Seen a few fairly high mileage deisels, c100-120k miles in Autotrader recently. I was thinking about a petrol octavia, cost basically, but would rather get a deisel if i can. The prices are right i am just curious as too what to look for, and what i can expect.

They are 99 plates mainly Glx versions. I know VAG deisels have a decent reputation, so if the car has a decent service history it should be ok?

This would be a first car and the plan is to run it for a couple of years before getting something a little newer, but i do want a reliable car even if i might adda few dents...

Usual point to check is that the cambelt (toothed belt in the service schedule book) has been done at least once if you're looking at that sort of mileage. At the 120k end, it's due to be done again, so make allowances accordingly.

Also check that the electric toys work.

any idea as to a quote for its replacement? use it as a haggle point i guess?

Many Taxi firms use the octavia TDi and run them to 250K miles plus, so dont worry about mileage. As already mentioned check the cambelt has been changed if buying at around 120K, although TBH I would most likely get it changed regardless, if only for piece of mind.

- Cambelt £300 inc water pump and tensioners using genuine parts from JKM

Also check:

- aircon works as the clutch falls off this - £1000 replacement cost :eek:

- EGR is clear as this needs cleaning from time to time. (no easy way to check so look it isn't leaking oil)

- Arb bushes are not shot (banging noise from front)

- Gear box shifts smoothly (might just need oil change at under £50 but you can't be sure)

- Watch for clutch slip

- Clutch that sticks down is a broken slave cylinder

- MAF can go resulting in poor performance

- 110TDI can end up with sticky turbo which is about £1000 to replace but might be cleanable by a garage for less.

- Creaking driver or passenger seat requires new seat base

- Erratic indicators requires new hazard switch (£35ish plus 5 mins)

- Dash pod failure (not common but not unheard of on all VAGs of that age IIRC) about £200-500ish

- Rattling handbrake button means new handbrake, but this doesn't affect functionality.

- Slow wipers means the linkage may have started to seize up

- Wipers not working on intermittent or not parking correctly may require a new wiper motor.

- Hatchbacks all leak into the boot after you open the boot following heavy rain.

Sure I have forgotten some but that's it for now.

If you hunt around you should find some of the 2001 facelift models for good money and I think these are a bit nicer inside and out, plus they ironed a few kinks out.

If you've got time and somewhere more or less wind and waterproof to work in, seizing wiper linkage can be ismantled and lubricated, rather than needing replaced.

To clarify on one of CM's other points, water drips off the tailgate on the hatch into the boot; it's not actually a leak as such (but was avoidable at the design stage).

If you've got time and somewhere more or less wind and waterproof to work in, seizing wiper linkage can be ismantled and lubricated, rather than needing replaced.

To clarify on one of CM's other points, water drips off the tailgate on the hatch into the boot; it's not actually a leak as such (but was avoidable at the design stage).

Yep and lovingly carried over to the MK II too!!