In that I could feel it as I walked around the car to leave, put my hand on the bonnet and seemed hot to touch. 

2 hours ago, Mattyboy91 said:

In that I could feel it as I walked around the car to leave, put my hand on the bonnet and seemed hot to touch. 

 

Most of them don't have a mat under the bonnet so any heat will get through to the bonnet easily. It should heat up quickly being a petrol, certainly after 20 mins. It's normal for oil temps to hit 115/120 but not go over that and in the winter should sit closer to 100.

 

Sounds like something I would walk away from. If its not the colour you want, service history is non existent and high mileage for the age that would be enough to put me off. High mileage in itself is not a problem if its been serviced. Age can be as bad if not worse than mileage but on a 3-4 year old car that's quite high. May be motorway mileage though.

 

You can get a pre-facelift TSI with similar mileage for less if you look around. In terms of power, yes they are less from factory but if you plan to map them they all map to the same. There is some things that only really came to later models, depends if you are picky on spec/seat colour and finish.

 

Looking on Autotrader, as an example, there is a 2016 pre-facelift meteor grey hatchback with 55k on for £14,600. Black pack, DSG, parking sensors, etc.

Edited 27 November, 20223 yr by Dooge

On 26/11/2022 at 07:36, Mattyboy91 said:

I've been looking at the 2019 245 version, but it seems like there abit ropey? Can anyone confirm? :(.

 

I don't want to go down this road again after what's happened with my Skoda Fabia monte Carlo 11. Plus were talking 20k here.

 

cheers.

 

I don't think they're ropey.

My only grumble would be they're direct injection only AFAIK, whereas the earlier engines have direct and valve injection, which helps keep the inlet valves clean.

10 hours ago, Mattyboy91 said:

Cheers, for once I'm in no rush, just got to contain my excitement. I'm expecting disappointment anyway as it's 2019 245, with 62k, for 15600. But in metallic grey ew. There must be something up.

To each their own, I guess - I actually like that colour. A lot.

30 minutes ago, EnterName said:

I don't think they're ropey.

My only grumble would be they're direct injection only AFAIK, whereas the earlier engines have direct and valve injection, which helps keep the inlet valves clean.

 

This was the mechanical bit I was trying to get more info on tbh. Sounds like a big deal? I do like the face lift model. Got a few more viewings comming up :), im going to be broke for Christmas, although I have been good this year. 

 

As for the DSG, I fancy the manual :).

 

I think my silver issue is because I see it as like a standard colour? Maybe. My favourite is the racing blue, but I guess that's pretty standard haha. 

 

cheers for all the help everyone! Much love!.

 

there's also some golf gti in my price range, but much prefer the octy though, the things I could do with that bootay.! 

 

Edited 27 November, 20223 yr by Mattyboy91

33 minutes ago, Mattyboy91 said:

 

This was the mechanical bit I was trying to get more info on tbh. Sounds like a big deal? I do like the face lift model. Got a few more viewings comming up :), im going to be broke for Christmas, although I have been good this year. 

 

As for the DSG, I fancy the manual :).

 

I think my silver issue is because I see it as like a standard colour? Maybe. My favourite is the racing blue, but I guess that's pretty standard haha. 

 

cheers for all the help everyone! Much love!.

 

there's also some golf gti in my price range, but much prefer the octy though, the things I could do with that bootay.! 

 

Racing Blue is definitely a good colour! I wanted either Meteor Grey or Racing Blue, estate, DSG, black pack, winter pack, cruise and larger screen. Managed to find it after several months. Definitely seems more around now than there was when I was looking earlier this year.

 

 

As for DSG vs Manual, I've never found manual VAG cars to be brilliant however each to them own. If you plan to map it however, you'll probably want an uprated clutch at some point.

 

Worth making a list of must haves and wants. Lots of bits are optional extras but I think the VRS are a bit rarer and original than Golf GTi's.

27 minutes ago, Dooge said:

Racing Blue is definitely a good colour! I wanted either Meteor Grey or Racing Blue, estate, DSG, black pack, winter pack, cruise and larger screen. Managed to find it after several months. Definitely seems more around now than there was when I was looking earlier this year.

 

 

As for DSG vs Manual, I've never found manual VAG cars to be brilliant however each to them own. If you plan to map it however, you'll probably want an uprated clutch at some point.

 

Worth making a list of must haves and wants. Lots of bits are optional extras but I think the VRS are a bit rarer and original than Golf GTi's.

You literally have my dream car there haha, 👌. Can't find any estates in my budget sucks :(. 

 

just booked a test drive for this one. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211101540828?atmobcid=soc3🤞 I'm abit worried that I won't quite get the estate on the driveway haha it's only 5m long.

 

55 minutes ago, Mattyboy91 said:

You literally have my dream car there haha, 👌. Can't find any estates in my budget sucks :(. 

 

just booked a test drive for this one. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211101540828?atmobcid=soc3🤞 I'm abit worried that I won't quite get the estate on the driveway haha it's only 5m long.

 

Estates are great but boomy at higher speeds. Not sure if hatchbacks are but they neither have alot of sound insulation in the rear end. I paid £14k for it with 80k on the clock in April, prices have dropped a little since. Its got a very good service history so I was happy with the mileage.

 

Looks great, definitely love those fabric quilted seats with the red insert. 

Edited 27 November, 20223 yr by Dooge

20 hours ago, Mattyboy91 said:

 

This was the mechanical bit I was trying to get more info on tbh. Sounds like a big deal? I do like the face lift model. Got a few more viewings comming up :), im going to be broke for Christmas, although I have been good this year. 

 

As for the DSG, I fancy the manual :).

 

I think my silver issue is because I see it as like a standard colour? Maybe. My favourite is the racing blue, but I guess that's pretty standard haha. 

 

cheers for all the help everyone! Much love!.

 

there's also some golf gti in my price range, but much prefer the octy though, the things I could do with that bootay.! 

 

Hi Matty, have you got the correct colour? Metal Grey is not silvery. I agree with you on the 6-speed manual though.

Edited 28 November, 20223 yr by Warrior193
extra comment

Maybe tbh, just not my ting. Here's the car. 

 

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208259139602?atmobcid=soc3

24 minutes ago, Mattyboy91 said:

Maybe tbh, just not my ting. Here's the car. 

 

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208259139602?atmobcid=soc3

Don't think that's called metal grey. Looks the same colour as SWMBOs Fabia.

At a guess, the car shown above is brilliant silver?

 

2017 brochure lists the below, 2019 drops denim blue and cappuccino beige.

On 27/11/2022 at 19:58, EnterName said:

I don't think they're ropey.

My only grumble would be they're direct injection only AFAIK, whereas the earlier engines have direct and valve injection, which helps keep the inlet valves clean.

 

Not sure on this - but certainly my MK2 FL VRS had EML issues on carbon build up and sticky inlet flaps by 45k miles which I haven't seen on the 245 at similar miles. Water pump is the only issue I've had. Had mine replaced under extended warranty but would have been a big bill otherwise.

14 minutes ago, juan27 said:

 

Not sure on this - but certainly my MK2 FL VRS had EML issues on carbon build up and sticky inlet flaps by 45k miles which I haven't seen on the 245 at similar miles. Water pump is the only issue I've had. Had mine replaced under extended warranty but would have been a big bill otherwise.

Cheers for that it's good to know, I'm buying with a loan so warranty etc I'm a little scared about, hopfully it won't be an issue. But I never realised if you pay only a £1 with a credit card you get extra protection, which I never realised you could do. (100.00 to 30k)

quick question: is it the 2017 245 version with the VAQ? Do all the other have the Electronic Slip dif or are they all same? im not sure if they changed it on the new 2017 shape. Hmmm.

I can only find heated seats on the 230 versions and wanted to know if they had different difs. 😞 

Pretty sure only pre-FL 230 and FL 245 got the VAQ, if it's a pre-FL 220 or FL 230 then it won't have a VAQ...

 

The VAQ is basically a hydraulically operated clutch pack between the right hand drive shaft and differential cage. By adjusting the pressure on the plates, it can transfer torque across the front axle.

 

A vRS (and other Octavia models) without VAQ will have 'EDL' which is a brake based system that applies braking force to the spinning wheel(s).

 

If heated seats are on your list, maybe look for '67 or '18 plate 245's. When the 245 was first released the was an 'edition' spec with the following extras:

41 minutes ago, langers2k said:

Pretty sure only pre-FL 230 and FL 245 got the VAQ, if it's a pre-FL 220 or FL 230 then it won't have a VAQ...

 

The VAQ is basically a hydraulically operated clutch pack between the right hand drive shaft and differential cage. By adjusting the pressure on the plates, it can transfer torque across the front axle.

 

A vRS (and other Octavia models) without VAQ will have 'EDL' which is a brake based system that applies braking force to the spinning wheel(s).

 

If heated seats are on your list, maybe look for '67 or '18 plate 245's. When the 245 was first released the was an 'edition' spec with the following extras:

Thanks for that you legend! Is the VAQ worth the extra over the previous? I might be priced out 😞 got a max for 18k:( 

 

Btw that pre fl 230 black vrs and fl 245 thing is super confusing by Skoda. Why did they not use it on the fl 230 standard? Weird. 

Edited 29 November, 20223 yr by Mattyboy91

With decent tyres the front end grip is super impressive for a relatively powerful FWD car and in my opinion, the VAQ is helping to make a good amount of that grip. Roundabouts are great fun as you can really get on the power early for good drive out...

 

For me, the spec of the 245 'edition' was definitely worth it over the later 'normal' 245 or 230:

- I use the heated seats most drives at the moment

- Powerfold mirrors should have been standard for all the vRS and I would have retrofitted them otherwise

- An added bonus I didn't know about was auto-dimming wing mirrors which are great for M/A road night driving

- Front sensors are handy and work great with a retrofitted OEM reversing camera

 

It was after the initial covid round and before the used car market went crazy. There was a good amount of choice and most prices were pretty similar between models, the one I chose even had DCC fitted

 

If possible, I'd suggest taking both a VAQ and non-VAQ car out for a spin and see how they feel.

59 minutes ago, langers2k said:

With decent tyres the front end grip is super impressive for a relatively powerful FWD car and in my opinion, the VAQ is helping to make a good amount of that grip. Roundabouts are great fun as you can really get on the power early for good drive out...

 

For me, the spec of the 245 'edition' was definitely worth it over the later 'normal' 245 or 230:

- I use the heated seats most drives at the moment

- Powerfold mirrors should have been standard for all the vRS and I would have retrofitted them otherwise

- An added bonus I didn't know about was auto-dimming wing mirrors which are great for M/A road night driving

- Front sensors are handy and work great with a retrofitted OEM reversing camera

 

It was after the initial covid round and before the used car market went crazy. There was a good amount of choice and most prices were pretty similar between models, the one I chose even had DCC fitted

 

If possible, I'd suggest taking both a VAQ and non-VAQ car out for a spin and see how they feel.

Cheers for the help, there's lots of features I could potentially be missing out on. I think I've found one MK3 that has heated seats with 245 bhp and it's in red 😞 I'll keep on hunting!

 

I may have to go golf     http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210180843810?atmobcid=soc3💪

Edited 29 November, 20223 yr by Mattyboy91

Like everything if you don't know what it is you will likely not miss it.  I have a FL230 without VAQ and I can't say I miss the option (I don't know how it feels to have it).  That said I'm not wanting to use my car on track days and the limited spirit that can be applied to UK roads in this incarnation is still plenty impressive.  Which is another point... don't restrict your search to the 245 this will give you more choice.  The difference in BHP is not enough to notice and as someone else has pointed out,  can be resolved with a remap if needed.

 

As for the options that folks are pointing out.  They are all  "must haves".... problem is together they are mostly "unobtainium".  You will end up compromising.  You will see a high mileage car with all the whistles but it's mileage will scare you to death;  you will see a low mileage car at a great price but is won't have any of the "must haves";  the car won't be the right colour,  won't have the right wheels,  will have everything except for heated seats OR it will be the holy grail but the price tag will put it out of reach.

 

Test drive - find a car you think you will like,  make sure it fulfils as many of your criteria as you can live with - even none if the price tag,  mileage and service history is right.   They are all good to drive.

 

The one thing I personally can't live without...... DSG.

2 hours ago, Mattyboy91 said:

Cheers for the help, there's lots of features I could potentially be missing out on. I think I've found one MK3 that has heated seats with 245 bhp and it's in red 😞 I'll keep on hunting!

 

I may have to go golf     http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210180843810?atmobcid=soc3💪

 It depends how much boot space you need, the Golf has roughly 200 litres less than the Octavia. I think the GTI comes with Front assist and adaptive cruise control as standard. This can help on insurance groups.

If you are considering something Golf size, don't forget the Leon Cupra, this comes with more power than the other 2, also they have DCC and the VAQ diff as standard

Edited 29 November, 20223 yr by Bogwoppit

13 minutes ago, Bogwoppit said:

 It depends how much boot space you need, the Golf has roughly 200 litres less than the Octavia. I think the GTI comes with Front assist and adaptive cruise control as standard. This can help on insurance groups.

If you are considering something Golf size, don't forget the Leon Cupra, this comes with more power than the other 2, also they have DCC and the VAQ diff as standard

Oh wow, it's a seat though 😞 haha, I love the cupra just I hate the inside. I'll have a look though. It's super hard to find any 245 with the winter pack, but it makes sense. It's also incredibly hard to find PFL 230s with winter pack haha. Cheers ill take a look at the seat maybe there's a cheeky estate. 

 

On the boot I do need it for pooch. But not essential. 

Edited 29 November, 20223 yr by Mattyboy91

43 minutes ago, Mattyboy91 said:

Oh wow, it's a seat though 😞 haha, I love the cupra just I hate the inside. I'll have a look though. It's super hard to find any 245 with the winter pack, but it makes sense. It's also incredibly hard to find PFL 230s with winter pack haha. Cheers ill take a look at the seat maybe there's a cheeky estate. 

 

On the boot I do need it for pooch. But not essential. 

Winter packs don't seem overly common which is a shame. I do shortish journeys atm and it means the car isn't up to temp for very ling before I turn it off. I don't bother turning the climate control on but you still have control over rear heated screen and heated seats even with the climate control off which is great.

 

Only other option I'd like would is auto folding mirrors, I'm forever folding them in and out manually.

 

Mileage isn't a problem if its been serviced. The engine and and gearbox are both quite reliable if maintained properly.

 

It took me over a month to find mine, something will come along!

On 29/11/2022 at 18:33, Insearchofaskoda said:

Like everything if you don't know what it is you will likely not miss it.  I have a FL230 without VAQ and I can't say I miss the option (I don't know how it feels to have it).  That said I'm not wanting to use my car on track days and the limited spirit that can be applied to UK roads in this incarnation is still plenty impressive.  Which is another point... don't restrict your search to the 245 this will give you more choice.  The difference in BHP is not enough to notice and as someone else has pointed out,  can be resolved with a remap if needed.

 

As for the options that folks are pointing out.  They are all  "must haves".... problem is together they are mostly "unobtainium".  You will end up compromising.  You will see a high mileage car with all the whistles but it's mileage will scare you to death;  you will see a low mileage car at a great price but is won't have any of the "must haves";  the car won't be the right colour,  won't have the right wheels,  will have everything except for heated seats OR it will be the holy grail but the price tag will put it out of reach.

 

Test drive - find a car you think you will like,  make sure it fulfils as many of your criteria as you can live with - even none if the price tag,  mileage and service history is right.   They are all good to drive.

 

The one thing I personally can't live without...... DSG.

This is really good advice. There is always going to be a trade-off, whatever you buy.

The only time I've ever bought a car that was the exact colour and spec I wanted, was when I bought it new. The trade-off there was the price, though.

Have a look at loads of cars and get a feel for what a "good" Octavia looks, sounds and feels like.

Keep your options open, you'll find that all variants have their pros and cons.

 

On 29/11/2022 at 17:20, Mattyboy91 said:

I may have to go golf     http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210180843810?atmobcid=soc3💪

 

I went from a vRS Estate to a 7.5 Golf GTI and am not disappointed.  No kids at home any more, so I don't need the space.  Bogwoppit's right though - when you start chucking stuff in the boot, the difference in the space available is quite startling.  I use a mobility scooter, and a folding bike, which the vRS would swallow with ease, but the Golf does not.

 

Gaz