Our second car, an X reg Mondeo Mk2 is getting abit long in the tooth, and I feel that the time is right to say goodbye to the old girl. It is in superb condition, but wallows like an old barge compared to the Octavia, and I am impressed by diesel fuel economy compared to the low to mid thirites I get from the Mondy.

My dad is getting rid of his Astra, and has said that I can have it, so I could sell both cars and put the money (around £1500) towards another second car.

I could get an older Octavia 1.9 diesel, but would I be looking at a real dog or could I be lucky?

Also, did the older Octavia diesels have DMFs or is that something which they started to fit in more recent years?

Andy

The old 1.9 Diesel was a stunning engine, you only have to look at the number of ones still on taxi fleets with positivly intergalactic miles on them. Down at that price you could get a real dog or a cracking car, youi cant generalise, it just depends on the specific car you are looking at

I think at that money you need to have some in the background just in case.

If you can't afford to fix it might be better keeping one of the two you will have or both if you have space.

do you need to go OCtavia size?

Might get a better Fabia for that dosh.

I think at that money you need to have some in the background just in case.

If you can't afford to fix it might be better keeping one of the two you will have or both if you have space.

do you need to go OCtavia size?

Might get a better Fabia for that dosh.

Thats a good idea, because I wouldn't need the bigger engine, and I actually think the older Fabias look better than the latest shape.

If I was in that position I'd look out for a Mk1 Octy PD130 in hatch or estate form. Just look out for a tidy, well looked after example. Would be a nice place to be, for not a lot of cash - especially in Elegance or L&K form.

Fabia idea is decent too, if less room than the outgoing Mondy isn't an issue. Again - a well-looked after 1.9 PD100 or vRS would fit the bill there. Would probably end up costing a bit more than the Octy Mk1, as used residuals on the Fabia are probably stronger.

P.S. The DMF question - cars using the 1.9 PD unit all had one fitted, as far as I know. Certainly the Fabia PD100/vRS and the Octy Mk1 PD130.

What is your final budget? (£1500 + ? = ?)

I second the option of a late mk1 PD130 engine (Same as the Fabia vRS) which is a great engine and also comes with the 6 speed gearbox. I have one and it's been a great car (just sold it).

Early mk2 octavia 1.9 105 PD I dont think you will find anything decent enough for less than £4k. You will find cars under £4k but the ones ive seen I wouldnt buy.

IMO for a budget of around £2-2.5k go for as late as possible model mk1 octy 1.9 PD130 (quite hard to find) or a Fabia vRS is within reach but might need some TLC stretch it to £3k + and you should be able to buy a decent Fabia vRS if you dont need the Octy size.

Just about to upgrade from a mk1 Octy 130PD to a mk2 Octy PD140 and done a lot of looking around of late. Prices are all over the place so take the time to check everything out and dont let well maintained high milers put you off. If they have a full S/H and look like they have been cared for the engine wont let you down. Really high mileage assume the worst and budget for a turbo (recon fitted around £6-700) and thats about the worst that will happen.

Good luck and happy hunting

I'd be looking at a pre PD TDI110 or TDI90 MK I Octavia.

Less expensive to replace parts, less fussy on fuel and oil too.

IIRC these didn't have DMFs, certainly don't run DPFs and it's a bit misty due to time, but I seem to remember that most of the TDI 90 engines didn't use a VNT turbo, so nothing to stick up.

Daft question, but if the mondeo is ok, apart from wallowing, have you considered just spending £200-300 on getting new shock absorbers and bushes fitted to the shocks?

Better to spend a little on getting a known car working, than risk a lot more on something that might be great and might be a dog.

Edited 14 August, 201213 yr by cheezemonkhai

I bought a 2002 1.9tdi 110bhp Octavia Elegance Hatch about 6 months ago as a second car. Cost £1200. Spent £800 getting it serviced, MOT'd etc. It has been faultless, does 50mpg all the time, currently doing a 60 mile round trip commute per day. Everything works like new, and the aircon is better than my 2008 octavia.....

My budget was £2k, so I bought the best car I could find for around a grand, took it to a VW specialist, got it serviced and cam belt replaced plus a few other jobs and it hasnt let me down.

I think you have to budget that anything you get for £1500 will need some repairs/maintenance very soon after you get it.