White Octavia III vRS TDI Estate (OEM+)

[WPUK]

Hi all,

 

Thought I would start a little thread for my 2014 Octavia 3 vRS estate. Purchased about 1 year ago now when she only had 4,000 on the clock (ex-Griffin car provided tax free to the armed forces personnel) so had not seen much tarmac for the first year of life. 

 

This was my first Skoda - I was sold based on the balance of economy, practicality, performance and fun. All aspects in which are exceeded.

 

So, upon the very first clean with no changes;

 

 

 

 

 

First little job was to change the number plate bulbs to LED;

 

 

I also ordered LED replacement units for the boot compartment, to ensure a much brighter loading area.

 

I was also being bugged by the 'halogen' looking light in the front cluster and couldn't work it out at first. Until I got the the little 501 side light and replaced that to LED too, to ensure a similar light temperature when the DRLs and Xenons are on.

 

Before;

 

 

After; (not the clearest photo but you can see in the grooves it is now LED)

 

 

Also got round to installing the Brodit mounts to the centre dash unit to house my work phone and sat nav. Bit annoying at times and clutters the dash area a bit but can't be helped for the time being.

 

 

All was going swimmingly until 6 weeks in when I woke up to this on the driveway;

 

 

Poorly Skoda was taken back to the main dealer I purchased from and baffled them at first but it transpired to be the turbo manifold (?) that had split from memory. Due to parts needing to be ordered (and them wanting to ensure nothing else needed attention) it was arranged for me to have a courtesy car and they felt it only fair that it was another vRS. This time the saloon variant. Came with sat nav and heated seats which was a nice treat in the colder months. Really nice to drive and very odd having a different view from behind. 

 

 

Not long after and she was all fixed and back in my hands. Again, all was going brilliantly until early this year when late one night this bugger caught me out. 

 

 

 

 

After months of going back and forth, the council still stood their ground they wouldn't pay out and I was welcome to take them to court. Repair costs quoted at £100 but main issue was it needs to be sent off for repair. Possibly something I'll get done this winter if I can get some winter wheels on in the meantime.

 

The only other issue I had came in the form of a plastic sounding rattle when idling which again Skoda were brilliant with and pin pointed it to a loose engine sump cover. Now all back in working order.

 

Anyway, another 16,000 miles has passed, down to Weymouth and up to the Lake District and many places in between. 16,000 miles of bliss and smooth motoring. The roof box was a welcome addition on the Lake District trip and with the car 2 up, fully loaded with tents etc and a roof box, cruising at 70-80mph I averaged 48.9mpg - not to be laughed at in the slightest.

 

 

 

 

Being an ex Land Rover owner (and secret lover still) I still naturally get drawn to the slightly muddier, wetter routes. The vRS performed exceptionally I must say - around the Lake District was a bit hairy at times with narrow roads and lots of beaten tracks and it wasn't helped by the rain. Not once did we get stuck and she ate up some monster climbs on rough terrain. Obviously I'm cautious of the fact this is not an off roader by any means but it was reassuring how well all environments were dealt with. Even looking pretty just a little bit muddy!

 

 

Today I finally got round to a couple of tasks I have been meaning to do.

 

Firstly, I was not always a fan of the long bumper width reflector at the back. I had an idea to remove the middle section but decided instead to try plasti-dip instead so I can easily revert. Must say, I am suitably impressed with the results but know it wont be to everyones taste/recommendation.

 

The process; (excuse the filth)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then I also debadged the rear - fishing wire and Tardis to clean up afterwards.

 

 

 

The final result of both;

 

 

Plans to come;

 

Finally get the equipment to code the error for the number plate bulbs (yes, I've left it this long!)

Then install some more LED (fogs, indicators etc)

Refurb the damaged alloy

 

Hope you like, I welcome any comments/criticisms. 

Thanks for reading!

[BGB]

Beautiful, thumbs up!

[Auric Goldfinger]

A very nice read........

 

How come the Council didnt fork out for your wheel ?  spraying marker paint at it wont fill it in, 

[WPUK]

Beautiful, thumbs up!

Thank you very much for reading!

[WPUK]

A very nice read........

How come the Council didnt fork out for your wheel ? spraying marker paint at it wont fill it in,

Thank you!

Claimed they weren't to blame quoting sections of the highways act. I responded equally quoting the act that they were negligent by marking out the hole but not putting measures in place (barriers/a cone) to prevent an incident. You can see by the size of my foot in comparison, a motorbike or cyclist would have possibly gone flying.

I've hadn't necessarily finished with them but I must admit I became weak and gave up. :(

[gasman58]

Hi yes a great read can I ask if you use a sealant for your wheels in winter

[WPUK]

Hi yes a great read can I ask if you use a sealant for your wheels in winter

 

Thanks a lot! Yes I do - I currently use Poorboys Wheel Sealant and that was what was applied in the photos of the first wash. 

[tubbytommy]

Lovely car,subtle mods that suit it perfectly.

I also use poor boys wheel sealant and it works a treat.

[WPUK]

Lovely car,subtle mods that suit it perfectly.

I also use poor boys wheel sealant and it works a treat.

Thanks a lot! Really appreciate your comments.

Yes I like it, easy to apply and very durable. To be honest, I have lapsed in how often I detail the car now but urgently need to do a proper winter prep!

[BlackPearl]

Lovely.

Just one proposal:

Fishing wire is verry hard.

Use a tooth one.  Tooth cotton for cleaning.

Male 2-3 pieces together, spay them with water and GO.

They cut  fast , easy and without damage.

Edited 16 November, 2016 by BlackPearl