Buying an older Octavia 1.8T

[sdds_8]

I'm thinking about selling my fabia vRS to free up some cash and going for an older higher mileage Octavia 1.8T.

I should be about to get something with around 80-90k year 2000 SLXi model for about £3000

Are there likely to be any issues if I go for a car as described?

Anything I should look out for when shopping around?

thanks

Bradley

[ap0gee1978]

The 1.8T unit is pretty bombproof if looked after properly, and ought to do 150k or more. But you will need to make sure the cambelt has been done, as the replacement interval used to be (I think) 80k - in which case there's a chance the owner of an 80k+ model may have traded it in rather than pay for the cambelt to be changed. The general thought seems to be that the water pump should be changed at the same time, so see if that's the case as well. Suspension is another VAG Achilles Heel, so you ought to get that looked at too...

[scottie vrs]

Keep your eyes peeled for bargains on ebay and the autotrader and could possibly pick up a "Y" reg or a 51 plate vrs for that sort of money .

[sdds_8]

Thanks,

Will key my eyes open for the vRS too.

I'm also thinking about a Golf GTi 1.8T of the same age or perhaps the 1.9 GT TDi with a remap. I don't really need the diesel economy benefit as I've moved a lot closer to work and wont be driving as much as I used to. The Octavia seems to be better value over the Golf.

I've emailed Stu to see if cruise control can be fitted? Anyone know the answer?

Bradley

[mdk1]

There's a nice Vrs for sale in the sales section on here for about £4000 i think.

[scottie vrs]

Thanks,

Will key my eyes open for the vRS too.

I'm also thinking about a Golf GTi 1.8T of the same age or perhaps the 1.9 GT TDi with a remap. I don't really need the diesel economy benefit as I've moved a lot closer to work and wont be driving as much as I used to. The Octavia seems to be better value over the Golf.

I've emailed Stu to see if cruise control can be fitted? Anyone know the answer?

Bradley

Yes cruise control can be retro fitted , awesome gti at manchester do for about £175 or there are sometimes full brand new cruise control kits on ebay for decent money that you have to fit yourself , dont know where abouts in the country you are but theres plenty of vag specialists out there .

[sdds_8]

Thanks Scottie_vrs, I use cruise control all the time and would hate to be without it!

If possible I'd getting it fitted by VRStu. He did my fabia vRS and is only about an hours drive from me.

[VRStu]

As long as you get a Drive by Wire you should be ok. The 1.8t was always the hardest to do but entirely possible.

[bengie]

go for a 2001 or newer as they are drive by wire and not cable, they are also face lifted inside and out

the DBW are a bit more reliable and remap higher

[sdds_8]

Thanks guys, are all the vRS cars drive by wire?

[Davvers 8]

Hi I got a 1.8T vrs a week and a half a ago and had cruise fitted by VRStu. Absolutley brilliant, quality install and it's great to have cruise again. Thoroughly recommend stu for this job.

[GarryC]

Im thinking of having this done. Where abouts are you STU and how much would you charge

Thanks in advance.

Kind Regards

Garry

[VRStu]

There are a few of us here that can help you Garry, I'll drop you a PM and see who's nearest to you.

[Naythan]

I got a 51 plate 4x4 1.8t from a main dealer in August for £4000, only had 40k on it, with full main dealer history by that dealer who sold it originally to the only owner, they replaced the climate panel, window switches and armrest and gave it a lube service in with the price.

I have changed the rear springs as the end had cracked on one of them and was creaking, also the front ARB's, oh and I had it re-mapped and cruise fitted!! Done 7k in it now and love it! Averaged 32.6mpg so far.