They're pretty reliable. They're certainly quick, but you need to drive one (or more) to determine if they're fun. That's obviously is the eye of the beholder somewhat, but I would expect it to be thoroughly competent rather than actually fun.

I believe they are reliable enough and not too thirsty unless being thrashed. Huge boot and plenty of interior space.

But I would avoid the DSG auto despite (AFAIK) these using the stronger wet clutch version.

Thanks for the information good to know they aren't too bad to repair and run!

I suggest the OP try out any such car (including similar alternatives) on a thorough test drive first before deciding, especially taking the car on a wide variutey of roads, especially poorly surfaced ones (and I don't mean farm tracks) and those with speed humps.

Many 'performance' cars have a very firm ride (due to the suspension and the large alloys/very low profile tyres fitted), which would not be conducive to use as a family vehicle.

I'd suggest they moderate their needs and go for a decent performing car shod on more sensible wheels / tyres and reasonable suspension. Whilst it may not be as good on the handling stakes, the Octavia 1.4TSI 150PS version would be a very capable near alternative if shod on 16in or at most 17in rims. They could also get a much newer one than the vRS which would help on the longevity / reliability / running costs (incl. insurance) side.

Good idea if they gave a budget so backroomers can suggest other alternatives.

Thanks for the reply.

Were going to have to test drive some as it would have to be comfortable enough for its use for us and it would be the first sportier car we've had so I've no experience with their suspensions etc.

I had a look at the 1.4 and it seems pretty good as you say better availability and price. They seem quick enough from a paper standpoint, coming from a 100bhp car before I'm sure it will be noticeable.

I'm probably looking at a top budget of around 14k.

Thanks again.

One advantage of any Volkswagen group car is that there are a decent number of genuine specialists about. If you can find a good one (rely on word of mouth rather than advertising), that will help keep maintenance costs down while still getting the car maintained correctly.

Reputation for reliability is decent enough (though see all the usual warnings about DSG gearboxes if you're after an auto). Also, don't be tempted to get an older one and save a bit of money - anything earlier than 2013 (also described as a 2.0TSI but a previous generation engine) is very likely to use a lot of oil.

It's probably also worth looking at a Seat Leon Estate in FR trim. They are a bit cheaper secondhand, mechanically quite similar, and you can get both the 180BHP diesel engine available in the Octavia vRS. Also the 2.0 TSI petrol is available but fairly rare, albeit with a slightly lower power output (190bhp instead of 220). Looking at cars advertised on Autotrader, for the same money as a 50k 16 reg Octavia vRS, you can get a 68 reg Leon FR TSI 190 estate with fewer miles.