Looking at high mile Octavia VRs's (mk1). Good idea?

new boy · 24 Oct 2015 at 01:37

I need a "new" car within a couple of weeks. Was planning to save and get a better car, but my current car is way beyond economical repair in order to get it through its MOT, so I'm forced to play the hand I got.

Have £2k to spend, but less is good.

I only do about 10k a year, but what I do is mostly a 20-25 miles each way commute, mostly motorway miles. This will probably increase as currently my GF does all the day to day stuff in her car, because my car is a wreck with no back seats or carpets due to chronic water ingress...

Looking for a motorway cruiser with poke and the capability to be somewhat fun.

Ideally, I'd prefer a car that's less likely than average to give me nasty surprises.

The research I've done so far leads me to believe that the 02-05 / 100k - 150k range Octavia VRs's (with full service history) look to be about as good as it gets in this price range.

Any thoughts? Anything I've missed about this car, or any other cars I should consider? I dont particularly need a car that big, but it just looks the best value for money.

Whilst MPG/tax arnt my primary concern, I dont want to go TOO crazy.

Also RWD is pretty much out. I have to get to work come rain, shine or snow. Otherwise I'd of bought an mk2 MR2

damn I love those things.

Thanks

rodenal · 24 Oct 2015 at 06:27

They're decent cars, though I would say mostly suited if you want to maximise space from a relatively compact package

They certainly don't compare to an mr2 so that ones a bit odd - btw the Toyota is actually pretty good in snow if tgat:'s the worry, all the weight being over the driven wheels helps. They aren't a suitable everyday car any more anyway IMO. Too much rust, too many old car niggles

new boy · 24 Oct 2015 at 09:02

MR2 was a crazy idea when I saw one local and decided I really wanted it. It would have been a bad idea lol.

I don't really need the space of the octavia, but all the 1.8t golfs/A3s/leons are expensive and hanging that I can see and are close to me. Saw a couple of VRs and they look much better cares for and cheaper...

nimchimpsky82 · 24 Oct 2015 at 17:43

new boy said:
Saw a couple of VRs and they look much better cares for and cheaper...

As you say, sub-2K VRs seem to be pretty leggy... I'm surprised at the prices of these cars to be honest, given what else is out there:

Ford Mondeo ST220, 89K miles, FSH

Honda Accord 2.4i Type S, 57K miles, FSH

Mazda 6 2.3 Sport, 66K miles, FSH

MB CLK320, 85K miles, FSH

another CLK320, 82K miles, FMBSH

Saab 9-5 2.3 HOT Aero, 88K miles, FSH

Seat Leon Cupra, 89K miles, FSH

Volvo S40 2.4i, 78K miles, FSH

VW Golf 2.8 V6, 89K miles, FSH

No way I'd spend 2 grand on a 10+ year-old Octavia with 100K+ miles...

MissChief · 24 Oct 2015 at 17:51

See if you can get a face lifted Leon Cupra, they look much better. I get about 350 miles to a 55 litre tank but don't do a huge amount of town driving. The sixth gear that the Octavia lacks does make a difference.

K.C. Leblanc · 25 Oct 2015 at 01:10

I have a 51 plate Octavia with 202k on the clock.

It's dull as ditch water and the quality of the interior is more like what you'd find in a bus shelter then a car. But it drinks like a good baptist and doesn't go wrong much.

Scrutinize · 25 Oct 2015 at 05:47

At the sub 2k budget most reasonably sporty cars are going to be getting to the stage of regular bills far exceeding purchase price. Especially the prestige marques which are still that 30-40k car with associated running costs, albeit cheaper to buy now. You need something pretty reliable if commuting in it??

With the exception of the Mazda 6 2.3 or Honda Accord 2.4 which are probably the quick wins here I would avoid the others, especially ones with turbos. Possibly the st220 could be ok. The Mazda 6 2.3 is not that sporty and typically driven by the sort of person who wont rag the nuts off it which makes them a sensible purchase.

Up the budget to 4k for a decent vrs or lower expectations.

Phil W · 25 Oct 2015 at 07:07

I loved my MK1 vRS.

I sold it for £2500 at the tail end of last year (86k on 03 plate - 'Stage 2' modifications).

It was a brilliant car - my only gripe was the engine sounded boring and the interior was a sod to keep clean, especially with two kids.

To be honest I was lucky with the sale. A guy wanted a tidy low mileage example and I was testing the water for sale.

100k+ mile Examples shouldn't be any more than £1500.

This was mine;

new boy · 26 Oct 2015 at 15:45

So I got a new car today.

Ended up getting a Gen7 Toyota Celica (T Sport 190BHP)

FSH, 85k on the clock, 03 facelift shape.

Got it for £1,100

Paintwork isn't amazing (no rust, but just quite scratched in places) Interior is like new.

I'm quite pleased with it. I know it isn't going to have that mid range grunt for motorway driving, but none the less, I think it'll do me well.

I think its a pretty much bombproof car, so that's good.

booyaka · 26 Oct 2015 at 16:31

Not quite what I would class as a motorway cruiser but hey.....

new boy · 26 Oct 2015 at 16:39

I know lol. The gearing isn't exactly ideal for that, and it hasn't got the mid range grunt for overtaking.

What can I say? When a man buys a car, it doesn't always make sense...

nimchimpsky82 · 27 Oct 2015 at 01:03

new boy said:
I know lol. The gearing isn't exactly ideal for that, and it hasn't got the mid range grunt for overtaking.

What can I say? When a man buys a car, it doesn't always make sense...

It's likely to make pretty good sense financially, and that's not a bad start. Congrats, and hope you enjoy the car!

adam cool dude · 27 Oct 2015 at 01:41

new boy said:
I know lol. The gearing isn't exactly ideal for that, and it hasn't got the mid range grunt for overtaking.

What can I say? When a man buys a car, it doesn't always make sense...

It has got plenty of grunt for overtaking you just need to be in the right gear and right rpm! It is obviously not a lazy car as you don't get that when it revs to 8000 RPM