I've been seriously thinking about getting a Mk1 VRS, but didn't realise that they did estates later on in the Mk2's lifecycle!

They look really good value and I'm interested in an estate so I can easily shove mountain bikes in the back. I had been pondering about getting a Saab 9-5 Aero estate before I thought Skoda.

Are there any downsides? It would seem that the boot isn't really any bigger than the 5 dr, but I am sure it will make loading and unloading easier. Is the handling and performance any different?

I've been seriously thinking about getting a Mk1 VRS, but didn't realise that they did estates later on in the Mk2's lifecycle!

They look really good value and I'm interested in an estate so I can easily shove mountain bikes in the back. I had been pondering about getting a Saab 9-5 Aero estate before I thought Skoda.

Are there any downsides? It would seem that the boot isn't really any bigger than the 5 dr, but I am sure it will make loading and unloading easier. Is the handling and performance any different?

Re: the 9-5 Aero.... are you thinking of chucking a bit of Hirsch at it and getting it LPG'd for the green factor?

You will not be let down with a combi. Just go for it.

The Mk II Octy was launched over a period of 18 months. Not sure exactly, but it went something like hatchbacks first, then estates, 4*4, petrol vRS, diesel vRS, and the Scout is on its way.

In the meantime some of the MK 1 models were still made - particularly the vRS hatch and estate.

So I ended up going from an 05 plate Mk 1 vRS estate to an older 54 plate MK II Elegance hatch!!

The MK 1 estate handled pretty good - probably not quite as well as the hatch but not far off. My old one is here...

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/briskoda-members-cars/andy2407s-octavia-vrs-estate/56766/

I was always very impressed with the size of the boot - got plenty in it - and as you say access is easier than with the hatch, plus you can fill it up to the roof.

Quite a lot of hatch owners complain of water running into the boot when they open the hatch.

The hatch came with 17" wheels as standard, whereas the estate ones were only 16".

Also note that the hatch has a couple of struts / braces behind the rear seat, which might be an issue if you were intending to fold them down to put bikes in...

Good luck with your searching

lol, didn't realise you went backwards but forwards at the same time with your latest Octy Andy! That's a bit crazy isn't it?! :P

I'd be tempted by the estate, still am TBH, but no real need for one just yet. Always liked the way they looked....

Steve

To me they just look that bit better than the hatch. Also have "estate so it must be slow" look to it, then you just leave them for dead....

:iagree: - double whammy then Len - an estate AND a Skoda? Must be dead slow!

:drivesaf:

Steve

lol, didn't realise you went backwards but forwards at the same time with your latest Octy Andy! That's a bit crazy isn't it?! :P

I must admit I didn't think of it until I was writing my reply to this post!

I guess I'm just going round in circles

Re: the 9-5 Aero.... are you thinking of chucking a bit of Hirsch at it and getting it LPG'd for the green factor?

That was exactly what I was thinking of doing.

MPG is actually quite good on the 2.3 htp Saab engine - I had a very heavily modified 9000 Aero a couple of years ago. That engine actually has a lot more personality than a 1.8t VAG engine, though the rest of the package is more compromised.

LPG is not really an option as you get valve seat recession (not uncommon), most installers won't touch HPT engines and the injectors are usually only any good for 70bhp per cylinder. Potential for a great conversion on the estate though as the doughnut tank simply replaces the spare. Would have considered Hirsch, but also Maptun.

The Mk II Octy was launched over a period of 18 months. Not sure exactly, but it went something like hatchbacks first, then estates, 4*4, petrol vRS, diesel vRS, and the Scout is on its way.

In the meantime some of the MK 1 models were still made - particularly the vRS hatch and estate.

So I ended up going from an 05 plate Mk 1 vRS estate to an older 54 plate MK II Elegance hatch!!

The MK 1 estate handled pretty good - probably not quite as well as the hatch but not far off. My old one is here...

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/briskoda-members-cars/andy2407s-octavia-vrs-estate/56766/

I was always very impressed with the size of the boot - got plenty in it - and as you say access is easier than with the hatch, plus you can fill it up to the roof.

Quite a lot of hatch owners complain of water running into the boot when they open the hatch.

The hatch came with 17" wheels as standard, whereas the estate ones were only 16".

Also note that the hatch has a couple of struts / braces behind the rear seat, which might be an issue if you were intending to fold them down to put bikes in...

Good luck with your searching

Andy,

Thanks for the advice, mate. I didn't realise the wheel size was different. Presumably that translates into better ride quality, but problems if you want to fit four pot calipers and bigger disks?

I only found out today that the VRS 5dr had those rear strut braces, which would be a pain with mountain bike trips etc. I guess that means the handling of the estate isn't quite as good?

At least I've got a few months to make my mind up as I can't sell the ST until May and I've been told that staff discount will now be less generous on the higher spec / more desirable Fords.

I guess I also need to think about what level of mods I'll make to this car as I don't intend to leave it standard. Mate last night was trying to pursuade me to go down the 350bhp roller bearing turbo / big injector front, but then that means changing everything else too. I think I might actually be sensible (for a change!!!) and just limit myself to a nice custom re-map, maybe an exhaust & an air filter.

Jez

Do like the 9-5 too, seems to be a bit of an acquired taste though, I know quite a few people who can't stand them. I got to drive quite a few through my Dad's company car scheme when they first came out and loved the comfort and dash layout. Performance from even the smaller turbo'd engines was good too I thought. Seats are the best I've sat in for long-distance comfort and support too, no contest.

Do think it's in a slightly different league to the Octy though, being almost two car sizes above? I think of it more in terms of a cruiser too, a great motorway companion. Where I feel the vRS estate could also be hustled quite reasonable along A and B-roads. I certainly know I caused a 9-5 Estate 3.0 TiD some grief at the start of Dec, taking the country route from Manc to Jabbasport near Peterborough. And that was before I had a rear ARB and some Eibach magic sprinkled

Anyway, I digress - I just feel that these two are slightly different beasts and can't be compared all that well. Both are great choices, but in different ways. Depends where your priorities lie I guess?

Steve

(sorry for the essay )

And the Octavia will be a lot less expensive to run long lerm.

Wardy,

I think you are right, mate. Most std Saabs (save for old 900 T16's and new 9-3's) have dreadful handling as standard.

As you say, they are bigger classwise and certainly more dosh - my old 9000 was 33 grand when it was built in 1995! Seats were without a doubt the most comfy I have ever owned (and the leather Recaros in the ST are pretty fantastic), even if they looked a bit dated.

Having said that, I was quite amazed at the size of the 5dr Octavia boot as I was having a nose around a mk2 at the dealers today.

And the Octavia will be a lot less expensive to run long lerm.

Totally agree. The Saab will cost more to buy and is sure to break down more often. It seems the newer the Saab, the less reliable they are, hence a big reason for looking at the VRS. :thumbdwn:

For info, the wheels on the estate were 16s for stability and handling reasons. Probably for outright handling, you'd need some rear bracing, which would defeat the object of having the estate! A rear ARB might be good though, if it's possible on the estate?

I agree on the 5dr boot space, especially on the Mk2 - staggering, for a car based on the Golf.

Steve

For info, the wheels on the estate were 16s for stability and handling reasons. Probably for outright handling, you'd need some rear bracing, which would defeat the object of having the estate! A rear ARB might be good though, if it's possible on the estate?

I agree on the 5dr boot space, especially on the Mk2 - staggering, for a car based on the Golf.

Steve

:iagree

On the handling front, I have never had any issues with it. The back end just

seems a bit firm

That was exactly what I was thinking of doing.

MPG is actually quite good on the 2.3 htp Saab engine - I had a very heavily modified 9000 Aero a couple of years ago. That engine actually has a lot more personality than a 1.8t VAG engine, though the rest of the package is more compromised.

LPG is not really an option as you get valve seat recession (not uncommon), most installers won't touch HPT engines and the injectors are usually only any good for 70bhp per cylinder. Potential for a great conversion on the estate though as the doughnut tank simply replaces the spare. Would have considered Hirsch, but also Maptun.

Tough one isn't it, both great cars yet both very different..... on cost and reliability alone I'd go for the VRS, how ever a Maptuned Areo is tempting

It certainly is. I know I miss the grunt from those engines, but I just hear so many bad stories re 9-5 reliability obn the forums.

Jez

Tough one isn't it, both great cars yet both very different..... on cost and reliability alone I'd go for the VRS, how ever a Maptuned Areo is tempting

What about an IHI modded Octy though? :rubchin:

Steve

Ihi?

Ihi?

Uprated turbo

Argh!!!

Yes, certainly tempting & knowing me, that's exactly what I'll end up doing!!

Be cheaper to mod the Areo though.... all you need is the Maptun remap and your up to around the 280bhp mark....

Think of the cost of bigger Tubo's etc... required for the VRS to get it up to that sort of level....

Still think the VRS would be the better option though

...A rear ARB might be good though, if it's possible on the estate?

It certainly is