Apologies if this has been covered before, I'm still getting the hang of the Forum as I do my research!

 

I'm in the market for a used Octavia vRS Mk3, ideally a diesel with manual gearbox. I'm open to either a hatch or estate with up to 30k on the clock.

 

I've registered interest with several local  main dealerships so I'm just waiting on a call for when they have something in that ticks my boxes.

 

Is there anything I should keep an eye out for, common faults etc with the age and mileage of the vehicle I'm looking at?

 

I expect there to be fair wear and tear on a used car relative of age and mileage so will try to negotiate any repairs/new tyres when it comes to the purchase.

 

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Edited 4 April, 20179 yr by CookieMonster87

When test driving demand to go over some bad surface tarmac as some car do suffer from severe backend noise & low frequency rumbles

Costly items  I would check:-

*Leaking water pump (common fault) - wipe a rag along the ridge of the under-tray and check for pink fluid/residue.

*Clutch slip (mine failed after just 14K miles) - acclerate from low revs within 5th/6th gear past the torque peak of 2500-3000rpm. If the rev counter climbs normally then you should be okay.

 

Note that Skoda only warranties the clutch for 6-months / 6K miles from new, so it is important to test. Replacement will cost £800+.

 

Thanks for the replies and advice!

 

I'll be sure to negotiate some form of warranty, I believe used Skodas come with a year anyway (I'll be looking at buying from a main dealer) whether or not the clutch will be covered will be something I have to look in to.

 

@themanwithnoaim Is this noise down to a fault or just one of those things that vary from car to car?

 

I've been used to the stiff suspension of the ST on Norfolk roads for the last couple of years as well as a non-resonated Mongoose cat-back. I test drove a Diesel vRS recently on a variety of roads and the difference was like night and day when it came to road noise, resonance and comfort. I will bare this in mind and do my best to spot it but it may not be obvious to me based on what I'm used to.

Take a look at the low frequency boom thread

I've had a good read, seems as if other models have suffered the same which is a bit concerning especially when Skoda don't seem to have or care for a solution. 

 

This issue is putting me off slightly as we're expecting and I wouldn't want to subject my new born to a noise frequency that could harm their ears or become a nuisance to them. If it's something that develops after a few weeks I'd hate to be in a position where I couldn't return the vehicle.

 

I think we may have to take a look at other options if this becomes an apparent annoyance on future test drives.

 

I appreciate the heads up!

Edited 4 April, 20179 yr by CookieMonster87

TBH this isn't something I've noticed in my petrol 2013 vRS estate. Sure it's no double glazed Merc, but it isn't IMO an issue. I've got a 2 yr old and a 1 week old and they both sleep like, well babies funnily enough when out in the car. 

 

Test drive a few and see what you think but don't convince yourself there's a problem with them now you know others can hear one.

ask if the waterpump sleeve has been replaced. this is renowned for stocking and causing the engine to overheat

 

get as late as car as you can as they improved the sound insulation on MY16 onwards

 

Facelift even better apparently

I'm not sure if I'm allowed to do this so apologies if not but I have a car fitting your description exactly, for sale in a couple of weeks when my kodiaq turns up.

 

Manual diesel vrs estate in red, no issues whatsoever, 22k on the clock and well looked after for full skoda history. Essex based. Cheers 

23 hours ago, carrock said:

get as late as car as you can as they improved the sound insulation on MY16 onwards

 

Interesting as I recently testdrove a few months old Octy and the cabin noise was the same as in mine.

There were only two differences: a bit less tire noise (16" vs. 17" wheels) and different engine sound (1.6 TDI vs. 2.0 TDI).

Otherwise it was the same.

Testdriving included both town and highway driving.

Edited 5 April, 20179 yr by aki78