Used car buying guide: Skoda Octavia vRS

In 2008, the vRS received some useful tweaks in the shape of larger, 18in Zenith alloys, dual-zone climate control and a jumbo box central armrest. In common with all Octavias, it was facelifted the following year, when it gained a new grille and the option of xenons and adaptive lighting. More important, though, the vRS shed 20kg (the diesel 15kg) and the chassis was tuned to be sportier still. All this and the petrol engine was also swapped for the one from the Mk6 Golf GTI while the diesel motor got common rail injection. If you’re tempted by a diesel vRS, this is the generation to buy since the engine is smoother and quieter.

Don’t expect the sensible types who buy regular Octavias to be the same people who buy the vRS. Like any fast car, it demands a thorough inspection, but find a good one and you’ll be amazed what a perfectly rounded machine it is.

An expert's view

Richard Duncan, owner, RD Garage Services: “We’re Skoda specialists so see a lot of Octavias, including vRS models. The vRS petrol engines prior to the 2009 facelift are much less troublesome than the later direct-injection units. In my opinion, these engines are badly engineered. How else do you explain worn piston rings, burnt valves and failing timing chains? It’s not owner neglect as far as I can see. Fortunately, later engines from 2012 were improved. The diesel engine in the vRS is a lot more reliable than the petrol units. Some of the Octavia diesel taxis we see for servicing have done over 300,000 miles without trouble. They thrive on VW 505.01 5W-40 fully synthetic oil, so check it’s been used.”

Buyer beware...

â–  Petrol engine: On belt-drive petrols (the belt should be changed every four years or 80,000 miles), listen for the cam chain rattling. The fuel pump follower on the camshaft can wear, and if you don’t know the car’s history, it’s probably best to have it replaced. The later engine is chain drive so no replacement to worry about but it is unreliable. (See ‘An expert’s view’, above.) Expect both to use up to two litres of oil between services.

â–  Diesel engine: More reliable than the later petrol engine especially. Just check it has been serviced on the dot and the timing belt and water pump have been replaced every four years.

â–  Transmission: Both gearboxes go through flywheels every 80,000 miles. The DSG should be serviced every four years or 40,000 miles.

â–  Suspension and tyres: Hard wearing with the exception of front suspension lower arm bushes, which wear. Check tyres for irregular wear caused by poor camber set-up.

â–  Body: Requires usual checks for dents, dings and fresh paint. Rust is rare but check sills and behind bumpers and bodykit.

â–  Interior: The rear window seals can leak, allowing rain water to soak the carpet. Check the air-con system blows cold.

Also worth knowing

If you plan to keep your vRS for some years, consider replacing the stock suspension bushes with superior polyurethane items from manufacturers such as Polybush. A full kit costs £311.

How much to spend

£1000-£1999: Tired early runners with problems.

£2000-£3499: High-mileage (over 100,000) launch to 2009 petrols and diesels in a range of conditions, and mostly manuals.

£3500-£4999: More of the same (over 100,000 miles) but younger 2010/11-reg cars.