USED Skoda Octavia Hatchback (04 - )

My car

I bought my first Skoda Oct 2005 after 4- BMW & an X Type Jag. I was very impressed with all aspects of the car. It is roomy, high build quality, comfortable seats and with excellent driving dynamics. If I have a criticsm the ride can be firm. However 6 weeks ago after 12000m, it started to misfire.The Dealer changed a coil but it did not cure it.All the diagnostc tests confirmed a fault with one cyl but could not identify the reason. Eventually Skoda UK decided to change the engine ECU.This did not cure the fault so somewhat against my judgement decided to remove the cyl.head!to check for a sticking valve. Whilst it was apparent that something was wrong with no2 cyl the dealer and service engineer could still not decide on the cause. At this point, seeing the state of the engine stripped to the block & with the head in pieces I decided that I was not prepared to accept a rebuild and agreed to partX for a Sept reg Fabia3 1.6tipt So whilst I am not a totally "Happy Skoda Diver" but accept I must be one of the very few unlucky owners. I still think it is a fine car.If anyone has any idea as to the cause I would like to know but I remain convinced it is due to some abnormality with the engine managment system which has not been identified.The dealer has been very helpful & provided a loan car since the problem started.

My car

I've had my Octavia II Vrs for nearly a couple of years now, and clocked up 40,000 miles. I agree with everything said here, that in terms of practicality, performace and economy mix, its difficult to beat.

I loved this car from the moment I test drove it. It really makes you feel part of the drive, and totally in control.

Someone commented in the review that roadholding was poor and understeer a problem. I don't agree - mine feels totally planted to the tarmac - wet or dry. That said, I did have a problem a year ago where things didn't quite feel right - cornering not tight, slightly wondering at high speed..etc. It turned out to the 4 wheel alignment being slightly out (done on a Hunter system). This made a HUGE difference to the drive.

Honestly wouldnt give it up for anything else....just excellent!

My car

Coming up to a year and some 12K miles and I've nothing but praise for it. It's great to drive, immensely practical and so economic. Averaging mid-50 mpg on a mix of roads and variously carrying family, luggage, furniture, bikes etc.

Even though its the hatchback version, it really swallows everything I throw at it, with the boot an excellent size for family holidays with five in the car. My previous vehicle - BMW X3 - was more constrained and I found the extra space in the Skoda very worthwhile. Furthermore, although both cars are 2.0Ds, the Skoda has much more kick and is easier to drive in traffic.

The car has the sports suspension, 17" alloys, discrete spoiler and replacement tail-pipes and I think it looks the business in black; not overtly flashy but with a sporty edge.

My car

I've driven this car for four months now and already notched up 8,700 miles. This amount of mileage in such a short time is made that much easier by how good this car actually is.

When I was looking around, I was going for an Audi but I thought that I would look at the Skoda first. I never made it to the Audi dealer! I fell in love with it from the first test drive. My wife wasn't too keen to start with but now she adores it.

It's uncomplicated, powerful, comfortable, easy to drive and beautiful to look at. I had the black metallic paint option with the free upgrade to 18" alloys and it really looks the business. It certainly turns heads.

Fuel economy is great for a powerful car like this and I regularly get between 47-51mpg on most motorway journeys.

The only piece of advice I would offer is to get the parking sensors fitted. I didn't and it is quite difficult to judge the distance at the back.