[tommytwotone]

If you're looking at those models, also consider the Seat Exeo as well - as all VAG cars are build on a standard chassis it's the Seat equivalent.


I've looked at a few but as they're a relatively newish car I don't think you'd find much for the money you're talking.


In terms of models etc on the Octavia, the VRS is the hot one - c.200 BHP and out of a turbo diesel so with the benefits you'd expect. The other option is the bog standard 1.9 turbo diesel, which I gather from my mate in the industry is still a very, very good engine, just won't be as quick / posh as the VRS.

[benno]

The Exeo is just the Audi A4 that preceded it (not sure on years) with some different looks. Golf/Octavia/Leon etc. are also very closely related to each other but the Exeo/A4 are slightly different, I believe...

[tommytwotone]

Pistonheads recently had one of their excellent buyers' guide things on the Octavia VRS:


http://www.pistonheads.com/features/ph-features/skoda-octavia-vrs-market-watch/33067

[cofe]

Looking for another car, not dissimilar to Fatneck, for longer journeys etc. Looking at no older than 10 years, ideally less, up to 70k miles (depending on whether petrol or diesel), estate. Thinking Octavia, Focus, Astra, in descending order of desirability. There's a 1.8TDCi Focus, and 1.9TDi Octavia and Astra. All three rate well on Parkers. Don't want to spend loads, max about £5k. Not bothered about it being too fancy etc, reliability and getting a good few years out of it more important. Reckon it'll do 10k miles a year (we have another car). Any thoughts?

Also, anyone have experience of AutoAid for breakdown cover? Pay for recovery, then they pay you back. It's the top rated option on MoneySavingExpert.

[tomtom]

Left field idea. Saab 9-3 estate.. A few around on Autotrader (1.9tdi) for 3-5k around 2007 with 70k miles

[cofe]

Expensive to maintain?

[Mike Tyson]

Don't rule out Toyota. Avensis is a great car. In fact all the Far East cars are pretty decent, Honda Accord, Mazda 6 etc. German or Japanese for me any day of the week.

[tomtom]

Expensive to maintain?

Don't think so - plenty of Indy specialists about and all the parts are available. Super comfy... Think most of the mechanicals are ford...

[T_B]

I've had a 2 litre Octavia TDI for the past 2 yrs. Test drove a 1.9 and it had absolutely zero torque and generally felt underpowered. You won't find a 2L one with less than 70K on the clock for £5K though...

[Johnny Brown]

Looks like you could get an 06 Octavia VRS for around that.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201510187943536?onesearchad=used&price-to=6000&page=1&radius=1500&sort=default&price-from=4000&keywords=vrs&postcode=s117es&model=octavia&make=skoda&search-target=usedcars&body-type=estate&logcode=p

[dave]

The 1.9TDI on our passat got plenty of poke, presume the skodas are same engine? But I don't routinely carry the same number of pads and ladders around as T_B.

[T_B]

Yes, in my experience you can get 2 child seats, 6 pads and 2 lamps in the Octavia estate. And still have space for a knotted rope with which to thrash yourself.

[cofe]

Does it have cup holders?

[tomtom]

Does it have cup holders?

50. Each.

[cofe]

Cool. Don't want to get a shiny dick with two chairs in it.

[tomtom]

Cool. Don't want to get a shiny dick with two chairs in it.

No Red A3 for you then...

[dave]

Cool. Don't want to get a shiny dick with two chairs in it.

At least get one that'll do 0-60 this time.

[peewee]

Don't rule out Toyota. Avensis is a great car. In fact all the Far East cars are pretty decent, Honda Accord, Mazda 6 etc. German or Japanese for me any day of the week.

+1 for the Avensis, very reliable, economic and if you get the right models lots of toys, cruise control etc, look for the t3-x, TR or t4 models. avoid the 2.2 engines as they had issues with the head gasket.

[Johnny Brown]

BB guns has just got one (see higher in the thread). Better option than a ford or vauxhall if you can't stretch to VAG I reckon.

[Fultonius]

The 1.9TDI on our passat got plenty of poke, presume the skodas are same engine? But I don't routinely carry the same number of pads and ladders around as T_B.

Tye 1.9 engines tune well, factor in £250 extra and you could get 140bhp out it.

[andy_e]

Anyone got any knowledge on Volvos in terms of running costs/maintenance? Is there a Volvo equivalent to the 1.9TDI VAG engine? I've just bought a jumper with elbow patches so I need a car to match.

[tomtom]

I've a V40 (new shape) and it's great. More recent (last 8 years or so I think) cars share many parts with Ford - as Volvo were bought out by them - until they were sold to some Chinese venture capitalists a few years back. Loads of Indy dealers/garages to get them serviced - and they are very very comfy...

Whatcha looking at?

[andy_e]

Thought you were a Golfer? Looking at estates, V70 is the dream but V40 seems good too...

Edit, just looked at the V40 post-2012 model and it's fuck-ugly and tiny... V50?

[galpinos]

Edit, just looked at the V40 post-2012 model and it's fuck-ugly and tiny...

By that you mean TomTom's car is fuck-ugly and tiny......

[Murph]

I have a V50 T5, 2008 or so. I can fit a red snap pad snugly in the boot but a moon saturn goes over the top of the back seats.

Don't know how this compares to a V40 but hopefully this info is useful to someone out there.