I'm about to pop my Skoda cherry and go and look at a potential purchase.

Briefly it is an Octavia 2.0 Fsi Elegance on an 06 plate. Less than 50k miles on the clock.

Are there any points I shoud particularly look for? I think it has a chain driven cam, so at least there is no belt to worry about. However I am sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong!

Thanks in advance!

The FSi engine uses a belt, TSi engine uses a chain.

Hi Alastairw

A few points:

1 To display the distance and days until the next service interval:

Switch on the ignition and press the reset button for more than 2 seconds.

A key symbol is displayed on the display of the counter for the distance driven. The remaining distance to be driven will be indicated for 10 seconds next to the key symbol and then the remaining number of days to the due date for the service inspection.

2 Optional equipment codes are listed at the front of the service booklet and also on the boot floor next to the spare wheel. The code for variable servicing is:

QG1 = Service interval prolongation

Other codes can be entered into this web page to see what options the car came with new: Usefull website http://igorweb.org/equidec/Default.aspx

3 All Skodas seem prone to leak water into the car at the bottom of the doors between the metal and the inner card. Check the carpets carefully.

4 The rear wash wipe often fails in the winter when the fluid freezes and the pipe comes undone in the boot area (to the left of the car near the CD changer). Not a big deal but check the washer works and the wheel well isn't full of water. A leak in the boot sometimes screws up the electric on the parking sensors.

Aside from that it's the usual checks for any used car. Good luck with your purchase

TBH you might be better off looking for a vRS

TBH you might be better off looking for a vRS

Sorely tempted, but:

1. Insurance would be an issue - and it wouldn't last long against the chav population round here.

2. I am of an age where a car has to ride well. I don't like to drive everywhere like my hairs on fire, I prefer to croooose.

Well I went, I saw, I bought!

Subject to sorting out the finance I will take possession of MY Octavia 2.0 Fsi Elegance on Saturday afternoon. Everything seems to work (though thinking about it I didn't use reverse on the test drive...)

Just need to run the petrol in the Focus down so that the light comes on before I swap it - wouldn't want it to go to auction with too much fuel in would I.

Nice one.....

'06 Elegance..good choice!

'06 Elegance..good choice!

Seconded

Just to let you know it she is now in my possession and is lovely. So much quieter than the Focus, so much smoother.

I think the only items I will miss from the Focus are:

1. Steering wheel controls for the stereo and

2. The heated windscreen - especially as my son pointed out I left my ice scraper in the old car - that £1.99 down the drain!

Will post pics ife anyone is interested (and I work out how!)