Hi,

We're looking to buy a MkII Octavia (2012), 1.4 TSI Petrol. I've just found out that the car we want to buy, recently had to be recovered by AA after a brake failure (loss of brakes). They've replaced the brake servo , master cylinder and servo pipe, and are now selling the car.

 

I'm now a little nervous about buying this car. Is this a problem others have had? should We be checking anything specifically? Indeed should I buy this car?

 

Also, I noticed that the battery has never been changed, and that the recommendation is to change when 5 years old. We'd be buying from a Skoda garage, so should we request they change this.

 

Thanks

 

Things fail, that's life.

 

If the failed components have been replaced and the brakes are functioning correctly then don't worry.

 

The battery life is only a recommendation not a mandatory service item. Again if it functions correctly then don't worry.

 

By all means ask if it concerns you but I wouldn't hold out for a free battery.

Yes, as per @MicMac I am not aware of major weakness with Oct Mk2 brake design. If it has been overhauled I'd treat that as fixed.

 

The battery will be getting towards the end of life but may go on for another 2 years maybe longer, or maybe only a month or two in freezing weather. You could ask to replace given, we are now in freezing winter and you don't wish to be stranded. I'm sure a £60-£80 battery is negotiable.

 

Suggest you do a little research on the engine, service records (what has actually been done at each service), and any major service items due and any inherent engine type weaknesses. These will be specific to the engine generation so maybe search on the engine code (three letter character) or generation usually EAxxx.

 

There are a few engine vulnerabilities accross the Octavia mk2 range across both petrol and diesel and it helps to be aware of any significant problems as a part of negotiation, prechecks or pre-emptive strategy. I'm not that aware of the 1.4tsi specifics so can't really advise. Chain tensioners have been a problem in several petrol models all the way back to mid 2000s but I seem to recall at one stage the 1.4tsi went back to a belt.