a Octavia MK2 thats done over 100,000 miles, is there any nasty suprises with something expensive needs replacing at a certain amount of miles?

Seen a nice one for just under £4000, got 127,000 miles on it - good value?

Seen another with 116,000 miles, but it's a year newer, estate elegance model. More tempting... as it is the same price!

Seen a nice one for just under £4000, got 127,000 miles on it - good value?

My Octy II 1.9Tdi PD 105 has just passed 112,000 miles and is running as sweetly as ever.

The car is leased by my employer from HSBC, therefore, it has been main dealer serviced from new.

In terms of costs, I don't think Skoda garages will produce any nasty shocks.

For your information, HSBC recently quoted a figure of £3,500 for me to buy my car, due to be replaced shortly (Jan/Feb '09) with a Superb II (same engine as Octy). The clutch slips slightly from standstill, however, I guess this is expected with the mileage.

In nearly 4 years, all that has broken is the cruise control operation button on the lefthand stalk. This was replaced just outside of the warranty period. In addition, the fuel filter housed leaked diesel and was replaced with the newer design of housing, again just outside of warranty.

Compared with a Golf of the same age, the Octy II has more standard equipment, greater space and cheaper servicing costs. I highly recommend the car.

The truth is, I wanted to wait for a facelifted Octy, however, our fleet manager said it was too long to wait, especially as my current Octy is on an unofficial extension. In four years time I will consider another Octy, although, hopefully by then they will be fitted with common rail diesel engines!