Hi there.

I've just sold my 51 reg 2.6 Vectra GSi and I'm seriously considering buying an Octavia vRS, there are a couple of silver ones near me for sale, both 2001 Y reg with about 30k miles.

I'm going to see them next week - what should I look out for and ask about about them, excluding all the standard car buying questions? Any weak points?

Is the build quality up to VW standards?

Thanks for any advice!

make sure she has 17"not 16" and check spare for full size alloy

also mines silver def best colour

also stereo crap changed mine for sony md 600 with flip front but now cd changer doesnot work

not compatible bugger more expense her indoors will have a fit

Welcome RobDon,

A common problem amongst all VAG groups are the coil packs (will be replaced under warranty, but can be scary/hassle if they go), so just have the dealer confirm it has them replaced (all 4 of them).

Q.

Robdon

Welcome to Briskoda -- you certainly have chosen the right model(if not the right colour ) build quality is certainly up to VW levels.

Just the usual checks for service history / body damage etc -- not aware of any big problems.

I'm sure others will alert to any specific items.

Build quality is good and better than VW!

Octavia can 4th in this years JD Power survey; top of it's class. I think it got 84%. By far the best VAG product in the survey.

I personally have had no problems with either of the Octys I've owned.

Go for it!

Cheers.

Adrian.

Why not buy the class of the marque...a Superb?

Cheers

Andy

ill second that top choice of car,you will not regret it .had mine 1year now still got big grin on face,although wife thinks i am a saddo

Good choice. 30k miles just about runs them in. Better performance and fuel economy than new.

You may not get a full-size alloy spare as they don't seem to have been included on 2001 spec cars.

Do keep an eye out for 16" wheels though.

Hi!

Welcome to Briskoda!

Octavia vRS - no, you won't find any problems.

• Ecxept the seats - they seem to fall apart. No problem, they are covered by warranty.
  
• And the choice of colours. Would you believe that the vRS is only available in four colours?
  
• It's FWD or nothing. Ask the 4X4 owners what they think of that!.
  
• And the flashy, vulgar look. Oh well, it's probably what you're looking for...
  

No. Seriously...

The only major problem with 2001 Y reg Octavia vRSs ( along with any VAG cars sharing the same 1.8T engine) is a duff batch of coil packs. Ask the dealer what coil packs are in the car (cue: salesman panic - here's a customer who knows about the car!). They should have a suffix J (G and H were prone to failure).

Can't think what else to ask; if you like it, and it feels OK, buy it!

OK thanks for that! I'll ask about the coil packs, along with service history, warranty etc. Will a 2001 car have a 3 year warranty on it?

Am I correct in stating that it will have an immobiliser but no alarm system fitted?

Originally posted by RobDon in this post

Will a 2001 car have a 3 year warranty on it?

It should. Two years' Skoda warranty followed by 1 year dealer warranty.

Not sure how that works with second-hand cars, though. Anybody in this situation?

The only major problem with 2001 Y reg Octavia vRSs ( along with any VAG cars sharing the same 1.8T engine) is a duff batch of coil packs. Ask the dealer what coil packs are in the car (cue: salesman panic - here's a customer who knows about the car!). They should have a suffix J (G and H were prone to failure).[/b]

Mike, You're gonna get me panicking now. When I first bought my 51 plate vRS a couple of months ago I followed with interest the extensive thread discussing the coilpack issue. Now the outcome as I remember was that only coilpacks with the 'H' suffix were dodgy.

After removing the engine cover etc and checking myself I was relieved to see that ALL mine are 'G' suffix. Are you now saying that these are potentially an issue aswell?? If so do I need to order a full set for piece of mind??

Right back on thread. You will not regret buying the vRS. It's a great car and I still get total strangers taking an interest and asking if they're as good as everyone makes out. Yes - is my usual reply...

Originally posted by KLB in this post

It should. Two years' Skoda warranty followed by 1 year dealer warranty.

Not sure how that works with second-hand cars, though. Anybody in this situation?

When I bought mine at 2 years old I got the balance of the 3 year warranty, including one free service (first 3 are free I was told), and the AA cover.

Jimmy,

are those the "pull out" packs or the "screw down" ones. If they're the screw-down ones then your ok. If not then potentially they're prone to failure. I think.

Cheers.

Adrian.

Originally posted by Jimmy in this post

Mike, You're gonna get me panicking now. When I first bought my 51 plate vRS a couple of months ago I followed with interest the extensive thread discussing the coilpack issue. Now the outcome as I remember was that only coilpacks with the 'H' suffix were dodgy.

After removing the engine cover etc and checking myself I was relieved to see that ALL mine are 'G' suffix. Are you now saying that these are potentially an issue aswell?? If so do I need to order a full set for piece of mind??

Er...

I understood that it was all "G" and "H" suffixes. Not sure where I got that information, though; you're probably right. I've been a bit twitchy about coil packs recently, since all mine (on a 2001 "Y" reg car) are "H"s :(

As far as i know, the Warranty is transferable. If its a Dealer purchase then it shouldnt be a problem. If you're buying private, get them the dig out the warranty transfer card from the owner's pack and send it off to Skoda UK

As already mentioned....

Check for 17" wheels including the spare.

Ask about coilpacks (again, if its a dealer purchase, try and get the latest type as a condition of sale )

Check it has full Climate Control and not plain AirCon. No CC means import !!!!!

Ask for front mudflaps if not fitted, they are NOT standard.

Check if its on variable or fixed servicing.

If you're buying from a dealer, ask their views on chipping & warranties, should you plan to chip it.

Check the prices !!!!! There's plenty of them around, so don't buy the first one you see.....or buy a new one !!!!

As for build quality, well after Sunday's blast over some good old northern country roads i can certainly vouch for it, i didnt hear a single rattle or squeak

RobDon,

I have sent you a PM......

Warranty is transferable and on the Y reg like mine it will be 3 yrs unlimited mileage unlike newer ones. I would also look for signs of boy racer abuse.

Originally posted by KLB in this post

It should. Two years' Skoda warranty followed by 1 year dealer warranty.

Not sure how that works with second-hand cars, though. Anybody in this situation?

Yep - Me:D Got a one owner 2001Y 1.6. registered March. All work has been covered by warranty so far without a problem - in fact when I got the warranty stuff through from Skoda, it had been extended through to the end of June 2004. You can then take out a further year at just under

Oh yes, one other thing - if you're sold on one of the cars, insist that you speak to the previous owner - they can tell you about their experience of the car whilst in their ownership. Any honest dealer that has nothing to hide should welcome this request. If they don't, keep away in my veiw. It's also worth noting if the prior owner bought another Skoda - that in itself is a great recommendation....

Num

are you sure you want a vrs as opposed to a 4x4.

now now, lets not start that again....

I dont believe it - RobDon, have you just recently moved from the South and are into caravans?