Good afternoon,

Coming in from the Fabia side, I am looking at this Skoda Octavia 64 plate estate elegance.

It's in a very nice blue and just 90k miles.

The seller wants £4750 for it but hasn't disclosed that its CAT N (potential bargaining angle), the front bumper has been replaced with a new one, however the replacement bumper doesn't include the headlight washer - 8X1 - they sent me PR codes - will have to confirm on inspection of car.

The car also has the front assist module? (square thing mounted on front of car) which I wanted to retrofit ACC into but I think that may cost me 500+

I currently do 250 miles a week 50/50 A406 and 30 roads. I think the 1.4 TSI will take well do this - I also do yearly tour with an Indian classical instruments company - we carry stages, instruments and some of the nicest souls I've come across. We're actually in Reading and Bristol in September 18 so If you're interested I can get you discounted tickets.

Anyways.

I really like this spec; leather seats, sunroof, heated seats, cruise control, front assist, roof rails, as well as a spare key (nice). The cherry on top would be ACC but considering its low mileage and a car I do want to keep for 5 years I can always save for upgrades in the future.

I'd like to ask if there's any advice in inspecting and buying this car, ownership pitfalls. If it's easy to access the belt and what to check for in terms of major services It may have gone through before the accident. MOTs show nothing major just one time a rear coil spring fractured which was fixed (2025) and tyres once.

This would be my second Turbo car, 1st was a BMW 118d in 2018 so a while ago, my previous 3 cars were all Mk1 Fabias.

The salvage photos show small damage, front bumper completely removed, as well as one panel dented, photos on advert show a clean finish as if nothing ever happened to it, the seller also mentions all paperwork is present but that may not include service history.

I really do like the car

Its a CHPA Engine code I believe I'm working with a Timing Belt

1.4 TSI

Estate

Manual

Many thanks,

A potential octavia owner.

List of PR Codes below

PRCode: 1AZ = Electronic stabilization program (ESP)

PRCode: 1D0 = Without trailer hitch

PRCode: 1KD = Disc brakes rear

PRCode: 1N3 = Speed-related variable steering assist (Servotronic)

PRCode: 1NL = Covers for alloy wheels

PRCode: 2UA = Standard design

PRCode: 3FU = Big roof system

PRCode: 3GN = Variable cargo area concept

PRCode: 3L3 = Manual height adjustment for front seats

PRCode: 3NU = Rear seat bench unsplit backrest split folding with center armrest

PRCode: 3QB = 3-point seat belts front

PRCode: 3S2 = Black roof rails

PRCode: 4A3 = Seat heater for front seats separately controlled

PRCode: 4F2 = Central locking system Keyless Entry

PRCode: 4R4 = Power windows with comfort operation andcircuit breaker

PRCode: 4UP = Driver's and front passenger air bag with knee air bag and front passenger air bag deactivation

PRCode: 4X3 = Side air bag front with curtain air bag

PRCode: 5SJ = Left exterior mirror: convex

PRCode: 6FF = Body-colored exterior mirror housings and various add-on parts

PRCode: 7AL = Anti-theft alarm system passenger compartment control backup horn and towing protection

PRCode: 7MJ = Emission standard EU5 plus

PRCode: 7P4 = Manually adjustable lumbar support in front seats

PRCode: 7UF = Navigation system - Standard

PRCode: 7X1 = Park distance control

PRCode: 8GU = Alternator 140 A

PRCode: 8QL = Key for locking system with remote control

PRCode: 8RM = 8 speakers (passive)

PRCode: 8WB = Front fog lights

PRCode: 8X1 = Headlight washer system

PRCode: 8ZH = Antenna for AM/FM reception diversity

PRCode: 9AK = Climatronic with impact pressure control free of cfc

PRCode: 9P5 = Seat belt reminder optical and acousticelectric contact

PRCode: 9ZV = Comfort telephony without antenna connection

PRCode: B09 = Type approval Great Britain and NorthernIreland

PRCode: E0A = No special edition

PRCode: F0A = No special purpose vehicle standard equipment

PRCode: G01 = Front shock absorption

PRCode: H6L = Tires 225/45 R17 91W

PRCode: L02 = Suspension range 02 installation control only no requirement forecast

PRCode: Q1A = Standard front seats

PRCode: QI6 = Without service indicator

PRCode: QN1 = Drawer under left front seat

Thanks again for reading.

Depends who did the repair and how well it was done. From memory CAT N i think is the new CAT D so value is probably 30-50% less than market price. Check what the current value of an undamaged similar car. Also check what insurance you can get. Even if the seller hasn't declared it it to you it will have a permanent CAT N marker and when getting quotes you have to mention it.

Alasdair

Edited 2 hours ago2 hr by Alasdair1

Meant to add that the fact he hasn't disclosed its a cat N would worry me.

Alasdair

@Alasdair1 I did run it by my current insurance (AA) and it's not really much of an increase. I don't think they'll refuse to insure a CAT N car with just bumper damage. Confused.com also offered 700/year -East London - 15k miles a year - SDP&C

They said the underwriter will insure it and I don't really mind the CAT N marker as it's just a front bumper replacement - I agree it is a bit of a worry, but that's what test drives and in person viewings are for. if he's really iffy then its a day trip to a different city and enjoy some local galleries.

I'm more so looking at what to look out for during inspection. previous owner before this person had it for 11 years, so it seems like they got into an accident and insurance paid them out for it? If it was me I'd take the money and get myself an upgrade...

I think it will still be a good car, If I can get a good look at suspension, engine components, take it for a nice drive and know what to look out for I'll be fine and wouldn't mind spending four thousand on what is ideally a really well spec'd car with almost everything I want on it.

These days the costs of repairing cars are mad so many good cars are automatically written off. If its got a full or good service history and been repaired properly it should be ok. Timing belt these days is I think 130k (loads of different opinions) but I still do mine every 5 years/60k to be on the safe side. Have had mk2 octavias for years and no major problems. My current is 1.6tdi and old one 1.9tdi. Excellent cars to drive. Thinking of going petrol soon as I dont do long runs anymore and DPF is getting past it.

Alasdair

@Alasdair1 I did want to get a diesel but considering this can be such a bargain I don't mind the slightly lower fuel costs and smaller engine.

I don't really carry many passengers but would like to embark on a long trip with my partner one of these days and last thing I'd want is the car crapping out on me for something overlooked.

Since its salvage I don't think it will have any service history at all...