USED Skoda Octavia Hatchback (04 - )

My car

Had my race blue DSG petrol VRS for just over 1 year now. Previously had a new Audi A6 and prior to that a Jaguar. I had a nasty accident and as a result can't work any more and need an automatic car. I couldn't afford/ foil paying fancy prices anymore so did an unbelieable number of hours of research on what to buy next. I finally went for a test drive in an Octavia and can't tell you how much I loved it and had to have one. The car is equally as good as my previous cars, it is comfortable extremly smooth, the engine and gearbox are absolutely out of this world. the car is spacious, practical and soooo fast. I've never had a minutes trouble with it and just paid upfront £299 to cover two years servicing, my previous cars cost more than that for one year. YES I love this car. Only slight downside is 29 mpg around town but can get 44mpg on a run, but I knew that when I bought it, I only now do around 5000 miles per year so it doesn't matter that much. £265 fully comp. insurance.

My car

I have owned this car from new since May 2010. During that period it has been at the dealership for repairs for a total of 9 weeks (1 week for every 5 weeks I have had the car). The issue is purely one of the poor quality of the build on the particular car I have. I have been plagued with persistent and loud rattles from all four corners of the car. I have had problems with the rear seat staying locked in position. I have had vents replaced in the dashboard because they creaked like a rusty gate. I have had a major water leak under the dashboard which created unbelievable condensation dripping off all the windows in great amounts. I have had the drivers door pull come away from the door when I pulled the door closed. And now I have a new, louder and more persistent rattle from the front passenger foot-well. I am simply broken hearted...the car is great to drive, properly fast and handles well. I researched this purchase for weeks before giving Skoda my order on the basis of their reputation and my faith in the car has been completely shattered. The dealership have been great (Hughes) but they can only keep fixing it when it goes wrong...they can't turn back time to have it built properly in the first place. I hope anyone who does buy one has better luck than I have had because it ought to be a great car.

My car

I've had this car for two months having changed from a 2.0TDI VRs. They are truly two totally different cars.

I went for the 200bhp petrol engine with the DSG gearbox. The drive is so smooth and quiet, you have to check the dashboard to make sure everything is working! Whereas the diesel sounded like a tractor, the petrol engine is so quiet until you put your foot down. Even then, the noise form the exhaust is like a symphony in comparison.

The exterior styling is stunning and it really has people looking at it. I have even had instances of "car envy" from other drivers. Not bad for a Skoda! The LED running lights on the front really make the car look intimidating when you come up behind someone.

The interior hasn't changed much but there are some subtle changes, particularly in terms of the build quality which is a vast improvement. I went for the Columbus Sat Nav System which is worth every penny.

Overall, I am so pleased I changed to the petrol, even though the car is a bit thirsty for petrol. However, the smooth ride more than compensates for the extra money. BRILLIANT CAR!!