Is the mk2 Octy vRS better than the mk1?, my car is now 2 1/2 years old so thoughts are turning to its future replacement (or not!). Does the high cost justify changing to the new model or should I just keep the mk1 and get it remapped?, the mileage is reasonably low and I do like the car:confused:

Maybe test drive one and see for yourself. Lots of people seem to have different opinions about it so I suppose its the only way of knowing if it suits you.

A remapped Mk 1 is similar if not faster than a std mk2. But handling wise the new one is quite a bit more poised and this is due to the excellent chassis shared throughout the VAG group.

I'd just mod yours a little. A £500 remap will get the smile back on your face...

I had a mk1 and now have a mk2. I only changed because I am a company car driver and have to change.

My advice is it is a better car, but;

1. It is going to cost you at least £10k to change and it isn't £10k better.

2. You can get the same performance increase by chipping your old car.

3. Fuel consumption is on average 5mpg lower on the new car.

4. Oil consumption is very high, I ve been through 5 litres of expensive long life oil in 26000 miles at £14 per litre.

On the plus side, the mk2 comes in blue.

3. Fuel consumption is on average 5mpg lower on the new car.

Do you mean the new car is more economical, or less economical?

Sorry, It's probably obvious to everyone else.

The MkII is undoubtedly a better car all round with performance, handling, comfort and equipment all superior to the MkI, however, all this comes at a price as the cost to change will be quite a bit higher.

That said, I still like the MkI and still think about my old one fondly. At the end of the day, it's down to you but test driving one may sway you

Oh and btw, my MkII is definately more economical than the old one!.

Do you mean the new car is more economical, or less economical?

Sorry, It's probably obvious to everyone else.

He means the new car is less economical

As far as the oil is concerned, I bought 10 litres (2*4 and 2*1) of

Valvoline SYNPOWER 5W-30 XL III at 11 euros per litre.

At the same time, the local dealer demands 27 euros per litre for the exact same oil :eek:

Ah yes, Mr Sonic knows all about mods..........especially brakes...bedding in nicely i hope

My Mk2 does 32mpg average, my Mk1 managed 36mpg average.

My Mk2 does 32mpg average, my Mk1 managed 36mpg average.

Feck me, you must drive like a granny! :P

Lots of long distance work. Have had the car up to 150mph.

Ah yes, Mr Sonic knows all about mods..........especially brakes...bedding in nicely i hope

With some 'persuasive' driving, yes...! lol

The Mk1 may well more economical like for like but if as advised the Mk1 is remapped to get the extra go of the Mk2 then what is the mpg comparison. Performance doesn't generally come for free. :(

Maybe a Mk1 chipped is more thirsty, but it is £9500 cheaper. You can buy a lot of petrol for that.

i hav just swapped my yellow mk1 for a new black mk2 gotta say mk 2 far better car, much better performance & handling [even with 18's on]. it is a little worse on petrol but only do low mileage so I dont really care !! and as for expense well you cant take it with you !!! spend it whilst your breathing !!

think what you can do with 10k

for half of that you are at about 350bhp with the mk1 you already own

I took a new oCTY Vrs out a few months ago and was tht impressed with it I immediately got rid of my black 85K mk 1 and bought a silver 10K...........Mk1!!!!!!!!!

I found the Mk2 an bit on the overweight side and overly light and vague steering wise, much preferred my Mk1

It all depends if you really want a new car. If you've decided you want to change, chances are you'll find and excuse to do it anyway.

Personally I intend to keep my Mk1 (2 1/2 years old) for at least another three years, which is how I justify continuing with the mods.

Of course I can't sell mine for a year anyway as I'd have to pay import duty.

I agree with the above comments though, get a remap, fit some strut braces front and rear and the performance and handling will be transformed, making it feel like a new car for 750 quid or so.

By the way my economy overall has been about the same post-remap if not a little bit better.

To answer your original question - Yes MK2 is a far superior drive with (much) better grip, poise, turn in, ratios and power delivery. And it's even more practical with regards to space and (at the expense of aesthetics) ride height.

As you know, it's based on the highly regarded Golf 5 and the previous one was based on the rather derided Golf 4.

If you like new cars it's worth a try. If you don't need the space, maybe a golf or focus would be better. If you're happy with older cars, yes £10K could buy you something v.fun for weekends and/or transform your MK1 into something mega.

You pays your money and takes your choice

Not had a mk1 but the mk2 is a nice car, but like some have said the cost to change may be high.

If I had not got 5yr old twins and a lot of equipment to lug around for work, I would have "probably" bought a Leon FR or a used mk5 Golf.

The mk2 is a nice place to be sitting, mine has been very reliable with minimal squeaks or rattles and actually pretty economical. It's a great way to cover distance quickly, comfortably, with a family and luggage but still capable of spirited driving.

As you know, it's based on the highly regarded Golf 5 and the previous one was based on the rather derided Golf 4.

i didn't seem to have any issue's over taking the mk2 octavia's at trax last year in my mk1

and keeping up with them and having more to go rounfd the corners had nothing to do with 4WD and i wasn't running any more power than people like shifty although i could put my power down better out of the corners

i didn't seem to have any issue's over taking the mk2 octavia's at trax last year in my mk1

Comment irrelevant as there is no standard factor of the driver. However fast I may or may not be I think a certain Mr. Alonso/Schumacher/Button et al would probably be faster in the same car let alone a different one. :(

believe me i am not the best driver in the world but not too bad, maybe it was down to my commitement rather than my cars ability? :confused:

Test drove the Octy vRS2 last year and decided that it was not 10k+ better than the Octy vRS1 that I already have.

What did I do with the 10k? Bought me a re-map and Mrs Smifffy a 1 year old Fabia vRS.

Result; a happy Mrs Smifffy and loads of brownie points for me. :D

i've had my mk2 for a week and whilst theres no doubting that the new one is more refined etc etc, I think i preferred the mk1