Hi.Now that my aging Passat is finally costing me too much to keep on the road im looking to replace it with a vrs. Ive always wanted one since they came out but having a large family always needed something bigger. Ive had a look around on all tha usual places Ebay ect and there seems to be the same old thing. Cars from back street dealers that look to good to be true and main agents over pricing the cars as usual. The bottom line is that ive got £5000 to spend and im prepared to wait for the right car, or a least until the Passat gives up. It would be good if you guys could give me some advice as to what would be a good car for £5000 year mileage ect and also anything to look out for when buying a vrs. Cheers Pete.

I've just bought one from a member on here so I know what you're going through - it's been very hard to find a good one through the normal channels. I've picked up a really well looked after 04 plate in silver with 39.5k miles on for a fair bit less than your budget.

I'm far from an expert, but for that sort of price you could most likely get a tidy 05 or 55 plate with 50-60k on the clock. There's a few decent looking ones on AutoTrader from some of the larger traders if you're willing to travel, and you can probably realistically knock at least £200-£300 off their screen price this time of year. If possible though I'd go for a private sale as you'll no doubt want one that you know has been looked after.

Only thing I've found to check for whether the cambelt has been changed at 5 years. Apart from that I'm pretty sure they're rock solid little cars. I think there was an issue with console bushes as well, quite a few were replaced under warranty I believe.

Just make sure you go and see a few, so you can appreciate a good one after some of the crappy backstreet traders on AutoTrader (I've seen some horrific examples).

Edited 19 December, 201114 yr by stu83

As above really, you will get a nice 04 - 55 reg with average mileage for your budget. Mine was 85k 54 reg and I paid 4k its a very tidy example and well looked after.

Not sure if it's appropriate on this forum but I P/Xd my 55 plate MK1 vRS to the Dealer in Eastbourne. I'm sure you could find it...

Welcome to the forum.

You've got a healthy budget for a decent mk1 VRS.

Weirdly I was having a browse earlier this morning (just like to know where prices are and being nosey) and these three stuck out on autotrader. I'm a big fan of buying private if you have cash and you find a trustworthy seller. Not had a look on pistonheads or ebay or classifies on here.

The black one is very good value for money, you rarely get decent ones sub 4k. The silver one with recent cam belt seems v nice.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201144426649414/sort/priceasc/usedcars/fuel-type/diesel/model/fabia/make/skoda/keywords/vrs/radius/1500/page/3/postcode/ng36hq?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201148432497158/sort/priceasc/usedcars/fuel-type/diesel/model/fabia/make/skoda/keywords/vrs/radius/1500/page/3/postcode/ng36hq?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201148433018880/sort/priceasc/usedcars/fuel-type/diesel/model/fabia/make/skoda/page/1/keywords/vrs/postcode/ng36hq/radius/1500?logcode=p

NOTE TO MODS - I am not selling any of these vehicles, nor do I know any of the sellers, just showing the op what is out there.

5K will get you a decent VRS, but make sure it has FSH and that 505.01 oil has been used at every service. A lot of these cars have been modified, some well done, some very badly done. Remember the insurance loading if you buy one that's been modified heavily.

I picked up an 07 plate BLT for £4400, in September. 78K but needed a cambelt service etc. Serviced at Skoda all it's life & 1 owner.

He obviously wanted shot of it before it needed the 80K service.

Same as any car, check for previous accident damage & whether it looks like what the seller says it is!

The model-specific issues are widely reported on here & Fabia-vrs.com

Very pleased with it, it's only needed the throttle pedal adjusted (idled high sometimes), some paint-abrasion on the sills, due to lack of front mud-flaps & the BLT hesitation fixed with the 9mm gasket in the pipe work to the EGR.

Most on ebay etc seem over-priced but this was a private sale & went smooth...luck comes into it sometimes too!

Good luck on finding one & remember, January/February is a good time to buy too, with the registration change in March & trade-ins in abundance!

Hi,you can have my 2nd owner black magic 55k full history all belts done on 50k tax and mot,07 plate car standard with factory sunroof,iam in Bristol,price might be a little to high though? £6250,i can email pics if you wish.

Hi. Thanks for all the replies guys its been very helpful. The Passat is still going ok at the moment so im not in a great rush although if the right car came along i would jump on it. I would ideally like to buy a car from someone who is an enthusiast because then i know the car has been looked after properly. That sounds like a cracking car benn and if it was in my budget i would definatley be interested. I have room for some movement on how much i have to spend but not quite that much.Cheers.Pete.

Hi. Thanks for all the replies guys its been very helpful. The Passat is still going ok at the moment so im not in a great rush although if the right car came along i would jump on it. I would ideally like to buy a car from someone who is an enthusiast because then i know the car has been looked after properly. That sounds like a cracking car benn and if it was in my budget i would definatley be interested. I have room for some movement on how much i have to spend but not quite that much.Cheers.Pete.

No probs quite understand.