Looking at an octavia vrs this weekend

MarkR

After 5 years it's time for a change. I've been in contact with the seller and no red flags yet.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3361198

Car is miles from me. Owner swears it's immaculate and washes it in angels tears and dries it with unicorn hair. I may have made that up, but he says it's in excellent condition.

I'm going to do a vehicle history check, and am leaning towards motorcheck (I can use a discount code, and they are on this site), other options are cartell, and the suspiciously cheap mywheels.ie.

It's cross country to me, so I can't bring my normal guy to view the car. I can spot a lemon (from seeing A LOT of lemons last time around) I think. Bad paint jobs, panels not lining up, general wear in the car. I've also been studying Limerik Man's excellent guide.

I'll be taking it for a good test drive after a thorough exam of the car. Ideally I'd bring a mechanic, but 6 hours + round trip makes that impossible. Should I try to arrange a local independent to check the car? I think there's a skoda dealer not a million miles from the guy, but I'd probably get better value from an indy?

I've the money sorted and am not trading in, so the mrs will have to chauffeur me over.

Would I be mad not to bring a mechanic?

Ronan H

Well the seller hasn't used the word "mint" so you're off to a good start with that.

His basic description checks out on Motorcheck too.

Tis a lovely car, great colour too.

It wouldn't be mad not to bring a mechanic, I know it's best practice, but what percentage of people who buy private cars will actually do that in reality? I know it's usually always the first piece of advice that you get when you post about buying privately, but sometimes it just isn't practical.

I guess you could try and get a local indy to check it out, and if that doesn't pan out then just go yourself and see what you think. You can always walk away if it's not as it's supposed to be. You sound like you have the cash in your pocket ready to rool, just don't rush into it.

If you can't get an indy, then maybe an online check might give you at least a bit of peace of mind in some areas. If you were going to give an indy some cash then it might be an alternative option.

Good luck with the mission anyway, let usknow how you get on?

Ro

MuppetCheck

It's an english car anyway.

awec

This post has been deleted.

sheehan12

nice looking car but the toe bar make the back of the car look sh*t.

bazz26

Yep, UK Octavia's are generally lower spec than Irish ones too. They don't have climate control, auto dipping rear view mirror, etc as standard.

subway

Lot of miles on it :pac:

Could you ask someome in dublin to check it out for you? Maybe some on the forum could recommend a mechanic to go check it for you?

Edit//
I think you might be mad to buy it on sight.

MarkR

Thanks for the replies. I knew it was an import all right from the speedo. Doesn't have that fancy maxidot display either. Not particularly pushed on the climate control of dim function. Is there anything else that's different? Think I read something about power windows in the rear. Not a deal breaker tbh.

Don't want to take a day off work, so it would have to be a weekend. That kinda screws the mechanic thing.

The previous nct was done in the owners name, all readings were good. Emissions, suspension imbalance etc.

I'll sleep on it before I order the history report maybe tomorrow. If it all checks out, then it's a great deal. If it doesn't, i'm down a couple of hundred miles, 6+ hours of driving, and a car history report.

Maybe one will turn up in Limerick tonight. (Just missed one last week)

Bpmull

Its clearly uk spec as it doesn't have the maxi dot display that the Irish vrs have. Nice car personally I'd prefer the Irish spec.

Bpmull

MarkR wrote: »

Thanks for the replies. I knew it was an import all right from the speedo. Doesn't have that fancy maxidot display either. Not particularly pushed on the climate control of dim function. Is there anything else that's different? Think I read something about power windows in the rear. Not a deal breaker tbh.

Don't want to take a day off work, so it would have to be a weekend. That kinda screws the mechanic thing.

The previous nct was done in the owners name, all readings were good. Emissions, suspension imbalance etc.

I'll sleep on it before I order the history report maybe tomorrow. If it all checks out, then it's a great deal. If it doesn't, i'm down a couple of hundred miles, 6+ hours of driving, and a car history report.

Maybe one will turn up in Limerick tonight. (Just missed one last week)

Don't think the uk ones have the tyre pressure monitor the Irish ones have but I could be wrong. Just don't rush out and buy the first one you see. I know that's easier said than done when you have cash in your pocket. If you look at the car love it and it checks out go for it. If not walk away as was previously said better regret not buying a car. Than regret buying it. Best of luck

bigroad

That sounds like a great deal op.A mate of mine sold the very same type 6 months ago for 12800 i think .If you give george dalton a shout thats his username on here .He is a vw/skoda/audi man and he might know somebody in the bray area to have a gander for you.

Atlantic Dawn

When someone alters the advert to put in another number and or has it in bold font I usually assume it's a muppet selling it, but then again that might just be me . I'd refinance another €5 to put the correct mobile number in and not have my advert a laughing stock.

miller50841

Hi its a nice looking car bought a petrol one myself went to Birmingham and brought it back.
My one was a lease car and had same mileage on it but the cars are well able for it and been a diesel its better driven then only having 10k on it.

My one is without a centre arm rest and rear elec windows and no climate but still a cracking car to drive a prefer it doesnt have arm rest as it dangerous when you get too comfortable.

Best of luck op on your new addition to the family:D

Casati

Find out if its a PD or a common rail engine as the engines changed in 2008- they both are 170bhp but the older PD engines are not quite as nice to drive with the power in one surge, but more importantly the injectors are known to give problems, and Skoda I think were extending warranty but as a UK import your local Irish dealer might not be as helpful chasing goodwill etc for you if needed in the future. Ask on vagdrivers.net if anybody knows that particular car, or for advise- often VRS's appear for sale there too

As others have said, the UK spec is lower than the Irish, though they look very similar externally and seats are the same. As with any car check the service history, its no harm to put a call through to the servicing dealer in the UK to see if the miles etc check out.

Tea2

MarkR wrote: »

Doesn't have that fancy maxidot display either. Not particularly pushed on the climate control of dim function. Is there anything else that's different? Think I read something about power windows in the rear. Not a deal breaker tbh.

I bought a 2006 petrol a while ago, and looked at quite a few before buying the one I bought. The 2008 (AFAIK) was basically the same car (I think the RS was facelifted in mid-2009)

I seem to remember all the cars I saw (2006-2008) had the items below, which might mean they were Irish standard at the time:

- Auto Dimming mirror
- Climate Control
- Maxidot
- Rear electric Windows
- Foglights (not sure about this)

Other extras that were a crapshoot (some had them, some didn't) were:

- Xenon Headlights
- sunroof
- Audience Radio (6 CD switcher, standard unit is single CD)
- Heated seats
- Cruise Control
- Auto rain-sensing wipers
- Rear window sun screen
- Reverse parking sensors
- Luggage net in boot

This is all from memory, so I'm open to corrections or clarifications, but I hope it helps.

MarkR

Thanks guys. After sleeping on it, I think I'll hold off until I can find something closer. Or at least one with the Irish spec. I know me, and if I bought the uk spec, I'd only be looking to upgrade the various bits and pieces. Would bug me in the end!

The injector / engine info was great, I had heard about that but now I have more detail.

This car may well be a bargain, but not for me.

Saw a savage one in white that sold a while back, but that was petrol. Did the diesel come in white in Ireland?

They're not that common, but they aren't hens teeth. Another will come up in the next couple of weeks, and tbh, it has to be closer than the wicklow one!

Bpmull

MarkR wrote: »

Thanks guys. After sleeping on it, I think I'll hold off until I can find something closer. Or at least one with the Irish spec. I know me, and if I bought the uk spec, I'd only be looking to upgrade the various bits and pieces. Would bug me in the end!

The injector / engine info was great, I had heard about that but now I have more detail.

This car may well be a bargain, but not for me.

Saw a savage one in white that sold a while back, but that was petrol. Did the diesel come in white in Ireland?

They're not that common, but they aren't hens teeth. Another will come up in the next couple of weeks, and tbh, it has to be closer than the wicklow one!

Your right to hold out for an irish spec its nice to have a few gadgets. And it is a long way to go. Hold out and you'll find the right one for you. Best of luck searching.

Leonard Hofstadter

The Octavia vRS must be one of a very small number of cars where the Paddy spec version is better than the UK version:eek:! Off the top of my head, I cannot think of any other car where the Paddy spec version has more standard equipment, apart from a few SE spec Volvos (although this has since changed).

(F.L.) Anders

Would this one be of interest to you? I was just looking at it earlier and then saw your thread here. I know it's older and higher mileage but it's worth a look with the history and improvements. Closer to you as well.

http://www.autostadt.ie/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=77&t=1738

MarkR

Is this thread coming up as thread of the day for anyone else? I feel honoured. :-)

MarkR

(F.L.) Anders wrote: »

Would this one be of interest to you? I was just looking at it earlier and then saw your thread here. I know it's older and higher mileage but it's worth a look with the history and improvements. Closer to you as well.

http://www.autostadt.ie/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=77&t=1738

That certainly is a lot of car. The coilovers would concern me a small bit to be honest. More of a daddy car, than a track car is what I'm looking for. Tax is a minor(ish) detail. I'd prefer to come up to an 08 really. I'm driving a 04 now, and I'd somehow feel I was going backwards!

I'd be all over this if it was a 08. Thanks!

L-M

The fact that it's a 06 vs. a 08 for the same money for extra's that wouldn't be appriciated (wheels +coilovers).

Is that 08 not a 1.9 and not the the 2.0 people seem to think it is?

Timing belt would be due at that mileage, and with the towbar I'd be sticking the clutch to the floor and looking for any judder, if there is, there's normally a flywheel on the way out!

tossy

I came here to post the same link that Andy above has posted,i know the car and owner well and he keeps his cars in seriously good condition and no expense is spared on improvements and servicing.|At the very least go drive it coilovers can surprise alot of people for comfort.

http://www.autostadt.ie/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=77&t=1738

MarkR

tossy wrote: »

I came here to post the same link that Andy above has posted,i know the car and owner well and he keeps his cars in seriously good condition and no expense is spared on improvements and servicing.|At the very least go drive it coilovers can surprise alot of people for comfort.

http://www.autostadt.ie/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=77&t=1738

I'd love to, but I'd only be wasting his time. As mentioned above, I wouldn't appreciate those mods. On occasion I travel for work. I've been in Donegal one day, and Kerry the next. I'd wreck it! Standard suspension for me I think. Not sure on 17s or 18s yet. Suppose I'll take what I find, when I find it!

Thanks for the links, must check out that site. Already checking briskoda.

Ronan H

THere are a couple going on Autostadt at the moment actually...

http://www.autostadt.ie/phpbb3/viewforum.php?f=77

Ro

pah

Bpmull wrote: »

Nice car personally I'd prefer the Irish spec.

Now that's not something you hear everyday

MarkR

Ronan H wrote: »

THere are a couple going on Autostadt at the moment actually...

http://www.autostadt.ie/phpbb3/viewforum.php?f=77

Ro

Saw those actually. That site is now on my daily check list.

Another candidate came up last night on done deal. Spoke to the owner today. 2008 diesled vrs. 1 owner here. 1 in the uk (mostly motorway miles). She's getting a company car. 2 years test. FSH. She did a history check when she bought it. Taxed til nov. Sat nav, cd changer, reverse sensors, even the tyre pressure gauges. 97k miles, looking for 12.5. :eek:

I spent nearly that much I'd say 5 years back on an avensis, this looks a lot more car.

It does have a lot more spec then the poverty spec. I'm planning on having a look at it this weekend. Seeing as ye can all google, it's this one I was looking at.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3865862

I reckon I can get the seller on the right side of 12. God I hope she's not a boardsie.

Bpmull

Lovely car op much better spec than the original. I'd be a bit checky and offer her 11k or even a little less at the end of the day its a buyers market and your a cash customer with no car to trade. Anyway the worst she car say is no. Best of luck.

Jimbob 83

The Devils Fuel !

Nice boot though

Bpmull

Jimbob 83 wrote: »

The Devils Fuel !

Nice boot though

A petrol vrs is hardly a realistic car to drive everyday. Petrol vrs 25mpg
Diesel vrs 50mpg. And the diesel will keep up with the petrol all day long way more torque. So if it is the same car roughly same power it would make no sense to buy the one that cost double to run unless you enjoy wasting money. Go of a diesel one as it is a Berger car and ontop of the above way more resellable.

Bpmull

Bpmull wrote: »

Lovely car op much better spec than the original. I'd be a bit checky and offer her 11k or even a little less at the end of the day its a buyers market and your a cash customer with no car to trade. Anyway the worst she car say is no. Best of luck.

Cash customer with no car to trade is par for the course with private sales.

MarkR

Would anyone know approximately how much the various extras would cost as a matter of interest?

- Auto Dimming mirror
- Climate Control
- Maxidot
- Rear electric Windows
- Audience Radio (6 CD switcher, standard unit is single CD)
- Reverse parking sensors
- Tyre pressure sensors

I just want to get an idea of how much extra spec this has over the standard uk spec.

deckycoop

just an example.


http://www.usedcarsni.com/91853100.

checked vrt and its 2351 euro..
total car price is 13000 approx.

vectra

MarkR wrote: »

Saw those actually. That site is now on my daily check list.


It does have a lot more spec then the poverty spec. I'm planning on having a look at it this weekend. Seeing as ye can all google, it's this one I was looking at.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3865862

I reckon I can get the seller on the right side of 12. God I hope she's not a boardsie.

That is a nice clean looking car, but one thing I would think about is, if you are the type of person that like to keep their car looking smart then I would not recommend black.

Bpmull wrote: »

Lovely car op much better spec than the original. I'd be a bit checky and offer her 11k or even a little less at the end of the day its a buyers market and your a cash customer with no car to trade. Anyway the worst she car say is no. Best of luck.

Rubbish talk,
You are not looking at a punto or anything like that.
I sold my vRS recently and had a price on it. Buyer tried to bargain but I had already 500 on the price to drop which I did drop to, he still wanted another 500 off. I told him to ask again and the price goes back up and I would walk away from him. He swiftly put his hand in his pocket and gave me a deposit.

Bpmull wrote: »

A petrol vrs is hardly a realistic car to drive everyday. Petrol vrs 25mpg
Diesel vrs 50mpg. And the diesel will keep up with the petrol all day long way more torque. So if it is the same car roughly same power it would make no sense to buy the one that cost double to run unless you enjoy wasting money. Go of a diesel one as it is a Berger car and ontop of the above way more resellable.

Petrol one would be closer to 30mpg on a run.
Diesel one would be hard pushed to average more than 45mpg.
On a long run driving gently 54mpg or better can be got.

MarkR

I've had a black car before all right. I like to keep my car clean, so I reckon I'll be ok. Might get some of that wolf body wrap stuff if I do wind up with a black car.

Keeping an eye out for any other ones also. Just in case another better deal should pop up.

Bpmull

MarkR wrote: »

I've had a black car before all right. I like to keep my car clean, so I reckon I'll be ok. Might get some of that wolf body wrap stuff if I do wind up with a black car.

Keeping an eye out for any other ones also. Just in case another better deal should pop up.

Always keep an eye out a relation of mine bought a 2007 vrs last year Irish spec one owner mint witn 120k km on it for 8.5k euro now that's what I call a good deal. Although the owner was extremely stuck for money. That's what I was saying offer 11k for the above the worst she can say is no and then just offer her more. You won't know how desperate she he is until you make an offer. At the end of huge day a brand new tdi vrs is 25,500 euro cash in a skoda garage. So at most you should only pay 12k for a 2008 4 year old car and even less for uk spec. That my opinion anyway.

MarkR

I'm starting to think that the 08's aren't exactly priced competitively as the 07's. I know the tax is 660 with the 07's, but same car, same extras, same engine(?) same interior.

I may broaden my search slightly to a 07. I know someone mentioned an injector recall on the 07's. Provided the work has been done I presume there is little difference between the two years?

Bpmull

MarkR wrote: »

I'm starting to think that the 08's aren't exactly priced competitively as the 07's. I know the tax is 660 with the 07's, but same car, same extras, same engine(?) same interior.

I may broaden my search slightly to a 07. I know someone mentioned an injector recall on the 07's. Provided the work has been done I presume there is little difference between the two years?

I think the tax is the main difference. If the injectors were not done on a perticular if you buy it as far a I know you can ring skoda and they will still do it even now but check that out as i am not sure about. My relations 2007 got the injectors done and it has caused him zero trouble while hes owned it. They are reliable. If you find someone desperate with a 2008 you will get a good deal. I recently both a car out of a garage. It was a very very good deal about 2.5 k under the next cheapest one. Was more than prepared to pay full asking price for the car but I made him an offer and got 150 euro off plus diesel which I thought was good when the car was already a great deal. Just because a car is a reasonable price don't be afraid to bargain if the seller if rigid and says no if your prepared to pay full price then pay it. The only thing is in the last year or so good cars seem to be quite expensive specially diesels that's just the way the markets are gone. If you like the 2008 black vrs look at it and if your happy to pay the asking price off the seller buy it as it is a nice car. But as you said just keep an eye out for other deals you'd be suprised. Best of luck.

vectra

MarkR wrote: »

I've had a black car before all right. I like to keep my car clean, so I reckon I'll be ok. Might get some of that wolf body wrap stuff if I do wind up with a black car.

Keeping an eye out for any other ones also. Just in case another better deal should pop up.

Forget the Body wrap
Go for Hard Body instead

MarkR wrote: »

I'm starting to think that the 08's aren't exactly priced competitively as the 07's. I know the tax is 660 with the 07's, but same car, same extras, same engine(?) same interior.

I may broaden my search slightly to a 07. I know someone mentioned an injector recall on the 07's. Provided the work has been done I presume there is little difference between the two years?

I don't think the year made any difference. It is down to the PD engine as far as I am aware.
I am sure Skoda are standing over the injectors now.

MarkR

It's been a while, and I'm still looking. Things are a bit easier now that I've realised that once the car has a maxidot display, I can change the stereo to either the columbus touchscreen or a nice spurious one. Maxidot means I can integrate bluetooth and various features of the car with the new steros.

A dealership in Limerick is also now selling skodas, so I'm hoping someone will trade something in that i'd like!

Failing that, the one that has caught my eye is this one in Sligo. I'll be passing by actually next week, so I must arrange a look.

I've never seen one in the flesh in red. I'm hoping it's not a bit much, if you know what I mean.

Black would be a bitch to keep clean. Blue is nice, but common. Red might be nice to be different.

vectra

MarkR wrote: »

It's been a while, and I'm still looking. Things are a bit easier now that I've realised that once the car has a maxidot display, I can change the stereo to either the columbus touchscreen or a nice spurious one. Maxidot means I can integrate bluetooth and various features of the car with the new steros.

A dealership in Limerick is also now selling skodas, so I'm hoping someone will trade something in that i'd like!

Failing that, the one that has caught my eye is this one in Sligo. I'll be passing by actually next week, so I must arrange a look.

I've never seen one in the flesh in red. I'm hoping it's not a bit much, if you know what I mean.

Black would be a bitch to keep clean. Blue is nice, but common. Red might be nice to be different.

That car has been on with a while but I wouldn't really take much notice of that these days.

As for red.?
That is the colour of my new one, Saw it in the flesh in Deasy showrooms and thought it was stunning.
Best of luck with it.

L-M

Did you buy a new Octavia Vectra or the Rapid?

vectra

Limerick man wrote: »

Did you buy a new Octavia Vectra or the Rapid?

Another vRS Octy :P

MarkR

vectra wrote: »

That car has been on with a while but I wouldn't really take much notice of that these days.

As for red.?
That is the colour of my new one, Saw it in the flesh in Deasy showrooms and thought it was stunning.
Best of luck with it.

Yeah, I spoke to the guy a couple of weeks ago. Hopefully he's in a mood to deal and the car is as described.

lennie6998

Very interested in this thread. About to make the jump from a DC5 to a diesel, also 4 doors would be handy and I get bored with cars easily. Appreciate any comments from some one who has owned one for a while.

-Corkie-

vectra wrote: »

That car has been on with a while but I wouldn't really take much notice of that these days.

As for red.?
That is the colour of my new one, Saw it in the flesh in Deasy showrooms and thought it was stunning.
Best of luck with it.

I thought you were buying of Tarrant...

Bpmull

lennie6998 wrote: »

Very interested in this thread. About to make the jump from a DC5 to a diesel, also 4 doors would be handy and I get bored with cars easily. Appreciate any comments from some one who has owned one for a while.

My uncle has a 2007 vrs 2.0tdi was a pure petrol head before but since he changed to the vrs a year ago he said he would never go back he absolutely loves it. I've been in it several times and love it it's a fair car to move torque is great. And amazingly it's good on diesel too. My parents have 2 standard octavia a 2005 and 2011 and I often drive the 2011. They are a great car only thing are ones lack is the vrs power. In a general note skoda are an extremely reliable car brand. There's a couple of vrs owners on boards that will give you some better advice. But in my opinion you won't find a better all rounder in the fact it is spacious reliable powerful and economical.

vectra

-Corkie- wrote: »

I thought you were buying of Tarrant...

I did ,
Just went to view it in Deasy's

Should be in Tarrants next week to be got ready for me :cool:

L-M

vectra wrote: »

I did ,
Just went to view it in Deasy's

Should be in Tarrants next week to be got ready for me :cool:

12 or 13?

-Corkie-

vectra wrote: »

I did ,
Just went to view it in Deasy's

Should be in Tarrants next week to be got ready for me :cool:

Ill be in for a test drive so.....

vectra

Limerick man wrote: »

12 or 13?

12,

-Corkie- wrote: »

Ill be in for a test drive so.....

Still in Dublin, Prob the later end of the week before it is down. Just fill the tank and off you go :P