I have had my octy for 5 yrs now(never let me down once) but sods law it feels after all this time of being brilliant it is falling apart round my feet.

Its a 2004 vrs mk1 with 88000 miles the problems i have with it are...

1. the gear stick no longer returns to the centre (between 3rd and 4th) when i put it in neutral. i have taken off the gaiter and applied wd40 but still not working.gears are easy to find and the gear box doesnt feel stiff.

2.when i have near full lock on the car usually turning right but occasionally left it feels like the wheels are scraping the wheel arch but i see no evidence of it when i look.

3.when i drive around 40mph i get a whirring noise which sounds like it is coming from the engine bay but only get it at 40+ no matter what gear im in.i thought it could be a wheel bearing but when i had it in for its MOT at xmas they didnt pick up on it(independant garage not skoda)

4. back washer wiper is not working.took off the plastic panel on the boot lid(hatchback not estate)and the hose was still attached, took hose off and used the washer and still no water came through-front works fine.

these are the problems im having with her.i know they sound small but im worried its going to do alot of damage not knowing if something needs repairing or replacing. the problem with the washer on the back is just annoying as i cant find how to fix.

thanks in advance for any replies to this and im now a proud member of Briskoda

ive just tried the the rear washer without the engine running and water is pouring from behind the front drivers wheelarch so i get that is where is has come off but i dont have any idea where how to reconnect it.

i have a haynes manual but it isnt that informative and ive also checked on here but cant find anything.