Thought I would introduce myself, my name is Tony and I live in Cheshire. I have been a car nut since birth and a VW enthusiast since the age of 14 (many years ago) when my father bought a brand new VW bay window camper.  I have owned various VW’s over many years and was introduced to Mercedes around 20 years ago by a fellow VW enthusiast. I now have 3 old Mercedes for the weekends but have a 2013 Octavia SE 2.0 diesel estate for everyday use. I absolutely love the Octavia and to be honest when I get into the Mercedes I am a little disappointed but that’s due to the age difference. The only criticism I have of the Octavia is the ride comfort, by comparison with other cars it is very harsh. I am looking to replace the springs and shocks for a Koni kit and hope that will improve things. I carry out all my own repairs and maintenance for all the cars myself and have often referred to this forum for advice on the Octavia, thank you. The photo attached was taken on the Gros Glockner pass Austria during August 2017 having towed our caravan down to Zell Am See. Hope I haven’t bored you all with my first post.

 

Tony

 

Welcome, Tony.  Nice piccy BTW!

 

My Octy is a mk2 and is also quote "firm" over bumps.  I had put it down to the "rough road pack" option it came with but maybe it's just innate to the way the vehicle is set up.

 

 

Hello Micky,

 

I must say the suspension is fine on European roads it’s only the UK’s poor road surfaces that are a problem. When it’s carrying weight it’s also better as is to be expected. 

 

I fitted Michelin Cross Climate tyres in place of the Bridgestone’s the car came with which has improved the ride slightly.

 

I love the torque from this engine which to be honest would embarrass my 3.2l SL in 0 - 60 shootout. Even with a 5 berth caravan in tow the acceleration is brisk and the fuel consumption fantastic.

We have two O2 estates, my 2 litre diesel 4wd and my wife's 1.9 diesel (just being fettled).  I'm totally sold on the midrange torque on mine - overtakes are effortless

 

BTW is the Noddy Car yours, too?

 

A warm welcome to the Forum Tony !  Zell am See, big gliding area.  Tried to get down there when I was in Germany but never made it fit in with work.

7 hours ago, StickyMicky said:

BTW is the Noddy Car yours, too?

 

No, the Anglia belongs to the shop it’s parked outside. It’s a tourist attraction in Goathland Yorkshire where Heartbeat was filmed.

 

I had an uncle that owned a similar car in the late 60’s.

4 hours ago, Oldmansomerset said:

A warm welcome to the Forum Tony !  Zell am See, big gliding area.  Tried to get down there when I was in Germany but never made it fit in with work.

Well worth a visit if you get the chance again, apparently Ferdinand Porsche had a holiday home there. Lots of garages around the area are still owned by the Porsche family.

10 minutes ago, Tony124 said:

the Anglia belongs to the shop it’s parked outside. It’s a tourist attraction in Goathland Yorkshire where Heartbeat was filmed.

 

BTW I've been firmly corrected by an ex-job friend who advised that the "Noddy Car" moniker rightfully belongs to those Panda cars based on the Morris Minor.

 

I'm off to go stand facing the corner for a while ...

 

Edited 20 July, 20196 yr by StickyMicky

Interesting we both have a Mercedes background.  I had the W124 series, a new 1987 250D manual that I drove for 300,000 miles without too much grief and still regret selling.  The other was a 200TE that I sold last year and which, apart from the tin worm, was still running but with 250,000 and a rather tired engine.  I went for a test drive in a new C class but found the paint finish decidedly iffy, the sort of finish an apprentice would start with.  Then he only gave me a short out and back test drive along with a load of condescending waffle.  So I bought my Octavia instead😊

I currently have 2 W124’s, a 1989 260E I have had 15 years and a 1995 E300TD both in concours condition. My previous everyday car was a 1987 W124 200 purchased at 94k which I added another 160k over 18 years of ownership despite being under powered. The Octavia is quicker and returns better MPG towing our caravan than my E300 does solo. The E300 however does have the best magic carpet ride I have ever experienced and have driven 760 miles in one day without any discomfort.

 

I agree with you about the downturn in Mercedes quality especially the paint finish. Mercedes have been trading on their previous reputation for many years in my opinion.

Great pics, green with envy, I wish I'd kept my 250D as I'd had it from new in 1987 but sold it in a panic in 2006 when I retired and had too many cars with rather less income.😢