:confused: Hi Guys,

First post so be nice.

I'm going to view a 53 plate Octy Vrs tomorrow. 50,000 on the clock, FSH, 1 prev own etc etc. The problem is I've never looked at a car alone and am interested to see what I should look out for.

Thanks,

Rich

Check out service history and make sure it all match's up, cam belt should of been done with water pump.

check for uneven tyre wear, signs of accident damage, general wear and tear of parts.

im sure someone else will be able to give a more thorough list though.

and dont be pushed into a sale your not 100% happy with, you can walk away at any point.

Check the engine/chassis numbers on the car match the paperwork

If it has been modified in any way check if there are any receipts so you can see what's been done. Don't forget you will also need to tell the insurance if there are modifications such as a remap! Also check for wear and tear, if it has been modified it may have been thrashed (tyres, suspension components etc.). Check the panels all line up nicely, if not it could have been in an accident.

Check the usual things such as fluid levels and exhaust smoke. Check all the electrics work (4 x electric windows, central locking, petrol cap release, front and rear wipers and washers, all the lights inside and out, horn, climate control, stereo. Also electric sunroof, heated seats, parking sensors, cruise control and sat nav if it has those options.

50,000 miles isn't far away from being due a cambelt and water pump change so if they've not had that done already try and knock 400-500 off the price as you will need to get it done at around 60k.

Check it's not overly noisy on startup (sign of loose air pump), check the turbo spools up correctly (should hear a whistling when you accelerate, starting at about 1800revs), check it idles smoothly and is not hesitant during acceleration (sign of throttle body problems).

There are a lot of them about at the moment, for very reasonable money, so unless you're 100% sure there is always another one out there

Cambelt is 60k or 4 years whichever comes first, so it "should" have beeen done by now.

HTH

Check the engine/chassis numbers on the car match the paperwork

If it has been modified in any way check if there are any receipts so you can see what's been done. Don't forget you will also need to tell the insurance if there are modifications such as a remap! Also check for wear and tear, if it has been modified it may have been thrashed (tyres, suspension components etc.). Check the panels all line up nicely, if not it could have been in an accident.

Check the usual things such as fluid levels and exhaust smoke. Check all the electrics work (4 x electric windows, front and rear wipers and washers, all the lights inside and out, horn, climate control, stereo. Also electric sunroof, heated seats, parking sensors, cruise control and sat nav if it has those options.

50,000 miles isn't far away from being due a cambelt and water pump change so if they've not had that done already try and knock 400-500 off the price as you will need to get it done at around 60k.

Check it's not overly noisy on startup (sign of loose air pump), check the turbo spools up correctly (should hear a whistling when you accelerate, starting at about 1800revs), check it idles smoothly and is not hesitant during acceleration (sign of throttle body problems).

There are a lot of them about at the moment, for very reasonable money, so unless you're 100% sure there is always another one out there

Thanks Chicken eyebrow,

that's invaluable (I'm printing it off), how much is the cam belt/water pump likely to cost (bartering tools)

Cheers!

£300-400 from a Skoda dealer I think, although you can get it closer to £200 if you go to an independent. Some of the tuning companies that are partners on this forum will also do it a lot cheaper than dealer prices.

Forgot to add - if you test drive it from cold you should let it idle for a minute at least otherwise the air pump won't have finished running and it might jolt and kangaroo a bit which is perfectly normal but doesn't feel good!

Depending on where abouts you are,it would be worth seeing if someone with Vagcom can do a quick scan to see if any fault codes come up.

It may cost some beer tokens but will be worth it.

One thing is make sure the interior light comes on when each door is opened,as it's a £80 part if they don't.

Depending on where abouts you are,it would be worth seeing if someone with Vagcom can do a quick scan to see if any fault codes come up.

It may cost some beer tokens but will be worth it.

One thing is make sure the interior light comes on when each door is opened,as it's a £80 part if they don't.

Hi Jay I'm in Sheffield, what does that entail?

Hi Jay I'm in Sheffield, what does that entail?

If you pm matt@theforce he may be able to help you out.

Vagcom will check car diagnostics to make sure there are no fault codes showing and can also check mileage,last service etc....