I see quite a few Octavias being broken on ebay, and wondered what is the most common/likely cause of their being broken?

Apart from mechanical engine failure it could provide me with areas to watch out for, like rust in a particular place or something.

Probably worth more in bits...

When I had my LCR I was amazed how many we're being broken on eBay...they will be rare and worth a few quid in the future.

IMHO

Crashes mostly I expect or people not treating the engines correctly. Regular oil changes on your TDI and looking after the turbo will give you hundreds upon thousands of miles of usage. 

 

Some the the ones being broken may well be taxis with hypergalactic mileage. 

Money!!!! They are worth more in bits

you do see alot of VRS, but they seem to make good money whole aswell

They can write them off for door dents. So buy a crashed one and sell it for bits. Quite good to have a car that crosses so many brands and models

I broke mine as she was worth over double in bits but then only coz she was not an octavia underneath.

A std car is worth nothing in bits as you say tgere are lots out there. Now a well modded one is worth a tad more only due to the mods.

The time has long gone to make good money on breaking these I think.

You need a well looked after one miles not a prob so long as its looked after. Dont touch any thats not spot on as they will be a money pit.

Broke mine at 112k and there was nothing wrong with her. Only that I had her in bits to fully overhaul and make look like new again but time and space and it being a fanatical obsession made me step back and think its time to grow up.

Gl tho tgey are spot on cars and worth the money