Hi Guys

 

Now that the older MK3s are starting to drop out of warranty and become much more affordable (with possibility of more  miles & issues)  I'm trying to put together a little buyers guide to help highlight what to look for in a new car and also some common issues specific to the MK 3.

 

I know the water pump had been flagged a few times, together with some paint and clutch issues. I personally have had to take mine in with the seat belt rattle behind the trim and had slow starting. 

 

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

 

Cheers 

Wheel bearings susceptible to early failure - made of marzipan it seems. I've had two replaced in less than two years, and a friend has had the same.

 

'Booming' noise as per huge thread on here, although I've not had it.

 

Leaking pano sunroof, although again, mine has been fine.

 

Sump plugs: no idea why, but I know of two vRS's (both diesel) that had them come loose/drop out not long after servicing (at different garages  ) - hardly a common fault I suppose.

 

Coolant loss - particularly the TDI's - many seem to have the level drop at about 8k miles inexplicably. Mine did this, and a colleague's Leon FR with the same engine, also another vRS and a Passat. One suggestion is that air is trapped in the system from the factory, which then escapes over time?

 

Hubs rust when you so much as sweat near them, even when nothing more than neutral car shampoo has been used near them...I've painted mine and they've held up well.

 

Apart from that, all happy days!

 

 

Fuel line rattle - noticeable around 2-3k rpm on mine. Think the dealer fix is expanding foam around the lines. A member on here got some small foam pads and achieved good results.

 

Creaking suspension - my rears creak slightly when going over speed bumps etc.

 

 

Cheers guys this is perfect!

 

What about the spec to go for? What are the essentials to have?

 

Mine have to be:

 

• DSG
• Front Sensors

 

There was an issue with boost sensors very early on. By now I think they must have all be replaced, not heard of any for a while.  Obvious one will be corrosion on the diamond cut alloys, whether it is a problem now or not by definition it will become one!!

 

Essential Spec - I had to have Canton and Winter Pack

I second the above; Canton improves over the standard system considerably. Winter pack has been a god send throughout winter. 

 

Cruise control wasn't standard on the earliest model years so something probably worth mentioning in the guide.

 

The other must have for me was Columbus as I was looking at early MK3s. Any other infotainment option on MIB1 cars leaves you with a tiny screen with a poor resolution. It also gives you the Colour Maxidot (available separately also) which still looks fresh now, and not something that's ancient like the black and white version. Not a deal-breaker to many though.

The early front door seals wouldn't let the water drain properly, so when you open the door after it has rained, to get a dump of water from the doors.

 

Replacement seals are available and there is a bulletin about it.

 

Also might be worth noting that car with Adaptive Cruise Control should have the ACC realigned when you adjust the rear wheel alignment. A dealer will charge around £450, and the one independent I could find that had the kit charged about £220 for the wheel alignment and ACC alignment.

 

And when I say one independent, I mean one and only one, in Bristol.

 

Hopefully more garages will start to get the kit needed to this.

If you are doing a 'Buyers guide' for others on the Mk3 Octavia then there are the various Service and Maintenance items to mention as knowing

annual / 3 yearly running / servicing costs.

 

All will be the same on Brake Fluid Change at 3 years and each 2.

But those with Haldex are Oil change service @ 3 years.

Wet Clutch 6 speed DSG 40,000 mile Oil change.

7 Speed Dry Clutch DSG no Servicing, but maybe Service Campaign '34H5' software update, 2013-2015.

1 hour ago, WayTooTall said:

Also might be worth noting that car with Adaptive Cruise Control should have the ACC realigned when you adjust the rear wheel alignment. A dealer will charge around £450, and the one independent I could find that had the kit charged about £220 for the wheel alignment and ACC alignment.

 

Good point!

 

OP might also be worth noting that a windscreen replacement officially requires lane assist camera recalibration too if you have it. My insurance covered this as part of the excess when I had mine done.

Thanks so much guys. There's just soooo much I have missed or not thought about at all.

 

My car is MY15 so I've seen quite a few of the issues above. I'll also note something about depreciation too. Its the only reason I still have mine and I got my 4mths old from a dealer!

 

 

22 hours ago, pist0nbr0ke said:

Wheel bearings susceptible to early failure - made of marzipan it seems. I've had two replaced in less than two years, and a friend has had the same.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just had one replaced at 20k miles.