Hello Skoda folk,
I am considering purchasing a mk2 facelift Octavia VRS (petrol, of course) and I have a few questions if you don't mind:
1. I'm after one with nav (Columbus unit?) and the maxidot display - will this facilitate bluetooth audio streaming (A2DP)? I'm not averse to a spot of retrofitting if updated modules or whatever need to be fitted, but I'd like to keep it "OEM" - so no Bluetooth > line in adapters or anything like that.
2. Steering wheel controls - these seem non-existent on the manual models. Is this retrofittable?
3. Heated seats - again seem non-existent. Do many crop up with it as an option? Was it even an option?
4. Xenons - ditto question 3. Retrofittable?
5. Remapping - simple map up to ~240bhp... Worth doing, or is there a weak spot in the engine/drivetrain that makes it not worthwhile?
6. Anything specific to look out for when buying one, other than the usual stuff?
Thanks
1. Cars were bought with all the options you listed, but of course finding one is the trick. Columbus and Maxidot together does not mean it has Bluetooth as that was a seperate option. Instructions on Briskoda about purchasing the OEM bluetooth modules and installing them under-seat.
2. Multi-function steering wheel was never an option on the manual car (for whatever reason). Can you retrofit? Yes, but in most cases you also need to update the steering controller - standard will be a mid-line controller and you will need a high-line controller. Along with changing the controller the new one will need coding. Join Briskoda and you'll find a directory of people who have the VCDS software you need and will offer to help you code it in. But you need to source both a controller and steering wheel - also there are two different types of controller, cartridge and ring - only observation will tell you which was used.
3. Yes, front heated seats were an option - I've got them in mine, although I did also take the leather option and you kind of needed them. It was a stand-alone option, but many people didn't take it. It was only ever the front seats that were heated. The more luxury models offered all around heated seats. Will be surprised if you easily find an example with them fitted.
4. Proper Xenons are not easy to retrofit. You need the lenses, ballast and of course the auto-levelling system. I had them factory fitted as an after-market option would be too cost prohibitive.
You could have course "do as the chavs" and fit an after-market, non-levelling kit for £75. But I'll stop all conversation on that subject now - becuase I have the things with a vengence.
5. Stage 1, software only map should see the car at around 240 - 250bhp, especially on the newer TSI engine found in the FL. No real weak spots to worry about and many, many people have a map in place. Briskoda favourites are Shark Performance and they do a good job.
6. FL fixed a lot of the issues that the pre-FL had. Look out for sill damage - still an issue on a lot of Skodas. Bodywork has extended warranty - but once it starts...
Make sure you get a good test drive and test at speed - cost savings on the door seals can mean some examples have a lot of wind noise at speed.
Check for "mayo" under the oil filler cap (rare).
I bought mine in 2011, in Anthracite, and I'm still enjoying it now.
From the factory I added the Columbus abnd Maxidot. Xenon lights, leather seats and the heated front seats. Also added the auto-lights and auto-dimming mirrors. Also added on the rear parking sensors - they also add graphical information on the Columbus. Since purchase I added the multi-function steering wheel - I purchased the wheel as new from a place in the Czech Republic and then Shark Performance fitted it for me, supplied the new controller and coded it all up.
Love the car to bits and I'm in no hurry to get rid of it.
