Buying / inspection advice Octavia vRS 2007

[brad]

if it's in Giraween the get Seb at Euromotive to have a look - he's a very knowledgeable VW specialist and would know a lot more specifics than a State Roads guy who has to be a generalist by neccesity.

[Lucas_R]

Lucas, are those cost estimates parts only or labour inclusive?

Those are costs for parts only - all are easy to change DIY, but expect to pay double if you get a mechanic to install them for you.

[Lucas_R]

if it's in Giraween the get Seb at Euromotive to have a look - he's a very knowledgeable VW specialist and would know a lot more specifics than a State Roads guy who has to be a generalist by neccesity.

^ good point. See if you can get Seb to have a look. Euro Revolution is his shop.

[Smiley_Walsh]

Thanks. I called Seb. He's overseas atm unfortunately!

[Smiley_Walsh]

State Roads report was quite positive. A good bloke called Michael, who appeared very familiar with Skoda / VW. Some minor fixes required which the dealer will see to before sale:

Worn nearside rear tyre on inner. Michael thought most likely to be from a misaligned front tyre swapped to the rear (any thoughts / suggestions about this?).
Brake bulb replacement n/s rear
small oil leak from oil filter only, tighten or replace
headlight mounting broken, front left - repair required
Left rear passenger window motor connected in reverse - fix

Otherwise, he noted that the clutch is good - estimated 60% worn. Brake rotors and pads recently replaced.
No significant bodywork issues - there have been some professional repairs. Structurally sound. Aircon icy-cold. Gearbox good. All onboard electronics working. Wiper blades need replacement!
This is my own summary of our discussion - not his actual report, obviously!

So, assuming my finance comes through and the agreed items are fixed by the dealer, I'll soon be the new owner.. 👍🏼

ill be be planning to have a wheel alignment done, and to replace filters (oil, air, pollen, fuel) plus PCV and the diverter valve. - thanks for advice regarding all those. Probably a thorough valet too. 😀

[boogz]

My 08 Octavia vRS is 220'000 and still kicking! Changed the timing belt and water pump at around 180'000 and the mechanic said the belt 'ok' for the kms it had before changing it... Do regular oil changes and you'll be right... The belt had been changed at 80'000 before I bought it (or say it says in the log books)

[boogz]

I forgot, I replaced all shocks (after popping one on a pot hole) at 150'000 and added a sway bar...

[Smiley_Walsh]

Good to know! Hope mine lasts as well as yours, boogz!

[brad]

Worn nearside rear tyre on inner. Michael thought most likely to be from a misaligned front tyre swapped to the rear (any thoughts / suggestions about this?).
The rears can wear on the inside as well. Either way you need a decent 4-wheel alignment
Brake bulb replacement n/s rear
Make sure you get the right bulb - the pins might be offset rather than directly opposite each other. /thinks - that can't be right. On the wagon it uses a single filament bulb with variable voltage to give the tail/stop light. If it works as a tail light then the brake light should work as well. Maybe the bulb is wrong anyway?
small oil leak from oil filter only, tighten or replace
This is possibly a cracked filter housing - pretty common if overtightened. ECS tuning do a billet Aluminium housing for USD90 plus post (probably ~AUD180 all up). If it's the housing assembly then it could be a bit more if it's gone brittle
headlight mounting broken, front left - repair required
That's an interesting one - no comment
Left rear passenger window motor connected in reverse - fix
I don't see how as all the connectors only fit one way. You might have to pull a connector to pieces (not hard) and swap the terminals
Wiper blades need replacement!
You can get them for ~$50 but count on $90
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Ask them for another $500 off - that will cover half the repairs required (tyres, alignment, labour)

[Smiley_Walsh]

The dealer has agreed to replace the n/s rear tyre, fix the oil filter leak and left brake light, and they will repair the missing/broken headlight mounting and remedy the reversed n/s rear window operation - all before I collect it.
I'll certainly arrange a 4 wheel alignment and sort the wiper blades myself! Plus the suggested part replacements suggested previously (filters, PCV & Diverter valves).