Morning folks

 

Some of you may be aware that I have just sold my Vectra VXR.  I'm still in mourning as it was only last night but I need a replacement asap.

 

I've seen these three and appreciate your opinions.

 

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201602251371675?body-type=estate&price-to=7000&page=2&onesearchad=used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew&search-target=usedcars&fuel-type=petrol&make=skoda&model=octavia&radius=1500&sort=default&postcode=YO12%205AD&colour=black&logcode=p

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2007-Skoda-Octavia-2-0-TFSI-vRS-5dr-/131760477412?

 

http://www.mckennasmotorcompany.co.uk/used-cars/skoda-octavia-2-0-tfsi-vrs-5dr-pulloxhill-201603151990467

 

I've already spooked myself with the engine failure thread and wondered what other pitfalls you're aware of.  It has to be an estate for the three kids & their stuff and I'm not overly bothered about extra spec, I just want to be able to remap the car if it proves to be reliable.

 

Your input on this would be welcome as I might be buying a train ticket to look at one of the three tomorrow.

 

Cheers,

 

Andrew.

 

p.s. If you know of anyone selling a suitable car point me in the right direction as I've only looked on Ebay and Autotrader.

 

 

 

 

First one looks good.

Second one seems over priced compared to the first.

Third one seems to be at a big premium because of the mileage.

Good luck with the search

Sent from my ONE E1003 using Tapatalk

First one looks good.

Second one seems over priced compared to the first.

Third one seems to be at a big premium because of the mileage.

Good luck with the search

Sent from my ONE E1003 using Tapatalk

Totally agree with vrsTom. It has to be the first one. 

First...

however..tell us your wants and wishes..budget etc and let the forum decide/help :-)

I phoned the first garage up with the 60 plate car up and they said it was average condition outside and in need of a good scrub inside.  He didn't fill me with confidence really. He also told me it's an ex police car that wasn't used for pursuits but it was a fleet car.  Hmmm.

 

The 06 plate black car with the cambelt change was in fact done in 2013.  He said it's every ten years or 40,000 miles so it won't need to be done for a while.  Again, didn't fill me with confidence.  Also when I asked if they could pick me up from the train station to cover the last three miles, he told me to get a taxi.

 

The best vibe I got was from the chap selling the blue estate.  He read through all the service history for me, was quite knowledgeable about the car and also said they could collect me from the station in the car ready for a test drive.  I'll see how it goes.

 

As for wants etc I'm not bothered if it's a facelift or not.  I'm not too bothered about toys & gadgets.  I want a car in better than average condition with a good service history and preferably less than 80k on the clock.  It has to be an estate and petrol as we only do about 8.5k miles a year.

Edited 25 March, 201610 yr by skinnyman

First of all, I will be honest and upfront by saying I'm currently the owner of a 2006 vRS petrol estate with 103k on the clock which is up for sale on Autotrader. These cars are absolutely fantastic when they're maintained properly. Regular oil changes are essential (I always prefer to change at max 10k miles intervals) as is cambelt replacement within schedule (Skoda UK now advise 85k intervals btw). Full service history is worth a lot. Common problems experienced include sawtoothing of rear tyres owing to incorrect camber settings from the factory which have now been updated which I or other members of this forum would be happy to supply. Some owners have found carbon buildup on the back of the intake valves owing to the fact the fuel is directly injected into the combustion chamber and not over the back of the valves themselves. Giving the engine a good work out every now and then seems to prevent this problem from occurring but if you notice a wobbly / hesitant engine at idle this would be a likely cause. Happy to answer any other questions you've got. Good luck with the search!

Edited 25 March, 201610 yr by TrickyHick

I appreciate the input there.  I had a Mk1 back in the day when they were new and loved it.  I've always aimed to come back into the Skoda fold so I'll keep you posted how the search goes.

Normally ex police cars are much better maintained than a car that's been to the dealers or back street garage.

I was weary that the first one was ex police because of the reg plate. From looking the clocks are not calibrated for speed so it could check out that it wasn't an undercover car.

Also there is no VRS badge on the grille - has it been in a smash? Would have had lots of different drivers, thrashed from cold etc etc.

They aren't for me regardless of a police maintenance printouts and premium tyres.

Edited 25 March, 201610 yr by Vegasphil

I can't offer advice on petrols but having recently bought a diesel vrs and looking at loads the condition vary greatly.

They seem prone to stonechips and personally I'd avoid the white interior with kids and go for leather or better still the ultra rare half leather alcanTara.

Try to get the multi function steering wheel and maxi dot.

Bt and sat nav is an easy retrofit so don't let that be a deal breaker.

xenons seem to be very rare but worthwhile.

I looked at an ex police car and it was better condition than most and had comprehensive service history.

Edited 25 March, 201610 yr by tubbytommy

https://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/skoda-octavia-vrs-20t/1157402601

Looks alright, cheap too

Bugger, was a few weeks ago though

Edited 25 March, 201610 yr by JaminWales

Dont forget the fl cars are cheaper to tax as well mate,my 2009 petrol is only a shade over 200 a year,wait for a bargain there are plenty out there

I went from m3 and jap stuff to a family diesel le estate. I've had a stage 1 map and lowered it. Goes like the clappers while returning good mpg not sure if your after petrol or diesel,but a mapped diesel won't dissapointed for sure

I will PM you

Edited 26 March, 201610 yr by Damo
Non freedom advertising

Well, I've just bought the blue one listed above.  It's been a 13 hour round trip but I'm very happy.  The drive back was great and it returned an indicated 41.4mpg!  As for the difference in tax between the fl & pre-fl, compared to the £514 of the Vectra, anything else seems like a bargain!

Edited 26 March, 201610 yr by skinnyman