I am new to Skoda and this forum...and would appreciated the advice of some seasoned users..

Here are the facts;

1. 1.8 20v Turbo Petrol manul 2003 Comfort model.

This is from a SKODA Dealer and is going for £4,500. Only 52,000 on the clock. Colour not important to me - probably not going to resell it.

No other known issues at this stage (although it doesn't seem to have Traction Control which the other one does)

2. 1.9 tdi 130 Comfort AUtomatic (tiptronic thingy gearbox)

This is from a Private dealer going for £3,750. 102,000 on the clock (verified). Colour not important - as above.

Know issues:

- cracked passenger vanity mirror in visor (easily replaced?)

- safety button on 'gear' knob comes off. I know it's auto, but you know which button I mean> The one you have to press to change from P to N or D etc.

- Last service was at 50,000. Although book says its had its belts and pumps changed at 77,000, the 'oil' and 'inspection' boxes are unticked. So basically, very likely not been serviced for 50,000 of three years..Unless it almost would have been when the belts etc were changed - will need to check with the garage (non Skoda place). All previous 4 services were with Skoda where the car was originally bought from. Latest MOT passed with no advisory issues.

- driver side air vent flaps not properly adjustable (minor issue?)

- umbrella missing from door!! :-)

What is your honest opinion guys?

My main concern (after Price) is mpg. I'm in it for the long haul, so don't want to be stung on juice in the long term. the 1.9 is diesel, but its Auto so does that still make it better than the petrol in mpg?

Also, have i got a better chance of getting the Water ingress thing sorted through warranty, but does that outweigh the mpg difference? i'm quie mechanically able, so could do the sealing thing myself if need be.

Many thanks guys...

Syanide

Edited 3 October, 201015 yr by syanide

Personally I would go for neither.

The 1.9 PD130 is the pick of the engines - but with a manual box. (I researched this thoroughly before I bought mine - so Im not just saying 'what I chose is best'.)

The air vent will require replacing as the 'fins' are quite fragile, the lack of a service history would concern me (unless there were receipts to prove otherwise).

The water ingress may be covered by the warranty, but then again it may not - you need to read the small print for the warranty.

Whatever car you do decide to go for it's important that the water ingress cure has been carried out, otherwise it WILL leak, if you have no proof that the cure has been done then assume it hasn't - otherwise it may cost you dearly in both hassle and £'s.

It is not hard to DIY the cure, but I can't stress how important it is to make sure it is done - especially as you intend keeping the car to it's end.

As I say I would keep looking as there will be better around, where do you live?

Personally I would go for neither.

The 1.9 PD130 is the pick of the engines - but with a manual box. (I researched this thoroughly before I bought mine - so Im not just saying 'what I chose is best'.)

The air vent will require replacing as the 'fins' are quite fragile, the lack of a service history would concern me (unless there were receipts to prove otherwise).

The water ingress may be covered by the warranty, but then again it may not - you need to read the small print for the warranty.

Whatever car you do decide to go for it's important that the water ingress cure has been carried out, otherwise it WILL leak, if you have no proof that the cure has been done then assume it hasn't - otherwise it may cost you dearly in both hassle and £'s.

It is not hard to DIY the cure, but I can't stress how important it is to make sure it is done - especially as you intend keeping the car to it's end.

As I say I would keep looking as there will be better around, where do you live?

The problem is, my BMW is on its last legs and is currently costing me the odd £100 here and there to keep it running. I'm in Leicester. I really appreciate the quick response and your honesty.

I'm still very tempted by the auto model, but that's just me - a spur of the moment guy!

might have a another quick look on Autotrader...

Ta

Syanide

Personally I would go for neither.

The 1.9 PD130 is the pick of the engines - but with a manual box. (I researched this thoroughly before I bought mine - so Im not just saying 'what I chose is best'.)

As I say I would keep looking as there will be better around, where do you live?

Hi. I've taken your advice and going to look at a manual model this evening. 1.9 tdi 130 comfort with 96,000 on the clock. Wants around£3,500, but that's before any haggling. Will obviously look out for the service book. If the stamps are not official stamps, should I walk away, or is it worth a look as long as it has been serviced?

Cheers.

Syanide

Some people will insist on Skoda stamps in the book, however I am a firm believer that it make no difference whatsoever who services the car - providing the car has been serviced by a competent person to Skoda's recommended intervals and using genuine parts.

Some people will insist on Skoda stamps in the book, however I am a firm believer that it make no difference whatsoever who services the car - providing the car has been serviced by a competent person to Skoda's recommended intervals and using genuine parts.

Thanks a lot - you're being a great help. I hope this one comes through as my 2nd and 3rd options are in Durham and Bristol respectively! :-)

Syanide

No problems ........

I do know of a nice one for sale in Kent.

No problems ........

I do know of a nice one for sale in Kent.

Joking aside, I would happily buy one from someone I know has looked after it. If its in my price range (£3k give or take), then give me a shout.

Looking to move quickly on this as my bmw didn't start this morning again (fuel pump, not engine), so I had to cycle in to the train station!

What are the details?

Syanide

PM sent

The auto will outdo the 1.8 mate, 32 ish in town maybe a bit more depending on condition's, lowest in town will be 26 if you get stuck a lot, expect 45+ on a run, don't worry about S/H, I'm sure it's been done on time, and bid 3 - 3.25k on it, I'm sure you'll get it

Thanks for this. On further reflections, I decided to go for a 1.9 manual. Saw one yesterday for £3,500, but I think I'll get him down to £3,300. It's black and boy did look sexy! Really good.

Sticking point is the cambelt hasn't been changed yet (96,000). They want me to pay for it. I'm telling then to pay for it.

In a way, I would rather I get it done, to make sure It's done properly, but they want budge on the price. Service history is good.

Syanide

Thanks for this. On further reflections, I decided to go for a 1.9 manual. Saw one yesterday for £3,500, but I think I'll get him down to £3,300. It's black and boy did look sexy! Really good.

Sticking point is the cambelt hasn't been changed yet (96,000). They want me to pay for it. I'm telling then to pay for it.

In a way, I would rather I get it done, to make sure It's done properly, but they want budge on the price. Service history is good.

Syanide

Is it stamped up to say it's ever been done?

Cost wise you can possibly get it done for around £320 inc parts and new aux belts, at Skoda it's £450, and possibly a VW dealer will be cheaper than Skoda.

At that mileage it will be obvious if the belt has never been changed - take the top cover off (2 clips) and see if the lettering has worn off the back of the belt. Push the car forwards in top gear to view the whole length of the belt. You can also see where the tensioner pointer is in relation to its positioning slot. A belt due for a change will result in the pointer being about 10mm to the left of the slot. A new belt is set so that the pointer is central to the slot.

Changing the belts on these cars is really not difficult provided you have a reasonable tool kit, the engine locking tools and two long M8 bolts to hang the front on. Fit a pattern water pump whilst you're at it.

rotodiesel.

Guys, I got a result! The garage would not budge on doing the cam belt and water pump, and to be honest, I liked the car enough to be happy enough to pay for it myself. Also, that would mean that I know it had been done! So he never knocked anything off the price.

Happily, I offered him £3,300 on the understanding that I'm going to have to fork out £300 to get the work done!

Anyway, he just called....as he started to service the vehicle (as agreed), he noticed a sticker on the engine saying the belt has been changed at 60,000!!!! What a result.

I'll tie up that mileage with the service book and contact the garage to see if they also did the water pump!

£300 saved, so at £3,000, its like taking candy from a child!!! Just hope the AA guy doesn't pick up anything major!

I'll post his findings to see what you guys think.

Great forum guys, love it.

Syanide

Mods, how can I stop this poll/post now? My mine is made up!

Thanks

Syanide