Hi,

So time has come to replace the trusty Fabia Esate (comfort 53) and I have decided to go for a Ocatvia Estate 1.9 TDI Ambiente and looking on Autotrader / Parkers there a number of these in my price range with 57 plate and 70-100K + on the clock at various local independent garages. The thing is I have not had much experience with buying cars and I was wondering if anyone can point me to obvious faults / gotchas with these models i.e evidence of cambelt change etc. If this is written up somewhere already please point me to the url

Thanks

Adam

Edited 9 January, 201115 yr by adamjth

Check service history, cam belt & water pump change, also check egr/abs light operates correctly ( switches on and off) no doubt others will add to list to check.

Yes, cambelt change is due at 4 years, so make sure it's been done - it should be in the service history. It would have been advisable to change the water pump at the same time, so look for that also. If it's not in the service history then assume it's not been done. It's around £300 for just the belt and £400 for belt and water pump to be changed.

The ESP/ABS issue only affects cars with ESP fitted (not just ABS), so the lesser Ambiente models aren't affected unless they've had an optional upgrade to the ESP system. Replacing this module should it fail (and it's a common fault) is around £1000-1500 so I'd avoid models with ESP fitted.

Other than that, just look for a well loved example with full service history and other general evidence it's been well looked after. The 1.9TDI is a good solid choice

Thanks for the tips. All of these cars are ex-lease with FSH, and I guess mainly motorway miles, but I just need to bide my time until the right one comes up thats had extra TLC. I was also considering the Mazda 6 Estate 2.0 TS 2 as drives very well but Octavia is much more economical to run on fuel comsumption; tax and insurance

Edited 9 January, 201115 yr by adamjth

What sort of prices are they looking for? I got lucky, and in 2008 bought a 3 year old (05 plate) with 117,000 miles for only £3995. It was an Octy MK2 1.9TDI (estate) elegance model with lots of extras.

It had FSH, as it was an ex-lease company car, but was due a cambelt + water pump change at the next service. The service after that was a normal one, then the service after that was new brake discs and pads.

Even with the servicing costs, which you have to accept for any car, you can get a hell of a lot of car for the money. I didn't buy from a main dealer, bought it from a sole trader who probably bought it at an auction (or from another dealer).

In terms of things to check. (some common things people report... off the top of my head...)

- Rear washer squirter works, and isn't obviously leaking into the boot.

- Cruise control works (if fitted).

Hmmm... not a long list. Sorry. Have a scan around the forums.

Don't be worried about buying a VAG Diesel with plenty of miles. It shouldn't fall to bits.

Edited 9 January, 201115 yr by luke_a

Looking to spend somewhere between 5-6K ish. Thing is I am trying to get a sub 100K model but maybe I should relax a little and see what comes up

Looking to spend somewhere between 5-6K ish. Thing is I am trying to get a sub 100K model but maybe I should relax a little and see what comes up

You should be able to get a sub 60k for that price but keep looking in about 2 to 3 months due to the end of the vat free scheme at the dealers

And never pay the screen price, and if you have the money just sitting there its amazing just how low you can go for cash, are you trading the fabia

Do you really need the estate?? there is not very much difference between the hatch in boot room

Edited 10 January, 201115 yr by skippy41

You should be able to get a sub 60k for that price but keep looking in about 2 to 3 months due to the end of the vat free scheme at the dealers

And never pay the screen price, and if you have the money just sitting there its amazing just how low you can go for cash, are you trading the fabia

Thanks for the tip. Yes I am trading the Fabia - would like to have both but I am too tight to pay the running costs of 2 x motors!

Just saw your edit. I would prefer the estate as I go windsurfing quite reqular and the extra length is idela for booms, sails etc

Edited 10 January, 201115 yr by adamjth

Right so trading the fabia plus around 6K now this may seem daft but any dealer does not like trade ins so why not go along to a dealer and ask whats you best price without one and see what they say, then sell the Fabia privately

If you go the trade in rout you could have as much as 7500 but still bring them down its harder to get a big discount from a skoda dealer but any others it should be no problem always hum and ahhh with a motor trader and always check the trade prices on line the good bad and ugly as I call them there could be around 1000 difference in the price

http://www.vauxhall.co.uk/offers-finance/value-my-car.html click on the link at the bottom and put the details in to get the good the bad and ugly