Hi all. After driving classic Mercs for a few years (and the missus has a 2003 E Class diesel estate) I've bought a 2002 Octavia 1.9TDi Elegance manual hatchback, in silver with alloys, 80,000 miles. We owned a 1999 1.8 petrol Octavia manual estate from 2000-2004, which was a brilliant car and never missed a beat except for the rear wiper motor failing. We only sold it as it had a central rear lap belt instead of a full 3 point belt and we were having our third child. I am totally stunned by the fuel economy of my current Octavia (which was one of the main reasons I bought it). On its first full tank it did nearly 500 miles of mixed driving on 55 litres of diesel. My 1988 Merc 230CE (2.3 litre 4 cylinder auto) would not do more than 300 miles on 75 litres of petrol. I have never experienced such fantastic fuel economy and I am over the moon. Plus the car is well specced with electric windows/mirrors/sunroof, climate control and cruise control. All for £2500. Total bargain and I look forward to years of ownership. The only problem is the brake lights have just packed up. I suspect the switch has failed (bulbs and fuse fine) and I will attempt replacement tomorrow - where is the switch btw??

Jude Burcombe

Hi and welcome aboard.

Hello Jude and welcome along