USED Skoda Octavia Estate (04 - )

My car

I've had the car for just under 12 months and done over 38,000 miles throughout the UK and Ireland on motorways, through heavy traffic, twisty highland roads and farm tracks. Bags of power, handles like a dream, fully equipped, it's been an excellent choice. On my model I've got the Xenon headlamps and they light up the dark superbly. If you're thinking of buying a VW or Audi, try the Octavia, you'll not be disappointed and get bags more value for your money too.

My car

I really wanted the 2.0 TDI DSG but couldn't justify the cost of a diesel as I don't cover a high mileage. However, the six-speed manual 2.0 FSI has proved enjoyable to drive. It's pretty refined and very quiet - it's often difficult to tell which gear you're in once you get going.

Practicality is excellent, I manage to accommodate a full weekend's camping kit including travel cot and golf clubs. The variable boot floor is a bit daft and I've ended up removing it.

Equipment is excellent; the rain sensing wipers work pretty well and the dual-zone climate control is a bonus as I'm always too hot when driving and my wife is always too cold! In fact this particular feature is the key reason for going for the Elegance trim. The cruise control is useful, too, and the leather wheel feels good.

The only real criticism is that I find the seats too hard. I did find it difficult to find a comfortable driving position on long journeys, but found that cranking the seat up to maximum height just about gave me the required support under the lower thighs (I'm 6ft 2in tall). I still get a numb behind after a couple of hours, though. Also, the seat belt warning buzzer is annoying and unnecessary.

Overall, it's the best car I have owned, represents great value for money, is well made and big enough to cope with everything family life throws at it.

My car

Owned car for 2 months having traded in a similar estate with petrol 2 litre engine and Ambiente trim.

This car is so much better in all respects and the DSG gear box (auto) is very, very smooth. Like a previous reviewer, I have not been satisfied with the headlights and have asked the dealer to look at this.

The return per gallon is very much better too.

Very pleased with this car.

My car

We have owned this car for 7 months and done 6,000 miles. Unlike the other reviewers we have the Petrol engine. Agonised over Petrol vs Diesel and 6 speed manual vs DSG - not sure there is a right answer, but the 2L FSI is very smooth, quiet and just takes off up any incline.

The Manual has great acceleration throughout the range and does just 2,700 revs in 6th gear at 70mph and 3,900 at 100 (so I'm told…) Very comfy seats, especially in the back. Steering is excellent, dash well laid out, looks great as well as practical. I had test driven a Merc C Class and was very disappointed - no room in the back, pedestrian driver's layout, and miniscule boot. Never regretted getting the Skoda instead.

The Elegance was an easy decision vs Ambiente - for an extra grand or so the extras list was impressive - dual zone climate control, rear parking sensors, cruise control, rain sensing wipers, auto dimming mirror. Paid £15,000 inc metallic paint from a dealer.

Any gripes? One or two. There is wind noise through the windows at 70mph (quiet below that); the sound quality of the stereo is only OK; and the gears can ‘lurch’ a bit in the lower ratios - you have to concentrate moving it between 1st and 3rd.

I had to do an unexpected and ultimately fruitless 170 mile round trip last weekend. Felt like those people in that VW ad of a few years ago who kept thinking of reasons why it was their turn to do the driving to the party. In which case, as others have said, why buy the VW?