Hello,

 

Yesterday I purchased a 2.0 TDI VRS estate in candy white with black pack. Never owned a Skoda before and wasn't even in the market for one until I stumbled across this lovely looking car at my local dealership. PX'd my aging Audi A4 Avant 2.0ltr TDI SE Technik B8 for a decent price.

 

My new VRS is in great condition. No scuffs on the alloys, nice Falken tyres and interior is immaculate. Always liked the understated vRS cars so decided to treat myself!

 

Being a complete Skoda newbie is there any tips you can offer regarding maintenance, driving etc? Seems like this site is a wealth of useful info. I have a set of Thule roof bars on the Audi and I'm hoping I can get these on the Octavia for a summer surfing trip?

 

Thanks.

Brand new ?  Enjoy the Vrs  

No - a used one. 63 plate with 33K. Very tidy all round. Cannot wait to get out and about in it.

2 hours ago, Nightrider said:

I have a set of Thule roof bars on the Audi and I'm hoping I can get these on the Octavia for a summer surfing trip?

Not sure about the B8 roof bars, but the Thule wing bars from my previous B7 RS4 Avant fit on my O3 estate.

Looking forward to seeing a few pictures.

2 hours ago, Nightrider said:

No - a used one. 63 plate with 33K. Very tidy all round. Cannot wait to get out and about in it.

 

Smart move. Let someone else take a bath on its value from new  Welcome!

Hmmm, no DPF concerns on a lowish mileage TDI ?

At just under 10K per year the DPF should be fine, especially if there has been a decent mix of longer as well as shorter journey distances.

31 minutes ago, silver1011 said:

At just under 10K per year the DPF should be fine, especially if there has been a decent mix of longer as well as shorter journey distances.

Mine managed just fine doing less than 10K last year

So what's DPF? 

It's the Diesel Particulate Filter. It's responsible for the low emissions. It catches soot and other nasties from the exhaust and when up to temperature burns it off. If you frequently do lots of short trips then the DPFS can cause a problem but a 20 minute jaunt up anf down the local dual carriageway at higher revs than normal is all that it usually necessary to burn off the excess soot and clear the filter. If they fail they can be expensive. 

It was the only reason against getting a diesel car for me as my commute 3-4 times a week is tiny. I reckoned I could easily go the long way round if needed once a week. Newer diesel engines like the ones we are getting Mark,  go through a regeneration cycle of their own accord so I'm hoping I should just be able to drive the thing 

Here's Snowy.... picked up today from dealership. Absolutely immaculate. Has a few extras:

 

Black pack

Tow bar

Split level boot

 

4 minutes ago, Nightrider said:

Here's Snowy.... picked up today from dealership. Absolutely immaculate. Has a few extras:

 

Black pack

Tow bar

Split level boot

 

Nice looking estste.

1 hour ago, Superman001 said:

Nice looking estste.

Seconded, it is that 

Didn't think I'd go for a white car.... My wife is not yet sold on it! Previous Audi had a massive spec so in terms of the interior this is a step-down. Externally though it's much more attractive. I took out a 3 year alloy wheel protection policy which allows for up to 18 claims - for kerb damage or replacement in the event of a bad pot hole.

 

Can anyone recommend a decent tyre for the Octavia? Current has very soft Falken tyres which I don't think will last too long?

1 hour ago, Nightrider said:

Didn't think I'd go for a white car.... My wife is not yet sold on it! Previous Audi had a massive spec so in terms of the interior this is a step-down. Externally though it's much more attractive. I took out a 3 year alloy wheel protection policy which allows for up to 18 claims - for kerb damage or replacement in the event of a bad pot hole.

 

Can anyone recommend a decent tyre for the Octavia? Current has very soft Falken tyres which I don't think will last too long?

Goodyear Eagle F1 Assumetric 3's on my wagon. Used to have Conti Sports but find the Goodyear a bit quieter. 

Pretty much same VRS as yours with nearly 80k on the clock now and still enjoying it 

1 hour ago, ChrisHooligan said:

Goodyear Eagle F1 Assumetric 3's on my wagon. Used to have Conti Sports but find the Goodyear a bit quieter.

 

This. Was about to post and say I have Continental Sport Contact 5 all round, but on paper the F1 Asymmetric 3 is quieter (and cheaper) so they will likely be my choice of replacement soon.

 

Heard good things about the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 too.

3 hours ago, ChrisHooligan said:

Goodyear Eagle F1 Assumetric 3's on my wagon. Used to have Conti Sports but find the Goodyear a bit quieter. 

Pretty much same VRS as yours with nearly 80k on the clock now and still enjoying it 

+1. GY Eagle F1 A3s are a great tyre. 

 

Quiet, long-lasting & with decent rim protection. 

 

 

12 hours ago, dunc69 said:

+1. GY Eagle F1 A3s are a great tyre. 

 

Quiet, long-lasting & with decent rim protection. 

 

 

They have zero rim protection! I've got them on my vrs, Gemini wheels as OP's car and find they fit flush almost with the alloy. 

 

Having said that they're great, quiet and rain/eco ratings are fab for the price if you shop around. 

15 minutes ago, courty said:

They have zero rim protection! I've got them on my vrs, Gemini wheels as OP's car and find they fit flush almost with the alloy. 

 

Having said that they're great, quiet and rain/eco ratings are fab for the price if you shop around. 

Interesting. The set I had on my recently-departed MkII vRS had a really decent rim protruding from the tyre and protecting the alloys. Possibly the design of the Geminis reduces the 'clearance', or maybe you have GY Eagles without the rim protection?

tires wise i found Kumho KU39s were the best all round (price, grip, wet and dry, good turn in on the XL thicker side walls) on the mini's i used to own step son has them on his saloon VRS and loves them.