Looking to buy my first Skoda - Octavia 2.0 TFSI VRs 

I'm not new to VAG cars, but this will be my first ever skoda.

The car in question has covered 88k 2008 model. The current owner has emailed me several photos of paperwork that relates to regular servicing one of which shows that car has already received a new clutch,flywheel etc. Apparently the car has never been modified to their knowledge.

What's the pros and cons of ownership? I've read on other VW forums that the 2.0 TFSI engines aren't bullet proff like VAGs of old.

 

 

 

I have a 2007 petrol vRS that I got with 92k miles on it nearly 2 years ago and now has 108k.

 

I would make sure that the cam belt has been changed recently. They need to be done at least every 4 years. It might be worth checking to see if the arcon compressor and the ABS sensor board have been changed. Those can be failure items and I've had to do both on mine in the last 18 months. If it shows unexplained errors for the ABS/ESP/Tyre pressure monitoring, suspect you may have a faulty wheel bearing or sensor.

 

If you can find a car with the MaxiDOT display fitted, it has a number of advantages. It's the one thing I wish my car had that it doesn't. The rear parking sensors are a nice-to-have feature as there's a lot of car that's not visible at the back. This isn't so bad with the vRS because the rear spoiler helps you see where the back of the car is.

 

 

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Apparently the car has never been modified to their knowledge.

 

If that's true then you may want to change that. A trip to Shark Performance will make improve the power delivery and make it a much better car. That being said, the dealer that sold me mine said it had been owned by a doctor (I've since been told that's a danger sign) and had never been played with. I plugged an eBay special Bluetooth dongle into it (note that the hole the OBD II connector is down on the Mk II pre-FL is quite deep and very tight so you may want an extension cable to plug the dongle into to avoid it getting stuck.) Connect it to Torque on your Android device and give it a take-off with a full load of beans. Note the maximum turbo pressure reached ( less than 10 - expensive repair on the way. 11 - Normal for a stock car. 14 - Strongly suspect the car has been tuned). My "never been messed with, honest guv" car measured 17.8.

 

I had a look at the Mk I vRS buying guide as I assumed a number of the things might still be relevant to a Mk II.

 

Hope you enjoy your new toy. I really do mine. It's the only car I've ever owned I can truly say I'm in love with.

Edited 14 December, 20178 yr by Papfox

Thanks for the reply, wasn't impressed by the skoda to be honest. Vrs felt a Bit basic for a flag ship model. My search continues.

12 minutes ago, CMD said:

Vrs felt a Bit basic for a flag ship model.

 

That's because the vRS isn't the flagship, just the most powerful. If you're looking for spec/toys, the L&K or Elegance are probably a better bet.

 

Good luck with your search

Agreed.

 

The vRS is the "driver's car" version. It's slightly lowered out the factory, better suspension and brakes, more powerful engine. It's aimed at people who want an exciting and capable car, not those looking for a luxury experience.

 

That being said, the vRS is a nice, comfortable and well behaved family car if you take it easy with the throttle. It also has loads of room inside for legs and luggage. It's not like my friend's Renaultsport Clio that he routinely describes the equipment on as "bum basic". The Clio has had everything removed that they possibly could to save weight and it performs like an animal. It's a fun drive but it's hard work. You can drive 3 hours and get out the Octavia vRS like you just got into it. Do that in the Renaultsport Clio and you're worn out from the hardness of the ride and noise. Another friend has a Suberu Imprezza WRX. Again, a really good performance car but, with the heavy rally clutch and severe torque curve, an absolute nightmare to drive in the rush hour in town.

 

As Langers says, you might find the Elegance or L&K editions of the Octavia more to you liking. They are aimed at those wanting comfort and luxury. The engines will be less powerful and the suspensions tuned for comfort rather than cornering at speed. Only you know what the ideal balance between comfort and performance is for you. Good luck finding the right car for you.

I've got the L&K, it's a lovely, comfortable car.

On 12/15/2017 at 08:39, Papfox said:

Agreed.

 

The vRS is the "driver's car" version. It's slightly lowered out the factory, better suspension and brakes, more powerful engine. It's aimed at people who want an exciting and capable car, not those looking for a luxury experience.

 

That being said, the vRS is a nice, comfortable and well behaved family car if you take it easy with the throttle. It also has loads of room inside for legs and luggage. It's not like my friend's Renaultsport Clio that he routinely describes the equipment on as "bum basic". The Clio has had everything removed that they possibly could to save weight and it performs like an animal. It's a fun drive but it's hard work. You can drive 3 hours and get out the Octavia vRS like you just got into it. Do that in the Renaultsport Clio and you're worn out from the hardness of the ride and noise. Another friend has a Suberu Imprezza WRX. Again, a really good performance car but, with the heavy rally clutch and severe torque curve, an absolute nightmare to drive in the rush hour in town.

 

As Langers says, you might find the Elegance or L&K editions of the Octavia more to you liking. They are aimed at those wanting comfort and luxury. The engines will be less powerful and the suspensions tuned for comfort rather than cornering at speed. Only you know what the ideal balance between comfort and performance is for you. Good luck finding the right car for you.

I also have an L&K, they are aimed for comfort and luxury, but it does handle remarkably well, it does hang on in the corners and does not have a lot of body roll either, o.k the turn in could be a touch sharper and quicker but it's very minor.

 

The brakes are good but then mine only has the 1.8 TSi rated at 160bhp, so not a lot to stop. All in all a very very good all rounder.

I've an 07 plate 2.0TDI L&K and it's one of the best cars I've owned ... I'm not a sports driver so I can't comment on what it's like to drive on the limit but I can't fault it around town or on the motorway..... Only two things I wish it had are a better stereo and front parking sensors as it's got everything else I need.

7 hours ago, labman1001 said:

I've an 07 plate 2.0TDI L&K and it's one of the best cars I've owned ... I'm not a sports driver so I can't comment on what it's like to drive on the limit but I can't fault it around town or on the motorway..... Only two things I wish it had are a better stereo and front parking sensors as it's got everything else I need.

Must admit, i miss the front parking sensors that my pre-fl elegance had. I also not a sporty driver, but do like to find the limits of the cars i own.

Edited 17 December, 20178 yr by Ju1ian1001