Any tips on Octavia specific problem areas I should check out on a test drive? I've seen the following on the website usedcarexpert -

" Before you buy a Skoda Octavia (1998 - 2004) there are 13 common faults or wear items that you should check for. Our research amongst the experts that work on this specific model everyday, has identified:

- 1 area(s) on the bodywork to inspect

- 2 engine check(s) to make

- 1 wear item(s) to spot on the suspension

- 3 interior item(s) that you need to ensure work

- 6 official recall(s) that should have been completed "

They want

Only just bought one myself but looked at a lot.

The comments on the Mk1 Octavia reliability thread would be a good place to start. 'Honest John' website lists common faults (no charge).

Outer skin of bumpers are fragile, many I saw were cracked as well as scratched from light impacts. Sills (and floor too) can be dented/flattened by poor jacking.

Quite difficult to externally distinguish 90/110/130 engines so check car&documents closely for code (search forum again for details). Some engines fussy on oil so ensure service history AOK.

Many reports of power loss under load uphill (ECU cuts boost/restored by restarting car.) Seen many theories. Only applies to 110hp with variable vane geometry turbo I think.

Otherwise just a case of testing carefully all toys/lights/knobs/twiddly things/adjustments etc. Especially aircon nice and cold. And a thorough test drive for usual - performance, stability, braking, clutch, gears etc.

Brother's 110hp taxi has had:

The power loss thing (replaced MAF several times but still happens).

Regular suspension bushes/ball joints.

Airbag faults.

Aircon compressor failure (very expensive).

Rear window fell off into door and damaged mechanism.

Discs/pads more often than you'd think.

Trouble passing emmissions at only 85K.

Part of clutch cable attachment broke off and had to be welded on.

Interior light switch and childlock switch electrical problems. Slow/sticky windscreen wipers.

Good luck with the search.

Brother's 110hp taxi has had:

The power loss thing (replaced MAF several times but still happens).

Discs/pads more often than you'd think.

Trouble passing emmissions at only 85K.

Interior light switch and childlock switch electrical problems.

Slow/sticky windscreen wipers.

My 2001 110TDi has suffered all of the above, plus leaking shocks, new clutch, slave & master cyclinders and a new haudralic clutch pipe. Currently has warped disks on the front as well.

Lack of power issue strange and never been resolved (even replaced the turbo), 2 x MAF, 1 x n75 valve, 1 x turbo. Have cleaned MAF as well but still no real difference.

Kandy

thanks for info, along with the Honest John website I've got a list which will keep me busy for a while - long enough to stop the salesman letting my try another!

Whats the reg of you brothers taxi - I need to avoid buying that!

A couple of other questions after reading the reliability thread -

- what is the MAF?

- are the error codes often reported displayed when putting the key in the ignition or do you have to have SKoda diagnostic equipment attached?

The MAF is a sensor which allows the ECU to determine how much 'air' is comming into the engine so it can calculate how much fuel to put in.

The error codes can be read by VAG-COM or a VAG group dealer with a adiagnostic tool.

The last I read on the turbo power loss issue (may even have been on here) was that a particular batch of ECU's was at the root of the problem or that the turbo vanes get dirty and stick. Affects Audi/VW's with same engine too. Seems like VAG just don't really know/inherent design fault/variety of causes. Unfortunately it can be very intermittent and may not show up on a test drive.

Brothers taxi is about 2001 I believe. Should have said watch out for ex-taxis. Was a very popular car for that job.

From Honest John (http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm)

Power loss on TDI 110s down to same problem as on Golf Mk IV. VAG acknowledges a fault with the ECU (038 906 018 BM) and specifies an upgraded unit (038 906 018 GQ) at £695.00 + VAT. According to VAG technical, this problem will eventually occur with all ECUs of the 'BM' part number.

mmm, time to get vag-com out and have a check.....

thanks for all the info, proved invaluable in my search.

1 car I took for a test drive was suffering with a turbo power loss - no power in the 2000-3000rpm range at all. Salesman wasnt interested - 'at this price what do you expect?'. I wont be visiting Fowlers in Newcastle-u-Lyme again.

Eventually found a tidy 2002 Ambience which didnt seem to have any obvious problems:thumbup:. Picking it up today, hope it lives up to its reputation:)

It's always nice when people report back. Hope you enjoy it.