2006 Octavia VRs FSI
Discussion
We're currently looking at a replacement for my wife's old Punto. Of the cars she's driven so far, her favourite has been a petrol 2006 Octavia VRs hatchback. Is there anything in particular to look out for on these - any unusual options that are particularly worth having; common failures; etc.?
missing the VR6 said:
06 there could be a few bit's worth looking out for, 18 inch alloys, dual zone climate control with armrest and cruise, they all became standard on the later cars around 08.
Might have an 07 estate coming in.
Ta.Might have an 07 estate coming in.
This one had built in sat nav and dual zone climate control. No idea what size the wheels were, but I'd probably want the smallest ones available anyway, ideally. I didn't notice whether it has cruise control but it's not going to spend much time on the motorway, so it doesn't really matter.
Realistically, it'll do something like 8-10k miles a year, mixed town driving and country B-roads.
kambites said:
We'd both rather it drove properly and looked silly than vice versa, although I appreciate we're probably in a minority there. 
Seriously it'll make very little difference on the 18's I doubt you'd notice. They've also been standard fit for a good few years so I guess there's no real difference.Took a customer out in one who had a 2007 A6 Avant SE with air suspension and he felt the VRS Estate rode better than his Audi.
16s will fit if required.
If it has dual zone climate it should have 18s, armrest and electric rear windows too. They came as a package.
The upgraded Maxidot trip computer is worth getting if you want to add Bluetooth or ipod connectivity.
Cruise is good but a cheap retrofit if needed.
ABS pump failure is common so see if it's been replaced or repaired. It can now be repaired for a couple of hundred quid so a warranty isn't too essential.
There was a recent recall on coil packs, so if it hasn't been done you can get them changed for free.
The turbo diverter valves are known to split (especially if remapped) but an upgraded one from an S3 is only 60 quid or so.
If it has dual zone climate it should have 18s, armrest and electric rear windows too. They came as a package.
The upgraded Maxidot trip computer is worth getting if you want to add Bluetooth or ipod connectivity.
Cruise is good but a cheap retrofit if needed.
ABS pump failure is common so see if it's been replaced or repaired. It can now be repaired for a couple of hundred quid so a warranty isn't too essential.
There was a recent recall on coil packs, so if it hasn't been done you can get them changed for free.
The turbo diverter valves are known to split (especially if remapped) but an upgraded one from an S3 is only 60 quid or so.
Mine was thrashed mercilessly for 100K miles without a murmur. Only thing I can criticise it for is the pale grey 'alcantara'-type trim on the seats gets a bit grubby. The pedals are exellent for H&T gearchanges.
I'd second the 'comfort pack' options (armrest/central cubby hole, dual climate control etc.) as something to look out for - the standard air con is a bit basic and the dual climate control is something I still miss on my current Fabia vRS.
As 'Missing' said, Skodas tend to have a more compliant suspension set-up thant the equivalent Audi, so they have a better ride and more progressive (albeit not quite so responsive) handling.
Oh... and if you drive them hard enough, you can get the oil pressure warning light to come on due to sump surge on roundabouts, even with the oil up to level, so best to keep it well topped up.
I'd second the 'comfort pack' options (armrest/central cubby hole, dual climate control etc.) as something to look out for - the standard air con is a bit basic and the dual climate control is something I still miss on my current Fabia vRS.
As 'Missing' said, Skodas tend to have a more compliant suspension set-up thant the equivalent Audi, so they have a better ride and more progressive (albeit not quite so responsive) handling.
Oh... and if you drive them hard enough, you can get the oil pressure warning light to come on due to sump surge on roundabouts, even with the oil up to level, so best to keep it well topped up.
That vRS will be a car with Teves Mk60 ABS/ESP I think which is known to give expensive bother indicated by warning light on dash (which some dodgy folk have been known to disconnect) ... think I read the ESP is to be included in MOT's soon & seems to costs between £500 & upto £1500 to fix if it goes wrong ..... best to ask/find evidence all is OK ... if not aim for a £1000 discount
Maxidot is the larger screen in the instrument cluster for the trip computer.
The larger screen where the radio is will just be sat nav. Unless someone has retrofitted a later stereo with the big touch screen.
ABS pump issue is apparently common but there is a repair kit which would be do-able for a decent DIYer if you find someone with VCDS to do the computer bit. I think the kit is around £150.
The larger screen where the radio is will just be sat nav. Unless someone has retrofitted a later stereo with the big touch screen.
ABS pump issue is apparently common but there is a repair kit which would be do-able for a decent DIYer if you find someone with VCDS to do the computer bit. I think the kit is around £150.
kambites said:
vrsmxtb said:
kambites said:
What the option which gives the bigger central screen called? Is it just called "Sat Nav"?
It's called Maxidot.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff