I'm looking at  2005  Octavia 1.6 FSI, it has a full dealer service history, it has 65k mileson the clock.

 

So come on guys do your very best to pull it to pieces, if I can answer half your comments then I know I'm onto a good one ... 

Have you driven it and tested the switch gear on it yet?

Cigarette lighter is worn out and the radio only plays ABBA

Look on the +ve side, Mine is an 05 with 61000 miles and it has been no problem during the 4 + years I have owned it.

I see no -ve side to it yet.

If the car is as you say why do you need feed back, aren't you old enough to make your mind up yet ?

On this forum you get opinions some valid and others not.

I'd be more concerned about things like "how does this car drive?" and (if applicable) "has the cambelt been changed?" than "general faults" (well unless there are known common issues like with the petrol twincharger).

Probably best to put a link up to the exact car your looking at.  :thumbup:

Not fair only quoting half of what I put, it makes what I did put out of context.

Might have seemed harsh, but I think the points mentioned were valid.

I have owned various Skodas over a 30 year period and I have not been swayed by any other Marque.

If it looks to me as I look around a potential purchase that I need to have the assistance of a professional mechanic to help me make up my mind then I walk away as when all said and done the final decision rests with me.

Apologies to those concerned.

That's a bit harsh isn't it??? The OP wants some advice from folks who are running the same car as the one he's looking at.  When you bought yours, did you look at other folks comments, or did you jump in feet first and buy it blindly?.......

 

 

Hope this helps

 

Mike

 

MH I really do appreciate your response, I've been a Briskoda member for many years, started with ownership of a Mk1 Octy estate in the early 00's; and previously a fan of the rear engined models. 

 

Following a more than a decade of company car ownership (use) I'm back in the territory of personal ownership, however due to all manner of personal circumstances I'm looking a cars somewhat down the food chain; my budget is around £3k. I'm too worried about diesel issues so petrol is my way forward.

 

 

......@ the OP - Check for rust on front wings, door bottoms and sills. Check rear wash wipe works. Check air con works. Check cruise control works if fitted. Visually check rear brake discs for corrosion - any rust on the braking surfaces could mean seized rear calipers. And check the rear tyres for any abnormal or uneven wear - the alignment of both front and rear needs regularly checking and adjusting to keep things running straight. It's something that is often neglected through ignorance - it's not something that is widely known to those who don't know the model......

 

 

Hope this helps

 

Mike

 

Many thanks for the comments, much appreciated. The car is some distance away and I haven't been able to get to view it just yet. However looking at the MOT history the last couple of years there are comments about rear brakes grabbing/binding  which sort of links with your comment.  What is the handbrake arrangement, does it work through the service pads/discs, or through separate handbrake pads on the discs or is it a drum within disc arrangement? 

 

Also interested in your comment about wheel alignment, I had a Mk1 Octy estate a few years back, I had no end of trouble with wheel alignemnt on that and even after spending a small fortune on replacing various suspension components I was never truely happy with it. (the well timed arrival of a company car allowed me to move the Octy on). 

 

In terms of the one I'm considering a 'visual' on tyre wear and test drive will help identify any shortcomings. 

 

Thanks

Handbrake uses the service brake.

Also there's a whole lot more adjustability (ISTR front and rear camber and toe adjustments) on the mk2 than on the mk1. So the main issue is finding someone who has something like a Hunter rig and know how to use it properly.