I am thinking of buying a 2005+ octavia, preferably L&K model.

Ideally I want one with built in satnav, I see you can buy these separately, but AFAIK there is also a little screen on the dash of these cars with basic instructions from the nav, are these on all cars, or do these need to be retrofitted too?

If you search here for MaxiDot all will become clear...

As far as I know the Satnav will work without the Maxidot. You just don't get any info "in dash".

The Skoda "Columbus" MFD3 sat nav (also known as a VW RNS 510) is easily retrofitted. It will also work without the "maxidot" dash pod although a "maxidot" dash pod can also be retrofitted if you want the full look! Skoda only sell the MFD3 with maxidot from the factory....

All I would say is that if you are buying the L&K then its pretty academic, as it will have maxidot and you may well find one with the "Columbus" fitted by the factory!

You would be looking at a pretty new L&K to find a Columbus unit lurking in the dash.

To clarify, the maxidot screen in the dash merely replicates the information given on the main sat nav screen along with voice prompts. There are 2 types of nav unit generally available, the aforementioned DVD HDD based Columbus touch screen unit and the older MFD2 CD unit. Although the MFD2 has a much more 'classic' look about it, its still pretty capable and available for a reasonable price on ebay: SKODA OCTAVIA 2 II MFD2 SAT NAV FABIA ROOMSTER Octavia on eBay, also GPS Systems, Navigation GPS, In-Car Entertainment GPS, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 11-Jan-09 12:11:01 GMT)

Columbus works quiet happily without maxidot and a normal cluster. You can fit either the older MFD2 or the Columbis both of which can be got easily from ebay. You will also need a replacement facia plate, otherwise its plug&play.

Octavia-vRS.com - MFD2 Install Guide

And to give you an idea of pricing.

A Skoda MFD3 will cost you around £700 - £800 on somewhere like EBay.

Choose a seller with a good rating but no not be put off by the Eastern European sellers - a lot of people more than happy with their purchase.

I paid £700 for mine from a seller in Ireland (jarastech)

The Skoda units are a little bit rare - they don't come up nearly as often as VW versions.

The difference is that the Skoda unit lights green, the VW is red - however a VW unit will work in a Skoda.

When I installed it the DVD drive wouldn't eject - thankfully seller was excellent, took the unit back and fixed it for me.

Physical fitting nice and straight forward, would be useful to have a friend with VAG-COM to tidy up the coding.

I got my skoda columbus (with up to date maps) from here..they advertise vw rns 510, but after a bit of chat, they sourced a skoda one for me..after quite a bit of hagggling, got it for £999 including fitting and vag com for the maxidot..great bit of kit, and 12 months warranty too..it looks the part, and does the biz..took them about 1 hour to do, and was well looked after whilst waiting

UV Worldwide - Specialists in Bodystyling, Wheels, Tuning, Bespoke Interiors and so much more....

Do you need vagcom if you don't have a maxidot? If you don't the maxidot just plug and play (or nav)

James