Hi all

I've currently got a Felicia Fun Pickup and am looking to move up to an Octavia. I'm after some advice in my searching, and I thought y'all might be able to help.

I'm after a diesel, preferably with cruise control. I've seen some floating around on EPray with some very nice names (Ambiente and Elegance) but they really don't tell me much about the spec. Looking to spend no more than £4k, have seen some nice ones (02-04 plates) about £2-3K.

Which way did the specs run?

Which is the best diesel to look for? (Mainly for motorway driving and thumping 400 miles to Scotland every now and again)

Other than the obvious loading abilities, are there any major differences between the hatch and the estate?

What are the weeknesses of the Octavias? (Don't be vain, if there's rust spots, I'd like to know where they are)

What's the best spec/options to look for?

What's Maxidot?

Anything else I should know?

Thanks in advance guys!

02-04 plates are the Mark I so you may be better off asking in there although I'm sure there's a fair few in here who've had the older model before getting their Mark IIs...

02-04 plates are the Mark I so you may be better off asking in there although I'm sure there's a fair few in here who've had the older model before getting their Mark IIs...

I had a mark 1 before my current mark2 .It was pretty good but had some known faults fixed .windscren wiper motor packed up /clutch cable clip snapped ,gear box poor and had to be replaced .If you can stretch to a mark 2 they are more reliable .Good luck

Ive had both MK1 and 2 tdis.

If you can get hold of 1 then I would look for a 1.9 TDi Ambiente SE.

Mine was a 54 plate and just on the change of MK 1 to 2.

I had 1 for 20 months and put 80k on the clock and it was a great car 130 bhp, 6 speed box, cruise etc.

Pulled like a train and gave 50 mpg all day long.

I would even say I prefered it to the 60 plate 1.8TSi I am using at the moment.

Which way did the specs run?

Which is the best diesel to look for? (Mainly for motorway driving and thumping 400 miles to Scotland every now and again)

Other than the obvious loading abilities, are there any major differences between the hatch and the estate?

What are the weeknesses of the Octavias? (Don't be vain, if there's rust spots, I'd like to know where they are)

What's the best spec/options to look for?

What's Maxidot?

Basic info including trim level ranking here: wiki

No real differences other than load space to hatch/estate (hatch a fraction quicker)

Best epect for performance: vRS

Best spec for luxury: Elegance or L&K

Maxidot is enhanced trip computer - extra functions, information and a certain amount of user control, very worthwhile but not absolutely essential.

I wouldn't worry too much in ensuring the car you buy has cruise control as it is a pretty cheap and easy addition ( at least it is on the mk2 anyway ) just add a new stalk with the cruise buttons (circa £80-£100 and easy self fit) and tell the car it has it fitted using vcds ( a local member might be willing to help with this for a beer or three) and bobs your uncle.

Just concentrate on picking up a good example rather than worrying about the cruise control.

Ive had Mk1 & Mk2, Mk2 is probably a nicer car but has a bigger thirst.

Our Mk 1 was fine & I sold it with about 140K on it, had it from new, gearbox got stiff but an oil change fixed that, needed a new tuirbo at arount 120K but thats pretty common. I would look for a nice L&K, top of the range & has all the toys, leather etc. saloons are a bit cheaper but the estate is IMO a better car, certainly more sought after. Another plus with the L&K is most will have been owned privately so wont get the ragging fleet & company cars get. A friend has our old L&K MK1 & its still going strong, smokes a bit on start up now but apart from that its fine.

With your budget you should be able to find a cracking Mk 1 & its a great car, ask any taxi driver