'02 Skoda Octavia Estate - odd handling issue...

[TonyRPH]

I recently bought an '02 Otavia Estate, but I'm finding some odd behaviour with the handling.

If there's a grate on a bend, and a wheel touches it, the car is unsettled very quickly.

It also 'jiggles' at the rear sometimes on bumpy sections.

I'm sure this can't be normal (at least I hope not!), and I suspect a dodgy shock absorber or two. The car has done 110k miles (verified by past MOT history) so I would be suprised, but I suppose anything is possible.

I've had the front alignment checked, type pressures etc. but it made no difference.

Does anyone have any other suggestions?

Or is this really normal?

I did have a Golf MK IV a while back, and that too was nervous at the rear sometimes, but the Skoda seems far worse.

TIA.

[littleredrooster]

Hmmm...my 02 Octy est could be skittish at the rear when unladen too. Much better with a bit of load on board; most VAG stuff tends to be oversprung and underdamped. Unless it goes into big oversteer moments, I'm inclined to say it may be typical.

Edit to add: At 110k the suspension will be tired...

Edited by littleredrooster on Thursday 27th March 21:14