Skoda Octavia I (1998 - 2004) - 03 1.9 buying 1.9tdi90hp

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
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Sat 5 Dec 2009 20:10
03 1.9 buying 1.9tdi90hp - sparky93
Hi,
I am in process of getting a 2003 octavia 1.9 tdi 90hp. with 23k on the clock. its had a new derv pump earlyer in the year. just wondering if there is anything to be aware of :-) drives ok. bit of white with tinge of blue (not been started for a week )smoke on cold start but cleared away. no smoke on driving.
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Sat 5 Dec 2009 22:58
03 1.9 buying 1.9tdi90hp - Robin the Technician
A diesel Octavia at such a low mileage is rare - these are an excellent choice for taxi's. Check the service history, condition of the trim especially the drivers seat. Check the carpets and pedal rubbers.
Just be careful not buying a car that's not been clocked. Where are you buying it from? Dealer or private?

Robin the Technician
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Sun 6 Dec 2009 11:56
03 1.9 buying 1.9tdi90hp - 659FBE
Other useful taxi tests are to sit in the LH back seat, then the front LH seat. A very soft back seat is suspicious. Open the LH back door and try to move the whole door up and down in order to check for play in the hinges. There should be none on an '03 VAG vehicle - even if the hinges haven't been oiled.

659.
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Sun 6 Dec 2009 21:45
03 1.9 buying 1.9tdi90hp - sparky93
just to confirm the milage is correct as sko uk have done its servicing and mot's. its at a dealers. old chap had it from new.

Edited by sparky93 on 06/12/2009 at 21:45

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Sun 6 Dec 2009 23:05
03 1.9 buying 1.9tdi90hp - Robin the Technician
Provided you can see the logbook to confirm what the dealer is telling you - after all, its in his interest - then buy it if the price is right. I would expect the dealer to offer you a warranty if its at top asking price. I would still do all the tests mentioned here though. Just because it SAYS low mileage doesn't always mean it IS low mileage.

Robin the Technician
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