Mk2 Octavia vRS Estate

[chazwozza]

Hi folks, thought i'd start this as couldn't find a readers cars thread on one. Needed a Ulez friendly car and also due to a very big accident a few years ago I needed something a bit bigger for a deteriorating back.

The new steed is a 2010 Octavia vRS Estate petrol manual.

Don't know a huge amount about them but going to update this as I go so any thoughts welcome. Looking for recommendations for upgrades re power, handling and also infotainment etc. Will add photos shortly.

Thanks, Chaz.

[chazwozza]

Screenshot of dealer ad

[Highway Star]

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Try here?

[Maty]

Great cars they are, I had one a few years ago... a remap to around 250bhp certainly woke it up but always found it a little boring to drive.

Have a look into whether the cam chain tensioner has been replaced on it at any point, if it hasn't it will do at some point! Russian roulette every time you go to fire it up as that's when they go...

[chazwozza]

Highway Star said:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Try here?

Thanks buddy, will take a gander

[chazwozza]

Maty said:

Great cars they are, I had one a few years ago... a remap to around 250bhp certainly woke it up but always found it a little boring to drive.

Have a look into whether the cam chain tensioner has been replaced on it at any point, if it hasn't it will do at some point! Russian roulette every time you go to fire it up as that's when they go...

Yeah, that's on the list, know if it's costly?
Want to do sone preventative stuff first anyway!

[chazwozza]

In regards the cam chain tensioner, is it diy-able? Any thoughts welcome, i'm ok with a spanner but not amazing..

[stevemcs]

If your not great with mechanics then don't bother doing it yourself.

[chazwozza]

stevemcs said:

If your not great with mechanics then don't bother doing it yourself.

Yeah, having looked into it i'm going to pay someone!!

[Maty]

chazwozza said:

Yeah, having looked into it i'm going to pay someone!!

I can't remember the exact cost, but sure it was around the 700-900 quid mark. Wasn't cheap but worthwhile for the peace of mind.

I also had to fit a new clutch and DMF on mine as the thrust bearing was noisy under certain conditions pulling away, that wasn't cheap either.

Mine was Race Blue though and it didn't half look good when it was clean!

[chazwozza]

Maty said:

chazwozza said:

Yeah, having looked into it i'm going to pay someone!!

I can't remember the exact cost, but sure it was around the 700-900 quid mark. Wasn't cheap but worthwhile for the peace of mind.

I also had to fit a new clutch and DMF on mine as the thrust bearing was noisy under certain conditions pulling away, that wasn't cheap either.

Mine was Race Blue though and it didn't half look good when it was clean!

Yeah they are quite nice looking for what they are. I haven't seen a red one before. Probably notice loads now!

On another note, bought some boring bits - oe rubber boot mat snd some thule wingbar evo roofbars for carrying STUFF. It will earn it's money that's for sure 😁

[chazwozza]

Excuse dodgy pic, will get some better ones!

[chazwozza]

Getting to work, not that I use a ladder for work!

[chazwozza]

Partly car related but also of interest for my m/bike - anyone know of where to look for good quality stainless screws and fixings? Want to replace some of the older tattier ones on this and my Triumph cruiser. Would prefer if they are UK made but not essential - just like to support own manufacturers where possible. Thanks folks!

[Smurfsarepeopletoo]

Not much to add, but this is my diesel dsg version, cant fault mine, great allrounder.

[chazwozza]

Smurfsarepeopletoo said:

Not much to add, but this is my diesel dsg version, cant fault mine, great allrounder.

Ooh, what wheels are they?!

[budgie smuggler]

I've got a mk2 saloon vRS. One thing that bugs me really is the noise. On a poor road surface or at motorway speeds the tyre roar is annoying. Are there any easy wins to improve it (other than turning the radio up? )

[chazwozza]

budgie smuggler said:

I've got a mk2 saloon vRS. One thing that bugs me really is the noise. On a poor road surface or at motorway speeds the tyre roar is annoying. Are there any easy wins to improve it (other than turning the radio up? )

Have to say I have noticed this too, but to be fair my previous bmw, even though just a 1 series was very quiet. That was on 17's though, vRS has 18's which probably doesn't help!!

[Smurfsarepeopletoo]

chazwozza said:

Ooh, what wheels are they?!

Fox MS006, Similar to Bola B1, but cheaper and harder wearing.

https://www.rimstyle.com/alloywheels/wheel/fox_mot...

budgie smuggler said:

I've got a mk2 saloon vRS. One thing that bugs me really is the noise. On a poor road surface or at motorway speeds the tyre roar is annoying. Are there any easy wins to improve it (other than turning the radio up? )

Ive got Uniroyal Rainsport 2 or 3s on mine, and they have very little road noise.

[chazwozza]

Well. Won't be changing wheels just yet. 2 punctures repaired this morning. Grrr.

Will get my moneys worth before getting new shoes!

As an aside, recommendations for remaps near Westerham, Kent?