Hello to all,

I am to buy an Octavia. I have found a 4x4 1.8T with 192 bhp upgrade, 2002 model with 100K KM (not miles) on the clock.The car is clean with no obvious problems. Price is 12K Euros (about 8K quid), which in turn is a normal price for an octavia of that age here in Greece.

Would there be any reasons to make me turn away from the 4wd model and opt for a fwd one? Price will be the same, as most of these either 4wd or fwd are sold on the 12K margin.

In the UK, insurance on the 4x4 is slightly higher than the FWD. The 4x4 will use slightly more fuel.

I owned a FWD and wished that it was 4x4 on many occasions, the FWD with the 16" wheels suffers from bad wheelspin after any sort of power upgrade - I'd get the 4x4.

Insurance is not an issue at least here in Greece. It will probably run to 200 pounds fully comp. more or less like the 1990 escort I owned back in Colchester

I too tend to believe that fuel consumption will be higher as the engine has to move another diff, and an axle.

Does anyone know if the power is on a 50-50 basis between the front and rear wheels or is it electronically controlled?

it's not full-time 4wd like an impreza, and it's electronically controlled. no idea on the split though

The 4x4 is a Haldex system, which starts off at 100% front only, but AIUI can put most of the torque to the rears if required.

It might be slightly heavier on fuel than an FWD version, but it might be better on Greek gravel roads?

Frankly, I'd go on condition rather than specifically looking for a 4wd or FWD car.

Go for the 4X4 especially with the power upgrade, fuel consumption difference is negligible and the benefits outweigh this anyway.

4X4 works as it is needed, as decided by various sensors and haldex unit and is very effective and unless you are going for extreme off road should be perfectly adequate for your needs.

Regards,

Steve

4x4 every time

With a 4x4 you're never going to wish you had FWD - unless yr Haldex controller knackers - I think they're pretty much bomb proof, especially if serviced

If its RHD in Greece how about buying this & driving it home, all modded & a tadge over 6K & from a guy who maintains cars regardless of cost !

The 2K you save will pay for the flight & a nice drive home. Alternativly ship it

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/octavia/cherished-modded-1-8t-4x4-whats-worth/84677/?highlight=4x4

If its RHD in Greece how about buying this & driving it home, all modded & a tadge over 6K & from a guy who maintains cars regardless of cost !

The 2K you save will pay for the flight & a nice drive home. Alternativly ship it

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/octavia/cherished-modded-1-8t-4x4-whats-worth/84677/?highlight=4x4

Thanks for that Stuart

I am still asking myself if Im doing the right thing getting rid but I need an estate and I just love the look of the new VRS - unfortunatly theres no 4wd option.

Having had many powerful (upto 350bhp) front wheel drive cars the past, irrelevant of race logic tc and lsd's - the 4x4 is by far the best when it gets damp out!

The Octavia 1.8T 4x4 imho is one of the motoring industry's best kept secrets.

Lee

thanks for the replies guys.. truth is roads at some points can be quite tricky..especially to the south of Greece where I mostly roam...

Sooo most people go with the 4wd option, and a good thing it is that power is delivered according to demand..

regarding vehicle conditions, unless the car was crashed ur never gonna get rust on cars...yet some people neglect their cars soo much.. :(

in any case, I would like to get the 4wd but I was mostly concerned with mechanical issues..and the car is so subtle, u got to get to the a back to see the 4x4 badge and on the gear lever.. Truth is I check every 2 days to make sure the car is still there as I need a couple of months more to get the money...

yet 4wd octavias are easy to find..

Thanks for that Stuart

I am still asking myself if Im doing the right thing getting rid but I need an estate and I just love the look of the new VRS - unfortunatly theres no 4wd option.

Having had many powerful (upto 350bhp) front wheel drive cars the past, irrelevant of race logic tc and lsd's - the 4x4 is by far the best when it gets damp out!

The Octavia 1.8T 4x4 imho is one of the motoring industry's best kept secrets.

Lee

Keep the 4x4 & get a Diesel estate for a work hack.

Ive got the 4x4 & a Diesel L&K as a runner. Im just finishing rebuilding a 55 plate M3 & was probably going to sell the Skodas to fund keeping it but Im now convinced the M3 will go, the 4x4 is just such a good car & having just done the Furball in it & kept up with some "allegidly" quicker cars its just so so much fun whereas the M3 CS will be all it says on the badge so no chance to suprise anyone & probably useless in the wet

unfortunately, here in greece it is left hand drive and no roundabouts, plus import tax from EU countries (and greece is one of them ) is 60% of purchase price (that is the easy part)...and I really like the colour of that 4x4... :(