Hey all.... i'm joining the Octy Vrs Clan and going to get one this week... what things should i look for that could potentiall be bad points...

and does anyone know where i can find out the info of where all the chssis numbers are on the cars and where the engine numbers are kept..... its a 54 plate 2005 model....

The chap says it has had a remap.... i've never driven one... is there any way i can check this out????

Thanks all in advance!!!!

I aint got one but i don't think there are any bad points.

Have it put on a rolling road will tell you if its had a remap or not,or bring it to me and i'll take it for a spin :orb_grin:

Start by reading the threads on here to bring you up to knowledge of what you could expect.

http://briskoda.net/octavia-i/octavia-i-help-hint-threads-links/103744/

Then Check for the same thing you would typically look for on any car.

Service history. Cam belt change frequency etc.

Panel alignments

Colour match on Panels

Interior seat wear on VRS drivers side sometimes goes bad as they are half leather recaros that take a lot of twisting in them to get out the car. Wear should match the mileage.

Cheers for that... Yeah i've read them ones... and goin to check for the usual... guess i cant do much apart from see it now tho...

how often should the oil be changed in one of these???

As somebody else said in a recent thread about this, check out the average MPG on the trip. My long term readout is round about 30 IIRC.

Perhaps check out the plastic undertray too, for spirited driving on undulating roads?

I prefer to change my oil every 6 months or so, but the search button is your best friend for longer term owners than I.

Good luck.

Steve

here you go matey,

theres some great info here

http://briskoda.net/search/process/

As somebody else said in a recent thread about this, check out the average MPG on the trip. My long term readout is round about 30 IIRC.

Perhaps check out the plastic undertray too, for spirited driving on undulating roads?

I prefer to change my oil every 6 months or so, but the search button is your best friend for longer term owners than I.

Good luck.

Steve

Yep, oil change for me is 6 months or 4000 miles which ever comes first.

This is more frequent than normal, but I prefer to do this.

Hi there,

I bought my vRS just over a year ago and with high mileage I can give you an idea on what thing's I have needed to replace or noticed on some cars I viewed;

1. Check for groaning between 40 and 50mph. Select a high gear so you dont hear the engine revs turn the radio off and shut the windows. If you get groaning from the wheels its likely to be wheel bearings (not expensive) if the groaning is more from the center/front it could be the gearbox diff bearing (expensive).

2. Cam belt. If its due soon knock down the price a few hundred pounds as they are not cheap.

3. Exhaust Centre mount. The bracket commonly breaks away fromt the centre section, can be welded for not allot or fixed with some jubalie clip (spelling?)

4. Seat adjustment. Make sure the lower back support works. Its a bit of a pain to fix.

When I purchased mine I knocked the guy down £1500 because it needed a new wheel bearing, cam belt and major service.

Obviously check for normal stuff and service history, make sure all the doors and boot close properly and that there is no over spray under the car and in the wheel arches.

I have seen many a similar thread come up from time to time. Me thinks we should all club together and make a nice shiny "Octavia VRS Mk1 - Buying guide"

With all the information we have floating around in our collective heads we should be able to make a pretty spanky one

Garry

I bought a 51 plate vrs about a month ago. best thing I did, awesome car!!

Other than all the normal stuff, I was told to check the brakes and suspension as can be expensive.

The vrs also seem quite susceptable to knocks on the front under the bumper where they are quite low. There is a plastic covering over the bottom of the engine, but may be worth a little look to make sure nothing under there is too battered.

If I remember rightly I think the vin plate with chassis number etc is on the nearside front suspension turret.

other things are just the norm really, might be worth asking if the leather has been conditioned on the seats, if not would recomend doing it, gave my seats a whole new look, really brought the leather back to life. Its a little touch but show the owner cares.

Not sure on how to check for a remap.

Other things worth a look, probably the wheel bearings, I had a look at one that had had them replaced, it also had a remap, and had something else changed due to the power increase but cannot remember what.

In general when looking at a vehicle I check:

1. Pannel allignment, evidence of spraying etc.

2. Fluid levels etc. any sign of leaks under the car

3. Brakes for wear

4. Suspension, and balljoints for play.

5. Wheelbearings

6. SIgns of being jacked inappropriately.

7. Doors for open and closing, ensure the doors allign and haven't dropped.

8. Take it for a drive, or get them to drive it, go through all gears etc. was told to go through 4th from low speed to reasonable as this would highlight any knocks (not sure on this though).

9. Check radiator pipes are hot where they should be

10. ensure heater blows hot, air conditioning works.

11. Good old check of the electrics

12. Look through the history, see whats been done and when. Lots of discs and pads could mean its driven hard etc.

Most of all just take your time and have a good look. Good luck

This seems to work for me, but is generalised check of what I look at. So any confirmation or addition is welcome

Not sure on how to check for a remap.

Get it to a friendly member with VAG-Com

They should have a receipt for any work done, including a remap. Bear in mind that if it has got a remap and you don't know about it you're in a risky position with insurance.

I have seen many a similar thread come up from time to time. Me thinks we should all club together and make a nice shiny "Octavia VRS Mk1 - Buying guide"

With all the information we have floating around in our collective heads we should be able to make a pretty spanky one

Garry

I was thinking of asking a few of you too cobble something up and I'll sticky it :thumbup:

Volunteers please :D

Agree with that, a guide would be pretty useful. Well would have been for me. But for new owners a deffinate plus. Willing to help out where I can, but can't until I'm done with uni, currently amist a mass of chassis design :(