Before I put up some photos of my Octavia, I will show off the car I had before it. Be warned, it's French!

It is a 306 GTi6 Ph3 (1999, 2.0 petrol engine, 6 speed box, around 170bhp standard).

I loved this car, due to the handling and braking mods done by the previous owner, it handled like a dream.

Due to the bad floods at the start of the year, I managed to bend 4 pistons, so a new engine was fitted.

However, after the fans failed (unknowingly) and stuck in traffic on a Scotland road trip, the engine overheaded and caused the head gasket to fail (also due to the replacement engine having a cheap head gasket rather than a multi layer steal unit like it should of had).

So a newly recconed head was fitted along with a few painted bits.

However, due to it being terrible on fuel, the ride being just too harsh for my daily commute and needing something a bit bigger, it was sold (to the first viewer).

To replace it (and for those of you shielding your eyes from the French metal, you can look now), I got my first Skoda.

I was saving for an Octavia VRS a few years ago, but instead used my savings on a year living in Australia. So choosing a diesel Octavia was an easy choice. Finding the right spec was even easier, it had to have a bit of power so chose a 130 model, and I wanted some comforts so picked an Elegance (didn't want leather seats so that ruled out the L&K).

At first I wanted an Estate, and the day before I was going to look at a great looking car, it sold. So went to see this hatchback instead, and bought it.

So here it is, my 54 plate Mk1 Octavia 1.9 TDi PD 130 Elegance, 101k mile and one owner from new.

So far there are a few things I miss compared to the Pug, firstly the power and the noise the 306 made, not quite the same as a TDi. Secondly, I miss the rain sensitive wipers. I also miss the hydraulic bonnet lifts. Strange what you miss when you change cars.

I also miss the GTi6's Sony stereo, but I am working on that.

I am not planning on going mad with my mods, just do some that will make it better. With maybe a tuning box and brake upgrade at some point.

I will keep this updated with updates, even if they are small and might seem pointless, but I like looking back at my threads to see what I did, also sometimes it can help others.

Thanks for looking.

Hi Dan,

It's Matt Evans (Astor grey) off the 306 site as well!! Small world.

Nice Octavia buddy, and quite rare in 130 spec. Whats the plans for it?

Matt

Looks like a good condition car mate.

Hope you get it more to your standard.

Hi Matt, you sold the 306 now? I see your looking for a VRS, if you get it to the same standard as the Pug then it will look fantastic!

So far I don't have many plans. Front mudflaps, either black or colour code the front grille. Maybe some wind protectors on the windows.

I have a few problems I want to get fixed first so that I am fully happy. Fitted the stereo will get photos sorted soon. The bluetooth phone system on the head unit is fantastic though.

Still got the Pug Dan, not many takers - i suspect they all want it for a grand.. :-(

Ive had a few Octavias over the years, did many thousands of miles in a re-mapped 110tdi Elegance, even did the Ring in it one year, and they were spot on. My tdi was lowered on 17" TT rims, and looked quite stealthy.

The PD130's are awesome motors.. Very rapid with the right mods

The PD130's are awesome motors.. Very rapid with the right mods

What's the right mods then?

Remap/uprated clutch/polyutherine Bushes/312mm brakes/Recaro Seats

just to mention a few of what I did. When I sold my pd130 at 131k it felt tighter than a new car and went like stink

Heres an old link of mine

Build thread

Heres the definative list of mods when I sold my pd130

Pikey Audi TT Vent

312mm brake upgrade

Powerflex front & rear wishbone bushes (Fitted by JBS Autos)

Powerflex ARB bushes (Fitted by JBS Autos)

Superpro dog bone bushes

KW Sport Spring & Damper kit (with x2 spare rear dampers) (Fitted by JBS Autos) 28/11/07

Jabba Generic Remap 1/9/09

Pipercross panel filter

Miltek de-cat SS exhaust with discreet back box (25/03/09 Fitted by Awesome GTI)

Sachs Organic Clutch (Fitted by JBS Autos) 17/9/07

VW Bora GTI seats (with airbags & lumbar support)

vRS side repeaters

vRS centre console trim

Powerbulbs 50% brighter bulbs with blue tint sidelights

VW Golf Aero Front Wipers

Skoda Octavia Mk2 rear Aero Wiper

Enfig Stubby Ariel

vw golf heated/tinted wing mirrors

The best thing about it, it was standard looking from the outside and with 184bhp & 343ftlb on tap it was fantastic and still returned over 50mpg average for me

ps.. theres nothing wrong with French cars, I used to love my modded 309gti