Used, High mileage Skoda Octavia Estate VRS Estate Buy / Avoid??

PierremontQuaker03

I am interested in buying a used Skoda Octavia Estate VRS Estate, the 2017 model I have seen is within my budget - it is priced at 10k.  However, the reason it is in my budget is because of the high mileage (123k).  It has full dealership service history ( I have been sent the info), and the cambelt was changed at 119k miles. It was owned by Lex Auto Lease - so I presume it was an ex company vehicle.

Should I avoid this car, or is the mileage an issue?  I don't do a massive amount of miles, but I might be travelling more to holidays in the UK, with COVID for the near future.

Also what other questions should I be asking the seller (its a very small one man band dealership, which also concerns me a little). Thanks for any help.

ontheroad1970

Condition will be key.  Cambelt was done recently.  Was water pump done also?  Is it petrol or diesel?  I believe Škoda do the vRS in both.  If you're not talking doing masses of miles this may well be worth a punt.  Keep it regularly service - ask to see the service record and check all to schedule.

PierremontQuaker03

ontheroad1970 said:

Condition will be key.  Cambelt was done recently.  Was water pump done also?  Is it petrol or diesel?  I believe Škoda do the vRS in both.  If you're not talking doing masses of miles this may well be worth a punt.  Keep it regularly service - ask to see the service record and check all to schedule.

here is the service history... what do you think

tommyedinburgh

I’d buy it personally. Especially if it is the 184 Diesel engine. Totally regret getting rid of my 2014 Seat Leon with the same engine. 

My wife had the 2.0l 150 Diesel engine. It wasn’t as good. 

Ebe_Scrooge

The Octavia's in general have a pretty good reputation for reliability.  But as mentioned previously, always buy on condition - even if the marque in general is excellent, it's always possible to get the odd lemon.  The mileage as such is not really a cause for concern, so long as it's been maintained properly.  And - another broad generalisation - company cars *usually* tend to be maintained pretty well, as the cost of maintenance to a company is far less than the cost of having the car off the road.  Added to which, if the car has spent most of its life cruising up and down the motorway, that puts a lot less wear on all the mechanical things than town driving does.

That service history - no idea what the various "Police Administration Fee's" are.  I'm guessing it may be where the driver has had a speeding fine or similar and the lease company had to pay it initially ?????

PierremontQuaker03

Ebe_Scrooge said:

The Octavia's in general have a pretty good reputation for reliability.  But as mentioned previously, always buy on condition - even if the marque in general is excellent, it's always possible to get the odd lemon.  The mileage as such is not really a cause for concern, so long as it's been maintained properly.  And - another broad generalisation - company cars *usually* tend to be maintained pretty well, as the cost of maintenance to a company is far less than the cost of having the car off the road.  Added to which, if the car has spent most of its life cruising up and down the motorway, that puts a lot less wear on all the mechanical things than town driving does.

That service history - no idea what the various "Police Administration Fee's" are.  I'm guessing it may be where the driver has had a speeding fine or similar and the lease company had to pay it initially ?????

I checked the Police thing also - it is indeed speeding tickets.

williamgriffin

The only thing that would put me off is the servicing at kwick fit, at least you'll know it's had new disc, pads and shocks every twelve months.  

ontheroad1970

I think proper servicing has been done at the main dealers.  Tyres and brakes done at Kwik Fit.probably ahead of when necessary.

BOWFER

If it's the 180 twin turbo engine, then I was literally watching a video last night by a VW specialist called 'Devil developments' explaining why that engine is problematic.
They say it's a design disaster in that where the EGR is located is right beside coolant pipes, leaks are common, then coolant gets sucked into the engine through the EGR and all hell breaks loose.
They sell a modified part to get around it, might be worth having a word with them.
https://www.devildevelopments.co.uk/catalogue/vag-tuning/

scaredofdebt

3 speeding tickets in just over 2 years, has it been thrashed?

Other than that they are pretty solid cars with good engines, if looked after 200k + miles should be easily achievable.

Petrol or diesel?

jimjames

I wouldn't see any reason to walk away from it if the service and condition checks out. My best car that I had for over 10 years was an ex-lease car with 110k on at 3 years. Fully serviced and performed brilliantly. That was a diesel pre DPF days though.