Hi

Im looking to get my first Octavia,a 2001 1.6 ambiance estate,is there anything I should be keeping my eye open for? Im a mechamic,though more used to older stuff,but Im pretty handy though dont know these cars.

Many thanks in advance!

hi, and welcome! the octavia is a good choice and is based upon the mk4 golf so all the engine and running gear is lifted straight from the golf. not really any major problems associated with these in general, just the usual like if mileage is around 60k then make sure its had a cambelt change along with the tensioner and water pump, rear beam bushes fail causing knocks and sloppy handling. the only serious fault with these and many other vag car using the '02A' gearbox (quite a few as it has been around since the 80's!) is the rivets holding the differential together fail causing the whole lot to explode out the side of the box, leaving a nice big hole ( in the gearbox and your wallet! ) this has been a problem for years, but vw won't aknwoledge it is a problem! frustratingly, the repair kits vw provide contain modified fixings which cure this problem, yet they don't fit these from the factory! apart from this the octavia is an excellent choice, practical, reliable and excellent value for money. buy one and enjoy!

Check for rust bubbles underneath rear window and above number plate trim.

Not sure if this is an issue on other spec models but on the vRS estate they sometimes put the glass in a little low and it rubs against the paint causing water to get under the paint. I'm in the process of trying to get this sorted through warranty (fingers crossed).

iep

Rust can be an issue on non vRS models too. I had mine (2001 TDi estate) sorted last summer, but the approved repair place, f**ked the job up and now the paint has gone all white.

Oh, check the rear wiper jet works - the pipe has a habbit of splitting apart near to the CD changer in the boot.

Depending on miles, the shocks might be knackered. I replaced mine 2 years ago, but one of the fronts had started to leak again already.