Hello,

I'm looking to potentially to buy either octavia vrs mk1 or an toyota mr2 mk2 (i know pretty diverse choice got our octy mk2 tdi 140 the family wagon so want something quick and fun as car no 2 for about £3k).

Looked at a 03 plate octavia vrs mk1 covered just under 80k with independant dealer (wanted a deposit just to test drive so wasn't impressed). Everything seemed reasonably tidy apart from 3 things I'm unsure of.

1) EPC light would light up and stay on when ignition was on but would disappear once the engine was running. Is this normal for it to stay on with ignition on?

2) With the engine running at idle there seemed to be a regular fastish plastic sounding ticking noise coming from the left side of the engine. Something minor?

3) It seemed to have had a new radiator installed but at the top of the coolant reservoir a crusty layer of pink/orange crystals had formed. The coolant fluid looked relatively opaque not that clear like my current octy mk2

Any ideas what could be causing these would be much appreciated.

Lastly I know this is a skoda forum but I also drove a toyota mr2 mk2. Wasn't as advertised so won't buy it but low speed it handled fine but above 60mph it seemed to hunt around in the steering. This was especially noticeable changing gear (weight transfer?) you had to make small corrections just to keep driving straight. I have driven many high performance cars (m3, atom , porsche, exige) but I have never driven something that felt so nervous and unstable at higher speed. I'm not a mechanic so tech knowledge is limited but just wondering if anyone would know the potential reason for this?

Best regards,

Nounou

not sure about the other things but point 2 is normal - that is the noise the petrol vapour carbon canister makes when in operation

Would stay away from MK2 MR2's. Unless you're buying a spotless Turbo or BEAMS engined car i'd go for the VRS. MR2's are quite old hat now, prone to rust, hard to find a clean example for good money.

Day

If you want something like an MR2, would you consider other convertibles of that age? If you want speed and handling, a Scimitar SS1 Turbo is unbeatable for the price. Nissan 1.8 turbo and it only weighs 900kg.

A very good one can be had for £2k-£3k.

No 1-2 are normal

no3 should be nice and pink unless the reservoir has discolored.

Hi everyone,

Thanks for your replies, good to know points 1 and 2 are normal. Theres too many things wrong with that car so I ll walk away from it don`t trust the dealer at all. Looked at another octy vrs today looked more promising until we couldn't get the bonnet open, so when thats fixed I ll head back. One thing a bit of paint had peeled on the rear bumper and the rear spoiler red paint has blemished a bit so would have to look at getting that done if I bought it. Guess its a common problem with red vrs.

Have to admit I hadn't considered the scimitar at all but interesting option. I ll have a look into it.I`m swaying more to a vrs as baby no 2 on the way so maybe good to have 2 practical cars but then again its nice to have a bit of fun. Mr2 rust is a big concern as where it would be parked when I m at work is open to the elements and at random times of the day and night mixed in with a bit of Jet A1. It does look nice though.

Thanks,

Nounou

One thing a bit of paint had peeled on the rear bumper and the rear spoiler red paint has blemished a bit so would have to look at getting that done if I bought it. Guess its a common problem with red vrs.

There's a fair amount of info on here about peeling paint and the corrosion warranty, iirc its a 10 year warranty job, so depending on the age, and the extent of the peeling/damage you might get lucky and have it sorted under that.

im sure there's more seasoned members who will give a clearer view on this though, and a quick search should show up loads of threads.

mac11irl,

Thanks for that tip about the paint, didn't realise. I'll have a search on here to get more info.

Nounou

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/mk2-golf-gti-16v-modified-/261228891369?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3cd2748ce9

I can seriously recommend one of these. Mega fun, plentiful cheap parts and easy to work on. I've covered 40k in mine in three years, bits have gone wrong but by God every one of those miles has been awesome.